Shiny hunting is one of the most exciting parts of the Pokémon series. Whether you’re a casual player or a long-time trainer, the thrill of owning a rare, alternate-colored Pokémon is unmatched. However, not every Pokémon can be shiny through regular gameplay—and that’s exactly the case for the box legendaries of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: Koraidon (Scarlet) and Miraidon (Violet).
For years, these legendary Pokémon were shiny-locked, meaning no matter how hard you tried, you couldn’t legitimately catch or obtain them in shiny form. Players tried resetting, file editing, and community theories, but all official sources confirmed one truth: shiny Miraidon and Koraidon were impossible to obtain.
That finally changed in September 2025, when The Pokémon Company and Nintendo launched a special shiny distribution event, giving trainers worldwide the chance to add these legendary shinies to their collection.
This guide will cover everything you need to know: how the distribution works, where to claim codes, step-by-step instructions to redeem them, warnings about scams, and what to do if you miss out.
Why Are Miraidon and Koraidon So Special?
Miraidon and Koraidon are the cover legendaries of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
- Koraidon – Exclusive to Pokémon Scarlet. Known for its primal design, serpent-like body, and battle-ready power.
- Miraidon – Exclusive to Pokémon Violet. Futuristic and dragon-like, with a design that blends technology and elegance.
Both are central to the main storyline of their respective games. Because of their role as story-critical Pokémon, Game Freak kept them shiny-locked since launch. This ensured no player could legitimately hunt or trade for a shiny version—until the 2025 event finally unlocked them.
The 2025 Shiny Distribution Event
In late September 2025, Niantic and The Pokémon Company rolled out a worldwide shiny event. This was the first and only official way to obtain shiny Miraidon or Koraidon.
Event Details:
- Event Duration: September 26 – October 15, 2025
- Method: In-store distribution with serial code cards
- Cost: Free (no purchase required)
- Pokémon received:
- Pokémon Scarlet players → Shiny Koraidon
- Pokémon Violet players → Shiny Miraidon
Key Facts:
- Codes are single-use and tied to your game.
- Distribution is limited-stock—once stores run out, no more codes are issued.
- Codes must be redeemed via the Mystery Gift system before the redemption deadline (often a few days after the event ends).
Where to Get the Codes
The event is region-specific, and participating retailers vary depending on location.
- United States: GameStop stores
- Canada, Australia, New Zealand: EB Games
- Japan: Select major video game retailers (show your Scarlet/Violet icon on Switch)
- Europe & Other Regions: Participation varies—check your local Pokémon Company announcements.
⚠️ Important Tip: Always check store hours and availability before visiting. Codes run out quickly in popular cities.
Step-by-Step: How to Redeem Your Shiny Legendary
Once you’ve secured a valid distribution code, follow these steps:
- Launch Pokémon Scarlet or Violet on your Nintendo Switch.
- Press X to open the main menu.
- Navigate to Poké Portal.
- Select Mystery Gift.
- Choose “Get with Code/Password.”
- Enter your 16-digit code carefully.
- Wait for the system to verify and download your reward.
- Your shiny Miraidon (Violet) or shiny Koraidon (Scarlet) will appear.
- If your party has space, it goes there.
- Otherwise, it’s sent to your Pokémon Box.
- Save your game immediately—codes cannot be reused if something goes wrong.
Tips and Warnings
Getting shiny Miraidon or Koraidon is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so here are some crucial do’s and don’ts:
- ✅ Bring proof of ownership: Some Japanese retailers require you to show the game icon on your Switch.
- ✅ Arrive early: Codes are limited; high-demand areas may run out within hours.
- ✅ Use the code ASAP: Don’t wait until the last day—servers can crash, or codes may expire.
- ❌ Avoid resellers: Many people try to sell codes online, but these are risky, often fake, and against the terms of service.
- ❌ Don’t duplicate codes: Each code works once only. Using hacked or duplicated codes can risk bans.
- ✅ Check regional rules: Some codes are region-locked; importing doesn’t always work.
What Happens After You Redeem
Once you’ve claimed your shiny legendary, here’s what you can do:
- Use it in main story battles, raids, or online matches (if permitted by rules).
- Trade it with other players (though many trainers will keep theirs due to rarity).
- Showcase it in your Pokémon Boxes—it’s a flex piece for collectors.
- Pair it with competitive strategies in PvP battles, though keep in mind both are Ubers-tier legendaries, so usage depends on format rules.
The Difference Between Normal and Shiny Versions
Both Miraidon and Koraidon look dramatically different in shiny form:
- Shiny Miraidon: Color shifts to a more muted, metallic palette with shimmering highlights.
- Shiny Koraidon: Gains a vibrant alternate coloring, making it stand out dramatically in battle.
Collectors love shiny legendaries because of their uniqueness and visual appeal. With Miraidon and Koraidon being flagship legendaries, these shinies instantly become some of the most valuable Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet.
What If You Miss the Event?
If you couldn’t attend the distribution, your options are limited:
- Wait for re-distribution – The Pokémon Company often repeats shiny events, though not always.
- Participate in trades – You may find a legitimate shiny Miraidon or Koraidon through trading, but beware of hacked Pokémon.
- Follow official channels – Keep an eye on Pokémon’s official Twitter, website, or in-game announcements for global expansions or secondary events.
Why This Event Is So Important
The release of shiny Miraidon and Koraidon is more than just another event—it’s a historic milestone in Pokémon GO and console history.
- It unlocks previously inaccessible shiny Pokémon.
- It gives fans a chance to collect the alternate forms of their favorite legendaries.
- It emphasizes The Pokémon Company’s approach of using events to maintain excitement years after a game’s launch.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I hunt shiny Miraidon or Koraidon in the wild?
No, they remain shiny-locked in normal gameplay. The event is the only way.
2. Do I need internet to redeem the code?
Yes, Mystery Gift requires an internet connection.
3. Can I redeem multiple codes?
No, each game save can redeem only one code.
4. Will the shiny return in future events?
Possibly. Past legendary shinies have been redistributed years later.
5. Can I trade shiny Miraidon and Koraidon?
Yes, but be wary of hacked versions online.
Final Thoughts
Catching shiny Miraidon or Koraidon has been a dream for many trainers since the release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Thanks to the 2025 Shiny Distribution Event, that dream is finally possible—at least for those quick enough to claim a code.
Whether you’re a dedicated shiny hunter or just a collector, this is one event you don’t want to miss. With limited availability, shiny Miraidon and shiny Koraidon are set to become some of the rarest and most valuable Pokémon in the series.
So, if you haven’t yet, grab your Switch, head to your local participating store, secure your code, and claim your shiny legendary before the event ends. Who knows—these shinies may never return again.
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