Pokémon Legends: Arceus will feature several alternate forms of established Pokémon, with the most recent addition to the Pokédex being Hisuian Voltorb.
As revealed in a promo shared to The Official Pokémon YouTube channel, the new form of Voltorb, or rather the old form, will be appearing in the Hisui region of Pokémon Legends: Arceus. While the "sphere Pokémon" will maintain its electric typing, it will also gain the grass type as a nod to its more humble origins. Poké Balls in the Hisui region appear to be primarily made out of wood, and seeing as Voltorb's gimmick is camouflaging as a Poké Ball, it also seems to be composed of wood.
The YouTube description for Hisuian Voltorb reads much like a Pokédex entry. "Hisuian Voltorb looks very similar to the Poké Balls of the Hisui region," it explains. "This Pokémon is always in high spirits and has a friendly personality. However, it discharges its stored electricity when it gets excited, so it frequently shocks nearby humans and Pokémon." Hisuian Voltorb certainly appears friendlier in its design as opposed to the angrier look of its original Kantonian counterpart. The electric/grass type also seems much more comfortable with humans, another differentiation from the more familiar form which uses its Poké Ball-esque camouflage as a defense mechanism against humans and other Pokémon.
Interestingly, previous Pokédex entries have noted that Voltorb was first discovered around the time Poké Balls were invented, with initial sightings of the Pokémon appearing at a company that manufactures these balls. The connection between Voltorb and Poké Balls has remained mostly unexplored, but with Pokémon Legends: Arceus potentially taking part in a time where Poké Balls are relatively new, fans may see this connection unravel.
Hisuian Voltorb is the fifth regional variant revealed for Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Growlithe, Braiviary, Zorua and Zoroak will all be receiving alternate forms as well. Meanwhile, Stantler, Basculin and Scyther are receiving Hisuian evolutions in Wyrdeer, Basculegion and Kleavor, respectively. Curiously, both Hisuian Voltorb and Growlithe's evolutions have not been revealed; each having a regional variant indicates that either Electrode and Arcanine will follow the pair's theme or new evolutions will occur altogether.
There could be even more Hisuian forms appearing in the game. It is commonly theorized that the three starter Pokémon will also receive final-stage regional variants, plus a recent Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl tease could indicate a different form for Qwilfish is on the cards.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus releases for Nintendo Switch on Jan. 28, 2022.
Source: YouTube