Pokémon Black and White beta

Like previous major releases, especially those that set a new generation, Pokémon Black and White went through multiple development stages, many of which included several elements that were eventually dropped or revised before the games' release. Some of these components can still be found within their internal data.

Pre-release

Starters

The prototype starter selection screen.

The sprite on the starter selection screen for Tepig was different in some early videos. The prototype sprite had a more triangular hind foot, with only one of which shown, and had slightly different shading. Also, while selecting the starter, the other two starters were less darkened when compared to the final release.

Sprites

Prototype sprites for Hilbert and Cheren were shown in an early video which was broadcasted on Pokémon Sunday. Although the difference for Cheren's sprite is only where his eyes face, Hilbert's sprite received a complete overhaul. A prototype sprite for Bianca, lacking her Xtransceiver, was shown in the early video footage that came with an issue of Dengeki Nintendo DS.

In Excadrill's first appearance in a promotional video, its stripes were mirrored. However, this was not long-lived, as it was changed to its current appearance in the next video.

Hilbert's prototype VS sprite
Beta Cheren VS sprite.jpg

Cheren's prototype VS sprite
Bianca's prototype VS sprite
Excadrill's prototype front sprite

Music

In some early footage of Route 4, 夢の跡地 Dreamyard can be heard playing instead of the correspondent seasonal variant of ４番道路 Route 4.

Region name

Some retailers in the United Kingdom (specifically GAME and Gamestation) had pre-release box art using the name Alleos for the region as opposed to its final English name, Unova. This name was also used at pre-release and post-release demo events in the United Kingdom.

Locations

Castelia City

There were many changes to Castelia City, where at least four different textures were shown before the final design. A few of these designs can be seen below.

Image released on April 15, 2010
Animated view presented by Pokémon Sunday on April 18, 2010
Footage from the June 27, 2010 trailer that was broadcasted on Oha Suta
Image from a Pokemon.co.jp video
Image released on May 14, 2010
Another image from a Pokemon.co.jp video

Skyarrow Bridge

On an early screenshot of within Skyarrow Bridge, a Backpacker can be seen, who was replaced with an Ace Trainer in the final release. However, in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, the exact same spot is occupied by a female Backpacker, just like in the pre-release screenshot for Pokémon Black and White. In addition, two images released of the Skyarrow Bridge depicted a slightly different skyline of Castelia City.

Early image of Skyarrow Bridge
Second early image of Skyarrow Bridge

Pokémon Center

The prototype Pokémon Center shopping item list screen.

When buying items at a Pokémon Center, the part of the screen where the player can be seen is shown to rotate a bit.

Post-release

Items

Since the engine that powers the games is improved upon that of the Generation IV games, all items from Generation IV, including Poké Balls, key items and unused items, are present in the internal data, with the exception of HM07 and HM08, which are now blank space "?" items. However, most of these items are unobtainable. Other leftover items, like the God Stone, are specific to Pokémon Black and White and can be likewise obtained through modification of the saved game or cheating.