Shiny forms in Pokemon are meant to be something enchanting. An alternative coloration that makes Pokemon more dazzling than they already are. It's these forms that have inspired obsessions among some fans as they scramble to add these "alternate" Pokemon to their collections. However, there are a few shiny forms that aren't very appealing.
Whether it's a subtle change or an incredibly distinctive one, some shiny forms just miss the mark. Sometimes, these difficult-to-obtain Pokemon aren't worth the effort. Other times, a Pokemon's default coloration is far more appealing than its shiny variation. Out of over 900 Pokemon — with the inclusion of Pokemon Legends: Arceus —, here are several creatures that look way cooler in their original form.
10 Lumineon
For a water type known as The Neon Pokemon, one would think that Lumineon's shiny form would play on that title. It would be fitting if its color scheme would change into a stereotypical neon color like green or pink. That would be the natural progression when designing a shiny variation for this kind of Pokemon, but that's not the route that was taking.
When shiny, Lumineon becomes dull. Its beautiful navy blue coloration becomes a muddy brown and its lighter blue accents become tan. It's as if its color was drained out of it, leaving it dull and listless.
9 Weavile
Weavile is an intimidating Pokemon. From its sleek black fur to its razor-sharp claws, this Pokemon is the epitome of a predator. Even its red crown and feathers give this one an almost feral appearance that adds to the dangerous air that surrounds it. Unfortunately, when shiny, this feeling of danger all but evaporates.
Admittedly, this shiny looked a lot better in previous generations when its black fur became a light pink with its feathers and crown becoming gold. While not incredibly intimidating, the colors complemented the Pokemon well. However, starting in generation six, that color became a gaudy burnt pink that clashed with its golden feathers. Starting then, it became the antithesis of a predator.
8 Hisuian Decidueye
There isn't anything wrong with Hisuian Decidueye's shiny form. Its color scheme reverts to match both its original Alolan form and its previous evolutions, and it looks excellent. The problem with it is that it can't hold a candle to its original form.
The default Hisiuan Decidueye coloration switches out its descendants' forest green to a vibrant red. It looks as if its feathers changed pigment like a leaf during Autumn. To be honest, its default form would make a better shiny and its shiny form would be a better default.
7 Solgaleo
When it comes to some shiny Pokemon, less can be more. Just look at Pokemon like Umbreon or Mimikyu who have slight but still significant and appealing color changes. With that being said, there is such a thing as too much of a color change when it comes to Pokemon, this is especially prominent with Solgaleo.
The legendary's once pristine white body becomes a deep fiery red. It's not a bad color, in fact, it fits considering Solgaleo relation to the sun, but there's too much of it. Its entire body becomes this red color that almost gives the appearance that the Pokemon received a bad sunburn.
6 Buzzwole
The Ultra Beasts were unlike any Pokemon that we have ever encountered. Their designs are bizarre, to say the least, and many dismiss them because of this. However, no matter what your opinion on them is, you can't deny their designs are unique and interesting and, out of all the Ultra Beasts, Buzzwole is one of the more original designs.
As a giant muscled mosquito, Buzzwole is incredibly eye-catching in the best of ways. Its power is evident in its stature, and it practically exudes strength. That being said, when shiny, its neon green accents across its glowing red body make it look comical. It's no longer intimidating, it's garish.
5 Dragonite
There were very few people that weren't adverse (or at the very least surprised) when their elegant Dragonair became a large and dopey-looking orange dragon. It was, and probably still is, one of the most startling changes in an evolutionary line and that remains true for its shiny variation.
The dark green color that replaces Dragonite's orange scales is somehow more startling of an evolutionary change than its normal form. Going from shiny Dragonair's beautiful pink to this dark green feels like a downgrade of sorts. While it looks nothing like its pre-evolutions, the original orange scales of a Dragonite are far more appealing.
4 Butterfree
Back in 1997, the Pokemon anime introduced its first alternate coloration for a Pokemon through the series: the iconic pink Butterfree. When shiny Pokemon were announced for the original Gold and Silver games, many fans thought that this would be their chance to catch the beautifully pink butterfly Pokemon. They were wrong.
Instead, fans were met with a green-eyed and pink-limbed variation that grew more alien-like as the years progressed. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this shiny variation, it is disappointing when put side by side to both its original form and the still unattainable pink Butterfree.
3 Nidoqueen
When someone thinks of Nidoqueen, they also think of Nidoking. They're a pair. It's what they were introduced as. A pair of Pokemon that compliment each other in their design so much that, when Nidoking's shiny was the same blue color as Nidoqueen, many assumed that the female drill Pokemon would mirror this and have a purple color. However, they were wrong.
Nidoqueen's shiny form turns its blue hide an olive green and its abdomen and chest plates become pink. Not only is it disappointing that this Pokemon's shiny form doesn't follow the same route as its male counterpart, but its colors don't work. The green is okay, but the pink color makes those plates look more like a farmers' tan rather than natural armor. The classic blue and cream colors are far more appealing than this.
2 Kommo-o
As generation seven's pseudo legendary, Kommo-o needed to look impressive. It was up against designs like Metagross, Salamence, and Garchomp, so it needed to stand out and it did so in grand fashion. From its gold and red scales to its imposing stature, everything about this Pokemon commands respect and reverence. It's such a shame that it's lost when it is shiny.
The dragon and Fighting-type becomes a loud neon yellow and its regal scales become pink. Even its claws look as if they were painted with that same light pink color. While there's nothing wrong with these colors, they don't belong on such a ferocious Pokemon like Kommo-o.
1 Espeon
The Eeveelutions don't have the best shiny versions when compared to most other Pokemon. One or two of them stand out, but the rest fall short. They have subtle changes in their coloration, some to the point where there's hardly any difference. Only one of these Pokemon has a distinct difference between its default form and its shiny and that's not necessarily a good thing in this regard.
Out of all the Eeveelutions, Espeon has the most distinct shiny variation. Its pale lilac fur becomes a fluorescent green. This coloration is too bright for a stoic and serene-looking Pokemon like Espeon. Its colors should be calming and soothing not bright and loud. Because of that, its standard lilac is far more fitting.