"Pokémon Omega Ruby" and "Pokémon Alpha Sapphire" are now offering a rare Shiny Rayquaza for a limited run from Aug. 12 to Sept. 14. The rare Legendary can be acquired via download by connecting either game to the Internet and accessing the Mystery Gift option. Once downloaded, it can be retrieved at any PokéCenter in the game.
This North American release follows a similar event that was held in New Zealand and Australia. There's no word yet of a Shiny event in Europe, but it is expected that the Pokémon will become available in Europe as part of the release of the "Ancient Origins" expansion for the "Pokémon Trading Card Game."
The Shiny Rayquaza comes in a red event Pokéball, is set at level 70, holds a Dragon Fang, and comes with the moveset that includes: Dragon Ascent, Dragon Claw, Extreme Speed, and Dragon Dance.
Despite being a dual-type Pokémon, it is only weak to Dragon and Ice types due to its Air Lock ability which nullifies the weaknesses of Flying-type Pokémon, which the Rayquaza falls under since it is a Dragon/ Flying type Pokémon.
A regular Rayquaza normally sports a green aesthetic but this Shiny alternative goes for a black color redesign and is also notable for being the first Pokémon in the entire series that is capable of achieving a Mega Evolution without the need of a Mega Stone.
However, as is the case with all Legendary Pokémon, the Shiny Rayquaza will not be permitted for use in any legitimate competition such as the annual World Pokémon Championships.
Rayquaza is the third main Legendary primarily introduced in "Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald" and their modern 3DS remakes "Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire." Rayquaza is described as an ancient Pokémon who has lived for hundreds of millions of years, residing high in the ozone layer, only to come down when Kyogre and Groudon are in direct battle.
