Game Freak Just Gave A Pokémon A Gun, And The Internet Has Reacted

Among the slew of new features, players can expect new Gigantamax forms for their starter Pokemon's final evolution. Rillaboom whips out a giant set of drums. Cinderace stands atop an imposing massive ball of fire. And Inteleon? Well, Inteleon - the final form of the adorable and innocent Sobble - picks up a sniper rifle and appears to camp at the top of a raised pillar of water.

Yes, Game Freak really seems to have given a Pokémon a gun. Run for your lives, because nobody is safe from the keen aim of Inteleon's rifle.

If you've played Sword/Shield, you'll be aware that Inteleon's standard form was always evocative of a spy or secret service agent of some kind. Its regular pose is a clear nod to James bond, as it stands there with its hand fashioned into a pretend gun. But a Pokémon with a make-believe gun is one thing - Inteleon's Gigantamax form looks like it's about to assassinate JFK.

This is, as far as I'm aware, the first time Game Freak has given a Pokémon something so evocative of a real-life gun. I know Blastoise has two cannons sticking out of its back, but this feels different. It feels kind of weird. I'm not saying it's a good or bad thing. It's just... peculiar for a franchise that has always embraced whimsy to suddenly give one of its critters something that looks like an actual rifle.

Predictably, the internet has a lot to say about this latest development in the world of Pokémon. Take a look below at just a few of the many, many memes this gun-toting 'mon has inspired.

The Pokémon Sword/Shield expansion pass is available to buy now. The first part, the Isle of Armor, will release in June 2020 alongside Inteleon's terrifying new form.