The white-haired Professor Burnet has risen in popularity in the Pokemon world. Though most fans know her from Pokemon Sun and Moon, she made her first appearance in Dream Radar. This is quite interesting, as it is not often that one sees characters from spin-off games end up becoming mainstream favorites. Pokemon Sun and Moon shouldn't be the last titles that catapult characters from spin-off titles into stardom, as several NPCs are brimming with potential.
The franchise has a few opportunities to allow forgotten characters to get the spotlight. The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC is coming up, which could mean more past faces showing up. Of course, there is also the new anime series that is veering away from Ash and Pikachu, opening the door for other characters in the Pokemon world to get some attention.
The Unexpected Popularity of Professor Burnet
Professor Burnet debuted in Pokemon Dream Radar, a spin-off title for the 3DS which uses augmented reality. Players take the role of Professor Burnet's assistant, and she guides them along while conducting research. Although she has a great design, she could have very easily been a forgotten character. Game Freak instead chose to have her show up again in Sun and Moon where she is married to Professor Kukui.
The two professors help Lillie learn more about Nebby the Cosmog, an odd Pokemon that's not from their dimension. Since Gen 7, Professor Burnet has become a fan favorite, making regular appearances in the anime, and in Pokemon TCG, some of her cards fetch quite a lot of money. This proves that characters that were once stuck in spin-off titles can become mainstream stars. Professor Burnet shouldn't be the only character this happens to.
More Pokemon Characters Should Be Pulled From the Sidelines to the Mainstream
Over the decades, there have been several characters introduced in spin-off games, and they'd do a good job in a more mainstream role. This includes Hayley who is introduced in My Pokemon Ranch for the Wii. Although she is not a Trainer, the cowgirl has plenty of personality, and it would be great to see more of her. Mirro B., who is a villain in Pokemon Colosseum and Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness, is memorable for a few reasons. He has a large afro that is two colors, and he dresses like he is ready for a disco. His flamboyant style would make him an instant hit in a mainstream game.
The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC would be a great avenue for spin-off characters to come into the mainstream. The DLC will be coming in two parts, with the first part, titled The Teal Mask, taking players to Kitakami. This region could be a perfect stage for characters to ease their way into mainstream games in the franchise. The second part of the Scarlet and Violet DLC, titled The Indigo Disk, will have players visiting the Blueberry Academy, which could have spin-off professors making an appearance.
Pokemon's expansive world has resulted in dozens and dozens of characters being introduced, and all of them can't get time in the spotlight. However, as Professor Burnet has shown, when characters from spin-off games reappear in the right place and at the right time, they can be runaway hits. In many ways, it feels like Pokemon is entering a new era, and it is a better time than ever to play with the mainstream cast.
Pokemon Sun and Moon are available on Nintendo 3DS.