The Hisuian variants in the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Arceus are a topic of hot debate, and there's one Pokémon that could be among them due to its variants in past games - Meowth. The Scratch Cat Pokémon could very well get a new Hisuian form in the next entry in the Pokémon mainline game series. Although it's too early to say definitively whether or not a new form of Meowth will be in the game, or even whether the original form will be, the possibility is certainly there, and there are also multiple options for inspiration in regards to its design and type.
So far, there have been two regions with variant forms, Alola and Galar. There have been many Pokémon that have received new forms since the concept of variants has been introduced, but there's only one that has received two. Legends: Arceus has hinted at Hisuian Pokémon Forms, and many fans are eagerly looking forward to more. Meowth received a regional variant in both Gen 7, Sun and Moon, and Gen 8, Sword and Shield. Since it stands out as the only species to get a new variant in every region that has had them so far, the question has to be asked whether the trend will continue and players will see a Hisuian Meowth in Legends: Arceus. Even Meowth's evolution, Persian, has only gotten one variant, since Gen 8's Galarian Meowth got a new evolution entirely, Perrserker.
What a Hisuian Meowth would look like, what its type would be, and whether or not it would come with a Hisuian Persian or another new evolution can't be said until either more news comes out or Legends: Arceus releases, but there are some possibilities. Hisuian forms may not enter Pokémon's mainline series, which means that the game may not have an obligation to make it mesh with future generations. Since the game seems to draw on mythology more than past ones, it's possible that the new Meowth's inspiration could come from the pages of Japanese lore. Dark and Steel types have already been used for the Alolan and Galarian forms, so there are also some possibilities that can be ruled out.
How Likely Is It For Legends: Arceus To Have A Hisuian Meowth?
Since Meowth is the only Pokémon so far to have a regional form in every region where they're found, it's entirely possible that it could get a third. There are arguments for and against the possibility, and the debate won't end until it's confirmed one way or the other. There are hints for Hisuian Qwilfish in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, as well, so Meowth is certainly possible. The rumors and leaks that have come out so far point to 17 Hisuian forms being in Legends: Arceus, not all of which have been revealed, so there's plenty of room for a Hisuian Meowth and a possible Hisuian variant of Persian or a new evolution.
The evidence for Hisuian Meowth's inclusion mainly consists of the fact that Meowth has had a regional form in every generation since the concept has been introduced. Even if it's only two, the fact remains that it makes a case. Furthermore, Japanese mythology seems to be a very strong theme in Legends: Arceus based on what's been revealed about the game so far, and cats are very deeply entrenched within it. The fact that the game seems to have parallels to the Edo period, also adds evidence in support of Hisuian Meowth's existence. Zorua's disturbing origins in Pokémon Legends: Arceus' trailers paint a picture of a Hisui region entrenched in legend and mythology, and since Kanto Meowth is partially based on the lucky cat statues, a common Japanese good luck charm, it is entirely possible that they'll have their own version of it.
Of course, the fact that Meowth has already had two regional variants is also evidence against a new Hisuian form. Pokémon may not want to start a trend or lead fans to expect a new form of Meowth in every game. Such a thing could become satirized to the point of ridicule, which the company is possibly aware of. The memes that would arise from the announcement of Hisuian Meowth could be less than kind, and there's also the possibility that new variants could grow stale with time. Many fans want to see a variety of Pokémon get new forms, and using Meowth in each region may make future games somewhat predictable, so Pokémon Legends: Arceus' Pokédex may be better off without its Hisuian form.
A Hisuian Meowth May Be Inspired By Japanese Yokai
If a Hisuian Meowth is coming, then there are a few possibilities for its theme, typing, and inspiration. In Japanese mythology, there are two prominent yokai based off of cats - the Bakeneko and the Nekomata. Since Hisui seems to be based off of Japan's Edo period, and other Hisuian forms revealed so far appear to draw inspiration from Japanese legends, Meowth could very well be based off of one of these. Both are cats with mystical powers, and are very similar, with the main difference being that Bakeneko have one long tail and Nekomata have two normal-sized ones. Which, if either, Hisuian Meowth would be based on can't be said for sure at the moment.
A Meowth based on either the Bakeneko or the Nekomata would be quite the sight for fans to see. Pokémon Legends: Arceus' regional variants look stunning so far, so hopefully Meowth would be as well, if it's included. If a Hisuian form is based off of one of the two cat yokai, then its evolved form could very well be based off the other. Hisuian Meowth could have one long tail like the Bakeneko and Hisuian Persian or its equivalent new evolution could have two, or vice versa. Other than the fact that they're cats, few details as to the Bakeneko's and Nekomata's appearances are known, so clues as to a possible Husuian form of Meowth's design are sparse. They are, however, depicted as sometimes taking on a human-like form, wearing clothing, or playing instruments, so it's possible that some of those themes will carry over if Hisuian Meowth is included in Legends: Arceus.
Aside from its appearance, the Bakeneko or Nekomata could also give Hisuian Meowth its type. There are two Ghost type and two Psychic type Hisuian Pokémon confirmed to be in Legends: Arceus so far, and it's rumored that two of the starters will have new forms with those types as well. Either type would fit the yokai theme, and Fairy type is also a possibility due to its mystical and mischievous nature. If Pokémon Legends: Arceus does include a Hisuian Meowth, it could also go in a completely different direction. Rock is another prominent type in the variants revealed so far, and Poison, Ground, Ice, and Fighting are also all viable possibilities.