The world of Pokémon is brimming with secrets and fascinating details often overlooked. Let's explore 20 intriguing facts that will surprise even seasoned trainers.
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 holds that title, the truth is surprising. The very first Pokémon designed was Rhydon.
A Fact About Spoink

Spoink's adorable spring-like legs hold a surprising secret. Every hop 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.
Popularity

Pokémon's global popularity is undeniable. Games like Pokémon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire (2014) sold over 10.5 million copies, while Pokémon X/Y (2012) reached 13.9 million.
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, driven by its vengeful past as a discarded toy.
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 with unconsciousness or trainer surrender, not fatalities.
Capumon

Before "Pokémon," the franchise was known as "Capumon," short for "Capsule Monsters."
A Fact About Drifloon

This Ghost-type balloon Pokémon is formed from collected souls. Its body expands as it gathers more, eventually exploding with a screech. It targets children for companionship, preferring lighter ones.
A Fact About Cubone

Cubone's mask is not a trophy, but its deceased mother's skull. Legend says it howls under the full moon, mourning its loss.
A Fact About Yamask

Yamask is a Ghost-type Pokémon that was once human. Wearing its mask unleashes its past personality, sometimes causing it to weep for its former life.
A Bit About Satoshi Tajiri

Pokémon creator Satoshi Tajiri was a childhood naturalist, inspiring the game's concept of collecting and befriending creatures.
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's moon worship and Quagsire's full moon games are prime examples.
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 legendary Pokémon, but this idea was later abandoned.
The Rarest Type

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

The game's popularity led to businesses using in-game locations as marketing tools, offering Pokémon catches 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 cries.
These 20 facts offer a glimpse into the rich and often surprising lore of the Pokémon universe.