20 interesting facts about Pokémon

The world of Pokémon is brimming with fascinating secrets, many unknown to even the most dedicated trainers. Let's explore 20 intriguing facts that will surprise even seasoned Pokémon masters.

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 holds the title of the first Pokémon ever created. Surprisingly, 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. Each jump increases its heart rate due to the impact. If Spoink 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 design influenced later game iterations.

Popularity

Pokémon games are global phenomena. Pokémon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire (2014) sold 10.5 million copies, while Pokémon X/Y (2012) reached 13.9 million—a testament to the franchise's enduring appeal.

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.

An Interesting Fact About Banette

Banette, a Ghost-type Pokémon, absorbs negative emotions like anger and resentment. It stores these emotions, potentially using them later for revenge—a discarded toy seeking retribution against its former owner.

Pink Delicacy

Beyond battling, Pokémon serve as a food source. In early games, Slowpoke tails were a highly prized delicacy.

No Deaths

Battles in the Pokémon world result in unconsciousness or trainer surrender, never death.

Capumon

"Pokémon" wasn't the original name; it was initially "Capumon," short for "Capsule Monsters."

A Fact About Drifloon

Drifloon, a Ghost-type balloon Pokémon, is formed from accumulated souls. Its body expands as it gathers more, exploding with a screech upon bursting. It targets children for companionship, but avoids heavier ones.

A Fact About Cubone

Cubone's mask is its mother's skull. Legend says it howls under the full moon, mourning its loss.

A Fact About Yamask

Yamask was once human, retaining memories of its past life. Wearing its mask unleashes its deceased personality.

A Bit About Satoshi Tajiri

Pokémon creator Satoshi Tajiri was a childhood naturalist, inspiring the game's core concept.

Pokémon Are Intelligent Beings

Many Pokémon understand human speech and communicate amongst themselves. 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 worships the moon, while Quagsire's full-moon rituals have influenced nearby human settlements.

The Oldest Sport

Pokémon trainer battles have a history spanning hundreds of years, as evidenced by ancient artifacts.

Arcanine and Its Legendary Status

Arcanine was initially planned as a key Pokémon, but this idea was ultimately abandoned.

The Rarest Type

Despite later additions, the Ice type remains the rarest.

Pokémon GO

The game's popularity led to businesses using Pokémon GO as a marketing tool, offering in-game rewards to customers.

A Fact About Phantump

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

These 20 facts offer a glimpse into the rich and often surprising lore of the Pokémon universe.