A Poké Flute is a key item from the Pokémon games. It looks like a yellow recorder with a Poké Ball near the bottom.

In the Generation I Pokémon games and their Generation III remakes, this item is given to you by Mr. Fuji after you save him from Team Rocket in Pokémon Tower. In Pokémon Snap, Professor Oak will reward you with a Poké Flute after you obtain a total score of 175,000 points or higher for all the photos in the Pokémon Report.

Usage

In the Field

A Poké Flute's single purpose in the field is to wake up sleeping Pokémon, specifically two Snorlax sleeping on Route 12 and Route 16. Doing this is the only way to progress southward in the game, since these Pokémon are blocking the routes, as well as the only way to battle a wild Snorlax.

In the Generation II Pokémon games, this purpose is fulfilled by the radio function of the PokéGear.

In Battle

A Poké Flute works as a reusable Awakening in battle. Whenever the trainer takes a turn to play it, all Pokémon in the battle are cured of Sleep.

In certain Generation III Pokémon games, this purpose is fulfilled by the Blue Flute.

Other

In Pokémon Snap, playing the Poké Flute will wake up sleeping Pokémon and may make them dance or pose for you. There are three songs which the Poké Flute can play in this game, and Pokémon respond differently to each.

In the Anime

A Poké Flute was used by the Hippie in Wake Up Snorlax. He performed concerts with it in exchange for food. Later, he used it to help restart the flow of a river by waking up a Snorlax that was blocking the river.