Inkay is a primarily blue squid-like Pokémon. It has a transparent mantle that resembles a hat with a pink "inner body" overlaid with yellow lights. Those who stare at those lights become dazed and lose their will to battle, allowing Inkay to escape. It has two tendril-like tentacles that hang from this "hat", similar to some styles of winter hats, and these tentacles hang next to its six short arms. Its eyes are round and have pupils, but no identifiable iris. Inkay also has a small, pink, beak-like mouth set between its eyes. It and its evolution, Malamar are the only known Pokémon capable of learning Topsy-Turvy.
Inkay appears as a Poké Ball summon in the 3DS version of the game. It will turn over and hit the ground, making all opponents who are on the ground trip.
Trophy information
NA: Inkay may look like a Water-type Pokémon, but it's actually a Dark/Psychic type! Once it has reached the proper level, Inkay can evolve into Malamar if you hold the Nintendo 3DS upside down. In Smash Bros., its Topsy-Turvy move will flip anyone who wanders too close upside down. Watch out!
PAL: A Pokémon that looks this much like a squid MUST be a Water-type, right? Wrong! It's a Dark- and Psychic-type. If you're struggling to get it to evolve, try holding your system upside down. In this game, Inkay's Topsy-Turvy move can knock you over, and you won't be much use like that, so watch out!
Game data
Pokédex entries
This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation VI.
In addition to Inkay's method of evolution into Malamar being unique, it would have been impossible in any of the previous core series Pokémon games since only the Nintendo 3DS has an internal gyroscope.
Inkay may be a combination of ink or inkfish and okay.
Maaiika may be a combination of 魔 ma (demon) and 烏賊 ika (cuttlefish or squid) or 真烏賊 maika (Japanese flying squid). It may also involve a pun of まあ,いいか Mā, iika (Well, whatever; Oh well).
In other languages
Language
Title
Meaning
Japanese
マーイーカ Maaiika
From 魔 ma, 烏賊 ika or 真烏賊 maika, and まあ,いいか Mā, iika