To promote the opening of the new Pokémon Center in Kagawa (and in an effort to help players open up and touch grass), several Pokémon Centers around Japan are holding a limited-time event where you can obtain a code that unlocks a special Slowpoke in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. As reported by Game With, visitors must emulate the sleepy monster’s call in the usually-packed physical stores to get the Pokémon.
Unlike the anime, where Pokémon repeatedly shout their names, Slowpoke’s in-game call sounds very much like its Japanese name, “Yadon.” This bit of trivia doesn’t make speaking the word “Yaan” to the shop staff less embarrassing, which is exactly what you have to do to get the special Slowpoke code.
Inputting the code under “Mystery Gift” in the “Link Play” section of Pokémon Legends: Z-A’s in-game menu unlocks the Pokémon and a unique Slowpoke-themed “Pokémon Center Kagawa Opening Commemorative” medal.
Gameplay-wise, the special Slowpoke is contained within a Cherish Ball and features a different base move set than the regular Slowpoke. While the individual stats and nature of the Pokémon are random, the Slowpoke will always start at level 5 and know the moves Calm Mind and Safeguard by default (these moves are normally learned through TMs).
Though the process to obtain it costs a few seconds of embarrassment, the special Pokémon itself lasts forever. If you find yourself in Japan on or before November 30, 2025, head on over to the nearest Pokémon Center and give your best Slowpoke call. The redemption period for the codes is only until January 31, 2026, so make sure to redeem them before then. The codes can only be used once per save file, though, so you can’t get yourself an army of special Slowpokes that easily.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is available on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
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