Pokemon’s Unused Delibird Evolution Appears Online

An unreleased evolution for Delibird has appeared online nearly 20 years after it was created. The design was found in an internal Game Freak documentary covering the development of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl.

The footage is official development material, but The Pokémon Company did not release it publicly. Archivists uploaded the staff-only documentary after obtaining a physical copy of the DVD.

Delibird Almost Received An Evolution

Pikachu, Charizard and Gardevoir clash during a Pokémon Unite stadium battle. — Image Credit: The Pokémon Company

The unused design turns Delibird into a larger Christmas-themed Pokémon. It keeps the red-and-white colour scheme while adding features that resemble Santa Claus and the elves or gnomes often connected to him.

Its large tail also looks similar to the sack used for Delibird’s Present move in older Pokémon games. A separate unused Pokémon Platinum animation shows Delibird throwing a present with a similar shape, which may connect the two ideas.

The Design Was Planned For Generation 4

The evolution appeared during the development of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, which launched for Nintendo DS in 2006. Game Freak worked on the games for around two years, beginning development in January 2004.

The footage does not show how close the Delibird evolution came to being included. The documentary shows concept art, but no finished sprite, name, type combination or evolution method has been confirmed.

Delibird Still Has No Evolution

Delibird remains a standalone Ice and Flying-type Pokémon in the main series. It first appeared in Pokémon Gold and Silver and is best known for carrying food in its sack-like tail and using the unpredictable Present move.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet later introduced Iron Bundle, a robotic Paradox Pokémon based on Delibird. However, Iron Bundle is a separate species and is not part of Delibird’s evolution line.

More Unused Pokémon Were Found

Pikachu stands with Blastoise, Greninja and other Pokémon Unite fighters. — Image Credit: The Pokémon Company

The documentary contains more than 100 early or abandoned Pokémon concepts from Diamond and Pearl’s development. Other discoveries include a Lapras pre-evolution, a Stantler pre-evolution, alternate starter designs and possible unused evolutions for several existing Pokémon.

The footage also includes beta versions of Dialga, Palkia, Arceus and a yellow form of Shellos. Some designs were changed before release, while others were removed completely.

The Evolution Is Not Coming To A Game

Game Freak and The Pokémon Company have not announced plans to use the Delibird evolution in a future release. For now, it remains an unused Generation 4 design rather than a newly confirmed Pokémon. The discovery gives fans a first look at the evolution Delibird almost received in the Sinnoh games.

Tagged In

PokemonDelibirdGame Freak

Discussion

We want to hear from you. Share your perspective in the comments below, and please keep the conversation respectful.

Sort by:

Pokemon’s unused Delibird evolution appears in official Gen 4 footage

Delibird Almost Received An Evolution

The Design Was Planned For Generation 4

Delibird Still Has No Evolution

More Unused Pokémon Were Found

The Evolution Is Not Coming To A Game

Tagged In

Discussion

Hellraiser: Revival Is Now Coming to Switch 2 on October 8

Subnautica 2 Buddy System Update Adds Proximity Chat, Revives and Trading

Co-Op Fantasy Roguelite Forsworn Launches on Steam September 10

Xbox Makes 3 Games Free to Play Through August 23

Ice Poseidon Gets Turned Away From Pokémon Center, Then Returns in Disguise

Lacy and Marlon Plan Gaming Marathon Where One Loss Resets Everything

Pokémon Champions

Latest Reviews

God of War Still Makes Kratos Feel Dangerous Without the Rage

The Sinking City 2 Finds Its Horror by Leaving Detection Behind

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 Still Demands One More Run

Need for Speed Underground 2 Still Captures the Street Racing Atmosphere

Max Payne Still Hits Hard 25 Years Later

Trapped in Aincrad, Bored After Twenty Hours

Related Article

Pokemon FireEmerald lets players explore Kanto and Hoenn

Pokemon’s unused Delibird evolution appears in official Gen 4 footage

Delibird Almost Received An Evolution

The Design Was Planned For Generation 4

Delibird Still Has No Evolution

More Unused Pokémon Were Found

The Evolution Is Not Coming To A Game

Tagged In

Discussion

Xbox Makes 3 Games Free to Play Through August 23

Ice Poseidon Gets Turned Away From Pok&eacute;mon Center, Then Returns in Disguise

Lacy and Marlon Plan Gaming Marathon Where One Loss Resets Everything

Pokémon Champions

Latest Reviews

God of War Still Makes Kratos Feel Dangerous Without the Rage

The Sinking City 2 Finds Its Horror by Leaving Detection Behind

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 Still Demands One More Run

Need for Speed Underground 2 Still Captures the Street Racing Atmosphere

Max Payne Still Hits Hard 25 Years Later

Trapped in Aincrad, Bored After Twenty Hours

Related Article

Pokemon FireEmerald lets players explore Kanto and Hoenn

Ice Poseidon Gets Turned Away From Pokémon Center, Then Returns in Disguise