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Poké Ball

2010-07-25T23:54:35Z

Raquel9e: /* Introduced in Generation IV */

{{Featured}}
[[Image:Allballs.png|thumb|250px|right|The 25 Poké Ball variants found in the [[Version|main series]]]]
A '''Poké Ball''' (Japanese: '''モンスターボール''' ''Monster Ball'') is a type of [[item]] that is critical to a {{pkmn|Trainer}}'s quest, used for {{pkmn2|caught|catching}} and storing {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}. Both a general term used to describe the various kinds as well as a specific term to refer to the most basic among these variations, Poké Balls are ubiquitous in the modern Pokémon world. Up to six Pokémon can be carried with a Trainer in Poké Balls, while any number of other Poké Balls can be held in the [[bag]] for later use.

The strength of a Poké Ball is determined by how much it raises a [[wild Pokémon]]'s [[catch rate]], and may in fact vary depending on the conditions of the battle. Poké Balls limit the power of Pokémon contained inside, taming them, though they do not cause the Pokémon inside to always obey the Trainer.

The invention of Poké Balls apparently occurred in the [[Johto]] region, where [[Apricorn]]s grow; these fruit were cut apart and carved out, then fitted with a special device, and used to catch wild Pokémon prior to the mass production of the Balls that occurs in modern times under [[Silph Co.]] and the [[Devon Corporation]]. Some Trainers still use Poké Balls made from Apricorns, while [[Kurt]], a resident of [[Azalea Town]], still constructs them.

Prior to the invention of Poké Balls, Pokémon were referred to as "magical beasts" (Japanese: '''魔獣''' ''majū''), indicating that the name Pokémon, short for Pocket Monster, did not come into common parlance as a term until these devices allowed the various Pokémon to be stored in pockets easily. This also shows that in these times they were believed to be supernatural creatures, not natural ones.

Stylized Poké Balls are used in many places to symbolize Pokémon in general: the logos of both [[Battle Frontier]]s feature a Poké Ball in their design, while several Poké Balls can be seen in every Pokémon Center. The headgear of the protagonists of [[Hoenn]], [[Kanto]], and [[Sinnoh]]-based games feature Poké Ball designs, as do the [[bag]]s of the protagonists of [[Johto]]-based games. The headgear of [[Ethan (game)|Ethan]] is also similar to the top half of an Ultra Ball, and the bag of [[Lucas (game)|Lucas]] prominently features a Poké Ball.

==Mechanics==
[[File:Pokeballinterior.jpg|frame|right|Interior of a Poké Ball from the anime]]
Though the technology behind a Poké Ball remains unknown, the basic mechanics are simple enough to understand: in a [[Pokémon battle]], once an opposing wild Pokémon has been weakened, a person, the Pokémon Trainer, can throw a Poké Ball at it. If the Poké Ball hits the Pokémon and is not knocked back by it, the Poké Ball will open, convert the Pokémon to a form of energy, and pull it into its center, closing. A Pokémon in this state is given a chance to struggle to attempt to escape, at which point the ball will either be destroyed (in the games and some manga) or will return to the Trainer (anime), who can attempt once again to capture the Pokémon. A Pokémon who does not escape the ball will be {{pkmn2|caught}}.

As seen in several anime episodes, such as ''[[AG065|Gulpin it Down!]]'' and ''[[AG104|Claydol Big and Tall]]'', normal Poké Balls have difficulty catching Pokémon which are extremely large or extremely heavy. In the latter episode, it is revealed that ancient civilizations overcame this issue by constructing immense Poké Balls made out of stone. However, due to the difficulty of manipulating one of these large objects, later technology and the development of Heavy Balls provided a better alternative.

When a Pokémon is released from a Poké Ball, it will be accompanied by a bright light as it returns from its energy form, and materialize nearby, often on the ground. This bright light has been shown to vary depending on the type of Ball that the Pokémon is contained in in the games, while it has always been shown to be white in the anime. Recalling a Pokémon to its Poké Ball is also relatively simple, as all a person must do is hold up the Poké Ball with its button pointed at the Pokémon. A beam of red light will shoot from the button, converting the Pokémon back into energy and returning it to the Ball. The beam, however, has a limited range, and can be dodged by the Pokémon. If the beam hits a person, they will be stunned for a moment, but aside from that no ill effects will make themselves apparent. Releasing Pokémon from a Trainer's ownership, unlike normally sending the Pokémon out, will bathe the Pokémon in a blue glow, and the Poké Ball will no longer mark it, making it able to be caught by another Trainer's Poké Ball. A Poké Ball can also be broken, which will release it from ownership, and if a Trainer has done so accidentally, it must somehow be fixed before the Pokémon can be recalled.

Several Pokémon have shown the ability to leave and return to their Poké Balls at will, most notably among them [[Jessie's Wobbuffet]], [[Misty's Psyduck]], and [[Brock's Croagunk]], which tend to do so in every episode they appear. In ''[[EP031|Dig Those Diglett!]]'', many Pokémon belonging to [[Gary Oak]], as well as other Trainers, including Ash Ketchum, demonstrated the ability to prevent themselves from being sent from their Poké Balls, as they refused to fight against the Diglett, though this has not been demonstrated since.
[[Image:Chimchar release.jpg|200px|[[Paul]] releasing {{AP|Chimchar|Infernape}}|thumb]]
Poké Balls are not always at full size. Pressing the button on the front will convert it between its full size, about the size of a {{wp|Baseball (object)|baseball}}, to a smaller size, about that of a {{wp|Table tennis#The ball|ping-pong ball}}, and back again. The larger size makes throwing the ball easier, while the smaller one makes for easier storage on a belt clip, in pockets, and in bags.

Poké Balls are able to communicate with a Trainer's [[Pokédex]], as the system updates itself with information on newly-caught Pokémon, and keeps track of how many Pokémon the Trainer has with them. If a Trainer catches a new Pokémon with the full six already with them, the Pokédex will automatically send the newly-caught Pokémon in its Poké Ball to the [[Pokémon storage system]] that the Trainer is using. As shown in ''[[DP002|Two Degrees of Separation]]'', a Pokémon caught by a Poké Ball is "marked" by it, and thus a Poké Ball thrown at it will have no effect aside from temporarily stunning it. In the games, as well as in ''[[EP073|Bad to the Bone]]'', however, the Trainer of the Pokémon will block a Poké Ball thrown by another, though it is possible that this is more out of courtesy to their Pokémon than to prevent capture outright.

Other wireless capabilities of Poké Balls are shown in [[M07|Destiny Deoxys]], as when the electricity of the city is down, [[Audrey]] could not release her {{p|Masquerain}} from the Poké Ball, claiming that the "Poké Ball Management System" was no longer working without power. There has been no such mention of any system since.

Poké Balls are able to be decorated to no ill effect, with several Poké Balls that have been painted with special colors being seen in the anime. To alter the way in which the Pokémon is sent out, however, a [[Ball Capsule]] and [[seal]]s must be used, which can release special effects when the Pokémon is sent out.
[[Image:RealeasingPokemon.png|thumb|200px|Sending out a Pokémon in {{2v2|FireRed|LeafGreen}}]]
When a Pokémon is released from its ball, it usually has a burst of light come out with it, which varies depending on the Ball the Pokémon is contained in (normally a white light in the anime).

==Poké Ball accuracy==
Except for the [[Master Ball]], all Poké Balls have a chance of breaking and not capturing the Pokémon in question, however, in several cases, it is possible for the Poké Ball to miss the wild Pokémon completely.

*In [[Generation I]] games, there was always a possibility that the Poké Ball would miss a Pokémon, usually occurring when battling in the [[Kanto Safari Zone|Safari Zone]], or while battling a wild {{p|Chansey}}, {{p|Snorlax}}, or [[legendary Pokémon]]. Rather than the ball throwing animation playing, a message would come up stating "You missed the Pokémon!".
*In Generation I as well as in {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}}, the [[literal ghost|ghosts]] in [[Lavender Town]]'s [[Pokémon Tower]] would dodge any ball thrown at them unless they were unmasked by the [[Silph Scope]]. The [[Marowak (literal ghost)|Marowak ghost]] will dodge even if it is unmasked.
*A Poké Ball cannot be thrown during a wild [[double battle]] when the player is partnered up with one of the [[stat Trainers]], unless one of the two wild Pokémon is defeated, with the game claiming "It's no good! It's impossible to aim when there are two Pokémon!". A player can however snag Pokémon in {{g|Colosseum}} and {{g|XD: Gale of Darkness}} even if there are two on the opposing side of the field, presumably the [[Snag Machine]] assists in aiming.
*Unlike preceding games, from {{v|Platinum}} onwards, it isn't possible to use a Poké Ball on a Pokémon which is in the invulnerable stage of moves such as {{m|Dig}} or {{m|Shadow Force}}.

==Types of Poké Ball==
[[File:PBR_Battle_Start.jpg|thumb|right|A double battle begins in [[Pokémon Battle Revolution]]]]
In the Pokémon games so far, there have been 25 different varieties of Poké Ball, all differing from each other in some effect, whether it be an increased ability to catch a Pokémon from the wild or an effect which occurs only after the Pokémon has been caught. From Generation III onward, each variety of Poké Ball has a unique animation when they open to draw in a Pokémon and when a Pokémon is sent out. So far, the only games in which all 25 are available are {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}.

===Introduced in Generation I===
The following Poké Balls were introduced in {{game|Red and Green|s}}, and have appeared and been available in all games since then, with the exception of the Safari Ball, which is not present in {{game2|Gold|Silver|Crystal}}. They were developed by [[Silph Co.]], with the development of the [[Master Ball]] factoring into the plot of the Generation I games and their remakes heavily.

{{Item
|name=Poké Ball
|jp=モンスターボール
|jpt=Monster Ball
|gen=I
|bag=Poké Balls
|buyable=yes
|sell=100
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]].
|catchrate=1×
|descgsc=An item for catching Pokémon.
|descrse=A tool for catching wild Pokémon.
|descfrlg=A ball thrown to catch a wild Pokémon. It is designed in a capsule style.
|descdppthgss=A device for catching wild Pokémon. It is thrown like a ball at the target. It is designed as a capsule system.
|locrby=Most [[Poké Mart]]s
|locgsc=Most [[Poké Mart]]s
|locrse=Most [[Poké Mart]]s
|locfrlg=Most [[Poké Mart]]s
|loccolo=[[Outskirt Stand]]
|locxd=[[Outskirt Stand]]
|locdppt=Most [[Poké Mart]]s
|lochgss=Most [[Poké Mart]]s
|tcg=Poké Ball (Jungle 64)
}}
{{Item
|name=Great Ball
|jp=スーパーボール
|jpt=Super Ball
|gen=I
|bag=Poké Balls
|buyable=yes
|sell=300
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]].
|catchrate=1.5×
|descgsc=A Ball with a decent success rate.
|descrse=A good ball with a higher catch rate than a Poké Ball.
|descfrlg=A good, quality Ball that offers a higher Pokémon catch rate than a standard Poké Ball.
|descdppthgss=A good, high-performance Ball that provides a higher Pokémon catch rate than a standard Poké Ball.
|locrby=Many [[Poké Mart]]s
|locgsc=Many [[Poké Mart]]s
|locrse=Many [[Poké Mart]]s
|locfrlg=Many [[Poké Mart]]s
|loccolo=[[Outskirt Stand]]
|locxd=[[Outskirt Stand]]
|locdppt=Most [[Poké Mart]]s
|lochgss=Most [[Poké Mart]]s

'''Pokéwalker:''' [[Town Outskirts]] ''(750+ Steps)''
|tcg=Great Ball (EX FireRed & LeafGreen 92)
}}
{{Item
|name=Ultra Ball
|jp=ハイパーボール
|jpt=Hyper Ball
|gen=I
|bag=Poké Balls
|buyable=yes
|sell=600
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]].
|catchrate=2×
|descgsc=A Ball with a high rate of success.
|descrse=A better ball with a higher catch rate than a Great Ball.
|descfrlg=A very high-grade Ball that offers a higher Pokémon catch rate than a Great Ball.
|descdppthgss=An ultra-performance Ball that provides a higher Pokémon catch rate than a Great Ball.
|locrby=Several [[Poké Mart]]s
|locgsc=Several [[Poké Mart]]s
|locrse=Several [[Poké Mart]]s
|locfrlg=Several [[Poké Mart]]s
|loccolo=[[Outskirt Stand]]
|locxd=[[Outskirt Stand]]
|locdppt=Most [[Poké Mart]]s
|lochgss=Most [[Poké Mart]]s

'''Pokéwalker:''' [[Town Outskirts]] ''(2000+ Steps)''
}}
{{Item
|name=Master Ball
|jp=マスターボール
|jpt=Master Ball
|gen=I
|bag=Poké Balls

|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]] without fail.
|catchrate=255×
|descgsc=The best Ball. It never misses.
|descrse=The best ball that catches a Pokémon without fail.
|descfrlg=The best Ball with the ultimate performance. It will catch any wild Pokémon without fail.
|descdppthgss=The best Ball with the ultimate level of performance. It will catch any wild Pokémon without fail.
|locrby=[[Silph Co.]]
|locgsc=[[New Bark Town]], [[Lucky Channel]] (first prize)
|locrse=[[Aqua Hideout|Magma/Aqua Hideout]], [[Lilycove Department Store]] lottery (first prize)
|locfrlg=[[Silph Co.]]
|loccolo=[[Agate Village]]
|locxd=[[Pokémon HQ Lab]]
|locdppt=[[Team Galactic HQ]], [[Jubilife TV]] lottery (first prize)
|lochgss=[[New Bark Town]], [[Goldenrod Radio Tower]] lottery (first prize)
|tcg=Master Ball (Gym Challenge 116)
}}
{{Item
|name=Safari Ball
|jp=サファリボール
|jpt=Safari Ball
|gen=I
|bag=Poké Balls
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]] in the [[Safari Zone]].
|catchrate=1.5×
|descrse=A special ball that is used only in the Safari Zone.
|descfrlg=A special ball that is used only in the Safari Zone. It is finished with a camouflage pattern.
|descdppthgss=A special Poké Ball that is used only in the Great Marsh. It is decorated in a camouflage pattern.
|locrby=[[Kanto Safari Zone|Safari Zone]]
|locrse=[[Hoenn Safari Zone|Safari Zone]]
|locfrlg=[[Kanto Safari Zone|Safari Zone]]
|locdppt=[[Great Marsh]]
|lochgss=[[Johto Safari Zone|Safari Zone]]
}}

===Introduced in Generation II===
The following Poké Balls were introduced in {{game|Gold and Silver|s}}. These Poké Balls were not available in [[Generation III]] or in {{game2|Diamond|Pearl|Platinum}}, but made their return in {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}. A majority of them are made from [[Apricorn]]s by [[Kurt]], while the only one that is not is seen by some to be a counterpart to the Safari Ball in that it is only used in the [[Bug-Catching Contest]] in [[National Park]]. Interestingly, all eight of these Poké Balls have the same animation as a normal Poké Ball when sending out or recalling a Pokémon. However, when viewed on another Generation IV game in which these balls do not exist they will be shown as a regular Poké Ball, and will remain in that appearance when traded to those versions until the Pokémon is transferred back to HeartGold or SoulSilver, at which point they return to their previous form.

{{Item
|name=Level Ball
|jp=レベルボール
|jpt=Level Ball
|gen=II
|bag=Poké Balls
|sell=150
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]]; works better on Pokémon of levels lower than the Pokémon currently in battle.
|catchrate=1× if the player's Pokémon is the same level as or a lower level than the wild Pokémon 2× if the player's Pokémon is at a higher level than the wild Pokémon but less than double it 4× if the player's Pokémon is more than double but less than four times the level of the wild Pokémon 8× if the player's Pokémon is of a level four times or more than that of the wild Pokémon
|descgsc=A Ball for lower-level Pokémon.
|deschgss=A Poké Ball for catching Pokémon that are a lower level than your own.
|locgsc=[[Azalea Town]] ([[Red Apricorn]])
|lochgss=[[Azalea Town]] ([[Red Apricorn]])
}}

{{Item
|name=Lure Ball
|jp=ルアーボール
|jpt=Lure Ball
|gen=II
|bag=Poké Balls
|sell=150
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]]; works better while [[fishing]].
|catchrate=3× if used on a Pokémon encountered while [[fishing]] 1× otherwise
|descgsc=A Ball for Pokémon hooked by a rod.
|deschgss=A Poké Ball for catching Pokémon hooked by a Rod when fishing.
|locgsc=[[Kurt]] after saving [[Slowpoke Well]], [[Azalea Town]] ([[Blu Apricorn]])
|lochgss={{tc|Fisherman}} in {{rt|32}} [[Pokémon Center]] (×2), [[Azalea Town]] ([[Blu Apricorn]])
|tcg=Lure Ball (Skyridge 128)
}}

{{Item
|name=Moon Ball
|jp=ムーンボール
|jpt=Moon Ball
|gen=II
|bag=Poké Balls
|sell=150
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]]; works better on Pokémon that evolve with a [[Moon Stone]].
|catchrate=4× if used on a Pokémon belonging to the {{p|Nidoran♂}}, {{p|Nidoran♀}}, {{p|Clefairy}}, {{p|Jigglypuff}} or {{p|Skitty}} families 1× otherwise
|descgsc=A Ball for Moon Stone evolvers.
|deschgss=A Poké Ball for catching Pokémon that evolve using the Moon Stone.
|locgsc=[[Azalea Town]] ([[Ylw Apricorn]])
|lochgss=[[Azalea Town]] ([[Ylw Apricorn]])
}}

{{Item
|name=Friend Ball
|jp=フレンドボール
|jpt=Friend Ball
|gen=II
|bag=Poké Balls
|sell=150
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]].
|effect2=Sets caught Pokémon's [[happiness]] to 200.
|catchrate=1×
|descgsc=A Ball that makes Pokémon friendly.
|deschgss=A Poké Ball that makes caught Pokémon more friendly.
|locgsc=[[Azalea Town]] ([[Grn Apricorn]])
|lochgss=[[Azalea Town]] ([[Grn Apricorn]])
|tcg=Friend Ball (Skyridge 126)
}}

{{Item
|name=Love Ball
|jp=ラブラブボール
|jpt=Love Love Ball
|gen=II
|bag=Poké Balls
|sell=150
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]]; works better on Pokémon of the opposite [[gender]] of, but same species as the player's Pokémon.
|catchrate=8× if used on a Pokémon of the same species as, but opposite gender of, the player's Pokémon 1× otherwise
|descgsc=For catching the opposite gender.
|deschgss=Poké Ball for catching Pokémon that are the opposite gender of your Pokémon.
|locgsc=[[Azalea Town]] ([[Pnk Apricorn]])
|lochgss=[[Azalea Town]] ([[Pnk Apricorn]])
}}

{{Item
|name=Heavy Ball
|jp=ヘビーボール
|jpt=Heavy Ball
|gen=II
|bag=Poké Balls
|sell=150
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]]; works better on [[List of Pokémon by weight|heavier Pokémon]].
|catchrate=-20 if used on Pokémon weighing less than {{tt|451.5 lbs|204.8 kg}} +20 if used on Pokémon weighing between {{tt|451.5 lbs|204.8 kg}} and {{tt|677.3 lbs|307.2 kg}} +30 if used on Pokémon weighing between {{tt|677.3 lbs|307.2 kg}} and {{tt|903.0 lbs|409.6 kg}} +40 if used on Pokémon weighing more than {{tt|903.0 lbs|409.6 kg}}
|descgsc=A Ball for catching heavy Pokémon.
|deschgss=A Poké Ball for catching very heavy Pokémon.
|locgsc=[[Azalea Town]] ([[Blk Apricorn]])
|lochgss=[[Azalea Town]] ([[Blk Apricorn]])
}}

{{Item
|name=Fast Ball
|jp=スピードボール
|jpt=Speed Ball
|gen=II
|bag=Poké Balls
|sell=150
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]]; works better on fast Pokémon{{sup|HGSS}} or Pokémon able to flee from battle{{sup|GSC}}.
|catchrate=4× if used on a Pokémon that can [[roaming Pokémon|flee from battle]]{{sup|GSC}} 4× if used on a Pokémon with a base {{stat|Speed}} of at least 100{{sup|HGSS}} 1× otherwise
|descgsc=A Ball for catching fast Pokémon.
|deschgss=A Poké Ball that makes it easier to catch fast Pokémon.
|locgsc=[[Azalea Town]] ([[Wht Apricorn]])
|lochgss=[[Kurt]] (after saving [[Slowpoke Well]]), [[Azalea Town]] ([[Wht Apricorn]])
|tcg=Fast Ball (Skyridge 124)
}}

{{Item
|name=Sport Ball
|jp=コンペボール
|jpt=Compé Ball
|gen=II
|bag=Poké Balls
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]] in the [[Bug-Catching Contest]].
|catchrate=1.5×
|descgsc=The Bug-Catching Contest Ball.
|deschgss=A special Poké Ball for the Bug-Catching Contest.
|locgsc=[[National Park]]
|lochgss=[[National Park]]
|notes=Known as the Park Ball (パークボール) during Generation II.
}}

===Introduced in Generation III===
The following Poké Balls were introduced in {{game|Ruby and Sapphire|s}}. While the main four Poké Balls and the Safari Ball returned to central usage, these specialty Balls were only available at certain [[Poké Mart]]s in the Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Johto regions, and only a few of them could be bought in {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}} after the National Pokédex had been obtained. The Dive Ball is not available for purchase in Sinnoh, while both it and the Timer, Repeat and Luxury Balls are not available for purchase in {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}, though all can be transferred from a game in which they can be bought by being held by a Pokémon. This is probably because there are substitute balls for both Luxury and Dive Balls. Unlike the Poké Balls introduced in Generation I, these Poké Balls were developed by the [[Devon Corporation]].

{{Item
|name=Premier Ball
|jp=プレミアボール
|jpt=Premier Ball
|gen=III
|bag=Poké Balls
|sell=100
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]].
|catchrate=1×
|descrse=A rare ball made in commemoration of some event.
|descfrlg=A rare Ball that has been specially made to commemorate an event of some sort.
|descdppthgss=A somewhat rare Poké Ball that has been specially made to commemorate an event of some sort.
|locrse=Any [[Poké Mart]] (buy 10 or more Poké Balls at once)
|locdppt=Any [[Poké Mart]] (buy 10 or more Poké Balls at once), [[Pokémon News Press]]
|lochgss=Any [[Poké Mart]] (buy 10 or more Poké Balls at once)
|tcg=Premier Ball (Great Encounters 101)
}}

{{Item
|name=Repeat Ball
|jp=リピートボール
|jpt=Repeat Ball
|gen=III
|bag=Poké Balls
|buyable=yes
|sell=500
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]]; works better on Pokémon who is registered in the Pokédex as caught.
|catchrate=3× if used on a Pokémon that is registered in the player's Pokédex as caught 1× otherwise
|descrse=A ball that works better on Pokémon caught before.
|descfrlg=A somewhat different Ball that works especially well on Pokémon caught before.
|descdppthgss=A somewhat different Poké Ball that works especially well on Pokémon species that were previously caught.
|locrse=[[Rustboro City]] [[Poké Mart]]
|locfrlg={{OBP|Two Island|town}} vendor
|locdppt=[[Canalave City]] [[Poké Mart]], {{si|Pokémon League}} [[Poké Mart]], [[Pokémon News Press]]
|lochgss='''Johto:''' [[Goldenrod Department Store]] lottery{{dotw|Tu}}

'''Pokéwalker:''' [[Sinnoh Field]] ''(3000+ Steps)''
}}

{{Item
|name=Timer Ball
|jp=タイマーボール
|jpt=Timer Ball
|gen=III
|bag=Poké Balls
|buyable=yes
|sell=500
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]]; works better in battles that have lasted longer.
|catchrate=((number of turns passed in battle + 10) / 10)×, maximum 4×
|descrse=More effective as more turns are taken in battle.
|descfrlg=A somewhat different Ball that becomes progressively better the more turns there are in a battle.
|descdppthgss=A somewhat different Ball that becomes progressively better the more turns there are in a battle.
|locrse=[[Rustboro City]] [[Poké Mart]]
|locfrlg={{OBP|Two Island|town}} vendor
|locdppt=[[Celestic Town]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Canalave City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Snowpoint City]] [[Poké Mart]], {{si|Pokémon League}} [[Poké Mart]], [[Pokémon News Press]]
|lochgss='''Johto:''' [[Goldenrod Department Store]] lottery{{dotw|Sa}}

'''Pokéwalker:''' [[Sinnoh Field]] ''(2500+ Steps)''
}}

{{Item
|name=Nest Ball
|jp=ネストボール
|jpt=Nest Ball
|gen=III
|bag=Poké Balls
|buyable=yes
|sell=500
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]]; works better on lower-[[level]] Pokémon.
|catchrate=((40 - Pokémon's level) / 10)×, minimum 1×
|descrse=A ball that works better on weaker Pokémon.
|descfrlg=A somewhat different Ball that works especially well on weaker Pokémon.
|descdppthgss=A somewhat different Poké Ball that works especially well on weaker Pokémon in the wild.
|locrse=[[Verdanturf Town]] [[Poké Mart]]
|locdppt=[[Eterna City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Hearthome City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Pastoria City]] [[Poké Mart]], {{si|Pokémon League}} [[Poké Mart]], [[Pokémon News Press]]
|lochgss='''Johto:''' [[Goldenrod Department Store]] lottery{{dotw|Mo}}
'''Kanto:''' [[Pewter City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Vermilion City]] [[Poké Mart]]

'''Pokéwalker:''' [[Sinnoh Field]] ''(500+ Steps)''
}}

{{Item
|name=Net Ball
|jp=ネットボール
|jpt=Net Ball
|gen=III
|bag=Poké Balls
|buyable=yes
|sell=500
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]]; works better on {{t|Water}}- and {{type2|Bug}} Pokémon.
|catchrate=3× if used on a Water-type or Bug-type Pokémon 1× otherwise
|descrse=A ball that works well on Water- and Bug-type Pokémon.
|descfrlg=A somewhat different Ball that works especially well on Water- and Bug-type Pokémon.
|descdppthgss=A somewhat different Poké Ball that works especially well on Water- and Bug-type Pokémon.
|locrse=[[Mossdeep City]] [[Poké Mart]]
|locfrlg=[[Fishing_Brothers#Silence_Bridge_Fishing_Guru|Silence Bridge]] on [[Route 12#Silence Bridge|Route 12]]
|locdppt=[[Eterna City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Hearthome City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Solaceon Town]] [[Poké Mart]], {{si|Pokémon League}} [[Poké Mart]], [[Pokémon News Press]]
|lochgss='''Johto:''' [[Goldenrod Department Store]] lottery{{dotw|We}}, [[Blackthorn City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Frontier Access]] [[Poké Mart]]
'''Kanto:''' [[Viridian City]] [[Poké Mart]]

'''Pokéwalker:''' [[Noisy Forest]] ''(5000+ Steps)'', [[Blue Lake]] ''(4000+ Steps)''
}}

{{Item
|name=Dive Ball
|jp=ダイブボール
|jpt=Dive Ball
|gen=III
|bag=Poké Balls
|buyable=yes
|sell=500
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]]; works better on Pokémon encountered [[underwater]]{{sup|RSE}}/while {{m|Surf}}ing or [[fishing]]{{sup|FRLG}}{{sup|DPPt}}{{sup|HGSS}}.
|catchrate=3.5× if used while [[underwater]]{{sup|RSE}} 3.5× if used on a water-dwelling Pokémon{{sup|FRLG}}{{sup|DPPt}}{{sup|HGSS}} 1× otherwise
|descrse=A ball that works better on Pokémon on the ocean floor.
|descfrlg=A somewhat different Ball that works especially well on Pokémon deep in the sea.
|descdppthgss=A somewhat different Poké Ball that works especially well on Pokémon that live in the sea.
|locrse=[[Mossdeep City]] [[Poké Mart]]
|locdppt=[[Pokémon News Press]]
|lochgss='''Pokéwalker:''' [[Beautiful Beach]] ''(5000+ Steps)'', [[Blue Lake]] ''(3500+ Steps)''
}}

{{Item
|name=Luxury Ball
|jp=ゴージャスボール
|jpt=Gorgeous Ball
|gen=III
|bag=Poké Balls
|buyable=yes
|sell=500
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]].
|effect2=Alters the amount by which a caught Pokémon's [[happiness]] rises.
|catchrate=1×
|descrse=A cozy ball that makes Pokémon more friendly.
|descfrlg=A comfortable Ball that makes a captured wild Pokémon quickly grow friendly.
|descdppthgss=A comfortable Poké Ball that makes a caught wild Pokémon quickly grow friendly.
|locrse=[[Abandoned Ship]], {{ci|Lilycove}} [[Contest Hall]]
|locfrlg=[[Resort Gorgeous]]
|locdppt=[[Sunyshore City]] [[Poké Mart]], {{si|Pokémon League}} [[Poké Mart]], [[Pokémon News Press]]
|lochgss='''Johto:''' [[Goldenrod Department Store]] lottery{{dotw|Su}}

'''Pokéwalker:''' [[Resort]] ''(6000+ Steps)''
|tcg=Luxury Ball (Stormfront 86)
}}

===Introduced in Generation IV===
The following Poké Balls were introduced in {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}. The set of seven introduced in Generation III, as well as the original set of five, are preserved in this generation, and are available either for purchase or by trade in all Generation IV games. The Generation II Poké Balls also make a return in this generation, but only in {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}.

{{Item
|name=Heal Ball
|jp=ヒールボール
|jpt=Heal Ball
|gen=IV
|bag=Poké Balls
|buyable=yes
|sell=150
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]].
|effect2=Fully restores a caught Pokémon's {{stat|HP}}, {{PP}}, and [[status ailment|status]].
|catchrate=1×
|descdppthgss=A remedial Poké Ball that restores the caught Pokémon's HP and eliminates any status problem.
|locdppt=[[Jubilife City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Oreburgh City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Floaroma Town]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Eterna City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Hearthome City]] [[Poké Mart]], {{si|Pokémon League}} [[Poké Mart]], [[Pokémon News Press]]
|lochgss='''Johto:''' [[Cherrygrove City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Violet City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Azalea Town]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Ecruteak City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Olivine City]] [[Poké Mart]].
'''Kanto:''' [[Viridian City]] [[Poké Mart]]

'''Pokéwalker:''' [[Stormy Beach]] ''(2000+ Steps)''
}}

{{Item
|name=Quick Ball
|jp=クイックボール
|jpt=Quick Ball
|gen=IV
|bag=Poké Balls
|buyable=yes
|sell=500
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]]; works better when used early in the battle.
|catchrate=4× if used on the first turn of a battle 1× otherwise
|descdppthgss=A somewhat different Poké Ball that provides a better catch rate if it is used at the start of a wild encounter.
|locdppt=[[Pastoria City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Canalave City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Snowpoint City]] [[Poké Mart]], {{si|Pokémon League}} [[Poké Mart]], [[Pokémon News Press]]
|lochgss='''Johto:''' [[Goldenrod Department Store]] lottery{{dotw|Th}}, [[Johto Safari Zone|Safari Zone Gate]] (Woman with {{p|Butterfree}})
'''Kanto:''' [[Pewter City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Cerulean City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Vermilion City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Saffron City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Lavender Town]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Fuchsia City]] [[Poké Mart]]

'''Pokéwalker:''' [[Stormy Beach]] ''(1500+ Steps)''
|tcg=Quick Ball (Mysterious Treasures 114)
}}

{{Item
|name=Dusk Ball
|jp=ダークボール
|jpt=Dark Ball
|gen=IV
|bag=Poké Balls
|buyable=yes
|sell=500
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]]; works better when used in caves or at [[Time#Night_2|night]].
|catchrate=3.5× if used in a cave or at night 1× otherwise
|descdppthgss=A somewhat different Poké Ball that makes it easier to catch wild Pokémon at night or in dark places like caves.
|locdppt=[[Solaceon Town]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Snowpoint City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Pastoria City]] [[Poké Mart]], {{si|Pokémon League}} [[Poké Mart]], [[Pokémon News Press]]
|lochgss='''Johto:''' [[Goldenrod Department Store]] lottery{{dotw|Fr}}, [[Johto Safari Zone|Safari Zone Gate]] (Woman with [[Butterfree]]), [[Blackthorn City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Frontier Access]] [[Poké Mart]]
'''Kanto:''' [[Vermilion City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Lavender Town]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Fuchsia City]] [[Poké Mart]]

'''Pokéwalker:''' [[Scary Cave]] ''(4000+ Steps)'', [[Quiet Cave]] ''(2000+ Steps)''
|tcg=Dusk Ball (Mysterious Treasures 110)
}}

{{Item
|name=Cherish Ball
|jp=プレジャスボール
|jpt=Precious Ball
|gen=IV
|bag=Poké Balls
|sell=500
|effect=Contains [[event Pokémon]].
|catchrate=1×
|loc=Not found.
|descdppthgss=A quite rare Poké Ball that has been specially crafted to commemorate an occasion of some sort.
}}

{{Item
|name=Park Ball
|jp=パークボール
|jpt=Park Ball
|gen=IV
|bag=Poké Balls
|effect=Recatches Pokémon sent through [[Pal Park]].
|catchrate=255×
|locdppt=[[Pal Park]]
|lochgss=[[Pal Park]]
|descdppthgss=A special Poké Ball for the Pal Park.
|notes=Pokémon recaught with this ball in Pal Park will retain the ball in which they were originally caught in Generation III. Not to be confused with [[#Sport Ball|Sport Balls]], which were known as Park Balls in Generation II.
}}

==In the anime==
[[File:Ashball.png|thumb|right|{{Ash}} pulls out a Poké Ball, preparing to catch a Pokémon.]]
In the anime, without a doubt, the basic Poké Ball is the most commonly used of all varieties, with other varieties appearing either very few times or not at all. A vast majority of Pokémon are shown to be stored in regular Poké Balls, to the point that large collections of Poké Balls can be seen with no variation among them. Even [[Ash's Pikachu]], the most prominent Pokémon in the anime which spends all its time [[walking Pokémon|outside with Ash]], has a plain Poké Ball that differs from others only by the small yellow lightning bolt symbol on it, as seen in ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]''.

Despite this, the various other types of Poké Ball have been seen in the anime, usually to illustrate a special property about that particular ball. The lack of the different types is unsurprising, however, due to the fact that, when the anime was first created, the games themselves did not even keep track of the Poké Ball that a Pokémon was caught in, and thus, it made no difference in sending a Pokémon out.

The first time that a Poké Ball aside from the normal variation was seen was in [[EP035]], where Ash was given 30 Safari Balls in order to compete in the Safari Game. With these 30 Safari Balls, Ash attempted to catch various rare Pokémon, however, he only managed to capture an entire herd of {{AP|Tauros}}. They appeared in Safari Balls in ''[[EP065|Showdown at the Po-Ké Corral]]''; afterward, however, whenever Ash used one of his Tauros in a battle, it has been sent out from a standard Poké Ball.
[[File:Luxury Repeat Ball anime.png|thumb|[[Brendan]] holds his Luxury Ball and Repeat Ball, preparing for a [[double battle]].]]
The [[GS Ball]] was the second of the variant Poké Balls to appear in the anime, this time with a special purpose. This mysterious ball was unable to be opened by [[Professor Ivy]], and served as the reason for Ash's journeys to the [[Orange Archipelago]] (to pick it up) and [[Johto]] (to deliver it to [[Kurt]]), so that what was contained within it could be discovered. {{p|Celebi}} was long rumored to be related to the ball, something which the [[Pokémon Adventures]] and game canons verify, while [[Masamitsu Hidaka|a director of the anime]] confirmed that, had it not been insisted that {{mov|Celebi|Celebi|4}} appear in a central role in [[M04|the fourth movie]], the GS Ball arc would have concluded with Celebi being released from the ball and traveling with Ash and his friends.
[[File:Master ball.png|thumb|left|[[Sullivan]]'s Master Ball]]
Also related to Kurt, as in the games, the first non-standard Poké Ball variants, the [[Apricorn]] balls, made an appearance in the anime, and several were given to the members of the main cast. All three members of the main cast received Fast Balls in ''[[EP143|Going Apricorn!]]'', with {{an|Brock}} using his to catch a {{TP|Brock|Pineco}} shortly after receiving it. In the [[EP144|next episode]], Brock received a Heavy Ball, while Ash and {{an|Misty}} received Lure Balls. While Brock's Heavy Ball and Ash and Misty's Fast Balls would remain unused (and have not been mentioned since), both Ash and Misty would use their Lure Balls to capture a {{AP|Totodile}} and {{TP|Misty|Corsola}}, respectively. Another Heavy Ball appeared in ''[[AG065|Gulpin It Down]]'', where it was used to capture a giant {{p|Gulpin}}, though this was not the one belonging to Brock.

The [[Master Ball#In the anime|Master Ball]] itself has only appeared once as an actual Poké Ball, in ''[[AG075|Whiscash and Ash]]'', where it was used by [[Sullivan]] in an attempt to catch a wild {{p|Whiscash}}. Despite the fact that a Master Ball cannot be escaped from, the Whiscash ''swallowed'' the Master Ball, thus preventing capture, and disappeared back into the water. While not a Poké Ball itself, Misty owns a beach ball that is designed based on the Master Ball, which can be seen in ''[[EP018|Beauty and the Beach]]'' and ''[[EP167|A Hot Water Battle]]''.

The Generation III specialty balls have only been seen in cameos, with only the Repeat Ball and Luxury Ball appearing, in the opening of [[M07|the seventh movie]]. These balls contained {{ga|Brendan}}'s {{p|Shiftry}} and {{p|Aggron}}, respectively.

The debut of most of the specialty balls, both from Generation III and IV, came in the ending [[Which One ~ Is It?]], which contained the first appearance of the Great Ball and Ultra Ball, as well as the first anime appearance of the Premier, Heal,
Net, Dusk, Nest, Quick, Timer, and Dive Balls.

Many other Poké Balls have been shown in the anime, however, most of these are cosmetic alterations alone, such as Poké Balls with gold plating, diamond studded Poké Balls, and Poké Balls with special designs on them, usually to denote an organization.
[[Image:Yellow's Seadra Poké Ball.png|thumb|right|{{adv|Yellow}}'s {{p|Seadra}}'s Poké Ball in [[Pokémon Adventures]]]]
Most notably, a broken Poké Ball, snapped in half at its rusted hinges, is kept by both {{Ash}} and {{Gary}}, symbolizing their rivalry.

==In the manga==
[[Image:Pkballdengeki.png|thumb|left|A Poké Ball in [[Electric Tale of Pikachu]]]]
In the various Pokémon manga, Poké Balls have been shown to appear differently, as an attempt to explain how a Trainer knows which Pokémon is in which ball, as most Pokémon manga series were, like the anime, developed at a time when the games could not keep track of the ball a Pokémon was contained in.

This is explained in [[Pokémon Adventures]] by the tops of Poké Balls being semitransparent, allowing the Pokémon inside, which is miniaturized, to be seen through the ball, while the Pokémon can likewise see out of the ball it is contained in. An interesting fact of this manga is that, unlike in the anime, Pokémon already captured can be recaught in another Poké Ball, as is seen when {{adv|Red}} recatches Misty's Gyarados (though {{adv|Blue}} states that catching a Pokémon that belongs to another is not possible in ''[[PS050|Lapras Lazily]]''). Like in the anime and games, specialty balls do exist, and {{adv|Gold}} and {{adv|Silver}} received a Friend Ball and Heavy Ball, respectively. It has also been shown that unlike the games, Pokémon placed in their balls recover from status conditions, however, like the games do not recover health points.

In the [[Electric Tale of Pikachu]] manga, the rules are more similar to the anime, however, Poké Balls are numbered on the outside, on the button, so that a Trainer knows which member of their team they are sending into battle. As this manga ended before the journey in Johto began, however, no Poké Ball variants were seen.
[[File:Itemball.png|thumb|left|{{ga|Red}} finds an item ball on {{rt|2}}.]]

==Items==
[[Image:Rice Ball Poké Ball.jpg|right|thumb|Ash catches a [[rice ball]] thrown by a wild {{p|Mankey}}]]
In both the anime and games, it has been shown that [[item]]s can be contained in Poké Balls, apparently able to be captured in much the same way as a Pokémon. The anime has used this as a gag on several occasions, most notably in ''[[EP025|Primeape Goes Bananas]]'', where Ash accidentally catches a rice ball when he throws a Poké Ball in an attempt to catch a wild Mankey.
Items contained in Poké Balls have been present from the very first games, with many items that are found on the field being found in Poké Balls in conspicuous locations. These items are sometimes important, and usually will be among the required items for pickup along the way. Sometimes, even Poké Ball variants can be found in item balls, though it may be that the item ball itself is supposed to represent the ball that is found. Many other items, however, are hidden, and are not in item balls, instead being directly on the field, and can be found more easily using an [[Itemfinder]].

==Other variants==
The following Poké Ball variants are found outside of the standard games. They are often very unusual compared to the 25 types found in the games, and it is sometimes questionable whether or not they even qualify as Poké Balls. Many have separate articles, where their unique properties are described in greater detail.

===In the games===
*[[Pester Ball]]s: These objects, which appear similar to Poké Balls at a glance, are not used to catch Pokémon, and instead will release a Pokémon repellent on contact. They are only found in {{g|Snap}}.
*The [[GS Ball]] is an event item that appears only in {{game|Crystal}}, where it was part of a giveaway on the [[Pokémon Mobile System GB]], much as event items are given out in [[Generation IV]] games over the [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]. It was not used to catch any Pokémon, and was placed in the [[key items]] pocket. If given to [[Kurt]] for inspection, it will activate an event where the player can catch a {{p|Celebi}} in [[Ilex Forest]].
*A [[Snag Ball]] is a Poké Ball variant that has been "unlocked" by the Snag Machine, allowing it to [[snagging|snag]] an already [[caught Pokémon]] during a {{pkmn|battle}}. While it is ''able'' to be used on any Pokémon, [[Rui]] will only allow [[Wes]] to use it on [[Shadow Pokémon]], while [[Michael]]'s Aura Reader will render the Snag Machine inoperable when a Pokémon other than a Shadow Pokémon is targeted.

===In the anime===
* Several objects were used to contain and control Pokémon before Poké Balls themselves were developed. Large monumental objects have been shown several times in episodes to be containers for large ancient Pokémon, as seen most notably in ''[[EP072|The Ancient Puzzle of Pokémopolis]]''. Smaller objects have also been used, such as the staff belonging to [[Sir Aaron]], which contained his partner, {{mov|Lucario|Lucario|8}}, until {{Ash}} released it in the current era. Special armor developed by [[Marcus]] was used to control Pokémon in ancient [[Michina Town]], though it did not directly ''contain'' the Pokémon and unlike other methods of using Pokémon, these Pokémon were enslaved instead of befriended and turned against him the moment the armor was broken.
* {{an|Mewtwo}} had a collection of strange Poké Balls in ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]'', which incorporated an eye into their design, and were used primarily as a means of capture of Pokémon to be cloned. These balls had no trouble catching Pokémon which were already captured— even if they were already inside of Poké Balls. One of these devices is notably the only Poké Ball that [[Ash's Pikachu]] has ever been drawn into during the entire series. They have been called by several names by fans, such as "Mewtwo Balls" and "Clone Balls".
* [[Molly Hale]], whose imagination caused the power of the {{mov|Unown|Unown|3}} to change the world around them, was able to use strange, crystalline Poké Balls when she challenged {{an|Brock}} and {{an|Misty}} in ''[[M03|Spell of the Unown]]''. The Pokémon sent from these appeared normally, but dissolved into crystal, rather than being recalled. These crystal Poké Balls only appeared when used by her imagined older selves, and do not appear to actually exist.
* A special variant of Poké Ball, the Lake Ball, was used during the [[Seaking Catching Day|Seaking Catching Competition]] in ''[[EP168|Hook, Line, and Stinker]]''; this is viewed by many to be similar to the Compé Ball used in the [[Bug-Catching Contest]]. They appear as blue and white Poké Balls, with a fish pattern around the edge, and a yellow arrow on the top and bottom of the ball. Interestingly, they don't shake after capture, implying an automatic catch.
* Older Poké Balls have also appeared in the anime, specifically the one carried by [[Sammy]] in ''[[M04|Celebi: Voice of the Forest]]'', which was colored differently and had a knob on it which needed to be twisted before the Pokémon inside was able to be sent out. While it is unknown how they were manufactured, it is likely that they were made by hand using Apricorns, prior to the standardization and mass production of modern-day Poké Balls.
* The [[Iron-Masked Marauder]], an agent of [[Team Rocket]], used special [[Dark Ball]]s that corrupted Pokémon caught and made them mindless servants of the Trainer, as well as raising their power significantly. Multiple Pokémon were caught in these Poké Balls, including the legendary {{mov|Celebi|Celebi|4}} and powerful {{p|Tyranitar}}.
* As in the games, the [[GS Ball]] appeared in the anime, and was the primary motivation for Ash's trip to the [[Orange Archipelago]], where he would compete in his second Pokémon League. It also served as the catalyst for his journey to [[Johto]], as he needed to deliver the ball to [[Kurt]]. Former director [[Masamitsu Hidaka]] revealed that a shelved storyline that would have concluded the GS Ball's arc involved a {{p|Celebi}} that would have traveled with Ash and friends through at least part of Johto, though the storyline was viewed as redundant after the decision was made to introduce Celebi in the fourth movie instead.
*In ''[[AG104|Claydol, Big and Tall]]'', the "Stone Ball", a huge Poké Ball made of stone used to keep an evil, giant {{p|Claydol}} that levied destruction everywhere. This Poké Ball is about the size of a 2-story house.

<gallery perrow=4>
File:Mewtwoballs.png|{{Ash}} chasing a "Clone Ball" containing {{AP|Pikachu}} from ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]''
File:Sammy's Old Poké Ball.png|Sammy's old Poké Ball from ''[[M04|Celebi: Voice of the Forest]]''
File:Lake Ball.jpg|The Lake Ball from ''[[EP168|Hook, Line, and Stinker]]''
File:Vicious.jpg|[[Iron-Masked Marauder]] holding a Dark Ball
</gallery>

==In the Super Smash Bros. series==
[[Image:SSBB Poke Ball.png|thumb|right|Render of a Poké Ball from [[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]]]
Poké Balls in their base design are an item in the [[Super Smash Bros.]] series. First appearing in the original game, they can be picked up and thrown by the characters to do damage, and, on striking the ground, release a random Pokémon. In the original, the Pokémon that can be released are {{p|Beedrill}}, {{p|Blastoise}}, {{p|Chansey}}, {{p|Charizard}}, {{p|Clefairy}}, {{p|Goldeen}}, {{p|Hitmonlee}}, {{p|Koffing}}, {{p|Meowth}}, {{p|Mew}}, {{p|Onix}}, {{p|Snorlax}}, or {{p|Starmie}}. In [[Super Smash Bros. Melee|Melee]], the listing changes, and now the Pokémon released include Generation II Pokémon, with {{p|Venusaur}}, {{p|Charizard}}, {{p|Blastoise}}, {{p|Clefairy}}, {{p|Electrode}}, {{p|Weezing}}, {{p|Chansey}}, {{p|Goldeen}}, {{p|Staryu}}, {{p|Snorlax}}, {{p|Articuno}}, {{p|Zapdos}}, {{p|Moltres}}, {{p|Mew}}, {{p|Chikorita}}, {{p|Cyndaquil}}, {{p|Togepi}}, {{p|Bellossom}}, {{p|Marill}}, {{p|Unown}}, {{p|Wobbuffet}}, {{p|Scizor}}, {{p|Porygon2}}, {{p|Raikou}}, {{p|Entei}}, {{p|Suicune}}, {{p|Lugia}}, {{p|Ho-Oh}}, or {{p|Celebi}} appearing. {{p|Ditto}} was also planned to appear, acting as a clone of the character who released it for a short while, but was dummied out of the final game and can only be accessed through [[cheating]], where it does nothing. In the third installment, [[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]], [[Generation III]] and [[Generation IV]] Pokémon were added, and now {{p|Meowth}}, {{p|Electrode}}, {{p|Goldeen}}, {{p|Staryu}}, {{p|Snorlax}}, {{p|Moltres}}, {{p|Mew}}, {{p|Chikorita}}, {{p|Togepi}}, {{p|Bellossom}}, {{p|Wobbuffet}}, {{p|Entei}}, {{p|Suicune}}, {{p|Lugia}}, {{p|Ho-Oh}}, {{p|Celebi}}, {{p|Torchic}}, {{p|Gardevoir}}, {{p|Gulpin}}, {{p|Metagross}}, {{p|Latias}}, {{p|Latios}}, {{p|Kyogre}}, {{p|Groudon}}, {{p|Jirachi}}, {{p|Deoxys}}, {{p|Piplup}}, {{p|Bonsly}}, {{p|Munchlax}}, {{p|Weavile}}, or {{p|Manaphy}} can be released from a Poké Ball that is thrown.

===[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]] Trophy information===
''These balls are used to catch and contain wild Pokémon. Most Pokémon must be weakened in some way before they can be caught, but once they're inside a Poké Ball, they enjoy their new home, since Poké Balls contain an environment specially designed for Pokémon comfort. [[Master Ball]]s are the strongest type.''

==In the TCG==
Several variants of Poké Ball have been released in card form in the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]], ranging from the standard variants found in the games and other media to variants specific to the TCG.

===Standard variants===
[[File:FastBall.jpg|thumb|right|The Fast Ball, in card form]]
*The standard {{TCG ID|Jungle|Poké Ball|64}} card, which was the first released, debuted in the {{TCG|Jungle}} expansion and has since been featured in many others. It features a TCG-centric mechanic, requiring a {{TCG|coin}} flip to search the deck for a {{TCG|Pokémon}} to be put in the hand. Most of the Poké Ball variants, both adapted from the games and exclusive to the TCG, are similar to this, with several requiring coin flips to use their effect.
*The {{TCG ID|EX FireRed & LeafGreen|Great Ball|92}}, which first appeared in the {{TCG|EX FireRed & LeafGreen|TCG expansion}} coinciding with the {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s|remakes}} of the [[Generation I]] games, is somewhat of an upgrade to the Poké Ball, and does not require the coin flip that the Poké Ball does, instead restricting the search of Pokémon to Basic Pokémon.
*The [[Master Ball#In the TCG|Master Ball]], first appearing in the {{TCG|Gym Challenge}} expansion, and in the games the most powerful of the Poké Balls, provides a vastly different effect than the standard. Rather than searching the entire deck, only the top seven cards may be searched. One {{TCG|Pokémon}} found in these seven can be put into the hand, while the rest must be shuffled back into the deck.
*Debuting in the {{TCG|Skyridge}} expansion, the {{TCG ID|Skyridge|Lure Ball|128}} is different from the basic Poké Balls in that it draws from the {{TCG|discard pile}} rather than the deck. For each heads flipped, with a maximum of three, an {{TCG|Evolution card}} can be returned from the discard pile and put into the hand. It has not appeared since.
*Also debuting in Skyridge, the {{TCG ID|Skyridge|Friend Ball|126}}, another [[Apricorn]] Ball, has a unique effect entirely, allowing the user to search their deck for a Pokémon of the same {{TCG|elemental types|type}} as one of the opponent's Pokémon, making it effective in decks that typically match up well against their own type. It also has not appeared since.
*The {{TCG ID|Skyridge|Fast Ball|124}} allows the player to go through their deck, turning over cards one at a time until they find the first evolution card, and then taking that into their hand, shuffling afterward. Like the other two Apricorn Balls, it debuted in Skyridge and has not appeared since.
*The {{TCG ID|Great Encounters|Premier Ball|101}}, debuting in the {{TCG|Great Encounters}} expansion, is special, much as in the games, and allows the player to search either the deck ''or'' the discard pile for a {{TCG|Pokémon LV.X}} to put into their hand.
*The {{TCG ID|Stormfront|Luxury Ball|86}}, first found in the {{TCG|Stormfront}} expansion, is among the rarest of the Poké Ball varieties in the games, though its catch rate is the same as that of a normal Poké Ball. Likewise it is so with the TCG, allowing a non-{{TCG|Pokémon LV.X|LV.X}} Pokémon to be searched from the deck, but only if another Luxury Ball card is not in the discard pile.[[File:RocketBall.jpg|thumb|right|The Rocket's Poké Ball card.]]
*The {{TCG ID|Mysterious Treasures|Quick Ball|114}} released in the {{TCG|Mysterious Treasures}} expansion has a similar effect to the Fast Ball released in Skyridge, allowing the player to uncover cards from their deck until they find a Pokémon. An expansion of the Fast Ball's use, any Pokémon can be found, though this may prove an issue if the player is looking for an Evolution card specifically and finds a Basic Pokémon first.
*The {{TCG ID|Mysterious Treasures|Dusk Ball|110}}, also first found in Mysterious Treasures, features an effect somewhat opposite from the Master Ball's: Instead of the top seven cards being searched, only the bottom seven cards may be, and a Pokémon found there may be put into the player's hand.

===TCG-only variants===
*The {{TCG ID|Expedition|Dual Ball|139}} is merely two Poké Balls together, and has a similar effect to using two plain Poké Ball cards, requiring two coin flips to search for up to two Pokémon, depending on how many heads appear.
*The {{TCG ID|EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua|Team Magma Ball|80}} is [[Team Magma]]'s Poké Ball variant, found only in the {{TCG|EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua}} expansion. It works similarly to a Poké Ball, however, it only can be used to find Team Magma's Pokémon, and will still allow a player to find a Pokémon, though only a {{TCG|Basic Pokémon|Basic one}}, if the coin flip results in tails.
*The {{TCG ID|EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua|Team Aqua Ball|75}} is [[Team Aqua]]'s Poké Ball variant, also found only in the {{TCG|EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua}} expansion. It works ''exactly'' the same as the Team Magma Ball, with the exception that it can only search out Team Aqua's Pokémon instead.
*The {{TCG ID|EX Team Rocket Returns|Rocket's Poké Ball|89}} is the [[Team Rocket]] variation on the Poké Ball, found in the {{TCG|EX Team Rocket Returns}} expansion. Unlike others, no coin flip is required, and it simply allows the player to search for a {{TCG|Dark Pokémon}}.

==Trivia==
*Many of the types of Poké Ball introduced in [[Generation III]] function similarly to those introduced in [[Generation II]]: the Nest Ball, like the Level Ball, is better if used on Pokémon of lower levels, the Net and Dive Balls are both useful against Pokémon found while in the water, much like the Lure Ball, and the Luxury Ball raises a Pokémon's [[happiness]] quickly, similarly to a Friend Ball. Excluding the Sport Ball, which many see as a parallel to the Safari Ball which made its return in Generation III, the specialty Balls made by the Devon Corporation in Hoenn number at seven, the same amount as the Apricorn Balls made by Kurt.
*In Generation II, the Park Ball's name is written as one word on the menu, rather than as two, as the rest of the Poké Balls are. This is due to the size limitation placed on the text by the [[Game Boy Color]]'s small screen. The Generation IV Park Ball does not have this issue, as [[Nintendo DS]] screens are ''much'' wider and the font used is thinner.
*In some early artwork for {{game|Red and Green|s}}, Poké Balls are shown on the ground in two pieces while the Pokémon are in battle, rather than in the more familiar hinged form they take now. This may be a carryover from when Pokémon was known as Capsule Monsters, as the Poké Ball sprites do not show the button on the ball in Generation I either. Interestingly, in [[Generation II]], Poké Balls split in half when capturing a Pokémon as part of their animation, while the anime had been using the hinge style since the very first episode.
*Poké Balls are inspired by the capsules for {{wp|gashapon}} machines, which contain small, handheld toys.
*In [[List of items in other languages#Pok.C3.A9_Balls|other languages]], the names of Poké Balls use the English word "Ball", even in languages where this isn't a native word. This reasoning for this is unknown. However, the different types of Poké Balls were translated properly.
*Item description data for the Safari Ball in {{2v2|HeartGold|SoulSilver}} is unchanged from {{game|Platinum}}, hence its description still states that it can only be used within the [[Great Marsh]].
 
{{Items}} 
{{Smash Bros.}} 
{{Project ItemDex notice}}

[[Category:Game mechanics]]
[[Category:Equipment]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros.]]

[[de:Pokéball]]
[[es:Poké Ball]]
[[ja:モンスターボール]]
[[pl:Poké Ball]]
[[pt:Pokébola]]

Evolution

2008-03-30T01:36:48Z

Raquel9e: /* Methods of evolution */

[[Image:Evolution.gif|frame|right|{{p|Ivysaur}} becomes {{p|Venusaur}}, depicted in [[Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen]].]]

During the course of a Pokémon's development, under certain circumstances specific to that Pokémon's species, it may '''evolve''' (Japanese: {{tt|進化|しんか}} ''shinka'') into a different Pokémon. This change is not merely physical, however, as Pokémon of a higher evolutionary stage have different (and usually more powerful) [[base stats]] than their predecessors, may have different [[move]]s that can be learned, and sometimes change their [[Elemental types|type]]s, though usually at least one of the types of the previous form is preserved. Other statistics, such as [[nature]] and [[EVs]], as well as [[alternate coloration]], are preserved.

==Evolution families==
An evolution family is a group of Pokémon who will all, if bred with {{p|Ditto}}, make a Pokémon egg that will hatch into the same Pokémon, excluding baby Pokémon. This also means that the most basic form has the potential to become any of the rest of the family, although it will only be able to follow one evolutionary path, ultimately.

===Stages of evolution===
Pokémon can be classed into different evolutionary stages, based on their appearance in their evolution family. All Pokémon fall into one of four groups: [[baby Pokémon]], unevolved Pokémon, first-evolution Pokémon, and second-evolution Pokémon. These groups are also the basis for the [[TCG]]'s grouping of {{TCG|Baby Pokémon}}, {{TCG|Basic Pokémon}}, {{TCG|Stage 1 Pokémon}}, and {{TCG|Stage 2 Pokémon}}, respectively.

Due to the fact that no evolution family contains both a baby Pokémon and a second-evolution Pokémon, many regard baby Pokémon as the most basic form, while moving their evolved counterparts one level higher. For example, originally, {{p|Pikachu}} was regarded as an unevolved Pokémon, however, with the release of {{p|Pichu}} in [[Generation II]], many now considered it more on par with Pokémon like {{p|Charmeleon}}, though its TCG classification remained the same.

====Two-evolution families====
{{main|:category:Pokémon that are part of a three-stage evolutionary line|Pokémon that are part of a three-stage evolutionary line}}
Perhaps the most well-known types of evolution families are those that feature two separate evolutionary events in the Pokémon's development. Indeed, this type of evolution family is what all of the [[starter Pokémon]] in the [[main series]] are a part of, including {{p|Pikachu}}. An example of this type of evolution family is below.

{| border=1 align="center" style="background: #fff; border:1px solid #000; border-collapse:collapse;"
|- style="background: #C0C0FF;"
! Lowest
! Trigger
! Middle
! Trigger
! Highest
|- align="center"
| [[Image:147.png]] {{p|Dratini}}
| [[Level]] 30
| [[Image:148.png]] {{p|Dragonair}}
| [[Level]] 55
| [[Image:149.png]] {{p|Dragonite}}
|}

====One-evolution families====
{{main|:category:Pokémon that are part of a two-stage evolutionary line|Pokémon that are part of a two-stage evolutionary line}}
By far the most common type of evolution family, these families are based in a Pokémon that will only ever evolve once in its development. About one third of all Pokémon that would later get a baby form were part of this kind of evolution family before their baby form was revealed. An example of this type of evolution family is below.

{| border=1 align="center" style="background: #fff; border:1px solid #000; border-collapse:collapse;"
|- style="background: #C0C0FF;"
! Lowest
! Trigger
! Highest
|- align="center"
| [[Image:123.png]] {{p|Scyther}}
| [[Trade]] holding [[Metal Coat]]
| [[Image:212.png]] {{p|Scizor}}
|}

====Pokémon that do not evolve====
{{main|:category:Pokémon that are not part of an evolutionary line|Pokémon that are not part of an evolutionary line}}
The least common type of evolution family, of course, is that in which no evolutionary event takes place, meaning that it is made up of only one member. Many of the Pokémon that have no evolutionary event are, of course, [[legendary Pokémon]]. However, there are still 42 other Pokémon that do not evolve. Below is a list of all non-legendary Pokémon that do not evolve.

{| border=1 align="center" style="background: #fff; border:1px solid #000; border-collapse:collapse;"
|- style="background: #C0C0FF;"
! colspan="2" | [[Generation I|Gen I]]
! colspan="2" | [[Generation II|Gen II]]
! colspan="2" | [[Generation III|Gen III]]
! colspan="2" | [[Generation IV|Gen IV]]
|- align="center"
| [[Image:083MS.gif]]
| {{p|Farfetch'd}}
| [[Image:201MS.gif]]
| {{p|Unown}}
| [[Image:302MS.gif]]
| {{p|Sableye}}
| [[Image:417MS.png]]
| {{p|Pachirisu}}
|- align="center"
| [[Image:115MS.gif]]
| {{p|Kangaskhan}}
| [[Image:203MS.gif]]
| {{p|Girafarig}}
| [[Image:303MS.gif]]
| {{p|Mawile}}
| [[Image:441MS.png]]
| {{p|Chatot}}
|- align="center"
| [[Image:127MS.gif]]
| {{p|Pinsir}}
| [[Image:206MS.gif]]
| {{p|Dunsparce}}
| [[Image:311MS.gif]]
| {{p|Plusle}}
| [[Image:442MS.png]]
| {{p|Spiritomb}}
|- align="center"
| [[Image:128MS.gif]]
| {{p|Tauros}}
| [[Image:211MS.gif]]
| {{p|Qwilfish}}
| [[Image:312MS.gif]]
| {{p|Minun}}
| [[Image:455MS.png]]
| {{p|Carnivine}}
|- align="center"
| [[Image:131MS.gif]]
| {{p|Lapras}}
| [[Image:213MS.gif]]
| {{p|Shuckle}}
| [[Image:313MS.gif]]
| {{p|Volbeat}}
| [[Image:479MS.png]]
| {{p|Rotom}}
|- align="center"
| [[Image:132MS.gif]]
| {{p|Ditto}}
| [[Image:214MS.gif]]
| {{p|Heracross}}
| [[Image:314MS.gif]]
| {{p|Illumise}}
| colspan="2" rowspan="13" |  
|- align="center"
| [[Image:142MS.gif]]
| {{p|Aerodactyl}}
| [[Image:222MS.gif]]
| {{p|Corsola}}
| [[Image:324MS.gif]]
| {{p|Torkoal}}
|- align="center"
| colspan="2" rowspan="11" |  
| [[Image:225MS.gif]]
| {{p|Delibird}}
| [[Image:327MS.gif]]
| {{p|Spinda}}
|- align="center"
| [[Image:227MS.gif]]
| {{p|Skarmory}}
| [[Image:335MS.gif]]
| {{p|Zangoose}}
|- align="center"
| [[Image:234MS.gif]]
| {{p|Stantler}}
| [[Image:336MS.gif]]
| {{p|Seviper}}
|- align="center"
| [[Image:235MS.gif]]
| {{p|Smeargle}}
| [[Image:337MS.gif]]
| {{p|Lunatone}}
|- align="center"
| [[Image:241MS.gif]]
| {{p|Miltank}}
| [[Image:338MS.gif]]
| {{p|Solrock}}
|- align="center"
| colspan="2" rowspan="6" |  
| [[Image:351MS.gif]]
| {{p|Castform}}
|- align="center"
| [[Image:352MS.gif]]
| {{p|Kecleon}}
|- align="center"
| [[Image:357MS.gif]]
| {{p|Tropius}}
|- align="center"
| [[Image:359MS.gif]]
| {{p|Absol}}
|- align="center"
| [[Image:369MS.gif]]
| {{p|Relicanth}}
|- align="center"
| [[Image:370MS.gif]]
| {{p|Luvdisc}}
|}

====Branch evolution families====
{{main|List of Pokémon with branched evolutions}}
Several families, while also one- and two-evolution families, are also branch evolution families. What this means is that there is a split in the evolutionary line at some point so that even though two Pokémon of the same species evolve the same amount of times, they can become two entirely different creatures. {{p|Eevee}} is the best-known example of this, evolving seven different ways depending on the method used. An example of this type of evolution family is below.

{| border=1 align="center" style="background: #fff; border:1px solid #000; border-collapse:collapse;"
|- style="background: #C0C0FF;"
! Lowest
! Trigger
! Middle
! Trigger
! Highest
|- align="center"
| rowspan="2" | [[Image:060.png]] {{p|Poliwag}}
| rowspan="2" | [[Level]] 25
| rowspan="2" | [[Image:061.png]] {{p|Poliwhirl}}
| [[Water Stone]]
| [[Image:062.png]] {{p|Poliwrath}}
|- align="center"
| [[Trade]] holding [[King's Rock]]
| [[Image:186.png]] {{p|Politoed}}
|}

=====Advantages=====
A major difference between the final forms of an evolution family with a branch in evolution is in the way that their [[base stats]] line up. For example, {{p|Kirlia}} evolves into both {{p|Gardevoir}} and {{p|Gallade}}, which both have 518 total base stats. However, Gallade's base stat in [[Stat#Attack|Attack]] is 125 and its base stat in [[Stat#Special Attack|Special Attack]] is 65. The reverse is true for Gardevoir, whose Special Attack is 125 and whose Attack is 65. This is true of many opposing evolutions, with one focusing in one specific stat, the other focusing in a separate stat, and both having the same total stats. This is especially obvious in the [[Eeveelution|Eeveelutions]], who each have exactly the same base stats, though organized differently.

A listing of the stat focuses is below.

{| border=1 align="center" style="background: #fff; border:1px solid #000; border-collapse:collapse;"
|- style="background: #C0C0FF;"
! colspan="2" | Basic form
! colspan="2" | Evolutions
! Difference
|- align="center"
| rowspan="2" | [[Image:043MS.gif]]
| rowspan="2" | {{p|Oddish}}
| [[Image:045MS.gif]]
| {{p|Vileplume}}
| Special Attack is 100, Special Defense is 90
|- align="center"
| [[Image:182MS.gif]]
| {{p|Bellossom}}
| Special Defense is 100, Special Attack is 90
|- align="center"
| rowspan="2" | [[Image:060MS.gif]]
| rowspan="2" | {{p|Poliwag}}
| [[Image:062MS.gif]]
| {{p|Poliwrath}}
| Attack is 20 higher, Defense is 10 higher
|- align="center"
| [[Image:186MS.gif]]
| {{p|Politoed}}
| Special Defense is 20 higher, Special Attack is 10 higher
|- align="center"
| rowspan="2" | [[Image:079MS.gif]]
| rowspan="2" | {{p|Slowpoke}}
| [[Image:080MS.gif]]
| {{p|Slowbro}}
| Defense is 110, Special Defense is 80
|- align="center"
| [[Image:199MS.gif]]
| {{p|Slowking}}
| Special Defense is 110, Defense is 80
|- align="center"
| rowspan="7" | [[Image:133MS.gif]]
| rowspan="7" | {{p|Eevee}}
| [[Image:134MS.gif]]
| {{p|Vaporeon}}
| Highest stat is HP
|- align="center"
| [[Image:135MS.gif]]
| {{p|Jolteon}}
| Highest stat is Speed
|- align="center"
| [[Image:136MS.gif]]
| {{p|Flareon}}
| Highest stat is Attack
|- align="center"
| [[Image:196MS.gif]]
| {{p|Espeon}}
| Highest stat is Special Attack
|- align="center"
| [[Image:197MS.gif]]
| {{p|Umbreon}}
| Highest stat is Special Defense
|- align="center"
| [[Image:470MS.png]]
| {{p|Leafeon}}
| Highest stat is Defense
|- align="center"
| [[Image:471MS.png]]
| {{p|Glaceon}}
| Highest stat is Special Attack
|- align="center"
| rowspan="3" | [[Image:236MS.gif]]
| rowspan="3" | {{p|Tyrogue}}
| [[Image:106MS.gif]]
| {{p|Hitmonlee}}
| Large difference between Attack and Defense
|- align="center"
| [[Image:107MS.gif]]
| {{p|Hitmonchan}}
| Speed lower than Defense, Attack and Defense more equal
|- align="center"
| [[Image:237MS.gif]]
| {{p|Hitmontop}}
| Attack and Defense equal, Speed at minimum
|- align="center"
| rowspan="2" | [[Image:265MS.gif]]
| rowspan="2" | {{p|Wurmple}}
| [[Image:267MS.gif]]
| {{p|Beautifly}}
| Attack and Special Attack higher than Defense and Special Defense
|- align="center"
| [[Image:269MS.gif]]
| {{p|Dustox}}
| Defense and Special Defense higher than Attack and Special Attack
|- align="center"
| rowspan="2" | [[Image:280MS.gif]]
| rowspan="2" | {{p|Ralts}}
| [[Image:282MS.gif]]
| {{p|Gardevoir}}
| Special Attack is 125, Attack is 65
|- align="center"
| [[Image:475MS.png]]
| {{p|Gallade}}
| Attack is 125, Special Attack is 65
|- align="center"
| rowspan="2" | [[Image:361MS.gif]]
| rowspan="2" | {{p|Snorunt}}
| [[Image:362MS.gif]]
| {{p|Glalie}}
| All stats are 80
|- align="center"
| [[Image:478MS.png]]
| {{p|Froslass}}
| HP, Defense, Special Defense each 10 lower, Speed 30 higher
|- align="center"
| rowspan="2" | [[Image:366MS.gif]]
| rowspan="2" | {{p|Clamperl}}
| [[Image:367MS.gif]]
| {{p|Huntail}}
| Attack is 104, Special Attack is 94
|- align="center"
| [[Image:368MS.gif]]
| {{p|Gorebyss}}
| Attack is 84, Special Attack is 114
|- align="center"
| rowspan="2" | [[Image:412MS.png]]
| rowspan="2" | {{p|Burmy}}
| [[Image:413MS.png]]
| {{p|Wormadam}}
| Focus in Defense and Special Defense
|- align="center"
| [[Image:414MS.png]]
| {{p|Mothim}}
| Focus in Attack, Special Attack, and Speed
|}

==Methods of evolution==
{{main|Methods of evolution}}
The various triggers for a Pokémon's evolution are almost as varied as the Pokémon themselves. The most common of them is evolution by leveling up at or above a certain level. Others include leveling up when [[happiness]] has reached a high level, when the Pokémon is [[trade]]d, when the Pokémon is traded [[evolution-inducing held item|holding an item]], leveled up holding an item, or even has an [[evolutionary stone]] used on it.

Most commonly, Pokémon that can evolve into more than one Pokémon will have the ways in which the evolution is activated being slightly similar, such as having both be by [[evolutionary stone]] or by [[held item|holding an item]] and [[trade|trading]]. Closely-related Pokémon, such as {{p|Nidoran♀}} and {{p|Nidoran♂}}, will also have very similar, if not identical, evolution methods.

==In the anime==
In the anime, evolution happens in much the same way as it does in the games; though [[level]]-based evolution nor [[trade]]-based evolutions do not occur using those methods, there are similarities in the way they come about. For example, [[Misty]]'s {{p|Poliwhirl}} evolved into {{TP|Misty|Politoed}} because it found [[Ash Ketchum|Ash]]'s [[King's Rock]] and was holding it when Misty sent it out, while in the games it is required that Poliwhirl be traded while holding the King's Rock for the evolution to take place.

Additionally, a difference can be noted in the fact that Pokémon evolve ''during'' a battle, as opposed to after it. There are also several instances of an evolutionary trigger being incorrect, such as ''[[EP043|March of the Exeggutor Squad]]'' where several {{p|Exeggcute}} evolve into {{p|Exeggutor}} without the aid of a [[Leaf Stone]]. Pokémon may also evolve when they are needed to, for an extra boost of power, instead of after a set amount of training, such as when Ash's {{p|Charmeleon}} evolved into {{TP|Ash|Charizard}}.

For a list of all evolutions that Pokémon belonging to the main cast have undergone, see [[List of anime Pokémon by evolution]].

==In the TCG==
{{main|Evolution (TCG)}}
Evolution in the TCG functions similarly in many aspects to that of the games, however, there is no different requirement that needs to be met depending on the Pokémon species to be evolved to move on to the next stage.

==In relation to the real world==
Evolution in Pokémon, for most species, is more akin to [[wp:metamorphosis|metamorphosis]] than to actual evolution. The Pokémon whose evolution is closest to the real-world definition of evolution is {{p|Eevee}}, whose cellular structure changes due to its environment.
[[Category:Pokémon world]]
[[Category:Terminology]]

[[de:Entwicklung]]
[[fr:Évolution]]
[[ja:進化]]
[[pl:Ewolucja]]

User:Raquel9e

2008-03-21T00:17:33Z

Raquel9e: New page: ☆

☆