Pokémon has captivated fans since the ’90s and continues to dominate across various platforms – games, cards, movies, and TV shows! With over 1,000 distinct Pokémon species, this universe is filled with unique discoveries.
We’ve compiled a list of 49 amazing Pokémon facts, covering its development, creators, and the captivating creatures themselves.
Get ready to dive into this treasure trove of Pokémon knowledge and see if your favorite fact makes the list!
1. Pokémon Emerged as a Video Game in 1996
Pokémon, a creation by Satoshi Tajiri, originated in Japan as a video game in 1996. With his fondness for collecting insects as a child, Tajiri dreamed up a game where players could gather and swap creatures, reminiscent of his bug-collecting days.
The game quickly became a hit by allowing players to participate in the exciting world of Pokémon, engaging with numerous games developed by Nintendo and Game Freak.
2. The Word “Pokémon” Combines “Pocket” and “Monsters”
Inherent in the name, Pokémon signifies the idea of having pocket-sized creatures that you can catch, train, and battle with. These compact monsters are known as Pocket Monsters or simply, Pokémon.
3. Over 1000 Pokémon Species Await You!
Among the vast Pokémon universe, you’ll find over 1000 diverse species! Can you picture catching and training companions like Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, and Rhydon? Share your favorites with us!
4. You can trade Pokémon cards
Experience the thrill of Pokémon battles through the engaging trading card game. Collect your favorite Pokémon cards, trade them for superior ones, and create an unstoppable deck. Feel confident and knowledgeable as you strategize your way to victory with your customized collection in the world of Pokémon.
5. Gotta Catch ‘Em All is the famous phrase!
You might already know that the popular phrase, “Gotta Catch ‘Em All,” pushes Pokémon enthusiasts to collect every single Pokémon out there. For you, to hold the esteemed title of Pokémon Master, your mission involves discovering and training all these diverse creatures.
6. Catch Pokémon in the Real World
With the game Pokémon Go on your phone, you can use GPS technology to catch Pokémon in your surroundings. Step outside and explore to track down your favorite creatures. Take a quiz to find out which Pokémon best represents you. Happy hunting!
7. Pikachu is very popular!
Pikachu, the lovable Pokémon, steals hearts worldwide with its cute and friendly appearance. As a testament to its popularity, Pikachu even has a dedicated parade in Japan’s Pokémon Centre. But, Charizard and Meowth are your favorites, right?
8. There are plenty of Pokémon movies and TV shows to experience!
The Pokémon movies bring thrilling adventures to the big screen, starring Ash, Pikachu, and their friends as they save the day while encountering legendary Pokémon.
Similarly, the Pokémon animated TV show offers an ongoing journey alongside Ash Ketchum, who dreams of becoming a Pokémon Master.
9. Poké Balls: The Key to Catching and Storing Pokémon
Poké Balls are essential tools for Trainers like you, allowing you to capture and store your Pokémon securely. These magical containers safely keep your Pokémon ready for battles whenever needed. As a Trainer, you’ll appreciate their importance in your adventures with Satoshi Tajiri‘s creations, Red and Blue.
10. Pokémon Is All About Friendship and Teamwork
In the world of Pokémon, trainers and their Pokémon form strong bonds, becoming best friends and working together to overcome challenges. This companionship transcends the games and teaches valuable life lessons about collaboration and partnership.
The Pokémon universe offers endless excitement, showcasing the importance of friendship and teamwork in achieving greatness with helpful guidance from characters like Professor Oak.
11. The Pokémon Ban in Saudi Arabia
At one point, Saudi Arabia implemented a ban on Pokémon due to concerns about it promoting polytheism — the belief in more than one god — and other controversial content. However, Pokémon has since become available in the country, albeit only in English. Fortunately, over time, attitudes have shifted, allowing a younger generation of fans to enjoy this popular franchise.
12. Understanding Pikachu: A Blend of Sparkles and Mouse Noises
Pikachu’s name may seem peculiar, but it’s actually derived from two Japanese words. “Pikapika” signifies ‘sparkle’ or ‘glitter,’ while ‘chu’ comes from ‘chuchu,’ mimicking the sound a mouse makes. Combining these terms, you get the catchy name, Pikachu, which translates loosely to “Sparkly Mouse Noise.” Indeed, this beloved Pokémon resembles a mouse, further emphasizing the connection to its whimsical name.
13. Lots of Pokémon Names Are Puns
Many Pokémon names cleverly combine words or ideas related to their abilities or appearances. Take Mimikyu, for example, which can “mimic you” with its powers. Sudowoodo’s name blends “pseudo wood,” highlighting its fake wood-like appearance. Squirtle, a turtle capable of squirting water, fuses “squirt” and “turtle.” Charmander, a fire Pokémon that can char its opponents, combines “char” and “salamander.” As you explore the Pokémon universe, pay attention to these witty names and see what other puns you can discover.
14. Pokémon was created by a video game designer called Satoshi Tajiri in 1995
In 1990, Satoshi Tajiri envisioned a game that would connect two Game Boys, inspired by their communication capabilities. Although initially misunderstood, Tajiri persevered, and without taking a salary, he eventually saw Pokémon come to life in 1995. This game allowed players, known as Pokémon Trainers, to capture and train fictional creatures to battle each other. Created by a partnership between Satoshi Tajiri and Nintendo, Pokémon became a massive success worldwide.
15. The Scrapped Dolly the Sheep-Inspired Pokémon
You might recall Dolly, an extraordinary sheep who made history as the first cloned mammal in 1996. Surprisingly, there were plans to create a Pokémon character influenced by Dolly. However, this idea didn’t come to fruition. Instead, there is a sheep Pokémon named Wooloo, but it’s not explicitly based on Dolly.
16. The Origins of the “Gotta Catch ‘Em All” Philosophy
As a Pokémon trainer, you may wonder where the “Gotta Catch ‘Em All” mantra comes from. The creator of Pokémon, Satoshi, was inspired by his own childhood experiences. He spent countless hours in his garden, discovering and collecting various bugs and insects. This passion even led his friends to nickname him “Dr. Bug,” and he once aspired to be an entomologist. Fortunately for Pokémon fans, Satoshi chose to pursue a career in video games, ultimately leading to the creation of the Pokémon world and the ambitious pursuit of becoming a Pokémon master.
17. Pokémon Card Phenomenon: 30 Billion Cards and Counting
Pokémon cards have undeniably left a massive impact on the trading card landscape. Since their introduction in 1998, over 30 billion cards have been sold, captivating players with diverse characters and gameplay. With the staggering number of cards in existence, it’s no wonder that some rare cards fetch a pretty penny. Truly, Pokémon cards have transcended the video game realm, forging their own path through worldwide tournaments and an ever-growing community.
18. It’s Hard to Say What the First Pokémon Ever Created Was
Despite Pikachu’s popularity, it wasn’t the first Pokémon designed. Identifying the original creation is challenging, with suggestions ranging from Rhydon, Arceus, Lapras, to Clefairy. As you consider these options, keep in mind that the true origin of the first Pokémon design may forever remain a mystery.
19. Only Mario has sold more video games than Pokémon
Pokémon’s popularity is undeniable, with various types and scenarios to explore in the games. Surpassing numerous franchises, only Mario has sold more video games than Pokémon, showcasing its lasting appeal for over two decades.
20. Gold and Silver: The Pokémon Finale That Never Was
Created by a team of four programmers, Pokémon Gold and Silver were meant to be the last games in the series in 1999. However, overwhelming praise convinced the creators to continue the series. It’s difficult to envision the Pokémon world without the beloved Nintendo console and Game Boy editions that followed.
21. Pokeball Colors: A Surprising Connection to Campbell’s Soup Cans
Believe it or not, Pokeballs were designed to resemble soup cans, specifically Campbell’s tomato soup cans featured in Andy Warhol’s iconic artwork. This intriguing inspiration for the popular Pokemon accessory may leave you perplexed, but once you’ve noticed the connection, it’s hard to unsee it.
22. The island of Niue in the South Pacific has put Pikachu on a coin!
Back in 2001, Niue, a small island in the South Pacific, celebrated its love for Pokémon by minting a special edition coin featuring Pikachu. So, if you’re on Niue, you can actually make purchases using this unique Pikachu coin.
23. Ash’s Pokémon was originally meant to be a Clefairy, not Pikachu!
Believe it or not, Ash’s first Pokémon was initially planned to be a Clefairy. Just like Pikachu, Clefairies are adorable, tiny, and easy to carry around. However, the name “Detective Clefairy” lacks the appeal that “Detective Pikachu” holds for fans.
24. Pokémon Inspired by Classic Japanese Tales and Myths
Within the world of Pokémon, several creatures trace their roots to classic Japanese myths and folklore. For example, Froslass finds inspiration from a chilling tale of a frosty vampire lady. Despite its cuteness, Lotad originates from the Kappa, a water-dwelling creature known for holding water on top of its head. And Vulpix and Ninetales take after Kitsune, the cunning fox beings that possess multiple tails. Such inspirations enrich the Pokémon universe, showcasing diverse origins from Japanese culture.
25. Lots of Celebs Love Pokémon
Famous personalities such as Keke Palmer, Trevor Noah, and Demi Lovato share your enthusiasm for the Pokémon franchise. It’s not uncommon to find them enjoying Pokémon Go, with Trevor even spotted on a park bench, immersed in the game.
26. Detective Pikachu’s Hat: The Iconic Deerstalker
You might have wondered about Detective Pikachu’s choice of hat. It’s a deerstalker, the same type famously worn by Sherlock Holmes. This pays homage to the legendary detective and his influence on the character.
27. Brief Ban of Pokémon TV Series in Sweden
In Sweden, it was once considered illegal to air the Pokémon TV series due to its connections with games and merchandise. This stemmed from the fact that advertising to children is not allowed in the country. Despite the series now being available to Swedish viewers, the iconic catchphrase “Gotta Catch ‘Em All!” is not included, as it is viewed as an indirect promotion for children to collect Pokémon products in real life.
28. Many Dubs Feature a Female Voice for Ash
It’s worth noting that Ash’s voice in various dubs is often provided by women, considering his youthful age. Notable voice actors include Rika Matsumoto and Hana Takeda in Japanese and Veronica Taylor in English. However, in other language dubs, such as Portuguese and Spanish, Ash is voiced by male actors. An interesting tidbit about Ash’s name is its playful connection to the Pokémon catchphrase—Ketchum resembles “Catch ’em” as in “Catch ‘Em All!”
29. The Anime Was Initially Planned for a Single Season
Contrary to what you might expect, the Pokémon anime was initially meant to be a short series to promote the game in the 90s. Nevertheless, the incredible popularity of the show led to over 20 series and 23 films, making it one of the longest running anime series of all time.
30. Ash’s Japanese Name Echoes the Franchise Creator’s Name
Ash Ketchum, a prominent character in the Pokémon world, shares his Japanese name, Satoshi, with the franchise’s creator. This similarity may stem from the creator’s identification with Ash’s qualities, as both are known for their honesty, loyalty, and enthusiasm for discovering peculiar creatures on their journey.
31. Over 88 Billion Pokémon Captured in Pokémon Go
Quite a feat, isn’t it? You and millions of other trainers have collectively caught over 88 billion Pokémon in Pokémon Go. Though it may seem daunting, remember that catching every Pokémon isn’t really possible, as some rare and older ones aren’t even available in the game. Nonetheless, you can still have a blast trying to track down all those Pokémon that are out there!
32. The Smallest Pokémon: Flabébé
You might be surprised to know that the tiniest Pokémon is Flabébé, measuring a mere 10cm in height. Don’t be fooled by its size; this charming flower Pokémon prefers companionship over battling. You can find them perched on flowers, drawing rejuvenating powers from their floral friends.
33. And the Largest One is Eternatus!
Eternatus, inspired by the concept of eternity, stands as a formidable dragon Pokémon reaching up to 100 meters in height. To put that into perspective, imagine it towering almost one-third the height of the Eiffel Tower! Flaunting a menacing, skeletal appearance, Eternatus is definitely not a Pokémon you’d want to provoke.
34. Pokémon Go App Downloaded by Approximately 750 Million People
Pokémon Go is a captivating game that encourages you to explore the outdoors, and its appeal has led to the app being downloaded nearly 750 million times. Its combination of fun gameplay and real-world exploration has resonated with millions of players worldwide, consistently capturing their attention and enthusiasm.
35. Pokémon: The First Movie’s Studio Considered Celeb Voiceovers
Imagine a world where Pokémon: The First Movie featured Leonardo DiCaprio voicing Ash. In an attempt to boost ticket sales, the studio considered replacing all voice actors with celebrities. Envision Leo delivering Ash’s lines with his iconic flair.
36. In Detective Pikachu, Ryme City is Based on London
Ryme City, the setting in Detective Pikachu, takes inspiration from London and even features some scenes filmed there. This connection cleverly pays homage to the Sherlock Holmes stories, which laid the groundwork for the film’s concept.
37. Ken Watanabe’s Unique Contribution to the Japanese Dub
You may recognize Ken Watanabe from movies like Transformers, Godzilla, and Batman. His bilingual skills allowed him to dub his own voice for the Japanese version, showcasing his versatile talents.
38. There are some really weird Pokémon
In the world of Pokémon, you’ll come across several peculiar creatures. Take Trubbish, for example, it’s literally a bag of rubbish. Then there’s Burmy, an odd bug that conceals itself among various objects. Lastly, consider Mega Mawile with its extra head emerging from its ponytail, inspired by a Japanese legend. Just imagine being the creative mind behind these bizarre characters!
39. Pokémon Red & Blue’s European Debut: Three Years Later
Although Pokémon Red and Blue arrived in Europe years after their Japanese release, they still made a strong impact. Despite appearing somewhat dated, your enthusiasm for these games remained undiminished, proving the enduring appeal of the Pokémon franchise.
40. Misty and Jessie Share a Voice Actor in the English Dub
It might surprise you to learn that Misty and Jessie, two seemingly different characters, are both brought to life by the same voice actor. Rachel Lillis lends her voice to both of these characters in the English version of the Pokémon series. So, the next time you watch the show, pay close attention to their voices and see if you can spot the shared talent behind them.
41. Some of the Rarest Pokémon Cards Valued at Over $100,000!
Did you know that the Pokémon card world has treasured rarities worth stunning amounts? Among these prized cards is the No. 1 Trainer card which fetched an impressive $90,000 in 2020 with just a few known to exist. Other coveted cards include a 1999 Charizard, a unique 24-carat gold Pikachu card, and a rare Blastoise card. Don’t underestimate the value of cards you might own—search in your old collections; they might be worth more than you think!
42. Team Rocket’s Hidden Acronym: “Raid On the City, Knock Out, Evil Tusks”
You might be familiar with Team Rocket and their mischievous duo, Jessie and James. However, did you ever question the meaning behind their name? Surprisingly, the word “Rocket” is an acronym, representing “Raid on City, Knock Out, Evil Tusks.” The reason behind this choice remains uncertain. Additionally, Team Rocket’s guiding principle states, “Steal Pokémon for profit. Exploit Pokémon for profit. All Pokémon exist for the glory of Team Rocket.” Clearly, their intentions are far from noble.
43. Nearly 1,000 Distinct Pokémon Species Awaits You
Diving into the Pokémon world, you’ll encounter a vast variety with nearly 1,000 unique species, spread across 18 different types. Initially, there were 151 species, but the number has steadily increased over the years to 898. With new discoveries waiting to be made, your Pokémon journey is sure to be an exciting adventure.
44. Mewtwo: Designed as the Ultimate Pokémon Powerhouse
Mewtwo, a genetically engineered Psychic Pokémon, was initially created to surpass Mew in power. Possessing impressive telekinetic abilities, Mewtwo was once considered the pinnacle of Pokémon strength. However, in recent years, other Pokémon like Arceus, Rayquaza, and Ho-Oh have emerged, challenging Mewtwo’s dominance. Despite this, Mewtwo remains a formidable force in the Pokémon world, and its prowess should not be underestimated.
45. A Total of 23 Animated Pokémon Films So Far
You might be amazed to know that up until now, 23 animated Pokémon films have been released. Starting from the aptly titled Pokémon: The First Movie, the series continues to impress fans with its latest 2020 release, Pokémon: Secrets of the Jungle, starring Ash, Team Rocket, and Meowth.
46. Identifying Female Pikachu by the Shape of Their Tails
When encountering a Pikachu, you can easily distinguish its gender by observing its tail. Male Pikachu possess a classic lightning bolt shaped tail. In contrast, female Pikachu have a small indentation at the top, giving their tails a heart-like appearance. Consequently, this distinctive characteristic indicates that Ash’s Pikachu is male.
47. ‘Kanto’ is based on a real region in Japan, also called Kanto
You might be surprised to learn that Kanto, the Pokémon world, has its roots in a real-life region in Japan, also known as Kanto. Situated on Honshu, Japan’s largest island, Kanto houses Tokyo and other prominent cities. The term “Kanto” translates to “East of the Barrier,” and Pokémon’s Saffron City draws inspiration from Tokyo. This fact showcases the connection between the Pokémon universe and reality, specifically within the enigmatic Lavender Town.
48. Splash Move: More of a “Hop” Than a Splash
While the name “Splash” brings water to mind, Magikarp’s signature move isn’t always associated with it. In fact, using Splash on land typically results in a mere flop, which honestly isn’t that intimidating. Splash highlights Magikarp’s limited capabilities during battles, demonstrating its ineffectiveness.
Although initially exclusive to Magikarp, the Splash move—originally called “Hop” in Japanese—has expanded to include non-water Pokémon in various environments. So, when you witness a Nidoqueen, Nidorino, or Nidoking perform a “Splash,” don’t be surprised, as they’re actually just hopping around!
49. The Diversity of Pokémon: 18 Distinct Types
You might be surprised to learn that there are 18 unique Pokémon types: Fire, Dark, Ice, Fighting, Rock, Steel, Poison, Psychic, Flying, Ground, Electric, Fairy, Water, Bug, Grass, Dragon, Ghost, and Normal. Although being a Normal Pokémon might seem unremarkable, each type holds its own special qualities and abilities.