It's about time for a new Pokemon type; here are some of our suggestions.

The Pokemon franchise has been going strong for over 20 years, and has been rocking the same Pokemon types for almost all of that time. Dark and Steel types were introduced in the second entries in the series, Gold and Silver, and the Fairy type was introduced in X and Y, almost 13 years later.

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Although 18 types may be enough for some, there is definitely room for more. At this point, we are past due for a new Pokemon type or two. With that, let's take a look at a few fun new types that could bring some interesting changes to new games in this long-running franchise.

A Sound-based Pokemon typing has been speculated for a while now, and for good reason. There are several existing Pokemon that could easily change to Sound-type, including the Whismur line, Noibat and Noivern, and Chatot, just to name a few. Moves like Growl, Screech, and Perish Song are also contenders for a type change.

While Sound-type may as well already be part of the game, how its advantages and disadvantages play out could mix up the playing field. Additionally, a type based on Sound could influence the culture of a new region, with a focus on the levity of song and dance.

Digital-type is another popular prediction from longtime fans of Pokemon, but not many existing Pokemon could fit into this type. The Porygon line and Genesect are strong contenders, but the appeal of a Digital or Artificial type lies in its potential for new Pokemon designs.

Pokemon created by humans or computer viruses could bring new and interesting designs and ideas to the franchise. Pokemon has always leaned heavily into sci-fi themes and futuristic technology, so why is it that Porygon is the only Pokemon ever to be made by humans? With a new Digital-type, we could see themes like the ever-advancing aspect of technology, how it shapes our society, and what that means for the decidedly natural world of Pokemon as beings.

Since Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, the franchise as a whole has explored the idea of space several times. With some Pokemon like Deoxys and Clefairy literally coming from outer space, these themes have remained prevalent in the series for the last decade of Pokemon games. With that, we should really have a Cosmic-type.

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Not only would Cosmic-type incorporate new and interesting type advantages, but it could also allow for a new game to dive directly into space, perhaps by exploring different planets, piloting space ships, and more. A Cosmic-type could, quite literally, open a new world of possibilities for Pokemon, old and new.

While it may seem like Fairy-type has stolen the spotlight from Light-type, we feel there is enough of a distinction between the two to warrant this new type. For starters, when taken literally, Light-type could apply to Pokemon who produce light, like Ampharos, Lanturn, Heliolisk, or Necrozma, who is the Prism Pokemon. Pokemon like Solgaleo or Ho-oh, who are heavily tied with the sun, are also candidates for this interpretation of Light-type.

On the other hand, Light-type could imply the antithesis of Dark-type, where the two would cancel each other out or be advantageous against each other. Pokemon like Gallade, Shaymin, or Cresselia, which embody the opposite of darkness, could support this interpretation for Light-type. Either way, Light-type has been speculated among the community for a while, and although it may overlap with Fairy-type, it could still provide interesting inspiration for new Pokemon designs and concepts.

There have been several Pokemon games named after types of minerals or geodes, and yet a Crystal-type itself still isn't in the game. Minerals have been the inspiration for three distinct generations of Pokemon games, yet Crystals are suspiciously absent from the list of Pokemon types.

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Pokemon like Diancie should really be Crystal-type already, but others like Sableye and Starmie feature crystals in their designs. The interesting element of a Crystal-type comes from the potential of new designs and cultures based around crystal structures. Crystal-type could also make for a great secondary type, especially with other types mentioned in this list.

Pokemon already has an air of mysticism that pervades the franchise; from legendary beings that control time and space to lizards that can breathe fire. Although Pokemon attacks could be considered a form of magic, especially when compared to contemporary fantasy wizards casting fireballs and lightning bolts, a Magic-type could inspire new areas, cultures, regions, and Pokemon designs that are distinct enough from the aforementioned examples.

Plus, several existing Pokemon are heavily implied to be Magic-users. Delphox has a wand for casting spells, Alakazam is a magic-show magician, Mr. Mime employs the sacred arts of miming, and Mismagious is literally a witch, not to mention the iconic giant floppy hat. Although it may overlap too much with the wide range of Pyschic-type Pokemon already in the games, Magic-type could bring interesting ideas with the power of spell-slinging and charm-casting.

Next: What Your Favourite Pokemon Type Says About You