Though the Pokémon series is full of unique Pokémon, Pokémon Sun and Moon's Alolan Ninetales in particular is different from all the others, and it isn't just because of its 9 tails. First introduced in Gen 1 as a Fire-type Pokémon, Ninetales is one of many Pokémon to receive a new regional variant in 2016. Alongside an updated appearance, Alolan Ninetales also has a few other changes from its original form, including different moves. It also stands out from every other Pokémon in the series thanks to its unique dual-type combination.
A concept first introduced in Pokémon Sun and Moon, regional Pokémon have become increasingly common in subsequent releases. Even Pokémon Legends: Arceus' Hisui region had unique forms of familiar Pokémon. Regional variants are simply alternate forms of pre-existing Pokémon species. They appear in the Alola, Galar, Hisui, and Paldea regions, the latter of which has yet to be seen in full given it appears in the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. The only Paldean form revealed as of early September 2022 is Paldean Wooper.
Alolan and Galarian Pokémon in particular have appeared in various spin-off games, as well. Various Alolan Pokémon have a chance to appear in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and most can be collected in the mobile game Pokémon GO. Players can even purchase an expensive $40 Holowear for Alolan Ninetales in Pokémon Unite. Alolan Ninetales stand-out popularity isn't solely tied to its appearance, which offers a wispier blue version of the original 9-tailed Pokémon. It may also have to do with the fact that it's an Ice/Fairy dual-type.
Alolan Ninetales Is The Only Ice/Fairy Pokémon
There are dozens of half Fairy-type Pokémon in the series, with the majority being Psychic/Fairy. Ice/Fairy is one of the rarest among them, however, with Alolan Ninetales standing out as the sole example throughout the franchise. Other dual-types are similarly uncommon, such as Mimikyu's Ghost-Fairy type or the Poison-Fairy classification of Weezing's Galarian form from Pokémon Sword and Shield. In many cases, unusual type combinations are more common among regional variants than regular Pokémon. That could be a factor in why fans of the Pokémon franchise think several Pokémon deserve regional variants that haven't got them yet.
It's likely that more will be introduced with the eventual release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. The game could perhaps even add another Ice/Fairy type Pokémon. While that would somewhat diminish the uniqueness of Alolan Ninetales, it would also give fans of the combination more Pokémon to add to their party. For the time being, however, Pokémon players will have to make do with just the 9-tailed fox Pokémon.
