The world of Pokémon is brimming with fascinating secrets, many unknown to even the most dedicated trainers. This article unveils 20 intriguing Pokémon facts you might find surprising.
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 perhaps Bulbasaur, was the first Pokémon created. However, the creators revealed that Rhydon was the very first character designed.
A Fact About Spoink
Spoink's adorable yet unusual appearance—a spring instead of legs—holds a surprising secret. Each jump increases its heartbeat due to the impact. If it stops jumping, its heart stops.
Anime or Game?
While many first encountered Pokémon through the anime, the truth is the games came first. The games launched in 1996, with the anime following in 1997. The anime's Pokémon designs slightly differed, influencing later 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. The paired releases contribute significantly to the franchise's success.
A Pokémon That Changes Gender
Azurill possesses the unique ability to change gender. A female Azurill has a 33% chance of evolving into a male, highlighting the game's surprising mechanics.
An Interesting Fact About Banette
Banette, a Ghost-type Pokémon, absorbs negative emotions like anger and resentment. While this might seem beneficial, it stores these emotions for later use, adding a dark twist to its abilities. Its origin as a discarded toy fuels its vengeful pursuit of its former owner.
Pink Delicacy
Beyond battling, Pokémon also serve as a food source. In early games, Slowpoke tails were a highly valued and expensive delicacy.
No Deaths
Surprisingly, no Pokémon die in battles. Fights end when a Pokémon faints or its trainer surrenders, avoiding any fatal consequences.
Capumon
"Pokémon" wasn't the original name; it was "Capumon," short for "Capsule Monsters." The name evolved to the now-iconic "Pokémon."
A Fact About Drifloon
Drifloon, a Ghost-type balloon Pokémon, is formed from accumulated souls. Its body expands as it gathers more, and bursting releases a screech. It targets children for companionship, but avoids heavier children due to its own lightness.
A Fact About Cubone
Cubone's mask holds a tragic secret: it's the skull of its deceased mother. Under the full moon, its mournful cries echo its loss.
A Fact About Yamask
Yamask, another Ghost-type Pokémon, was once human and retains memories of its past life. Wearing its mask allows its deceased personality to take control.
A Bit About Satoshi Tajiri
Pokémon creator Satoshi Tajiri's childhood passion for insect collecting and later video games heavily influenced the franchise's development.
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 exhibit complex social structures and rituals. Clefairy's moon worship and Quagsire's full-moon games illustrate this. Bulbasaur's society even includes a hierarchical structure 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 considered a key Pokémon for the series, but this plan was later abandoned.
The Rarest Type
Despite newer types, Ice remains the rarest Pokémon type.
Pokémon GO
The game's popularity led to businesses using it as a marketing tool, offering Pokémon-catching incentives to customers.
A Fact About Phantump
Phantump's origin lies in a lost child's spirit inhabiting a tree stump. Its human-like cries lure adults deeper into the forest.
These 20 facts offer a glimpse into the rich and often surprising lore of the Pokémon world.
