The world of Pokémon is brimming with secrets and fascinating details often overlooked. 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

While many assume Pikachu or Bulbasaur was the first Pokémon created, the truth is surprising: 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 design influenced subsequent 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 series' 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

This Ghost-type Pokémon absorbs negative emotions like anger and resentment. While seemingly beneficial, Banette stores these emotions for later use, fueled by its vengeful desire for the person who discarded it as a doll.

Pink Delicacy

Beyond battling, some Pokémon are food sources. In early games, Slowpoke tails were a highly valued and expensive delicacy.

No Deaths

Surprisingly, no Pokémon die in battles. Fights end with unconsciousness or trainer surrender, not fatalities.

Capumon

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

A Fact About Drifloon

This Ghost-type balloon Pokémon is formed from accumulated souls, expanding as it gathers more. It seeks children for companionship, sometimes abducting those who mistake it for a regular balloon, preferring lighter children.

A Fact About Cubone

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

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.

A Bit About Satoshi Tajiri

Pokémon creator Satoshi Tajiri was a childhood naturalist, whose passion for insects and video games shaped the Pokémon universe.

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 societal structures and rituals. Clefairy worships the moon and Moon Stone, while Quagsire's full-moon rituals have influenced nearby human settlements. Bulbasaur possess a hierarchical society and a legendary evolution ceremony.

The Oldest Sport

Pokémon trainer battles have a centuries-long history, as evidenced by ancient artifacts like the Winner's Cup. The tradition's roots may extend back millennia.

Arcanine and Its Legendary Status

Arcanine was initially intended to be a key Pokémon, but this plan was ultimately abandoned.

The Rarest Type

Despite newer types, Ice-type Pokémon remain the rarest.

Pokémon GO

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

A Fact About Phantump

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

These 20 facts offer a glimpse into the rich and often surprising lore of the Pokémon universe, showcasing both its wondrous and melancholic aspects.