Pokemon Go Just Responded to A Long-Running Meme in the Most Hilarious Way Possible

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The current season in Pokémon Go, called Memories in Motion, feels a little slower-paced, featuring some returning events to help players get caught up, as well as a few new Pokémon appearing for the first time. However, the game is preparing for some exciting things, including its 10th anniversary and Pokémon Go Fest. This year’s in-person GO Fest events will be held from late May to mid-June, followed by a global event in July. We’re starting to learn the details, with more announcements coming, and a recent reveal of a new Pokémon costume was a real treat for dedicated fans.

Dedicated Pokemon Go players are probably familiar with Mike Nerdlaw, known online as Cowboy Hat Caterpie Guy. Since 2019, he’s been passionately asking Niantic, the game’s developer, to add a Caterpie wearing a cowboy hat as a special costume. He consistently posts the request – simply, “Cowboy Hat Caterpie, please” – on nearly every Niantic announcement on X (formerly Twitter). Despite seven years of requests, it hasn’t happened yet. However, Niantic is planning something amusing for GO Fest 2026 instead.

Pokemon Go Is Finally Giving Caterpie A Hat (But Not That One)

Okay, so I was checking for updates on GO Fest, and Pokemon Go finally dropped some info about the costumed Pokemon we’ll see. Honestly, after ten years of Pokemon wearing hats, I was so excited to hear Caterpie was finally getting one! It’s not the cowboy hat that one fan, Nerdlaw, and a lot of us were hoping for, though. Instead, they confirmed Caterpie will be showing up in a Poke Ball hat at GO Fest 2026.

Look, is that a Caterpie wearing a Poké Ball hat?!

If you’re attending in person, you might also see Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle sporting Pikachu visors.

And now, for the first time, you can evolve these Pokémon even if you’ve already caught them!

— Pokémon GO (@PokemonGoApp) April 8, 2026

When fans heard about the new Pokémon with a hat, many immediately thought of the famous “Cowboy Hat Caterpie Guy.” He’s aware of the connection and, surprisingly, is thrilled about it! He shared his excitement, saying he’s “over the moon” and “loves it so much.” While Caterpie isn’t wearing a cowboy hat specifically, the fact that it’s wearing a hat is seen as progress towards making his dream a reality.

Okay, so I’m still a little bummed we didn’t get the Cowboy Hat Caterpie we’ve been asking for forever. But honestly, this whole situation is pretty funny. It’s clear the Pokémon Go team knows about that whole Nerdlaw campaign, and this feels like a playful way to acknowledge the meme without actually giving us what we want. Though, that Poke Ball hat looking so weird on Caterpie’s head is making me think Niantic is messing with us. I wouldn’t be shocked if it turns out Go Fest attendees find out it was always meant to be Cowboy Hat Caterpie – a total bait-and-switch for the 10th anniversary!

This is what it should have been!!!

— NewKid611 (@QuietKid611) April 8, 2026

Caterpie is getting its very first costume in Pokemon Go – a cute little Poke Ball hat! And honestly, it’s one of the most amusing things Niantic has done recently. For those who enjoy collecting costumed Pokemon, Caterpie isn’t the only one getting a makeover at this year’s GO Fest. Players attending the in-person event might also see the original Kanto starters (like Bulbasaur and Charmander) sporting Pikachu visors. It’s not yet known if these costumed Pokemon will be available to all players globally in July. However, many fans hope that Caterpie and its hat will bring some fun to Pokemon Go worldwide this summer, especially after years of requests!

What are your thoughts on the recent announcement of Caterpie wearing a Poke Ball hat? Share your opinion in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-04-09 17:44