5 popular Gen IX Pokemon yet to make their anime debut

The Pokemon anime is continuing on beyond the adventures of Ash Ketchum with the Horizons series, whose seasons have often taken place in the Paldea region of the Generation IX games. However, some of the most beloved Pocket Monsters from Generation IX still haven't had a proper anime debut in Horizons or elsewhere, and they certainly deserve their time to shine.

While the Pokemon anime may still introduce these creatures in the future, it doesn't hurt to examine some of the fan-favorite Pocket Monsters that are still waiting for their chance to arrive in an animated property.

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5 beloved Gen IX Pokemon who have yet to appear in the anime

1) Armarouge

Armarouge is one half of a popular Paldean pair (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Although its counterpart Ceruledge has taken on a recurring villain role alongside its trainer Amethio in Pokemon Horizons, Armarouge hasn't been quite as fortunate. Moreover, Ceruledge and its prior evolution Charcadet have appeared quite a few times in animated works as well, leaving Armarouge as the odd Pocket Monster out.

There's certainly still time for Armarouge to make an appearance in Horizons, a spin-off, or an animated film, and it's only right for this creature to get its moment considering Ceruledge and Charcadet already have.

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2) Glimmora

Glimmora has been a favorite among Gen IX battlers (Image via The Pokemon Company)

With an elegant design and a trap-heavy gameplay focus, Glimmora has been a favorite among trainers in Scarlet and Violet's VGC meta for quite some time. It may not be as popular outside of the competitive battle meta, but it remains popular nonetheless when compared to many other Generation IX 'mons, and it's even used by Geeta, the chairwoman and Top Champion of the Paldea League.

Geeta has just returned in Pokemon Horizons' Terastal Debut arc, so perhaps her Glimmora will make an appearance in the immediate future.

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3) Kingambit

Kingambit's design and gameplay philosophy has seen its popularity skyrocket (Image via The Pokemon Company)

What's not to love about Kingambit? This Generation IX Dark/Steel-type has a great bladed style reminiscent of a shogun or daimyo, its Supreme Overlord ability increases its offensive stats for each ally fallen in battle, and it commands Pawniard and Bisharp in groups. With such a fun and compelling design, it's a shame Kingambit hasn't been in the Pocket Monsters anime much sooner.

One way or another, Kingambit certainly deserves a moment in the anime. Even if it isn't a large one, this Pocket Monster's design could be responsible for some really fun battle scenes or mishaps for our heroes.

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4) Flutter Mane

Flutter Mane has remained a popular Gen IX VGC pick (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Like Glimmora, Flutter Mane's popularity is rooted in its high usage in player-vs-player battles in Scarlet and Violet. This Past Paradox creature has remained one of the most constant team choices across Generation IX's VGC for years, and it's frankly surprising that it hasn't appeared in the anime yet, though that may be due to Paradox species not featuring prominently in the current series.

When Paradox Pocket Monsters finally make their grand debut in an animated series, film, or spin-off, Flutter Mane should be prominent among them.

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5) Iron Hands

Iron Hands is a Paradox iteration of another appreciated Pocket Monster (Image via The Pokemon Company)

When it comes to design, it's hard not to appreciate Hariyama's Future Paradox counterpart Iron Hands. It's an effective battler in Scarlet and Violet (particularly in Tera Raids), it has a great design that appears to be based on a futuristic defibrillator, and it has a fun Fighting/Electirc-type combination. Still, Iron Hands hasn't had an animated appearance so far.

In the event that Paradox species arrive in the anime in the future, Iron Hands could very well be one of the major representatives among them alongside the likes of Flutter Mane.