Who knew that Ed Sheeran was a fan of Pokémon GO?
The studio behind the Pokémon GO mobile game, Niantic, has teased a brand new collaboration with the “Shape Of You” singer, tied to an in-game event.
Although Niantic has partnered with several celebrities in the past, this is the first time that Niantic has created an event centered around a celebrity and fans can’t wait to see how it all plays out.
Ed Sheeran Partners With Pokémon GO for a Special Performance
We’re excited to announce that, for the “First Time” ever, we’ll be collaborating with the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter @edsheeran!
🕶🎸#PokemonGOxEdSheeran https://t.co/yxzHdiyeNn pic.twitter.com/4xgIhFcmpS— Pokémon GO (@PokemonGoApp) November 18, 2021
According to the official blog, fans will be able to catch Sheeran’s special performance from Monday, November 22, through Tuesday, November 30, in the Pokémon GO app.
The performance will feature Sheeran’s most popular hits, along with songs from Sheeran’s new album “=”.
The performance is said to include hits like “Perfect,” “Bad Habits,” “Overpass Graffiti,” “Thinking Out Loud,” “First Times,” and “Shivers.”
However, that’s not the only thing fans have to look forward to.
Ed Sheeran Reveals His Favorite Pokémon
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Whenever Sheeran picks up a Pokémon RPG, he always chooses the Water-type Pokémon as his starter Pokemon. To honor Sheeran’s favorite Pokemon, Niantic is running a special event from Monday, November 22 to Tuesday, November 30, that will feature all of the Water-type first-partner starters that are currently available in Pokémon GO.
Niantic is also offering several event bonuses throughout the event. In addition to teasing surprise Pokémon appearances when trainers take a snapshot of their surroundings, Niantic will also be altering the in-game music. During the duration of the event, the app will be playing Sheeran’s hit “Overnight Graffiti” every single night. It’s currently unclear if the song will be just an instrumental, or include Sheeran’s vocals as well.
And, of course, Pokémon trainers can also look forward to an increased drop rate of Water-type Pokémon, including Totodile, Mudkip, Piplup, Oshawott, and a Squirtle wearing sunglasses. All of these Pokémon also have a chance to appear in their shiny form, including the Squirtle wearing sunglasses. The only Pokémon that trainers will not be able to catch a shiny version of is Froakie.
The event will also feature special Field Research Task encounters to give fans another chance at catching the elusive Squirtle. New avatar items, stickers, and bundles, will also be available at the start of the event, including a special hoodie that features the “=” logo of Sheeran’s album.
Ed Sheeran Hypes His Performance On Instagram With His Favorite Pokémon
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Ed Sheeran teased the new collaboration on his Instagram page, which drew in some hilarious comments from fans.
“I wanted the Ed Sheeran Pokémon but this is still cool I guess,” one fan joked.
“I need a Sheeramon for my collection,” another teased.
“Me too!” another added. “Pokémon walking around with Ed Sheeran hair would’ve been just fine.”
“The Sheerios have spoken and we want an Ed Pokémon,” another commented. “Someone needs to make this happen.”
“If he sings Sandman to put Snorlax to sleep, my life’s complete,” wrote another fan.
“How tf you playing on Pokémon Go….” one fan asked. “Anyways please be dressed as a Charizard.”
Although it’s not clear if Sheeran will be dressed as any particular Pokémon for his special performance, fans will just have to tune in to the event to find out!