How does Inkay's evolution work in-universe?

[Kallyle]

Okay, so the idea of Inkay's evolution into Malamar in the games is that you need to hold the Nintendo 3DS upside-down at Lv. 30. That's all well in good in terms of game mechanics, but how does such an evolutionary method translate in universe? Do you hold the Poké Ball upside-down or do you need to do something else?

Discuss!

 

[skyradiant]

Since turning things upside-down is pretty much Inkay's and Malamar's main motif, I like to imagine that Inkay literally warps reality in order to evolve.

 

[Kallyle]

Since turning things upside-down is pretty much Inkay's and Malamar's main motif, I like to imagine that Inkay literally warps reality in order to evolve.

So, Inkay literally turns the universe upside-down? That's interesting.

 

[FullMoon]

Or maybe Inkay just flips upside down when it feels like it's time to evolve. Sorta like in the anime when Ash's Caterpie covered itself in String Shot when he was going to evolve.

 

[King Robert]

Or maybe Inkay just flips upside down when it feels like it's time to evolve. Sorta like in the anime when Ash's Caterpie covered itself in String Shot when he was going to evolve.

Until we see how James's Inkay evolves, I'm sticking with this one.

 

[Kallyle]

Or maybe Inkay just flips upside down when it feels like it's time to evolve. Sorta like in the anime when Ash's Caterpie covered itself in String Shot when he was going to evolve.

Until we see how James's Inkay evolves, I'm sticking with this one.

IF we see his Inkay evolve. Malamar's portrayal of its abilities could end up making the TRio too powerful in terms of plot. The only way I can see that happening is if James' Malamar ends up constantly disobeying him. Either that, or It'll try to become the group's new leader, which Jessie might not be happy with...

Actually, the latter sound hilarious. Make it happen, writers!

 

[King Robert]

Or maybe Inkay just flips upside down when it feels like it's time to evolve. Sorta like in the anime when Ash's Caterpie covered itself in String Shot when he was going to evolve.

Until we see how James's Inkay evolves, I'm sticking with this one.

IF we see his Inkay evolve. Malamar's portrayal of its abilities could end up making the TRio too powerful in terms of plot. The only way I can see that happening is if James' Malamar ends up constantly disobeying him. Either that, or It'll try to become the group's new leader, which Jessie might not be happy with...

Actually, the latter sound hilarious. Make it happen, writers!

Or alternatively, it won't be as powerful as the one we saw already. And will speak its own name.

(though honestly, I haven't seen the X/Y series, I just used the Bulbawiki and that's how I found out about James's Inkay)

 

[Muur]

Just gonna have to go with it turning upside down then evolving.

We'll see if they do anything crazy on the show I suppose.

 

[Bolt Strike]

Simple. Inkay evolves when it turns upside down.

/thread

 

[Drakon]

I'm just going to say that it evolves naturally like any other pokémon. That being said, I'm assuming the evolution is proceeded by a handstand.

 

[Paleo]

Inkay evolves when it's gained enough experience and then decides to float upside down for a few seconds

 

[BlackButterfree]

Or maybe Inkay just flips upside down when it feels like it's time to evolve. Sorta like in the anime when Ash's Caterpie covered itself in String Shot when he was going to evolve.

Until we see how James's Inkay evolves, I'm sticking with this one.

IF we see his Inkay evolve. Malamar's portrayal of its abilities could end up making the TRio too powerful in terms of plot. The only way I can see that happening is if James' Malamar ends up constantly disobeying him. Either that, or It'll try to become the group's new leader, which Jessie might not be happy with...

Actually, the latter sound hilarious. Make it happen, writers!

Or alternatively, it won't be as powerful as the one we saw already. And will speak its own name.

(though honestly, I haven't seen the X/Y series, I just used the Bulbawiki and that's how I found out about James's Inkay)

I agree with all of this.

 

[King Robert]

Or maybe James's Inkay WON'T evolve, for the same reasons that the writers say Dawn's Piplup hasn't, won't look as cute.

 

[Fairy Ice Ricky]

I was looking at some photos of the anime with James's Inkay, and it seems that Inkay constantly attacks upside-down anyway, so like... I don't think it'll have any problems evolving.

 

[Kane]

Or maybe Inkay just flips upside down when it feels like it's time to evolve. Sorta like in the anime when Ash's Caterpie covered itself in String Shot when he was going to evolve.

 

[aliveatnight]

Or maybe Inkay just flips upside down when it feels like it's time to evolve. Sorta like in the anime when Ash's Caterpie covered itself in String Shot when he was going to evolve.

Bingo. I can't imagine them doing anything else.

 

[King Robert]

And for the whole "evil Malamar" thing...maybe this one won't be the same, and would instead behave like Victreebel, constantly injuring James comically. Remember?