Event item

An event item is a special type of key item, usually used to get an unobtainable legendary Pokémon.

In the past, they were usually distributed via Nintendo events. This often limited the availability only to certain countries where Nintendo decided to hold events, and even then, were only held in certain cities were distribution hardware or software could be set up. However, this has changed with the advent of new technology, namely hardware in the form of the Nintendo DS and DS cards, the software of DS games, better access to the internet, and better availability to Wi-Fi access points or hardware to create one.

Event items in Generation IV were at first offered at events in addition to over Wi-Fi, but physical events for items have been phased out in favor of distribution over Wi-Fi. This has two obvious benefits: The first is to players, for as long as one can get Wi-Fi access to the internet, they can receive event items from anywhere. The second is to Nintendo, which saves money from not having to set up events just for items around the world.

In Japan as of Q1 2010, event Pokémon are distributed simultaneously at events and over Wi-Fi (when not unlocked through another game, and even then, the transferred Pokémon is usually received from events). Owners of the Japanese versions of Generation IV games, no matter where they are, may use Wi-Fi to receive the Pokémon. In March 2010, the North American/European PAL versions of the Pikachu-colored Pichu for Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum became the first event Pokémon outside of Japan to be available through Wi-Fi.

From Gen. IV onward, all items and Pokémon that are downloaded into a game as a Mystery Gift is also bundled with a Wonder Card. The Gen. IV games will only allow a maximum of three Wonder Cards to be stored, and the Gen. V games will only allow a maximum of twelve Wonder Cards to be stored; to download a new one, an old one must be deleted. It is important to note that while an item may usually require an event to be completed (most commonly receiving the National Pokédex) in order to be delivered, the player can still download the Mystery Gift into their game, regardless if they have met those requirements or not. The deliveryman will hold onto a Mystery Gift as long as its Wonder Card is stored, and the player can pick it up once they have completed the conditions for accepting the delivery.

List of event items

Generation II

Pokémon Crystal

• GS Ball: This item is only legitimately obtainable in the Japanese version games, if the player is inside the Pokémon Communication Center and the Pokémon Mobile System GB is attached to the game. Players need to give it to Kurt, the Apricorn Ball maker in Azalea Town and, After he has examined it for a day, he will give it back to player. He then sees that Ilex Forest is restless, so he will ask the player to see what is happening. Inside the forest is a shrine where the GS Ball fits in and, when placed, a wild Celebi will appear. In other versions of the game, the GS Ball is only obtainable by cheating, but is still programmed into the game.

Generation III

Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire

• Eon Ticket: This item can be obtained by scanning a special card into the e-Reader, then talking to Norman, or alternatively, mixing records with someone who has done this. After this, the player must go to Lilycove City to ask the sailor to take them to the Southern Island, where Latias (Ruby) or Latios (Sapphire) waits with a Soul Dew.

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen

• MysticTicket: This item can be obtained only via Mystery Gift at a Nintendo event. After getting it, players must take one of the Seagallop Ferries to Navel Rock, a small island between Floe and Chrono Islands. Here, Ho-Oh and Lugia await, with Ho-Oh at the highest point and Lugia in the lowest basement.
• AuroraTicket: This item can be obtained only via Mystery Gift at a Nintendo event. After getting it, players must take one of the Seagallop Ferries to Birth Island, the southernmost of the Sevii Islands. A small, glass-like triangle lies in the middle of the island, and a puzzle must be solved in order for a Deoxys to appear from it.

Pokémon Emerald

• Eon Ticket: This item can be obtained by scanning a special card into the e-Reader, then talking to Norman, or alternatively, mixing records with someone who has done this. After this, the player must go to the S.S. Tidal to ask the sailor to take them to the Southern Island, where Latias or Latios, depending on which Pokémon was selected to roam Hoenn, waits with a Soul Dew.

• MysticTicket: This item can be obtained only via Mystery Gift at a Nintendo event. After getting it, players must take one of the S.S. Tidal to Navel Rock. Here, Ho-Oh and Lugia await, with Ho-Oh at the highest point and Lugia in the lowest basement.

• AuroraTicket: This item can be obtained only via Mystery Gift at a Nintendo event. After getting it, players must take one of the S.S. Tidal to Birth Island. A small, glass-like triangle lies in the middle of the island, and a puzzle must be solved in order for a Deoxys to appear from it.

• Old Sea Map: Occasionally referred to as the Old Sea Chart, this item is only legitimately obtainable in Japanese version games and can be obtained only via Mystery Gift at a Nintendo event. After getting it, players must take the S.S. Tidal to Faraway Island, an island so far away that it is not near any regions. This is where a Mew hides in the grass. After chasing the Mew around, the player gets a chance to capture it.

Generation IV

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl and Platinum

• Secret Key: This item is only available in Platinum. It is also the first event item in the fourth generation to be released despite being discovered the last. This enables players to go to a secret room in the Galactic Eterna Building where Rotom can transform between its forms. Professor Rowan makes a brief appearance in the building when the player does this for the first time.
• Member Card: This key item can only be used when the event to capture Cresselia has been completed. After getting it, the locked house in Canalave City will open, and a man inside will tell the player that they have been waiting a long time for him or her. After falling asleep in the bed, the player will be warped to Newmoon Island where Darkrai awaits to be captured.
• Oak's Letter: After getting it, Professor Oak will appear on Route 224 near the white stone tablet at its north end. After inscribing on the rock what the player is thankful for on their Pokémon journey, the Seabreak Path will appear from nowhere, and the only Shaymin in the game will approach. It will then return to the Flower Paradise on the other end of the Seabreak Path, where the player must follow it to capture it.
• Azure Flute: The event to capture Dialga or Palkia must have been completed for this key item to activate. After getting it and traveling through the caves of Mt. Coronet to Spear Pillar, a soft tune will play in the wind. After blowing into it, a staircase will appear that leads up to the Hall of Origin, where Arceus awaits. This item has yet to be distributed officially.

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver

• Enigma Stone: This item is only obtainable in HeartGold and SoulSilver. This items has a feature similar to the Eon Ticket, allowing for the capture of Latias (in SoulSilver) or Latios (in HeartGold) after being taken to the museum in Pewter City and changing into the Soul Dew.
• Lock Capsule: Contains TM95 when transferred to Black and White.

Generation V

Pokémon Black and White

• Liberty Ticket: This is an upcoming item can be obtained via Wi-Fi from September 18 to October 18, 2010 by Japanese Pokémon Black and White games. This item allows players to capture Victini, a legendary Pokémon in Pokémon Black and White.
• Lock Capsule: Contains TM95, transferred from HeartGold and SoulSilver.

This item article is part of Project ItemDex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on all items.