Pokémon Stadium Hidden Animations: Rare Mimic Move Secrets Discovered on Nintendo Switch

Pokémon Stadium has long held a special place in the hearts of Nintendo fans, especially those who grew up experiencing the iconic title’s leap into 3D during the early 2000s.

Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, Pokémon Stadium first launched for the Nintendo 64 in 1999 in Japan and 2000 in Western markets, offering trainers a new way to battle their favorite Pokémon in full three-dimensional arenas.

With its recent arrival on the Nintendo Switch via the Nintendo eShop, the classic game has found a fresh audience—bringing with it both waves of nostalgia and new discoveries. One such discovery has recently captured the attention of the Pokémon community.

Thanks to a viral YouTube Short by creator D0UBLESLAP, players are now uncovering hidden animations tied to the Mimic move within Pokémon Stadium—animations that many lifelong fans had not seen before.

The video, which quickly gained traction among series enthusiasts, highlights how certain Pokémon only use these unique visual flourishes when performing attacks learned through Mimic, a move that lets a Pokémon copy and use an attack it would not typically have access to. For example, while some borrowed moves trigger only minor changes to standard animations—such as Nidoking altering its Double Kick animation for Stomp—others stand out as more dramatic.

D0UBLESLAP’s showcase draws particular attention to Pikachu executing a Psychic attack and Venusaur using Earthquake, both performed in ways that are visually distinct from the original move animations.

These variations go beyond mere cosmetic tweaks, offering both longtime fans and newcomers glimpses into the meticulous attention to detail present in Pokémon Stadium’s animation design. Despite its strong fan following, Pokémon Stadium has not been the most prolific spin-off in the Pokémon series.

The original game was succeeded by just one direct sequel, Pokémon Stadium 2, released globally in 2001.

However, interest in battle-focused Pokémon gameplay continues to rise, particularly following the recent announcement of Pokémon Champions—an upcoming title unveiled during last month’s Pokémon Presents broadcast.

While details remain scarce and no concrete release date has been confirmed, fans are eager to see how this new game will expand on the competitive aspects showcased in Pokémon Stadium and its sequel. With Pokémon Stadium’s recent Nintendo Switch resurgence, the classic title is finding new ways to engage and surprise its audience.

Hidden animations accessible via the Mimic move serve as a testament to the lasting depth and charm woven into the game by Game Freak’s developers.

As players continue to unearth these Easter eggs, Pokémon Stadium’s legacy endures—not only as a nostalgic favorite, but as a living part of Nintendo’s modern gaming landscape.

Pokémon Nintendo Pokémon Stadium Nintendo Switch Rare Switch