When the Pokémon franchise released its Pokémon Gold & Silver games to introduce its second generation of creatures, they also introduced variations known as "shiny" Pokémon. These unusual beings would be a different coloring than their original species and would become highly sought after by players in all generations of the game.
However, these changes are not always for the better. The most recent release, Pokémon Sword & Shield, is a clear example of this. Several shiny Pokémon within the game are either too subtly changed from their initial palette, less flattering than the original, or just displeasing as a whole. Here are the 10 shiny Pokémon from Pokémon Sword & Shield that miss the expected mark.
Orbeetle
The normal version of Orbeetle is resemblant to a ladybug, with bright red standing out against dark purple spots. Its shiny variation, however, is muted with its cooler hues. While not the most displeasing design, it is less impactful than its normal coloring; the purplish-blue fails to catch the eye the same way the initial red does.
The shiny design of its pre-evolution, Dottler, is able to keep its warm orange color; reason dictates that Orbeetle should have some of its original red in its shiny palette in order to stand out more.
Frosmoth
Admittingly, the designs for both normal and shiny versions of this creature are elegant and appealing. The problem with Frosmoth's shiny portrayal is that it is too subtle of a difference from a normal Frosmoth; all that has changed is the shade of the markings in its wings.
This can make it more difficult for a player to tell the difference between the two. As an ice type, a brighter or more pronounced shade of blue in the shiny variation could have added more distinction.
Galarian Corsola
The regional variant of Corsola is the polar opposite of the original Johto version; white and sorrowful instead of bright pink and cheery. With the shiny form, however, there is no such obvious contrast. The pale color is merely darkened to a light gray which only serves to make Galarian Corsola seem duller.
As a ghost Pokemon, it could have made a more elaborate shift from normal to shiny with a shade of purple added. There is nothing exciting or drastic in the shiny version that was created, making it a disappointment.
Galarian Mr. Mime
It must be noted that Galarian Mr. Mime looks much more disturbing than its Kanto counterpart; the edges are sharper, the eyes are wider, and the smile is creepier. That being said, the shiny version of Galarian Mr. Mime is a letdown.
It is merely a darker shading of the normal variant's color scheme, making it seem drabber and less interesting. Incorporating some of the pink hues from the Kanto design could have made this shiny much more prominent.
Sandaconda
One thing fans expect from the shiny aspect of Pokémon is for them to be more spectacular than their normal forms. However, some of these fall short, and Sandaconda is a prime example of this.
In comparison to its normal variety, the shiny Sandaconda's appearance is diminished. The ring around its head is a bland gray, while a normal Sandaconda's ring stands out with its khaki green. As a result, the shiny version of this Pokémon seems less desirable than its normal state, falling short of many players' expectations.
Rookidee
Rookidee is another example of a shiny Pokémon that is upstaged by its normal variant. While a normal Rookidee resembles a bluejay with its bright blue feathers, the shiny version is a tepid pale yellow that is very unpleasant.
One upside for players is that they don't have to be saddled with a lackluster shiny for the duration of the game. The shiny evolutions of Rookidee, Corvisquire, and Corviknight, look intriguing despite not being as colorful as their normal counterparts.
Galarian Slowbro
When longtime fans think of a traditional Slowbro, they picture a bright pink creature with a shell on its tail. The Slowbro of the Galar region has the shell on its arm, with accents of rich purple added to the initial pink. The shiny version of Galarian Slowbro, however, is completely washed out.
The pink and purple colors are lightened to more pastel hues, making it less vibrant and less appealing overall. An improvement may have been to follow the palette of the shiny Galarian Slowpoke, which resembles that of a Kanto Sandshrew.
Galarian Weezing
What makes the Galarian Weezing unique from its Kanto form is the tophat-shaped chimney coming out of its head, and greenish smog taking the form of facial hair.
The color variant for the shiny Galarian Weezing does this new form no favors. While the normal gray color makes the Pokémon look like a distinguished British gentleman (fitting since Galar is based on Great Britain), the murky brown color for the shiny version is dirty looking and just unflattering.
Grookey
Grookey is the grass-type starter Pokémon for the Galar region, and the bright green of its fur incorporates this perfectly. The shiny depiction, unfortunately, fails to embody the grass element of the monkey creature at all.
The fur is a sickly yellow that is more fitting for a dying plant rather than a living and thriving one. The palette does improve for the shiny evolutions of Grookey, with shiny Thwackey looking like a ripe banana and shiny Rillaboom donning vibrant yellow-green leaves.
Yamper
The shiny variation of Yamper is the epitome of messing with perfection. The normal version of this electric puppy Pokemon is ideal, with light brown fur and a fluffy yellow collar. With it, a player can almost imagine that they have an adorable Corgi as part of their team.
By changing the light brown to pale pink for the shiny Yamper, that imagery is shattered. Furthermore, the collar fur stays the same shade of yellow, which clashes with the pink horribly.