20 interesting facts about Pokémon

Author: Jacob Mar 18,2025

The world of Pokémon is brimming with secrets and fascinating details often overlooked. Let's explore 20 intriguing Pokémon facts that might 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

Rhydon

Many assume Pikachu or Bulbasaur was the first Pokémon created. Surprisingly, the creators revealed that Rhydon holds that honor.

A Fact About Spoink

Spoink

Spoink's adorable spring-like legs hold a surprising secret. Every jump increases its heart rate due to the impact. If it stops jumping, its heart stops.

Anime or Game?

Pokemon

The Pokémon anime debuted in 1997, a year after the first game. The game came first, with the anime adapting and slightly altering the Pokémon designs.

Popularity

Pokemon

Pokémon games are global phenomena. Pokémon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire (2014) sold 10.5 million copies, while Pokémon X/Y (2012) sold an impressive 13.9 million.

A Pokémon That Changes Gender

20 interesting facts about Pokémon

Azurill boasts 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

This Ghost-type Pokémon absorbs negative emotions like anger and resentment. While seemingly helpful, Banette likely stores these emotions for later use. It's a discarded doll seeking revenge on its former owner.

Pink Delicacy

Slowpoke

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

No Deaths

pokemon

Surprisingly, no one dies in the Pokémon world. Battles end with unconsciousness or surrender, not death.

Capumon

Capumon

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

A Fact About Drifloon

Drifloon

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

A Fact About Cubone

Cubone

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

A Fact About Yamask

Yamask

Yamask is a Ghost-type Pokémon that was once human. Wearing its mask allows its deceased personality to take control.

A Bit About Satoshi Tajiri

Satoshi Tajiri

Pokémon creator Satoshi Tajiri was a childhood naturalist with a passion for video games, merging his love of nature and gaming into the Pokémon concept.

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 worships the moon, while Quagsire has moon-related rituals. Bulbasaur has a hierarchical society with a legendary evolution ceremony.

The Oldest Sport

Pokémon

Pokémon trainer battles have a centuries-long history, evidenced by ancient artifacts.

Arcanine and Its Legendary Status

Arcanine

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

The Rarest Type

Ice type

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

Pokémon GO

Pokémon GO

The game's popularity led to businesses using Pokémon GO as a marketing tool, offering incentives for catching Pokémon on their premises.

A Fact About Phantump

Phantump

Phantump is the spirit of a lost child inhabiting a tree stump. It lures adults into the forest.

These 20 facts offer a glimpse into the rich lore and surprising details of the Pokémon universe, revealing both heartwarming and haunting aspects of this beloved world.