Pokémon GO Twinkling Fantasy Event Brings Mega Salamence and Shiny Dedenne to Nintendo Switch Players

Pokémon GO’s Twinkling Fantasy Event Launches with Mega Salamence and Shiny Dedenne on Nintendo Switch Platforms Pokémon GO, the globally popular augmented reality mobile title developed by Niantic in collaboration with The Pokémon Company, is ushering in the new year with the launch of the Twinkling Fantasy event.

Running from January 10 at 8:00 AM to January 16 at 10:00 PM local time, this event puts the spotlight on Dragon- and Fairy-Type Pokémon, introducing exclusive gameplay elements and debut Pokémon for both the iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch platforms via connected features. During the Twinkling Fantasy event, trainers can look forward to the highly anticipated debut of Mega Salamence in Mega Raids, as well as the first-ever appearance of shiny Dedenne—a variant fans have eagerly awaited.

In a recent statement adapted from Pokémon GO’s official communications, Niantic highlighted that the event aims to 'deliver an engaging experience for trainers, focusing on rare encounters, new bonuses, and special attacks tied to featured Pokémon.' The event rollout includes an expanded set of wild encounters, featuring notable Pokémon such as Bagon, Clefable, Clefairy, Dedenne, Deino, Dratini, Goomy, Jigglypuff, Marill, Noibat, Ralts, Togetic, and Vibrava.

Many of these Pokémon, including Bagon, Clefairy, and Dratini, are available in their shiny variants, providing added incentive for collectors and competitive players alike. A new Collection Challenge has been introduced for the Twinkling Fantasy event, tasking trainers with capturing select Pokémon.

On completion, participants will be rewarded with 50 Salamence Mega Energy, a Charged TM, and a Fast TM, useful items for powering up and optimizing their Pokémon rosters. Players participating in Field Research tasks during the event will have opportunities to encounter Pokémon including Bagon, Clefairy, Dedenne, Dratini, and Goomy, each also offering a chance to secure their shiny forms.

Raid Battles have been segmented into traditional tiers—One-Star, Three-Star, Five-Star, and Mega Raids—with the following Pokémon featured: Axew, Deino, Jigglypuff, and Marill in One-Star Raids; Dedenne, Druddigon, and Mawile in Three-Star Raids; Zekrom in Five-Star Raids; and the newly introduced Mega Salamence starring in Mega Raids. For a limited window, Zekrom caught from January 10 at 10:00 AM to January 18 at 10:00 AM local time will learn the exclusive Electric-Type attack, Fusion Bolt—delivering 90 power in Trainer Battles and an impressive 140 power in Gyms and Raids.

This featured attack cements Zekrom’s position as a key raid and PvP contender for the foreseeable future. Bonuses across the event include double XP for catching Pokémon with Nice Throws, Great Throws, or Excellent Throws, alongside increased Candy—and for trainers above level 31, a heightened probability of earning Candy XL from successful catches. Pokémon GO continues its momentum as a leading force on mobile, eShop, and Nintendo Switch-supported platforms.

With these ongoing event innovations, Niantic and The Pokémon Company reinforce their commitment to maintaining an evolving, interactive experience for players worldwide.

Trainers eager to participate should prepare their teams and set reminders for this week-long celebration of Dragon- and Fairy-Type Pokémon.

Pokémon Nintendo Pokémon GO Salamence Mega Salamence Shiny Dedenne Twinkling Fantasy Nintendo Switch Switch Xbox Series X|S Android iOS