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Dennō Senshi Porygon

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"Dennō Senshi Porygon"
Pokémon episode
Episode no.
Season 1
 Episode 38
Directed by
Kiyotaka Isako
Written by
Junki Takegami
Production code
138
Original air date
December 16, 1997
Episode chronology

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"Dennō Senshi Porygon" (でんのうせんしポリゴン Dennō Senshi Porigon?, literally "Computer Soldier Porygon", although most commonly known as "Electric Soldier Porygon") is the thirty-eighth episode of the Pokémon anime's first season. Its only broadcast was in Japan on December 16, 1997. In the episode, Ash and his friends find at the local Pokémon Center that there is something wrong with the Poké Ball transmitting device. To find out what's wrong, they must go inside the machine.
The episode is infamous for using visual effects that caused seizures in a substantial number of Japanese viewers, an incident referred to as the "Pokémon Shock" (ポケモンショック Pokémon Shokku?) by the Japanese press. Six hundred and eighty-five viewers were taken to hospitals; two people remained hospitalized for more than two weeks. Due to this, the episode has not been rebroadcast worldwide. After the shock, the Pokémon anime went into a four-month hiatus, and it returned on TV Tokyo in April 1998. Since then, the episode has been parodied and referenced in cultural media, including The Simpsons and South Park.

Contents
  [hide] 1 Plot
2 Reception and controversy
3 Aftermath
4 Cultural impact
5 See also
6 References
7 External links
Plot[edit]
Ash, Misty, Brock, and Pikachu discover that the system used to transfer Pokémon from one Pokémon Center to the other is malfunctioning. On Nurse Joy's request, they go to Professor Akihabara, the one who created the Poké Ball transfer system. He tells them that Team Rocket stole his prototype Porygon, a digital Pokémon that can exist in cyberspace, and is using it to steal trainers' Pokémon from inside the computer system.
Akihabara sends Ash, Misty, Brock, Pikachu, and his second Porygon into the system to stop Team Rocket, whom they learn have set up a blockade that stops Pokéballs from traveling the network. Porygon is able to defeat Team Rocket's Porygon, but Nurse Joy, monitoring the situation, has sent an anti-virus program into the system to combat what she thinks is a computer virus. Pikachu uses a Thunderbolt attack on the program, which manifests as "vaccine missiles", which causes an explosion. The group and Team Rocket successfully escape the computer, and with Team Rocket's blockade removed, the system returns to normal.
Reception and controversy[edit]

File:Denno.ogg


 One of the scenes reported to trigger epileptic seizures.
"Dennō Senshi Porygon" aired in Japan on December 16, 1997 at 6:30 PM Japan Standard Time (09:30 UTC).[1] The episode, which was broadcast over thirty-seven TV stations that Tuesday night, held the highest ratings for its time slot,[1] and was watched by approximately 26.9 million households.[2][3]
Twenty minutes into the episode, there is a scene in which Pikachu stops vaccine missiles with its Thunderbolt attack, resulting in a huge explosion that flashes red and blue lights.[4] Although there were similar parts in the episode with red and blue flashes, an anime technique called "paka paka" made this scene extremely intense,[5] for these flashes were extremely bright strobe lights, with blinks at a rate of about 12 Hz for approximately six seconds.[6]
At this point, viewers started to complain of blurred vision, headaches, dizziness and nausea.[4][7] Some experienced seizures, blindness, convulsions and loss of consciousness.[4] Japan's Fire Defense Agency reported that a total of 685 viewers – 310 boys and 375 girls – were taken to hospitals by ambulances.[4][8] Although many victims recovered during the ambulance trip, more than 150 of them were admitted to hospitals.[4][8] Two people remained hospitalized for more than two weeks.[8] Some other people had seizures when parts of the scene were rebroadcast during news reports on the seizures.[7] Only a small fraction of the 685 children treated were diagnosed with photosensitive epilepsy.[9]
Later studies showed that 5–10% of the viewers had mild symptoms that did not need hospital treatment.[6] 12,000 children who did not get sent to hospital by ambulance reported mild symptoms of illness; however, their symptoms more closely resembled mass hysteria than a grand mal seizure.[4][10] A study following 103 patients over three years after the event found that most of them had no further seizures.[11] Scientists believe that the flashing lights triggered photosensitive seizures in which visual stimuli such as flashing lights can cause altered consciousness. Although approximately 1 in 4,000 people are susceptible to these types of seizures, the number of people affected by this Pokémon episode was unprecedented.[8]
An article in USA Today reassured parents that "American children aren't likely to suffer seizures provoked by TV cartoons", because U.S. networks "don't air the graphic Japanese cartoons known as 'anime'" with their "fast-paced style of animation".,[12] although anime has become more prevalent on American television since then. The incident, which was referred to as the "Pokémon Shock" (ポケモンショック Pokemon Shokku?) by the Japanese press,[13] was included in the 2004 edition and the 2008 Gamer's Edition of the Guinness World Records book, with the dubious honor of holding the record for "Most Photosensitive Epileptic Seizures Caused by a Television Show".[14][15]
Aftermath[edit]
News of the incident spread quickly through Japan. The following day the television station that had aired the episode, TV Tokyo, issued an apology to the Japanese people, suspended the program, and said it would investigate the cause of the seizures.[4] Officers from Atago Police Station were ordered by the National Police Agency to question the anime's producers about the show's contents and production process.[5] An emergency meeting was held by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, in which the case was discussed with experts and information collected from hospitals. Video retailers all over Japan removed the Pokémon anime from their rental shelves.[4]
Reaction was swift on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, and Nintendo's shares went down 400 yen (almost 5%) the following morning to 12,200 yen as news of the incident spread.[4][16] Nintendo produces the game upon which the Pokémon anime series is based. Then-president of Nintendo, Hiroshi Yamauchi, said at a press conference the day after the episode had aired that the video game company was not responsible since the original Pokémon game for its Game Boy product was presented in black and white.[16][17]
After the airing of "Dennō Senshi Porygon", the Pokémon anime went into a four-month hiatus until it returned in April 1998.[18][19] After the hiatus, the time slot changed from Tuesday to Thursday.[2] The opening theme was also redone, and black screens showing various Pokémon in spotlights were broken up into four images per screen. Before the seizure incident, the opening was originally one Pokémon image per screen.[2] Before the resumption of broadcast, "Problem Inspection Report on Pocket Monster Animated Series" (アニメ ポケットモンスター問題検証報告 Anime Poketto Monsutā Mondai Kenshō Hōkoku?) was shown. Broadcast in Japan on April 16, 1998, host Miyuki Yadama went over the circumstances of the program format and the on-screen advisories at the beginning of animated programs, as well as showing letters and fan drawings sent in by viewers, most of whom were concerned that the incident would lead to the anime being cancelled.[2] Many Japanese television broadcasters and medical officials came together to find ways to make sure the incident was not repeated. They established a series of guidelines for future animated programs,[8][20] including:
Flashing images, especially those with red, should not flicker faster than three times per second. If the image does not have red, it still should not flicker faster than five times per second.
Flashing images should not be displayed for a total duration of more than two seconds.
Stripes, whirls and concentric circles should not take up a large part of the television screen.
This episode kept the episodes "Rougela's Christmas" ("Holiday Hi-Jynx") and "Iwark as a Bivouac" ("Snow Way Out!") off their original broadcast date in Japan following the incident.
To prevent any similar incidents from reoccurring, the Japanese government made the decision to remove the episode permanently from future re-broadcasting and it has not aired since, not even outside of Japan. The episode was dubbed and altered in the United States by 4Kids Entertainment to slow down the flashing lights, but this was abandoned after the Japanese government banned it and was never broadcast.[21] Coincidentally, the episode aired around the same time Pokémon was being adapted for American audiences. 4Kids Entertainment took extra precaution in bright and flashing lights in the show, and altered lighting, and speed of lights for earlier episodes of their American release.
In an effort to put the event out of the public's minds and prevent trauma, the anime has not featured Porygon in any subsequent episodes.[22] As a consequence of this Porygon and its derivates suffered from major unpopularity among the fans of the series. Its second-generation evolution, Porygon2, is the only second-generation Pokémon to never make an appearance in the anime.[22] Its fourth-generation evolution, Porygon-Z, has not appeared in the anime either.[22] However, they appeared with Porygon in the beginning of the film Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice, in which all Pokémon (apart from Genesect) were shown. Writer Masaaki Iwane said recently in his blog that Porygon and its evolutions may mysteriously appear in a future episode.[23]
Cultural impact[edit]
An episode of South Park that first aired in November 1999, called "Chinpokomon", revolves around a Pokémon-like phenomenon, called Chinpokomon, which the children of South Park become obsessed with. Chinpokomon toys and video games are sold to American children in South Park by a Japanese company. The company's president, Mr. Hirohito, uses the toys to brainwash the American children, making them into his own army to topple the American government. These toys included a video game in which the player attempts to bomb Pearl Harbor. While playing this game, Kenny has an epileptic seizure and later dies, in reference to the Pokémon seizure incident.[19]
In The Simpsons episode "Thirty Minutes over Tokyo", the Simpson family takes a vacation in Japan. After arriving at their hotel in Tokyo, Bart is seen watching an anime entitled Battling Seizure Robots, in which he asks "Isn't this that cartoon that causes seizures?" again referencing the Pokémon seizure incident. The show in question features robots with rapidly flashing eyes, causing Bart, and soon the whole family to have seizures. The same flashing footage is shown over the episode's credits.
In the pilot episode of Drawn Together, Ling-Ling, who is a parody of the Pokémon Pikachu, states that his goal in the Drawn Together house is to "destroy all, and give children seizures". There follows a scene with flashing lights, a direct reference to this episode.[24] In So Yesterday, a novel by Scott Westerfeld, this episode is mentioned and shown to three of the characters, one of which ends up having a seizure as a result. The flashing red light that caused the seizure is also used in the story telling elements.[25]
See also[edit]

Portal icon Pokémon portal
Portal icon Anime and manga portal
List of Pokémon episodes
Pokémon episodes removed from rotation — information on other Pokémon episode controversies
YAT Anshin! Uchū Ryokō controversy — a similar incident


References[edit]
1.^ Jump up to: a b Sheryl, Wudunn (December 18, 1997). "TV Cartoon's Flashes Send 700 Japanese Into Seizures". New York Times. Retrieved 2008-10-19.
2.^ Jump up to: a b c d "ポケモン騒動を検証する" (in Japanese). TVアニメ資料館. Archived from the original on 2008-01-13. Retrieved 2008-11-02.
3.Jump up ^ "Policy Reports/Study Group/Broadcasting Bureau". Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. April 1998. Archived from the original on 2002-11-04. Retrieved 2008-11-02.
4.^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i Radford, Benjamin (May 2001). "Pokémon Panic of 1997". Skeptical Inquirer. Archived from the original on 2002-01-25. Retrieved 2008-11-02.
5.^ Jump up to: a b Wudunn, Sheryl (December 18, 1997). "TV Cartoon's Flashes Send 700 Japanese Into Seizures". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-11-21.
6.^ Jump up to: a b Takahashi, Takeo; Tsukahara, Yasuo (1998). "Pocket Monster incident and low luminance visual stimuli". Pediatrics International (Blackwell Science Asia) 40 (6): 631–637. doi:10.1111/j.1442-200X.1998.tb02006.x. ISSN 1328-8067. OCLC 40953034. Retrieved 2008-11-02.
7.^ Jump up to: a b "Japanese cartoon triggers seizures in hundreds of children". Reuters. 1997-12-17. Retrieved 2007-09-29.
8.^ Jump up to: a b c d e "Pokémon on the Brain". Neuroscience For Kids. March 11, 2000. Retrieved 2008-11-21.
9.Jump up ^ "Fits to Be Tried". Snopes.com. Retrieved 2008-11-21.
10.Jump up ^ Radford B, Bartholomew R (2001). "Pokémon contagion: photosensitive epilepsy or mass psychogenic illness?". South Med J 94 (2): 197–204. PMID 11235034.
11.Jump up ^ Ishiguro, Y; Takada, H; Watanabe, K; Okumura, A; Aso, K; Ishikawa, T (April 2004). "A Follow-up Survey on Seizures Induced by Animated Cartoon TV Program "Pocket Monster"". Epilepsia (Copenhagen: E. Munksgaard) 45 (4): 377–383. doi:10.1111/j.0013-9580.2004.18903.x. ISSN 0013-9580. OCLC 1568121. PMID 15030500. Retrieved 2008-11-02.
12.Jump up ^ "Forbidden Pokémon". Angkor.com. Archived from the original on 2005-11-07. Retrieved 2008-11-03.
13.Jump up ^ Papapetros, Spyros (2001). On the Animation of the Inorganic: Life in Movement in the Art and Architecture of Modernism, 1892–1944. University of California, Berkeley. OCLC 51930122.
14.Jump up ^ Menon, Vinay (August 25, 2004). "Records: The biggest load of ...". Toronto Star. p. F04. Retrieved 2008-10-18.
15.Jump up ^ Clodfelter, Tim (April 17, 2008). "Record Book Focused on the Gamers". Winston-Salem Journal. p. 1. Retrieved 2008-10-18.
16.^ Jump up to: a b "Popular TV cartoon blamed for mass seizures". Asahi Shimbun. December 17, 2008.
17.Jump up ^ "Pocket Monsters Seizures News Coverage". Virtualpet.com. Retrieved 2008-11-03.
18.Jump up ^ "10th Anniversary of Pokémon in Japan". Anime News Network. March 27, 2007. Retrieved 2008-10-18.
19.^ Jump up to: a b Hamilton, Robert (April 2002). "Empire of Kitsch: Japan as Represented in Western Pop Media". Bad Subjects. Retrieved 2008-10-18.
20.Jump up ^ "Animated Program Image Effect Production Guidelines". TV Tokyo. Retrieved 2008-11-21.
21.Jump up ^ "The Pokémon Anime — Censorship". Psypokes.com. Retrieved 2008-11-03.
22.^ Jump up to: a b c Innes, Kenneth. "Character Profile: Porygon". Absolute Anime. Retrieved 2008-11-21.
23.Jump up ^ Iwane, Masaaki. "ちょいリッチ". Retrieved 2012-12-10.
24.Jump up ^ Maureen, Ryan (October 27, 2004). "`Together' dances to edge of offensiveness". Chicago Tribune. p. 7.
25.Jump up ^ Westerfeld, Scott (September 8, 2005). So Yesterday. Razorbill. ISBN 1-59514-032-8. Retrieved 2008-10-19.
External links[edit]
"Dennō Senshi Porygon" at TV.com
"Dennō Senshi Porygon" at the Internet Movie Database

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Categories: 1997 in Japan
Pokémon episodes
1997 television episodes
1997 controversies
Television episodes pulled from general rotation
Mass hysteria



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Pokémon

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

For other uses, see Pokémon (disambiguation).
Page semi-protected


The official logo of Pokémon for its international release; "Pokémon" is short for the original Japanese title of "Pocket Monsters".
Pokémon (ポケモン Pokemon?, /ˈpoʊkeɪmɒn/ POH-kay-mon[1][2]) is a media franchise published and owned by Japanese video game company Nintendo and created by Satoshi Tajiri in 1996. Originally released as a pair of interlinkable Game Boy role-playing video games developed by Game Freak, Pokémon has since become the second-most successful and lucrative video game-based media franchise in the world, behind only Nintendo's own Mario franchise.[3] Pokémon properties have since been merchandised into anime, manga, trading cards, toys, books, and other media. The franchise celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2006,[4] and as of 28 May 2010, cumulative sales of the video games (including home console versions, such as the "Pikachu" Nintendo 64) have reached more than 200 million copies.[5] In November 2005, 4Kids Entertainment, which had managed the non-game related licensing of Pokémon, announced that it had agreed not to renew the Pokémon representation agreement. Pokémon USA Inc. (now The Pokémon Company International), a subsidiary of Japan's Pokémon Co., now oversees all Pokémon licensing outside of Asia.[6]
The name Pokémon is the romanized contraction of the Japanese brand Pocket Monsters (ポケットモンスター Poketto Monsutā?).[7] The term Pokémon, in addition to referring to the Pokémon franchise itself, also collectively refers to the 718 known fictional species that have made appearances in Pokémon media as of the release of the sixth generation titles Pokémon X and Y. "Pokémon" is identical in both the singular and plural, as is each individual species name; it is grammatically correct to say "one Pokémon" and "many Pokémon", as well as "one Pikachu" and "many Pikachu".[8]

Contents
  [hide] 1 Concept
2 List of Pokémon
3 Video games 3.1 Generations
3.2 Game mechanics 3.2.1 Starter Pokémon
3.2.2 Pokédex

4 In other media 4.1 Anime series
4.2 Films
4.3 Soundtracks
4.4 Pokémon Trading Card Game
4.5 Manga
5 Criticism and controversy 5.1 Morality and religious beliefs
5.2 Health
5.3 Monster in My Pocket
6 Cultural influence
7 See also
8 References
9 External links
Concept
The concept of the Pokémon universe, in both the video games and the general fictional world of Pokémon, stems from the hobby of insect collecting, a popular pastime which Pokémon executive director Satoshi Tajiri enjoyed as a child.[9] Players of the games are designated as Pokémon Trainers, and the two general goals (in most Pokémon games) for such Trainers are: to complete the Pokédex by collecting all of the available Pokémon species found in the fictional region where that game takes place; and to train a team of powerful Pokémon from those they have caught to compete against teams owned by other Trainers, and eventually become the strongest Trainer: the Pokémon Master. These themes of collecting, training, and battling are present in almost every version of the Pokémon franchise, including the video games, the anime and manga series, and the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
In most incarnations of the fictional Pokémon universe, a Trainer that encounters a wild Pokémon is able to capture that Pokémon by throwing a specially designed, mass-producible spherical tool called a Poké Ball at it. If the Pokémon is unable to escape the confines of the Poké Ball, it is officially considered to be under the ownership of that Trainer. Afterwards, it will obey whatever its new master commands, unless the Trainer demonstrates such a lack of experience that the Pokémon would rather act on its own accord. Trainers can send out any of their Pokémon to wage non-lethal battles against other Pokémon; if the opposing Pokémon is wild, the Trainer can capture that Pokémon with a Poké Ball, increasing his or her collection of creatures. Pokémon already owned by other Trainers cannot be captured, except under special circumstances in certain games. If a Pokémon fully defeats an opponent in battle so that the opponent is knocked out (i.e., "faints"), the winning Pokémon gains experience and may level up. When leveling up, the Pokémon's statistics ("stats") of battling aptitude increase, such as Attack and Speed. From time to time the Pokémon may also learn new moves, which are techniques used in battle. In addition, many species of Pokémon possess the ability to undergo a form of metamorphosis and transform into a similar but stronger species of Pokémon, a process called evolution.
In the main series, each game's single-player mode requires the Trainer to raise a team of Pokémon to defeat many non-player character (NPC) Trainers and their Pokémon. Each game lays out a somewhat linear path through a specific region of the Pokémon world for the Trainer to journey through, completing events and battling opponents along the way. Each game features eight especially powerful Trainers, referred to as Gym Leaders, that the Trainer must defeat in order to progress. As a reward, the Trainer receives a Gym Badge, and once all eight badges are collected, that Trainer is eligible to challenge the region's Pokémon League, where four immensely talented trainers (referred to collectively as the "Elite Four") challenge the Trainer to four Pokémon battles in succession. If the trainer can overcome this gauntlet, he or she must then challenge the Regional Champion, the master Trainer who had previously defeated the Elite Four. Any Trainer who wins this last battle becomes the new champion and gains the title of Pokémon Master.
List of Pokémon
Main article: List of Pokémon
Video games
Main article: Pokémon (video game series)
Generations
The original Pokémon games were role-playing games (RPGs) with an element of strategy, and were created by Satoshi Tajiri for the Game Boy. These RPGs, and their sequels, remakes, and English language translations, are still considered the "main" Pokémon games, and the games which most fans of the series are referring to when they use the term "Pokémon games". All of the licensed Pokémon properties overseen by The Pokémon Company International are divided roughly by generation. These generations are roughly chronological divisions by release; every several years, when an official sequel in the main RPG series is released that features new Pokémon, characters, and gameplay concepts, that sequel is considered the start of a new generation of the franchise. The main games and their spin-offs, the anime, manga, and trading card game are all updated with the new Pokémon properties each time a new generation begins. The franchise began the fifth generation on September 18, 2010, in Japan.



 A battle between a level 5 Bulbasaur and a level 5 Charmander in the first generation of Pokemon games; Pokémon Red and Blue.[10]
The Pokémon franchise started off in its first generation with its initial release of Pocket Monsters Aka and Midori ("Red" and "Green", respectively) for the Game Boy in Japan. When these games proved extremely popular, an enhanced Ao ("Blue") version was released sometime after, and the Ao version was reprogrammed as Pokémon Red and Blue for international release. The games launched in the United States on September 30, 1998. The original Aka and Midori versions were never released outside of Japan.[11] Afterwards, a further enhanced version titled Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition was released to partially take advantage of the color palette of the Game Boy Color, as well as to feature more elements from the popular Pokémon anime. This first generation of games introduced the original 151 species of Pokémon, in National Pokédex order, encompassing all Pokémon from Bulbasaur to Mew. It also introduced the basic game concepts of capturing, training, battling, and trading Pokémon with both computer and human players. These versions of the games take place within the fictional Kanto region, inspired by the real world Kantō region of Japan, though the name "Kanto" was not used until the second generation.
The second generation of Pokémon began in 1999 with the release of Pokémon Gold and Silver for Game Boy Color. Like the previous generation, an enhanced version titled Pokémon Crystal was later released. The second generation introduced 100 new species of Pokémon, starting with Chikorita and ending with Celebi. It totaled 251 Pokémon to collect, train, and battle, set in Johto, inspired by Japan's Kansai region. The Pokémon mini is a handheld game console released in November 2001 in North America, December 2001 in Japan, and 2002 in Europe.
Pokémon entered its third generation with the 2002 release of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire for Game Boy Advance and continued with the Game Boy Advance remakes of Pokémon Red and Blue, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, and an enhanced version of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire titled Pokémon Emerald. The third generation introduced 135 new Pokémon, starting with Treecko and ending with Deoxys, for a total of 386 species. It is set in Hoenn, inspired by Japan's Kyushu region. However, this generation also garnered some criticism for leaving out several gameplay features, including the day-and-night system introduced in the previous generation. It was also the first installment that encouraged the player to collect merely a selected assortment of the total number of Pokémon rather than every existing species. By contrast, 202 out of 386 species are catchable in the Ruby and Sapphire versions.
In 2006, Japan began the fourth generation of the franchise with the release of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl for Nintendo DS. The fourth generation introduced another 107 new species of Pokémon, starting with Turtwig and ending with Arceus), bringing the total of Pokémon species to 493.[12] The Nintendo DS "touch screen" allows new features to the game such as cooking poffins with the stylus and using the "Pokétch". New gameplay concepts include a restructured move-classification system, online multiplayer trading and battling via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, the return and expansion of the second generation's day-and-night system, the expansion of the third generation's Pokémon Contests into "Super Contests", and the new region of Sinnoh. This region was inspired by Japan's Hokkaido region and part of Russia's Sakhalin, and has an underground component for multiplayer gameplay in addition to the main overworld. Pokémon Platinum, the enhanced version of Diamond and Pearl—much like Pokémon Yellow, Crystal, and Emerald—was released in September 2008 in Japan, March 2009 in North America, and May 2009 in Australia and Europe. Spin-off titles in the fourth generation include the Pokémon Stadium follow-up Pokémon Battle Revolution for Wii, which has Wi-Fi connectivity as well.[13] Nintendo announced in May 2009 that enhanced remakes of Pokémon Gold and Silver, entitled Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, would be released for the Nintendo DS system. HeartGold and SoulSilver are set in the Johto region and were released in September 2009 in Japan.[14]
The fifth generation of Pokémon began on September 18, 2010, with the release of Pokémon Black and White in Japan for Nintendo DS.[15] The games were originally announced by the Pokémon Company on January 29, 2010, with a tentative release later that year.[16][17] The final release date of September 18 was announced on June 27, 2010.[18] This version is set in the Unova region (イッシュ地方 Isshu-chihō?, Isshu region), inspired by New York City, and utilizes the Nintendo DS's 3-D rendering capabilities to a greater extent than Platinum, HeartGold, and SoulSilver, as shown in game footage of the player walking through the Castelia City (ヒウンシティ Hiun Shiti?) metropolis. A total of 156 new Pokémon were introduced, starting with Victini and ending with Genesect, bringing the franchise's total to 649.[19] It also deployed new game mechanics such as the C Gear (Cギア C Gia?) wireless interactivity features[20] and the ability to upload game data to the Internet and to the player's own computer.[21] Pokémon Black and White was released in Europe on March 4, 2011, in North America on March 6, 2011, and in Australia on March 10, 2011. On June 23, 2012, Nintendo released Pokemon Black 2 and Pokemon White 2 in Japan for Nintendo DS, with early October releases in North America and Europe. Black 2 and White 2 are sequels to Black and White, with several events in the second games referencing events in the first; they also allow players to link their previous Black or White with their Black 2 or White 2, introducing several events based on how they played their previous game.
Officially announced on January 8, 2013 and released simultaneously worldwide on October 12, 2013, Pokémon X and Y for the Nintendo 3DS are part of the sixth generation of games.[22] Introducing the France-inspired Kalos region, these are the first Pokémon games rendered in 3D, and the first released worldwide together.[23]
Game mechanics
Main article: Gameplay of Pokémon
The main staple of the Pokémon video game series revolves around the catching and battling of Pokémon. Starting with a starter Pokémon, the player can catch wild Pokémon by weakening them and catching them with Poké Balls. Conversely, they can choose to defeat them in battle in order to gain experience for their Pokémon, raising their levels and teaching them new moves. Certain Pokémon can evolve into more powerful forms by raising their levels or using certain items. Throughout the game, players will have to battle other trainers in order to progress, with the main goal to defeat various Gym Leaders and earn the right to become a tournament champion. Subsequent games in the series have introduced various side games and side quests, including the Battle Frontiers that display unique battle types and the Pokémon Contests where visual appearance is put on display.
Starter Pokémon
One of the consistent aspects of the Pokémon games—spanning from Pokémon Red and Blue on the Nintendo Game Boy to the Nintendo DS games Pokémon Black and White—is the choice of one of three different Pokémon at the start of the player's adventures; these three are often labeled "starter Pokémon". Players can choose a Grass-type, a Fire-type, or a Water-type.[24] For example, in Pokémon Red and Blue (and their respective remakes, Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen), the player has the choice of starting with Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle. The exception to this rule is Pokémon Yellow (a remake of the original games that follows the story of the Pokémon anime), where players are given a Pikachu, an Electric-type mouse Pokémon, famous for being the mascot of the Pokémon media franchise; in this game, however, the three starter Pokémon from Red and Blue can be obtained during the quest by a single player, something that is not possible in any other installment of the franchise.[25] Another consistent aspect is that the player's rival will always choose as his or her starter Pokémon the one that has a type advantage over the player's Pokémon. For instance, if the player picks a Grass-type Pokémon, the rival will always pick the Fire-type starter. An exception to this is again Pokémon Yellow, in which the rival picks an Eevee, but whether this Eevee evolves into Jolteon, Vaporeon, or Flareon is decided by when the player wins and loses to the rival through the journey. The GameCube games Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness also contain an exception; whereas in most games the player's initial Pokémon starts at Level 5, in these two games the player's initial Pokémon starts at Levels 10 and 25, respectively. In Colosseum the player's starter Pokémon are Espeon and Umbreon, while in Gale of Darkness the player's starter is Eevee.
Pokédex
The Pokédex is a fictional electronic device featured in the Pokémon video game and anime series. In the games, whenever a Pokémon is first captured, its data will be added to a player's Pokédex, but in the anime or manga, the Pokédex is a comprehensive electronic reference encyclopedia, usually referred to in order to deliver exposition. "Pokédex" is also used to refer to a list of Pokémon, usually a list of Pokémon by number. In the video games, a Pokémon Trainer is issued a blank device at the start of the journey. A trainer must then attempt to fill the Pokédex by encountering and at least briefly obtaining each of the different species of Pokémon. A player will receive the name and image of a Pokémon after encountering one that was not previously in the Pokédex, typically after battling said Pokémon either in the wild or in a trainer battle (with the exceptions of link battles and tournament battles, such as in the Battle Frontier). In Pokémon Red and Blue, some Pokémon's data is added to the Pokédex simply by viewing the Pokémon, such as in the zoo outside of the Safari Zone. Also, certain NPC characters may add to the Pokédex by explaining what a Pokémon looks like during conversation. More detailed information is available after the player obtains a member of the species, either through capturing the Pokémon in the wild, evolving a previously captured Pokémon, hatching a Pokémon egg (from the second generation onwards), or through a trade with another trainer (either an NPC or another player). This information includes height, weight, species type, and a short description of the Pokémon. Later versions of the Pokédex have more detailed information, like the size of a certain Pokémon compared to the player character, or Pokémon being sorted by their habitat (so far, the latter feature is only in the FireRed and LeafGreen versions). The most current forms of Pokédex are capable of containing information on all Pokémon currently known. The GameCube games, Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, have a Pokémon Digital Assistant (P★DA) which is similar to the Pokédex, but also tells what types are effective against a Pokémon and gives a description of its abilities.[26]
In other media



Ash Ketchum and Pikachu together in the pilot episode, "Pokémon, I Choose You!"
Anime series
Main article: Pokémon (anime)
The Pokémon anime series and films are a meta-series of adventures separate from the canon that most of the Pokémon video games follow (with the exception of Pokémon Yellow, a game based loosely on the anime storyline). The anime follows the quest of the main character, Ash Ketchum[27] (known as Satoshi in Japan) a Pokémon Master in training, as he and a small group of friends[27] travel around the fictitious world of Pokémon along with their Pokémon partners. The original series, titled Pocket Monsters, or simply Pokémon in Western countries (often referred to as Pokémon: Gotta Catch 'Em All to distinguish it from the later series), begins with Ash's first day as a Pokémon trainer. His first (and signature) Pokémon is a Pikachu, differing from the games, where only Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle could be chosen.[28] The series follows the storyline of the original games, Pokémon Red and Blue, in the region of Kanto. Accompanying Ash on his journeys are Brock, the Pewter City Gym Leader, and Misty, the youngest of the Gym Leader sisters from Cerulean City. Pokémon: Adventures in the Orange Islands follows Ash's adventures in the Orange Islands, a place unique to the anime, and replaces Brock with Tracey Sketchit, an artist and "Pokémon watcher". The next series, based on the second generation of games, include Pokémon: Johto Journeys, Pokémon: Johto League Champions, and Pokémon: Master Quest, following the original trio of Ash, Brock, and Misty in the western Johto region.
The saga continues in Pokémon: Advanced Battle, based on the third generation games. Ash and company travel to Hoenn, a southern region in the Pokémon World. Ash takes on the role of a teacher and mentor for a novice Pokémon trainer named May. Her brother Max accompanies them, and though he isn't a trainer, he knows large amounts of handy information. Brock (from the original series) soon catches up with Ash, but Misty has returned to Cerulean City to tend to her duties as a gym leader (Misty, along with other recurring characters, appears in the spin-off series Pokémon Chronicles). The Advanced Battle series concludes with the Battle Frontier saga, based on the Emerald version and including aspects of FireRed and LeafGreen. The Advanced Generation series ended with Max leaving to pick his starter Pokémon and May going to the Grand Festival in Johto.
In the Diamond and Pearl series, based on the fourth generation games, Ash, Brock, and a new companion, an aspiring Pokémon coordinator named Dawn, travel through the region of Sinnoh. At the end of the series, Ash and Brock return to Kanto where Brock begins to follow his newfound dream of becoming a Pokémon doctor himself.
Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes!, based on the fifth generation games, features Ash and Pikachu traveling through the region of Unova (Isshu in Japan) alongside two new companions, Iris and Cilan (Dent in Japan).
Pocket Monsters: XY (ポケットモンスターXY Poketo Monsutā Ekkusu Wai?), based on the sixth generation games, began airing in Japan on October 17, 2013, following Ash and Pikachu's journey through the region of Kalos.[29][30][31]
In addition to the TV series, sixteen Pokémon films have been made, with the pair of films, Pokémon the Movie: Black—Victini and Reshiram and White—Victini and Zekrom considered together as one. Collectible bonuses, such as promotional trading cards, have been available with some of the films.
Films
Given release years are the original Japanese release years.
1.Pokémon: The First Movie—Mewtwo Strikes Back (1998)
2.Pokémon: The Movie 2000—The Power of One (1999)
3.Pokémon 3: The Movie—Spell of the Unown (2000)
4.Pokémon 4Ever—Celebi: Voice of the Forest (2001)
5.Pokémon Heroes (2002)
6.Pokémon: Jirachi Wish Maker (2003)
7.Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys (2004)
8.Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (2005)
 9.Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea (2006)
10.Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai (2007)
11.Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior (2008)
12.Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life (2009)
13.Pokémon: Zoroark: Master of Illusions (2010)
14.Pokémon the Movie: Black—Victini and Reshiram and
 Pokémon the Movie: White—Victini and Zekrom (2011)
15.Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem vs. the Sword of Justice (2012)
16.Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened (2013)
 
Soundtracks
Pokémon CDs have been released in North America, most of them in conjunction with the theatrical releases of the first three Pokémon films. These releases were commonplace until late 2001. On March 27, 2007, a tenth anniversary CD was released containing 18 tracks from the English dub; this was the first English-language release in over five years. Soundtracks of the Pokémon feature films have been released in Japan each year in conjunction with the theatrical releases.

Year
Title
June 29, 1999[32] Pokémon 2.B.A. Master
November 9, 1999[33] Pokémon: The First Movie
February 8, 2000 Pokémon World
May 9, 2000 Pokémon: The First Movie Original Motion Picture Score
July 18, 2000 Pokémon: The Movie 2000
2001 Pokémon: The Movie 2000 Original Motion Picture Score
January 23, 2001 Totally Pokémon
April 3, 2001 Pokémon 3: The Ultimate Soundtrack
October 9, 2001 Pokémon Christmas Bash
March 27, 2007 Pokémon X
Pokémon Trading Card Game
Main article: Pokémon Trading Card Game



Palkia, the Spacial Pokémon Trading Card Game card from Pokémon TCG Diamond and Pearl
The Pokémon Trading Card Game is a collectible card game with a goal similar to a Pokémon battle in the video game series. Players use Pokémon cards, with individual strengths and weaknesses, in an attempt to defeat their opponent by "knocking out" his or her Pokémon cards.[34] The game was first published in North America by Wizards of the Coast in 1999.[35] However, with the release of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Game Boy Advance video games, The Pokémon Company took back the card game from Wizards of the Coast and started publishing the cards themselves.[35] The Expedition expansion introduced the Pokémon-e Trading Card Game, where the cards (for the most part) were compatible with the Nintendo e-Reader. Nintendo discontinued its production of e-Reader compatible cards with the release of EX FireRed & LeafGreen. In 1998, Nintendo released a Game Boy Color version of the trading card game in Japan; Pokémon Trading Card Game was subsequently released to the US and Europe in 2000. The game included digital versions cards from the original set of cards and the first two expansions (Jungle and Fossil), as well as several cards exclusive to the game. A Japan-exclusive sequel was released in 2001.[36]
Manga
Main article: Pokémon (manga)
There are various Pokémon manga series, four of which were released in English by Viz Media, and seven of them released in English by Chuang Yi. The manga series vary from game-based series to being based on the anime and the TCG. Original stories have also been published. As there are several series created by different authors most Pokémon manga series differ greatly from each other and other media, such as the anime.
Manga released in EnglishThe Electric Tale of Pikachu (a.k.a. Dengeki Pikachu), a shōnen manga created by Toshihiro Ono. It was divided into four tankōbon, each given a separate title in the North American and English Singapore versions: The Electric Tale of Pikachu, Pikachu Shocks Back, Electric Pikachu Boogaloo, and Surf’s Up, Pikachu. The series is based loosely on the anime.
Pokémon Adventures (Pocket Monsters SPECIAL in Japan), a shōnen manga based on the video games.
Magical Pokémon Journey (a.k.a. Pocket Monsters PiPiPi ★ Adventures), a shōjo manga
Pikachu Meets the Press (newspaper style comics, not released by Chuang Yi)
Ash & Pikachu (a.k.a. Satoshi to Pikachu, not released by Viz)
Pokémon Gold & Silver (not released by Viz)
Pokémon Ruby-Sapphire and Pokémon Pocket Monsters (not released by Viz)
Pokémon: Jirachi Wish Maker (not released by Viz)
Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys (not released by Viz)
Pokémon: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew (the third movie-to-comic adaptation)
Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea[37] (the fourth movie-to-comic adaption)
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure!
Pokémon Adventures: Diamond and Pearl Platinum[38]
Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai[39] (the fifth movie-to-comic adaption)
Pokémon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior[40] (the sixth movie-to-comic adaption)
Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life[41] (the seventh movie-to-comic adaption)
Pokémon: Zoroark: Master of Illusions[42] (the eighth movie-to-comic adaption)
Pokémon The Movie: White: Victini and Zekrom[43] (the ninth movie-to-comic adaption)
Pokémon Black and White[44][45][46][47][48][49][50]
Manga not released in EnglishPokémon Card ni Natta Wake (How I Became a Pokémon Card) by Kagemaru Himeno, an artist for the TCG. There are six volumes and each includes a special promotional card. The stories tell the tales of the art behind some of Himeno’s cards.
Pokémon Get aa ze! by Miho Asada
Pocket Monsters Chamo-Chamo ★ Pretty ♪ by Yumi Tsukirino, who also made Magical Pokémon Journey.
Pokémon Card Master
Pocket Monsters Emerald Chōsen!! Battle Frontier by Ihara Shigekatsu
Pocket Monsters Zensho by Satomi Nakamura
Criticism and controversy
Morality and religious beliefs
Pokémon has been criticized by some Christians over perceived occult and violent themes and the concept of "Pokémon evolution", which they feel goes against the Biblical creation account in Genesis.[51] However, Sat2000, a satellite TV station based in Vatican City, has countered that the Pokémon Trading Card Game and video games are "full of inventive imagination" and have no "harmful moral side effects".[52][53] In the United Kingdom, the "Christian Power Cards" game was introduced in 1999 by David Tate who stated, "Some people aren't happy with Pokémon and want an alternative, others just want Christian games." The game was similar to the Pokémon TCG but used Biblical figures.[54]
In 1999, Nintendo stopped manufacturing the Japanese version of the "Koga's Ninja Trick" trading card because it depicted a manji, a traditionally Buddhist symbol with no negative connotations. The Jewish civil rights group Anti-Defamation League complained because the symbol is the reverse of a swastika, which is considered offensive to Jewish people. The cards were intended for sale in Japan only, but the popularity of Pokémon led to importation into the United States with approval from Nintendo. The Anti-Defamation League understood that the issue symbol was not intended to offend and acknowledged the sensitivity that Nintendo showed by removing the product.[55]
In 1999, two nine-year-old boys sued Nintendo because they claimed the Pokémon Trading Card Game caused their problematic gambling.[56]
In 2001, Saudi Arabia banned Pokémon games and cards, alleging that the franchise promoted Zionism by displaying the Star of David in the trading cards, and involved gambling, which is in violation of Muslim doctrine.[57][58] Pokémon has been accused of promoting materialism.[59]
Health
Main article: Dennō Senshi Porygon
On December 16, 1997, more than 635 Japanese children were admitted to hospitals with epileptic seizures.[60] It was determined the seizures were caused by watching an episode of Pokémon "Dennō Senshi Porygon", (most commonly translated "Electric Soldier Porygon", season 1, episode 38); as a result, this episode has not been aired since. In this particular episode, there were bright explosions with rapidly alternating blue and red color patterns.[61] It was determined in subsequent research that these strobing light effects cause some individuals to have epileptic seizures, even if the person had no previous history of epilepsy.[62] This incident is the most common focus of Pokémon-related parodies in other media, and was lampooned by the Simpsons episode "Thirty Minutes over Tokyo"[63] and the South Park episode "Chinpokomon",[64] among others.
Monster in My Pocket
In March 2000, Morrison Entertainment Group, a small toy developer based at Manhattan Beach, California, sued Nintendo over claims that Pokémon infringed on its own Monster in My Pocket characters. A judge ruled there was no infringement, so Morrison appealed the ruling in November 2001.[65]
Cultural influence



All Nippon Airways Boeing 747–400 in Pokémon livery, and dubbed a Pokémon Jet.
Pokémon, being a popular franchise, has undoubtedly left its mark on pop culture. The Pokémon characters themselves have become pop culture icons; examples include two different Pikachu balloons in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Pokémon Jets operated by All Nippon Airways, thousands of merchandise items, and a traveling theme park that was in Nagoya, Japan in 2005 and in Taipei in 2006. Pokémon also appeared on the cover of the U.S. magazine Time in 1999. The Comedy Central show Drawn Together has a character named Ling-Ling who is a direct parody of Pikachu.[66] Several other shows such as ReBoot, The Simpsons, South Park, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, Robot Chicken, All Grown Up! and Johnny Test have made references and spoofs of Pokémon, among other series. Pokémon was also featured on VH1's I Love the '90s: Part Deux. A live action show called Pokémon Live! toured the United States in late 2000. It was based on the popular Pokémon anime, but had some continuity errors relating to it. Jim Butcher cites Pokémon as one of the inspirations for the Codex Alera series of novels.
In November 2001, Nintendo opened a store called the Pokémon Center in New York, in New York's Rockefeller Center,[67] modeled after the two other Pokémon Center stores in Tokyo and Osaka and named after a staple of the videogame series; Pokémon Centers are fictional buildings where Trainers take their injured Pokémon to be healed after combat.[68] The store sold Pokémon merchandise on a total of two floors, with items ranging from collectible shirts to stuffed Pokémon plushies.[69] The store also featured a Pokémon Distributing Machine in which players would place their game to receive an egg of a Pokémon that was being given out at that time. The store also had tables that were open for players of the Pokémon Trading Card Game to duel each other or an employee. The store was closed and replaced by the Nintendo World Store on May 14, 2005.[70]



Meitetsu 2200 series train Giratina & Shaymin
Joseph Jay Tobin theorizes that the success of the franchise was mainly due to the long list of names that could be learned by children and repeated in their peer groups. The rich fictional universe provided a lot of opportunities for discussion and demonstration of knowledge in front of their peers. In the French version Nintendo took care to translate the name of the creatures so that they reflected the French culture and language. In all cases the names of the creatures were linked to its characteristics, which converged with the children's belief that names have symbolic power. Children could pick their favourite Pokémon and affirm their individuality while at the same time affirming their conformance to the values of the group, and they could distinguish themselves from other kids by asserting what they liked and what they didn't like from every chapter. Pokémon gained popularity because it provided a sense of identity to a wide variety of children, and lost it quickly when many of those children found that the identity groups were too big and searched for identities that would distinguish them into smaller groups.[71]
In December 2009, a "Pokémon profile picture month" on popular social networking website Facebook started, with over 100,000 (by some estimates) Facebook users changing the image displayed on their profile webpages to that of a Pokémon. In 2010, more than 252,000 people replied as "attending", or taking part in, the event, at least double the previous year.[72]



Shinkansen E3 Series train in Pokémon livery
Pokémon's history has been marked at times by rivalry with the Digimon media franchise that debuted at a similar time. Described as "the other 'mon'" by IGN's Juan Castro, Digimon has not enjoyed Pokémon's level of international popularity or success, but has maintained a dedicated fanbase.[73] IGN's Lucas M. Thomas stated that Pokémon is Digimon's "constant competition and comparison", attributing the former's relative success to the simplicity of its evolution mechanic as opposed to Digivolution.[74] The two have been noted for conceptual and stylistic similarities by sources such as GameZone.[75] A debate among fans exists over which of the two franchises came first.[76] In actuality, the first Pokémon media, Pokémon Red and Green, were released initially on February 27, 1996;[77] whereas the Digimon virtual pet was released on June 26, 1997.

See also

Portal icon Pokémon portal
Pokémon generalList of Pokémon
List of Pokémon characters
Pokémon regions
BooksPokémon (manga)
List of Pokémon chapters
Video gamesGameplay of Pokémon
List of Pokémon video games
Pokémon (video game series)
TelevisionPokémon episodes removed from rotation
List of Pokémon episodes
Pokémon (anime)
References
BooksTobin, Joseph, ed. Pikachu's Global Adventure: The Rise and Fall of Pokémon. Duke University Press., February, 2004. ISBN 0-8223-3287-6
Notes
1.Jump up ^ "The ABC Book, A Pronunciation Guide". NLS Other Writings. NLS/BPH. 7 January 2013. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
2.Jump up ^ Sora Ltd.. Super Smash Bros. Brawl. (Nintendo). Wii. (March 9, 2008) (Announcer's dialog after the character Pokémon Trainer is selected (voice acted))
3.Jump up ^ Boyes, Emma (January 10, 2007). "UK paper names top game franchises". GameSpot. GameSpot UK. Retrieved February 26, 2007.
4.Jump up ^ "Pokemon 10-Year Retrospective". IGN. Retrieved August 19, 2009.
5.Jump up ^ "Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version for Nintendo DS coming to Europe in Spring 2011" (Press release). Nintendo. May 29, 2010. Retrieved May 28, 2010.
6.Jump up ^ Carless, Simon (23 December 2005). "Pokemon USA Moves Licensing In-House". Gamasutra. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
7.Jump up ^ Swider, Matt. "The Pokemon Series Pokedex". Gaming Target. Retrieved February 28, 2007.
8.Jump up ^ John Kaufeld; Jeremy Smith (13 June 2006). Trading Card Games For Dummies. John Wiley & Sons. p. 81. ISBN 978-0-470-04407-0. Retrieved 25 April 2013.
9.Jump up ^ "The Ultimate Game Freak: Interview with Satoshi Tajiri". Time. November 22, 1999. Archived from the original on March 14, 2005. Retrieved May 22, 2010.
10.Jump up ^ MacDonald, Mark; Brokaw, Brian; Arnold; J. Douglas; Elies, Mark (1999). Pokémon Trainer's Guide. Sandwich Islands Publishing. p. 73. ISBN 0-439-15404-9.
11.Jump up ^ "Pokémon Green Info on GameFAQs". GameFAQs. Retrieved 23 February 2007.
12.Jump up ^ Lucas M. Thomas (April 4, 2007). "The Countdown to Diamond and Pearl, Part 4". IGN. Retrieved June 29, 2008.
13.Jump up ^ Riley, Adam (7 June 2006). "Cubed3 Nintendo News < Features". Cubed3. Retrieved 7 June 2006.
14.Jump up ^ "「ポケットモンスター」シリーズ最新作 2009年秋 ニンテンドーDSで発売決定!" (in Japanese). Nintendo. Archived from the original on 2009-05-11. Retrieved May 8, 2009.
15.Jump up ^ "『ポケットモンスターブラック・ホワイト』公式サイト | ポケットモンスターオフィシャルサイト" (in Japanese). Retrieved April 9, 2010.
16.Jump up ^ "『ポケットモンスター』シリーズ完全新作 2010年内発売に向けて開発中！ | ゲーム関連 | ニュース | ポケットモンスターオフィシャルサイト" (in Japanese). January 29, 2010. Archived from the original on 2010-09-14. Retrieved January 29, 2010.
17.Jump up ^ Brian Ashcraft (Jan 28, 2010). ""Entirely New" Pokemon Series Coming This Year – Japan – Kotaku". Kotaku. Retrieved January 29, 2010.
18.Jump up ^ "商品情報 | 『ポケットモンスターブラック・ホワイト』公式サイト". Archived from the original on 2010-05-19. Retrieved June 27, 2010.
19.Jump up ^ Micheal G. Ryan, ed. (2011). "Unova Region Pokédex". Pokémon Black & White Versions: The Official Unova Pokédex & Guide: Volume 2. The Pokémon Company. pp. 12–89.
20.Jump up ^ "Cギア | 『ポケットモンスターブラック・ホワイト』公式サイト" (in Japanese). Nintendo. Archived from the original on 2011-05-01. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
21.Jump up ^ "Webで広がる遊び | 『ポケットモンスターブラック・ホワイト』公式サイト" (in Japanese). Nintendo. Archived from the original on 2011-05-01. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
22.Jump up ^ "Pokémon X & Y Arrives on 3DS Worldwide in October". Anime News Network. Retrieved January 8, 2013.
23.Jump up ^ "Pokémon X and Pokémon Y Developer Roundtable Recap". Pokémon (YouTube). 12 June 2013. Retrieved 15 October 2013.
24.Jump up ^ Padilla, Raymond (17 March 2003). "Pokémon Ruby review". Gamespy.com. p. 1. Retrieved 30 May 2006.
25.Jump up ^ Harris, Craig (19 October 1999). "Pokemon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition". IGN. Retrieved 27 March 2006.
26.Jump up ^ Official Pokémon Scenario Guide Diamond and Pearl version. p. 30-31.
27.^ Jump up to: a b "Pokémon anime overview". Psypokes.com. Retrieved 25 May 2006.
28.Jump up ^ Pokémon 10th Anniversary, Vol. 1 – Pikachu. Viz Video. June 6, 2006. OCLC 68967936.
29.Jump up ^ "「ポケットモンスターXY」10月17日放送開始 待望の最新アニメシリーズ製作決定 | アニメ！アニメ！". Animeanime.jp. Retrieved 2013-06-30.
30.Jump up ^ "アニメ『ポケモン』が新章『ポケットモンスター ＸＹ』として10月スタート! | ホビー | マイナビニュース". News.mynavi.jp. Retrieved 2013-06-30.
31.Jump up ^ "Pokémon XY TV Anime to Debut on October 17 with Satoshi/Ash". Anime News Network. Retrieved June 30, 2013.
32.Jump up ^ "Pokémon 2.B.A. Master Soundtrack CD". Retrieved July 18, 2008.
33.Jump up ^ "Pokémon: The First Movie Soundtrack CD". Retrieved July 18, 2008.
34.Jump up ^ "Pokémon Trading Card Game "How to play" guide". Archived from the original on May 22, 2007. Pokemon-tcg.com. Retrieved July 3, 2006.
35.^ Jump up to: a b Huebner, Chuck (12 March 2003). "RE: Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire TCG Releases". Wizards.com. Archived from the original on 27 February 2009. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
36.Jump up ^ "Pokemon Card GB2 info on GameFAQs". GameFAQs. Retrieved 8 June 2008.
37.Jump up ^ "Pokemon: Ranger and the Temple of the Sea". Amazon.com. ASIN 1421522888.
38.Jump up ^ "Pokémon Adventures: Diamond and Pearl / Platinum, Vol. 2". Amazon.com. ASIN 1421538172.
39.Jump up ^ "Pokémon: The Rise of Darkrai". Amazon.com. ASIN 1421522896.
40.Jump up ^ "Pokemon: Giratina and the Sky Warrior!". Amazon.com. ASIN 1421527014.
41.Jump up ^ "Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life". Amazon.com. ASIN 1421538024.
42.Jump up ^ "Pokémon: Zoroark: Master of Illusions". Amazon.com. ASIN 1421542218.
43.Jump up ^ "Pokémon the Movie: White: Victini and Zekrom". Amazon.com. ASIN 1421549549.
44.Jump up ^ "Pokémon Black and White, Vol. 1 (9781421540900): Hidenori Kusaka, Satoshi Yamamoto: Books". Amazon.com. ASIN 1421540908.
45.Jump up ^ "Pokémon Black and White, Vol. 2 (9781421540917): Hidenori Kusaka, Satoshi Yamamoto: Books". Amazon.com. ASIN 1421540916.
46.Jump up ^ "Pokémon Black and White, Vol. 3 (9781421540924): Hidenori Kusaka, Satoshi Yamamoto: Books". Amazon.com. ASIN 1421540924.
47.Jump up ^ "Pokémon Black and White, Vol. 4 (9781421541143): Hidenori Kusaka, Satoshi Yamamoto: Books". Amazon.com. ASIN 1421541149.
48.Jump up ^ "Pokémon Black and White, Vol. 5 (9781421542805): Hidenori Kusaka, Satoshi Yamamoto: Books". Amazon.com. ASIN 1421542803.
49.Jump up ^ "Pokémon Black and White, Vol. 6 (9781421542812): Hidenori Kusaka, Satoshi Yamamoto: Books". Amazon.com. ASIN 1421542811.
50.Jump up ^ "Pokémon Black and White, Vol. 7 (Pokémon Black and White) (9781421542829): Hidenori Kusaka, Satoshi Yamamoto: Books". Amazon.com. ASIN 142154282X.
51.Jump up ^ "Pokémon: The Movie (1999)". ChildCare Action Project. 1999. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
52.Jump up ^ Silverman, Stephen M. (9 December 1997). "Pokemon Gets Religion". People. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
53.Jump up ^ Barrett, Devlin. "POKEMON EARNS PAPAL BLESSING". New York Post. Archived from the original on 18 August 2000. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
54.Jump up ^ "Pokémon trumped by pocket saints". BBC. 27 June 2000. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
55.Jump up ^ Fitzgerald, Jim (December 3, 1999). "'Swastika' Pokemon card dropped". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on December 11, 2007.
56.Jump up ^ Crowley, Kieran (October 1999). "Lawsuit Slams Pokemon As Bad Bet for Addicted Kids". New York Post. Archived from the original on October 22, 2000.
57.Jump up ^ "Saudi bans Pokemon". CNN. March 26, 2001. Archived from the original on January 18, 2008.
58.Jump up ^ "Saudi Arabia bans Pokemon". BBC News. March 26, 2001. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
59.Jump up ^ Ramlow, Todd R. (2000). "Pokemon, or rather, Pocket Money". Popmatters.
60.Jump up ^ Ferlazzo, Edoardo; Zifkin, Benjamin G.; Andermann, Eva; Andermann, Frederick (2005). "REVIEW ARTICLE: Cortical triggers in generalized reflex seizures and epilepsies". Oxford University Press.
61.Jump up ^ "Pokemon (episode #38) Packs a Punch". 11 March 2000. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
62.Jump up ^ "Color Changes in TV Cartoons Cause Seizures". ScienceDaily. Archived from the original on November 8, 2004.
63.Jump up ^ "Thirty Minutes Over Tokyo". The Simpsons Archive. Retrieved July 16, 2008.
64.Jump up ^ "South Park Goes Global: Reading Japan in Pokemon". University of Auckland. Retrieved September 30, 2008.
65.Jump up ^ Bronstad, Amanda (November 12, 2001). "Toy Firm Will Appeal 'Pocket Monster' Suit". Los Angeles Business Journal (FindArticles.com). Archived from the original on October 15, 2007. Retrieved September 1, 2008.
66.Jump up ^ "Pokemon Sightings and Rip-offs". Retrieved June 29, 2008.[dead link]
67.Jump up ^ Steiner, Ina (18 November 2001). "Pokemon Center Opens in NYC". EcommerceBytes.com. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
68.Jump up ^ Raichu 526. "PokeZam.com - Pokemon Center NY - PokeZam". PokeZam. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
69.Jump up ^ "Fun for Kids". Big Apple Visitors Center. 2010. Archived from the original on 2 January 2012. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
70.Jump up ^ "Pokemon Center NY". ManhattanLivingMag.com. 2009. Archived from the original on 23 January 2009. Retrieved 10 August 2013.
71.Jump up ^ Joseph Jay Tobin (2004). Pikachu's global adventure: the rise and fall of Pokémon. Duke University Press. ISBN 0-8223-3287-6.
72.Jump up ^ "Pokemon Profile Picture Month". Facebook. 2010. Retrieved December 5, 2010.
73.Jump up ^ Castro, Juan (May 20, 2005). "E3 2005: Digimon World 4". IGN. Archived from the original on 2012-05-20. Retrieved April 4, 2010.
74.Jump up ^ Thomas, Lucas M. (August 21, 2009). "Cheers & Tears: DS Fighting Games". IGN. Retrieved April 4, 2010.
75.Jump up ^ Bedigian, Louis (July 12, 2002). "Digimon World 3 Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on 2010-01-27. Retrieved May 1, 2010.
76.Jump up ^ DeVries, Jack (November 22, 2006). "Digimon World DS Review". IGN. Retrieved May 8, 2010.
77.Jump up ^ "Related Games". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 2011-06-28. Retrieved May 8, 2010.
External links
 Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Pokémon
 Look up pokémon in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
 Wikimedia Commons has media related to Pokémon.
Official Japanese website of Pokémon (Japanese)
Official US website of Pokémon
Official UK website of Pokémon
Official US website of Pokémon Trading Card Game
Bulbapedia, the community driven Pokémon encyclopedia

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