How to Evolve Inkay in Pokemon GO

Inkay was first added to the National PokeDex in Generation VI, with the release of Pokemon X and Y. As they were the first Pokemon games on the 3DS, that gave the devs a few opportunities to try some weird stuff with the hardware. Case in point, Inkay had a special method of evolution into Malamar that played on both the 3DS’ built-in gimmicks and its own lore, a method that has carried over into Pokemon GO. Here’s how to evolve Inkay in Pokemon GO.

Back in the X and Y days, when Inkay hit level 30, you needed to physically turn your 3DS over sideways so the screens were upside-down. Since the 3DS had a gyroscope in it, the console could detect the change in orientation, which prompted Inkay’s evolution into Malamar. This was also a reference to Inkay’s PokeDex entry, which says that the flashing lights on its body would disorient foes, “flipping” them over. Since most modern smartphones also have gyroscopic tech these days, Niantic decided to use this same method of evolution in Pokemon GO.

How to Evolve Inkay in Pokemon GO

To evolve Inkay in Pokemon GO

1. Catch enough Inkay to earn 50 Inkay Candy
2. Go to Inkay’s details page and physically turn your mobile device upside-down
3. The evolve button will activate, allowing you to evolve Inkay into Malamar

Before you can use Inkay’s special evolution method, you still have to go through the usual steps. Namely, you need to catch enough Inkays to rack up at least 50 Inkay Candies. 

Once you’ve got enough Candy, go to Inkay’s details page. The evolution button will be blocked off, even if you have the Candy, but all you have to do is physically turn your phone or tablet upside-down. While you’re holding your phone upside-down, the evolution button will activate, allowing you to spend your Candy and evolve Inkay into Malamar. It’s an odd little touch, for sure, but an amusing one.