This article is about the fictional creatures known as "Pokémon". For otherPokémon lists, seeLists about Pokémon.
The first 150 Pokémon as they appear inPokémon Stadium, starting withBulbasaur in the top left corner and ending withMewtwo in the bottom right corner
ThePokémon franchise features 1,025 fictional species of collectible creatures, each with unique designs, skills, and powers. Conceived bySatoshi Tajiri in early 1989, Pokémon (or Pocket Monsters) are fictional creatures that inhabit the fictional Pokémon World. The designs for the multitude of species can draw inspiration from anything, such asanimals,plants, andlegendary creatures. Many Pokémon are capable ofevolving into more powerful species, while others can undergo form changes and achieve similar results. Originally, only a handful of artists, led byKen Sugimori designed Pokémon. However, by 2013 a team of 20 artists worked together to create new species designs. Sugimori and Hironobu Yoshida lead the team and determine the final designs.
Due to the large number of Pokémon, a listing of each species is divided intoarticles by generation. The 1025 Pokémon are organized by their number in theNational Pokédex—an electronic encyclopedia that provides various information on Pokémon. The National Pokédex is subdivided into regional Pokédex series, each revolving around species introduced at the time of their respective generations along with older generations. For example, the Johto Pokédex, generation II, covers the 100 species introduced inGold andSilver in addition to the original 151 species. The encyclopedias follow a general ordering: first partner Pokémon[1] are listed first, followed by species obtainable early in the respective games, and are concluded with Legendary and Mythical Pokémon. Generation V is the sole exception, as Victini is the first Pokémon in the Unova Pokédex.
Satoshi Tajiri—who later foundedGame Freak—conceived the premise ofPokémon in general in 1989, when theGame Boy was released. The creatures that inhabit the world ofPokémon are also called Pokémon.[2] The word "Pokémon" is aromanizedcontraction of the Japanese brand Pocket Monsters (ポケットモンスター,Poketto Monsutā).[3] The concept of the Pokémon universe, in both the video games and the general fictional world of Pokémon, stems most notably from Tajiri's childhood hobby ofinsect collecting. Other influences on the concept includeUltraman,anime, and playing video games in general. Throughout his early life, Tajiri saw his rural, nature-filled hometown transform into an urban centre. The urbanization of his town drove away wildlife, and he and others living in the area were eventually unable to collect insects. Through Pokémon, Tajiri sought to bring back this outdoor pastime and share it with the world.[2] The first games in the franchise,Red andGreen, were released on 27 February 1996 in Japan for theGame Boy.[4] The games were internationally released asRed andBlue in September 1998.[5] The ability to capture, battle, trade, and care for numerous creatures catapulted Pokémon to international popularity,[3] and it has become a multibillion-dollar franchise and the second-best selling video game series after theMario franchise.[6]
At the start of a main series Pokémon game, the player character receives one of three Pokémon to become their first partner,[a] with which they can battle and catch other Pokémon. Each Pokémon has one or two "types", such as Fire, Water, or Grass. In battle, certain types are strong against other types. For example, a Fire-type attack will do more damage to a Grass-type Pokémon, rather than a Water-type attack.[7] This form of gameplay is frequently compared to that ofrock-paper-scissors, though players have to strategize which Pokémon and which of their attacks to use against various opponents.[8][9]
Many species of Pokémon canevolve into a larger and more powerful creature. The change is accompanied bystat changes—generally a modest increase—and access to a wider variety of attacks. There are multiple ways to trigger an evolution, including reaching a particular level, using a special stone, or learning a specific attack. For example, at level 16,Bulbasaur can evolve intoIvysaur. Most notably, the Normal-typeEevee can evolve into eight different Pokémon:Jolteon (Electric),Flareon (Fire),Vaporeon (Water),Umbreon (Dark),Espeon (Psychic),Leafeon (Grass),Glaceon (Ice), andSylveon (Fairy). In generation VI, the games introduced a new mechanic calledMega Evolution, as well as a subset of Mega Evolution calledPrimal Reversion. Unlike normal evolution, Mega Evolution and Primal Reversion last only for the duration of a battle, with the Pokémon reverting to its normal form at the end; as ofPokémon Legends Z-A, 73 Pokémon can undergo Mega Evolution or Primal Reversion. In contrast, some species such asCastform,Rotom,Unown, andLycanroc undergo form changes, which may provide stat buffs or changes and type alterations but are not considered new species. Some Pokémon havedifferences in appearance due to gender. Pokémon can bemale orfemale, male-only, female-only, or of an unknown gender.[10]
ThePokémon franchise is primarily intended for younger players. However, each Pokémon has various complex attributes such as natures, characteristic traits, Individual Values (IVs) and Effort Values (EVs). These are intended for people "who enjoy battling and want to go more in depth", according to Game Freak Board DirectorJunichi Masuda. These individual statistics were also included, because the basic concept of the franchise is to train one's Pokémon. Designer Takeshi Kawachimaru stated that IVs and EVs "help to make each Pokémon in the game individual", as it adds unique aspects to them.[11] EachPokémon game introduces a few "Legendary" and "Mythical" Pokémon that are powerful, rare, and hard to catch.[12]Pokémon Sun andMoon introduced "Ultra Beasts", which are described as "beings from another dimension" that appeared in the Alola region, and are similarly powerful and rare.[13]
The evolution mechanic is most prominently displayed throughEevee (center) and its eight evolutions. Each one requires a different method to evolve.[14]
Throughout development ofRed andGreen, all Pokémon were designed byKen Sugimori who was a long-time friend of Tajiri, and by a team of fewer than ten people,[15] includingAtsuko Nishida who is credited as the designer ofPikachu.[16][17] By 2013, a team of 20 artists worked together to create new species designs. A committee of five people determine which designs are incorporated into the games, with Sugimori andHironobu Yoshida finalizing the look of each creature.[15][18] Sugimori is also responsible for the "Box Art" Legendary Pokémon and all of the official artwork for the games.[15][19] According to Yoshida, the number of rejected Pokémon designs is five to ten times more than the number that are finalized in each game.[18] In rare cases, rejected designs are brought back and released in a later generation.[20]Shigeru Ohmori, director ofSun andMoon, admitted that creating new Pokémon has become a difficult task with the sheer number of creatures designed over the franchise's 20-year history.[21] Each iteration of the series has brought both praise and criticism over the numerous creatures.[22]
The designs for Pokémon are often highly analogous to real-life creatures but also encompass inanimate objects.[22] DirectorJunichi Masuda and graphic designer Takao Unno have stated that inspiration for Pokémon designs can come from anything. The variety of animals and culture around the world provide the basis for having countless ideas incorporated into the franchise.[23] The environment that a Pokémon would live in is taken into account when they are designed.[24] Thelei-likeComfey fits appropriately in the Hawaii-inspired Alola region ofSun andMoon.[21] Masuda has stated that each element of a design has a functioning reason.[24] In some cases, the design team creates a footprint that a Pokémon could make and designs a creature around that.[25] Some designers look to game mechanics for inspiration and see where particular typing combinations could be interesting.[21] Typing assignment varies during the design process; sometimes a Pokémon receives a type after it is created and other times they are designed around a particular type.[26] Each Pokémon has a specific height and weight.[27]
The simpler roots of designs in generation I prompted greater complexity in later games.[22] Designs in general have become increasingly complex and thematic in newer games.[19]Sneasel, for example, draws inspiration from the Japaneseyōkaikamaitachi, mythical creatures with fast, razor-sharp claws that hunt in packs. These elements are all found in Sneasel's design and characteristics.[28] New Pokémon introduced in generation VI, for example, are heavily influenced by the culture andfauna of Europe (namelyFrance).[19] However, by the release ofX andY in 2013, Sugimori stated that he wishes for Pokémon design to return to the simpler roots of the franchise.[29]
Masuda considers the first partner Pokémon among the most important in the franchise. Yoshida goes further and calls them "the face of that generation" and says that "they're the ones that should be on the packaging".[18] The three Pokémon players start out with in each generation are always Grass-, Water-, and Fire-types, a trio that Masuda considers the easiest to understand for new players.[26] Their designs are based on recognizable animals and made to stand out from pre-existing Pokémon. Each are also given distinct personalities to further define them.[30] In an interview withGamesRadar in 2009, Masuda stated that simple Pokémon take around six months to design and develop, and that Pokémon that play a more important part in the games may take over a year. Masuda added, "We also want the designer to have as much freedom as possible; we don't want to narrow their imagination by saying, 'We want this kind of Pokemon.' When we talk to the designer we always stress that they shouldn't think of Pokemon necessarily, but should instead just be as creative as they can." After the Pokémon is designed, it is sent to the "Battle Producer", who decides which moves and stats the Pokémon should have.[11]
In the Game BoyPokémon games,Pokémon Red,Green,Blue, andYellow, players were able to access a set of 105glitch Pokémon. These species were not designed by the games' designers but could be encountered via the use of several glitches. Among them is a glitch dubbedMissingNo., which became highly notorious.[47]
^abOfficial promotional sources have preferred the use of first partner or first partner Pokémon since at least 2019.[1]
^abThe Generation I and II main series games were later re-released via the Nintendo 3DS eShop in 2016–2018, with the Generation I titles being in celebration of the franchise's 20th anniversary.
^Two Pokémon, Meltan and Melmetal, were introduced in a 2018 update to the spin-offgamePokémon Go.Let's Go, Pikachu! andLet's Go, Eevee! include Meltan and Melmetal as playable Pokémon only through being transferred over fromPokémon Go.[31]
^Hisui was the ancient name for the region of Sinnoh
^Two Paradox Pokémon, Walking Wake and Iron Leaves, were added post-release in an online event starting 27 February 2023.[32]
^abcdefghijklmLegends: Arceus has no breeding mechanic.[46] Consequently Pichu, Cleffa, Togepi, Elekid, Magby, Budew, Chingling, Bonsly, Mime Jr., Happiny, Munchlax, Riolu, and Mantyke can only be found in the wild in that game.
^abcdAlthough Cranidos, Rampardos, Shieldon and Bastiodon are Fossil Pokémon, they are obtainable in the wild inLegends: Arceus.[43]
^Masuda, Junichi; Yoshida, Hironobu (24 September 2013)."Pokémon X and Y Interview with Game Freak" (Interview). Interviewed by Justin Berube and Josh Max. Nintendo World Report.Archived from the original on 26 January 2016. Retrieved30 January 2016.
^Staff, Pokémon Company International; Whitehill, Simcha; Neves, Lawrence; Frang, Katherine; Silvestri, Chris (17 November 2016).Encyclopedia. Hachette Children's Group. p. 30.ISBN978-1-40834-9-953.Archived from the original on 9 April 2023. Retrieved7 January 2018 – via Google Books.
^Staff, Pokémon Company International; Whitehill, Simcha; Neves, Lawrence; Frang, Katherine; Silvestri, Chris (17 November 2016).Encyclopedia. Hachette Children's Group. p. 151.ISBN978-1-40834-9-953.Archived from the original on 5 April 2023. Retrieved28 December 2017 – via Google Books.
