Pokémon Horizons' latest episode was almost entirely flashback, and through those flashback scenes, revealed a very cool new variety of Poké Ball. This Poké Ball happens to belong to the series' main villain, and is sure to make an appearance again.

Episode #75 of Pokémon Horizons looked back at the actual adventures of the Ancient Adventurer Lucius, alongside his friends, Rystal and Gibeon, as recounted by a Rystal who was whisked through time by the magic of the Crystal Pond in Kitakami. Rystal detailed how she met Lucius, as well as how they both met Gibeon, and all happened to be in search of a mysterious paradise land known as Laqua. Gibeon pulled out his Poké Ball in the episode, and it immediately became apparent that this Poké Ball was unlike any seen in the series so far.

Pokémon's New Ancient Poké Ball Shows Design Trends Have Changed

The New Poké Ball Dates Back Over 100 Years Ago

In the episode, the new design of Poké Ball is somewhat similar to the Ancient Poké Balls used by Lucius, although this one is silver rather than bronze in color. The outside of the Poké Ball has some visible gears on it, as well as an intricate design that immediately stands out. It seems a fair bit more advanced than other Poké Balls from this era, and is used by Gibeon to contain his Legendary Pokémon partner, the White Zygarde.

Since Gibeon has been seen in the present day to still be in possession of the White Zygarde, he presumably still has this same Poké Ball after all these years to contain it. That would mean this particular model of Poké Ball has been functional for over a century, showing that it's got some impressive quality to its design as well. One can't help but wonder if this might have been the ancient equivalent of a Master Ball, or other highly advanced Poké Ball, thus explaining how Gibeon was able to capture such a rare and powerful Pokémon in the first place.

The New Ancient Poké Ball Isn't the First New Ball from Horizons

The Series Has Introduced Many Never-Before-Seen Varieties of Poké Ball

Pokémon Horizons hasn't been afraid to introduce new varieties of Poké Ball throughout its run. Aside from this one and the original Ancient Poké Balls of Lucius, there was also an entire episode, "Orla and the Poké Ball Smith," which features a factory that creates small-batch Poké Ball designs as custom items for clients. That episode featured a large number of new Poké Ball designs, including a boomerang ball, a rocket-propelled ball, and a "Bomb-Bomb" ball, which explodes as Roy is about to throw it.

While these new Poké Balls aren't likely to be headed to the games any time soon, it's always interesting to see new Poké Ball designs, especially when they're as beautiful and intricate as some of those seen in Horizons. Poké Balls are something that, logically, trainers would like to customize, so seeing unique Poké Balls in Pokémon Horizons adds a fun dose of realism to the series.