20 interesting facts about Pokémon

The world of Pokémon is brimming with secrets and fascinating details often overlooked. Let's uncover 20 intriguing Pokémon facts you might find captivating.

Table of Contents

• The First Pokémon Wasn't Pikachu
• A Fact About Spoink
• Anime or Game?
• Popularity
• A Pokémon That Changes Gender
• An Interesting Fact About Banette
• Pink Delicacy
• No Deaths
• Capumon
• A Fact About Drifloon
• A Fact About Cubone
• A Fact About Yamask
• A Bit About Satoshi Tajiri
• Pokémon Are Intelligent Beings
• Society and Rituals
• The Oldest Sport
• Arcanine and Its Legendary Status
• The Rarest Type
• Pokémon GO
• A Fact About Phantump

The First Pokémon Wasn't Pikachu

Many assume Pikachu or Bulbasaur was the first Pokémon created, but the truth is surprising. The creators revealed that Rhydon was the very first character designed.

A Fact About Spoink

Spoink's adorable yet unusual spring-like legs hold a secret. Every jump increases its heart rate due to the impact. If it stops jumping, its heart stops.

Anime or Game?

Contrary to popular belief, the Pokémon video game predates the anime. The game launched in 1996, with the anime following in 1997. The anime's slightly different Pokémon designs influenced subsequent game iterations.

Popularity

Pokémon games are global phenomena. For instance, Pokémon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire (2014) sold 10.5 million copies worldwide, while Pokémon X/Y (2012) reached 13.9 million. Their paired releases contribute to their widespread success.

A Pokémon That Changes Gender

Azurill boasts the unique ability to change gender. A female Azurill has a 33% chance of evolving into a male, highlighting the series' unique mechanics.

An Interesting Fact About Banette

Banette, a Ghost-type Pokémon, absorbs negative emotions like anger and resentment. While seemingly beneficial, it uses these absorbed emotions for its own purposes, seeking revenge on whoever discarded it as a toy.

Pink Delicacy

Beyond battling, Pokémon serve as food sources. In early games, Slowpoke tails were a prized delicacy and highly valuable commodity.

No Deaths

Surprisingly, no Pokémon die in battles. Fights end when a Pokémon faints or a trainer surrenders, preventing any fatalities within the Pokémon universe.

Capumon

"Capumon" was the original name for Pokémon, short for "Capsule Monsters." The name was later changed to the now-iconic "Pokémon."

A Fact About Drifloon

Drifloon, a Ghost-type balloon Pokémon, is formed from collected souls. Its body expands as it gathers more souls, and bursting releases a screeching sound. It targets children for companionship, preferring lighter children.

A Fact About Cubone

Cubone's mask is its mother's skull. Legend says it howls under the full moon, mourning its mother. Its cries cause the skull to vibrate, emitting a sorrowful sound.

A Fact About Yamask

Yamask, a Ghost-type Pokémon, was once human and retains memories of its past life. Wearing its mask allows its deceased personality to take control, sometimes causing it to weep for its former existence.

A Bit About Satoshi Tajiri

Pokémon creator Satoshi Tajiri was a child naturalist, whose passion for insects and video games inspired the Pokémon concept—creatures that could be caught, befriended, and trained.

Pokémon Are Intelligent Beings

Many Pokémon understand human speech and communicate with each other. Gastly and Team Rocket's Meowth are notable exceptions, capable of speaking human languages.

Society and Rituals

Pokémon often live in societies with unique rituals. Clefairy worships the moon and Moon Stone, while Quagsire's full-moon games have influenced nearby human settlements. Bulbasaur's society has a complex hierarchy and a legendary evolution ceremony.

The Oldest Sport

Pokémon trainer battles have a long history, possibly dating back centuries, as evidenced by ancient artifacts like the Winner's Cup.

Arcanine and Its Legendary Status

Arcanine was initially planned as a key Pokémon, even featured in an anime episode, but never achieved legendary status in the games.

The Rarest Type

Despite later additions, the Ice type remains the rarest Pokémon type.

Pokémon GO

The popularity of Pokémon GO led to businesses using in-game locations for promotions, sometimes requiring purchases to participate.

A Fact About Phantump

Phantump is the spirit of a lost child inhabiting a tree stump. It lures adults into the forest with its human-like cries.

These 20 facts offer a glimpse into the rich and sometimes dark lore of the Pokémon universe, showcasing the depth and detail within this beloved franchise.