20 interesting facts about Pokémon

Author : Finn Mar 18,2025

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

Rhydon

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

A Fact About Spoink

Spoink

Spoink's adorable spring-like legs hold a secret: every jump increases its heartbeat. If it stops jumping, its heart stops.

Anime or Game?

Pokemon

Contrary to popular belief, the Pokémon video game predates the anime. The game launched in 1996, with the anime following in 1997.

Popularity

Pokemon

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 Pokémon That Changes Gender

20 interesting facts about Pokémon

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

20 interesting facts about Pokémon

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

Pink Delicacy

Slowpoke

In early games, Slowpoke tails were a valuable and highly prized delicacy.

No Deaths

pokemon

Surprisingly, no one dies in the Pokémon universe. Battles end with unconsciousness or trainer surrender, never death.

Capumon

Capumon

"Pokémon" wasn't the original name; the franchise began as "Capsule Monsters" (Capumon).

A Fact About Drifloon

Drifloon

Drifloon, a Ghost-type balloon Pokémon, is formed from accumulated souls. It seeks children for companionship, sometimes abducting those who mistake it for a regular balloon.

A Fact About Cubone

Cubone

Cubone's mask is its deceased mother's skull, a poignant detail that explains its mournful cries, especially under a full moon.

A Fact About Yamask

Yamask

Yamask is a Ghost-type Pokémon that was once human, retaining memories of its past life. Wearing its mask allows its deceased personality to take control.

A Bit About Satoshi Tajiri

Satoshi Tajiri

Pokémon creator Satoshi Tajiri was a child naturalist whose passion for bugs and video games inspired the franchise.

Pokémon Are Intelligent Beings

Meowth

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

Clefairy

Pokémon often live in societies with complex rituals. Clefairy's moon worship and Quagsire's full moon games are prime examples.

The Oldest Sport

Pokémon

Pokémon trainer battles have a long history, potentially dating back centuries, as evidenced by ancient artifacts.

Arcanine and Its Legendary Status

Arcanine

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

The Rarest Type

Ice type

Despite newer types, Ice-type Pokémon remain surprisingly rare.

Pokémon GO

Pokémon GO

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

A Fact About Phantump

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 world of Pokémon, highlighting both its lighthearted and darker aspects.