Pokemon Sword and Shield released last year for the Nintendo Switch. Unlike previous entries in the series, this game has opted to support a single title with DLC instead of releasing an updated third version of the game. Thanks to the team at GameFreak deciding to support the title with DLC, the game has continued to see support from the fanbase even a year after its initial launch.
The first installment of the Pokemon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass unveiled the Isle of Armor. Taking place on an island off the coast of Galar, players join a Pokemon dojo with a new Rival in tow. This new adversary is entirely dependent on which version of the game players purchased. For Pokemon Shield buyers, Avery would become a character begging to be memed.
10 A Disappointment for Some
When the first trailer dropped for the Isle of Armor, Pokemon fans were introduced to Klara and Avery. These two new rivals would be joining trainers on their adventure in this brand new region. While owners of Pokemon Sword were paired with Klara, Shield owners got Avery instead. To some, Avery could is seen as the lesser of the two new rivals introduced in the Isle of Armor DLC. Statisky’s meme shows that some users seriously question their investment in Pokemon Shield after seeing Sword’s new rival. With such a strange design, Avery gives plenty of Pokemon trainers pause.
9 What is This Outfit?
While Psychic-type trainers are known to be a bit eccentric in the Pokemon series, Avery is an outlier even among them. With his massive top hat and ruffled clothing, this character has more in common with an old Englishman than he does modern-day Pokemon trainers. ShinySilvally pokes fun at this outlandish outfit, claiming it looks like the randomizer was used to conjure his design. Oddly enough, it does seem like Avery was the product of a wacky character creator in a traditional RPG. Fans are having a field day with his style even now.
8 Avery Dimmadome
One of the most distinct pieces of Avery’s design is his massive top hat. With headwear that climbs towards the sky, it’s not hard to see why Jazz Wizard is reminded of Doug Dimmadome, owner of the Dimmsdale Dimmadome.
This Fairly Oddparents character is known for his ridiculously large headgear, so much so that the creators of the show progressively enlarged it as the series went on. It became a running gag in the famous Nickelodeon show and a staple of meme culture. While Avery isn’t a meme icon himself, his design may yet lead him to that level of fame in the future.
7 Payback Time
6 Psychic Type
The Pokemon universe can be a bit nonsensical. Several trainers in the past have had psychic powers themselves, only for it to go unaddressed entirely. Megloman takes notice of the floating Pokeballs surrounding Avery’s hat and infers that he too is a human Psychic-type. It is established that Avery harbors a grudge towards the player for impeding his progress in the Isle of Armor. That information serves as excellent inspiration for a meme where Avery uses his abilities to target and harass the most recent thorn in his side.
5 Terrible Fashion
Avery isn’t the only NPC with an eccentric fashion sense. Nyazilla captures this by drawing attention to Leon’s postgame outfit. The two both look like they couldn’t decide what aesthetic to go for. Avery has mixed the Psychic-type gym gear with a top hat, high socks, and an ascot, none of which work well together. On the other hand is Leon, who wears a snapback with his regal garb. These two are in dire need of a fashion coach to help them get their wardrobes in order.
4 Avery is Better
Not everyone who bought Shield seeks to trade out their new rival. There are plenty of Shield players that have grown to love the peculiar Psychic-type trainer. ATFox highlights that fact with this meme allying with Avery over Klara.
With a significant portion of the fanbase latching on to Avery, a new rivalry was born. One in which fans debated who was the better inclusion as a rival. Though Avery hasn’t won over everyone, it’s nice to know he’s got the support of some trainers.
3 Tsundere Avery
Throughout the Isle of Armor DLC, the spiteful rivalry between the player and Avery evolves. Later on, Avery begrudgingly accepts the player as a worthy rival, though never outright admitting they like them. Nemujenny shares a meme of a trainer who loves the Psychic-type rival despite his inability to share his feelings. While Avery might find this gesture embarrassing, it shows the sweeter side of the Pokemon community. Each character has a fan who relates with or appreciates them in some way, shape, or form.
2 Nonbinary Avery
When he was first announced, many trainers had a hard time placing Avery. All fans were given was the design of a character with long hair and a fancy ascot. It would be months before players got a definitive answer to Avery’s gender identity. Members of the community would debate whether Avery was a man or a woman until a future announcement gave the community clarity. Themouseyouknow creates a meme that centers on Avery’s aspirations first and foremost, denouncing the notion of gender entirely. Avery chooses to focus on becoming a Pokemon master.
