Differences between the Pokémon games and anime: Difference between revisions

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The [[Pokémon anime]] can often differ to the [[Pokémon games]]. While the games tend to dictate the venues and main events that occur within the anime, and tend to correspond on basic information, there are many noticeable differences or contradictions that can be seen between the two medias.
The [[Pokémon anime]] can often differ to the [[Pokémon games]]. While the games tend to dictate the venues and main events that occur within the anime, and tend to correspond on basic information, there are many noticeable differences or contradictions that can be seen between the two media.


==Most notable differences==
==Most notable differences==
* Pokémon with colors different from their normal or {{Shiny}} ones appear in the anime, though Pokémon with the official Shiny colors do appear.
* Pokémon with colors different from their normal or {{Shiny}} ones appear in the anime, though Pokémon with the official Shiny colors do appear.
* {{pkmn|Egg}}s have a different appearance depending on the Pokémon species that is inside of the Egg. This is debatable, however, due to the appearance of differently colored Eggs in the [[Generation II]] instruction manuals. An example of this would most notably be {{TP|Misty|Togepi|Togetic}}'s Egg's blue and red triangles, mimicking {{p|Togepi}}'s physical appearance.
* {{pkmn|Egg}}s have a different appearance depending on the Pokémon species that is inside of the Egg. An example of this would be {{TP|Misty|Togepi}}'s Egg's blue and red triangles, mimicking {{p|Togepi}}'s physical appearance.
**Somehow, even with the hint of the Egg's appearance looking like the Pokémon inside, the characters never seem to know what it will be.
[[File:Buneary Heart Seal.png|thumb|200px|Contests are different in the anime and in the games.]]
[[File:Buneary Heart Seal.png|thumb|200px|right|Contests are different in the anime from the games.]]
* In the anime, [[Pokémon battle]]s take place in real-time as opposed to being turn-based. This means that [[Pokémon Trainer]]s are not forced to wait for the other Pokémon to make a move. However, most Trainers usually wait for the opponent to finish issuing commands.
* In the anime, [[Pokémon Trainer]]s are not forced to wait for the other Pokémon to make a move. However, most Trainers usually wait for the opponent to finish talking.
* Pokémon can have more than four moves in the anime, and are not required to forget an old move in order to learn a new one (although some of the moves a Pokémon is shown using when first introduced will generally fall into disuse as the Pokémon learns more powerful moves as the series continues). Later series are more likely to have Pokémon stick to the four-move limit, however.
* Pokémon can have more than four moves in the anime, and are not required to forget an old move in order to learn a new one (although some of the moves a Pokémon is shown using when first introduced will generally fall into disuse as the Pokémon learns more powerful moves as the series continues).
* [[Egg Move]]s, which a Pokémon knows upon hatching in the games, are able to be picked up naturally as the Pokémon grows (one example being [[Ash's Pikachu]] learning {{m|Volt Tackle}} 424 episodes after its first appearance).
* [[Egg move]]s, which a Pokémon has to be [[Pokémon breeding|bred]] (and therefore born) with are able to be picked up naturally as the Pokémon grows (the most obvious example being [[Ash's Pikachu]] learning {{m|Volt Tackle}} 424 episodes after its first appearance).
* In the anime, there can be more than the 8 usual [[Gym]]s in each [[region]]. However, Ash only ever faces the ones from the games, with the others challenged by the rivals.
* The [[Pokémon League]]s feature a [[Pokémon League Conference|tournament]] rather than just battling five Trainers straight to become Champion. Trainers may just also challenge the current Champion, as seen in several of [[Cynthia]]'s battles in the anime.
* In the anime, all Trainers who collect at least eight Badges compete in a [[Pokémon League Conference]]. In the games, Trainers who manage to collect all the specific regional Badges are qualified to challenge the [[Elite Four]] and the current Champion.
* In the anime, there can be more than the 8 usual [[Gym]]s in each [[region]]. However, Ash only ever faces the ones from the games, with the others challenged by Rivals.
** In the anime, Trainers may also just directly challenge the current Champion without additional requirements, as seen in several of [[Cynthia]]'s battles.
* Multiples of each [[legendary Pokémon]] have been sighted. In the games, it's only one per game. This also states that the legendary Pokémon in the anime have the ability to {{pkmn|breeding|breed}}, contrary to the games.
* Multiples of various species of {{pkmn2|Legendary}} and [[Mythical Pokémon]] have been sighted. In the games, only one can be found per game. This also states that Legendary and Mythical Pokémon are able to {{pkmn|breeding|breed}} in the anime, contrary to the games.
**However, game canon seems to imply that more exist, but the player only ever encounters one, while breeding in captivity, rather than the wild, may be awkward for legendaries much as it is for some species of animal, such as {{wp|echidna}}s or {{wp|panda}}s.
** However, game canon seems to imply that more exist, but the player only ever encounters one.
* [[Starter Pokémon]] can be found in the wild in the anime. In the games, players can only receive one from the regional professor. They must [[trade]] to obtain others.
* [[Starter Pokémon]] can be found in the wild in the anime. In the games, players can only receive one from the regional professor. They must [[trade]] to obtain others. An exception occurs in {{g|X and Y}}, where both Kanto and Kalos starters can be found and caught in a [[Friend Safari]] (in their second evolutionary stage).
* In battles in the anime, moves can be used together to make a totally [[Moves not in the Pokémon games|new move]].
* In battles in the anime, moves can be used together to make a totally [[Moves not in the Pokémon games|new move]].
* In the anime, characters change their clothes when they go swimming. However, when a player {{m|Dive|dives underwater}} in the games, the player is still wearing their normal outfit.
* In the anime, characters change their clothes when they go swimming. However, when a player {{m|dive}}s underwater in the games, the player is still wearing their normal outfit.
* In the anime, [[Pokémon Contests]] have an appeal round where Contestants show off a combination of moves, while in the games, there isn't one. The second round is different as well. Contestants battle each other in the anime while in the games, Contestants show off only one move to the judge and are able to affect the other Contestants' Pokémon (Hoenn Contest only).
* In the anime, [[Pokémon Contest]] rounds work very differently. In the first one, called the [[Appeal|Performance Stage]], {{pkmn|Coordinator}}s display an array of moves and skills to showcase their Pokémon, while in the games, the player simply presents their Pokémon so its [[Contest condition|condition]] can be evaluated. The second round is different as well. In the anime, contestants face each other in a [[Contest Battle]], while in the games all the participants take turns showing off one move at a time.
* In the anime, the Trainer can order their Pokémon to dodge attacks, regardless of the accuracy of that move in the games. Additionally moves that normally cannot miss in the games, such as {{m|Swift}}, {{m|Shock Wave}} and {{m|Aerial Ace}}, can miss.
* In the anime, the Trainer can order their Pokémon to dodge attacks, regardless of the accuracy of that move in the games. Additionally moves that normally cannot miss in the games, such as {{m|Swift}}, {{m|Shock Wave}} and {{m|Aerial Ace}}, can miss.
* In the anime, some Pokemon are shown to travel out side of their Pokeball(like Ash's Pikachu), wile in the games it only happens in [[Pokemon Yellow]], and Pokemon Heat Gold and Soul Silver.
* In the games, a larger variety of Pokeballs are used than in the anime.
* [[HM]]s are shown as regular moves in the anime, yet they are not used as tools for certain situations like in the games.
* [[HM]]s are shown as regular moves in the anime, yet they are not used as tools for certain situations like in the games.
* [[TM]]s do not seem to exist. Instead, TM-exclusive moves must be taught to the Pokémon over a period of time.
* [[TM]]s do not seem to exist. Instead, TM-exclusive moves must be taught to the Pokémon over a period of time.
* Locations are not the same between the anime and the game. Multiple locations are added to [[region]]s to carry out plots in the anime.  
* Locations are not the same between the anime and the game. Multiple [[List of anime-exclusive locations|locations]] are added to [[region]]s to carry out plots in the anime. Along with the core series regions, there are also two regions exclusive to the anime: the [[Orange Archipelago]] and the [[Decolore Islands]].
* Regular [[Poké Ball]]s are generally used to catch Pokémon. In the games, Pokémon Trainers use different kinds of Poké Balls to catch Pokémon. The only other Poké Ball types seen in the anime were the {{ball|Safari}}, {{ball|Lure}}, {{ball|Fast}}, {{ball|Heavy}}, and [[Master Ball]].
** Some towns and other locations also differ between the anime and the games. In the anime, the [[Whirl Islands]] are populated, but in the games they are just a series of caves. Also, [[Littleroot Town]] is shown to be a coastal town in the anime; in the games, it is surrounded by woodland on all sides. In addition, the [[Seafoam Islands]] in the anime are depicted as a beach resort town with a warm climate, while in the games, the Seafoam Islands are depicted as a location of icy caverns.
[[File:Jessie Dustox Stun Spore.png|thumb|200px|right|{{p|Dustox}} cannot learn {{m|Stun Spore}} in the games]]
[[File:Jessie Dustox Stun Spore.png|thumb|200px|{{p|Dustox}} cannot learn {{m|Stun Spore}} in the games.]]
* Occasionally the anime shows [[Anime move errors|Pokémon using moves they cannot learn in the games]].  
* Occasionally the anime shows [[Anime move errors|Pokémon using moves they cannot learn in the games]].
**However, some of these cases may be attributed to a translation error or a misinterpretation. Examples include Ash telling Pikachu to use "electric attack" when he could just mean to use ''an'' electric attack, or Pokémon using basic attacks like Tackle or Headbutt simply because they are just simple attacks.
**However, some of these cases may be attributed to a translation error or a misinterpretation. Examples include Ash telling Pikachu to use "electric attack" when he could just mean to use ''an'' electric attack, or Pokémon using basic attacks like Tackle or Headbutt simply because they are just simple attacks.
* Pokémon using a technique that normally cannot affect the enemy Pokémon's type in the games, such as with {{AP|Pikachu}} most notably who had occasionally been able to affect {{type|Ground}}s with Electric attacks which it can't do in the games.
* Pokémon can sometimes use a technique that normally would not affect the enemy in the games, notably with {{AP|Pikachu}} who has been able to affect {{t|Ground}} types with Electric attacks, which it can't do in the games.
* Like people, Pokémon can be worn out from constant battling and eventually collapse from exhaustion which is something that can't happen in the games. However, a Pokémon that runs out of {{PP}} in every move can faint from the [[recoil]] damage of {{m|Struggle}}.
* Like people, Pokémon can be worn out from constant battling and eventually collapse from exhaustion. However, in the games, a Pokémon that runs out of {{PP}} in every move can faint from the [[recoil]] damage of {{m|Struggle}}.
* Official Gym and League battles set limits on how many Pokémon a Trainer can use to fight with, whereas in the games only facilities like the [[Battle Tower]] set limits.
* Official Gym and League battles set limits on how many Pokémon a Trainer can use to fight with, whereas in the games only facilities like the [[Battle Tower]] set limits.
* All official Pokémon Trainer battles in the anime have a [[Battle judge|judge]], who sets the rules and referees the battle, and is able to declare when a Pokémon is unable to battle which would eliminate that Pokémon from the match. In the games, however, aside from a battle facility match, any Pokémon that fainted can be revived and used again in battle as long as the Trainer has at least one Pokémon left.
* All official Pokémon Trainer battles in the anime have a [[Battle judge|judge]], who sets the rules and referees the battle, and is able to declare when a Pokémon is unable to battle which would eliminate that Pokémon from the match. In the games, however, aside from a battle facility match, any Pokémon that has fainted can be revived and used again in battle as long as the Trainer has at least one Pokémon left.
* Pokémon have the right to decide if they want to evolve, and can choose if they don't want to evolve, where in the games the Pokémon only evolves when the player wishes it to once the requirement has been met. Notable examples are Ash's Pikachu and Bulbasaur, {{MTR}} of [[Team Rocket]], and [[Dawn's Piplup]].
* Pokémon have the right to decide if they want to evolve in the anime, and can choose if they don't want to evolve. However, in the games, the Pokémon only evolves when/if the player wants it to and the requirement has been met. Notable examples are [[Ash's Pikachu]] and {{AP|Bulbasaur}}, {{MTR}} of [[Team Rocket]], and [[Dawn's Piplup]]. An exception is {{game|Yellow}}, where [[Red's Pikachu]] refuses to evolve.
* Pokémon in the anime occasionally undergo changes in their personality when they evolve. In the games, their [[Nature|personality]] remains the same after evolution.  
* Pokémon in the anime occasionally undergo changes in their personality when they evolve. In the games, their [[Nature|personality]] remains the same after evolution.
* In the anime, some Pokémon that have been recently captured or evolved disobey their Trainer until that Trainer is able to find a way to get through to them with the prime example being [[Ash's Charizard]]. In the games, only traded Pokémon disobey their Trainer until Badges that can neutralize this problem are acquired.  
* In the anime, some Pokémon that have been recently captured or evolved disobey their Trainer until that Trainer is able to find a way to get through to them, with the prime example being [[Ash's Charizard]]. In the games, only traded Pokémon disobey their Trainer until Badges that can neutralize this problem are acquired.
* It is possible in the anime to render moves harmless in an unorthodox way which is not possible in the games. Sometimes this is used to counter type disadvantages. One example is with Ash's Pikachu during its battle against [[Winona]]'s {{p|Pelipper}}, where Pelipper used {{m|Steel Wing}} to attract Pikachu's electricity and divert it into the ground to render it useless.
* It is possible in the anime to render moves harmless in an unorthodox way that is not possible in the games. Sometimes this is used to counter type disadvantages. One example is with [[Ash's Pikachu]] during its battle against [[Winona]]'s {{p|Pelipper}}, where Pelipper used {{m|Steel Wing}} to attract Pikachu's electricity and divert it into the ground to render it useless.
* Occasionally there have been cases where move or status mechanics have been ignored or altered in the anime that contradicts the games. A few examples are {{m|Volt Tackle}} causing [[recoil]] damage when blocked with {{m|Protect}} instead of being caused from a small amount based on the damage inflicted, or when {{m|Toxic Spikes}} was used to poison Ash's Pokémon when they touched the ground instead of when they were switched, out including his {{AP|Staraptor}} and {{AP|Gliscor}} which are immune to that move in the games due to being {{type|Flying}}s.
* Occasionally there have been cases where move or status mechanics have been ignored or altered in the anime that contradicts the games. One example of this is {{m|Volt Tackle}} causing [[recoil]] damage when blocked with {{m|Protect}} instead of being caused from a small amount based on the damage inflicted. Another example is {{m|Toxic Spikes}} poisoning Ash's Pokémon when they touched the ground instead of when they were switched out. This affected his {{AP|Staraptor}} and {{AP|Gliscor}}, which would be immune to the move in the games due to being {{t|Flying}} types.
* The [[Cry|cries]] in the regular games differ significantly from the cries in the anime. An exception is {{p|Pikachu}} in {{game|Yellow}}, which actually says its name when interacted with or when called into battle.
** Sometimes the anime contradicts its own rules. For example, when Ash asks his {{AP|Aipom}} to dodge and counter with {{m|Focus Punch}} when it's been explained before that the Pokémon needs to concentrate a moment without being disturbed to be able to use the attack.
* Some towns and other locations also differ between the anime and the games. In the anime, the [[Whirl Islands]] are populated, but in the games they are just a series of caves. Also, [[Littleroot Town]] is shown to be a coastal town in the anime; in the games, it is surrounded by woodland on all sides. In addition, the [[Seafoam Islands]] in the anime is depicted as a beach resort town with a warm climate, while in the games the Seafoam Islands are depicted as a location of icy caverns.
* The [[Cry|cries]] in the regular games differ significantly from the cries in the anime. An exception is {{p|Pikachu}} in {{game|Yellow}} and the post-Generation V games, which actually says its name when interacted with or when called into battle.
* In the games, evolutionary methods revolving around leveling up usually occur after a battle, while in the anime these kinds of evolution can occur during a battle or a serious situation. One example is when Ash's Chikorita evolved into {{AP|Bayleef}} to protect him from Team Rocket.
* In the games, evolutionary methods revolving around leveling up usually occur after a battle, while in the anime these kinds of evolution can occur during a battle or a serious situation. One example is when Ash's Chikorita evolved into {{AP|Bayleef}} to protect him from Team Rocket.
* Move effects differ as well. For example, {{m|Will-O-Wisp}} acts more like {{m|Ember}} and does direct damage, whereas in the game it only inflicts a burn. Confusion and Psychic deal direct damage in the game but in the anime it has a psychokinesis-like effect, able to move the target to the user's will. Hypnosis puts a Pokémon to sleep in game, but in the anime, while it can be used to inflict sleep, it also has effects similar to the alleged effects of real-life {{wp|hypnosis}} - putting the target into a trance or suggestible state.
==Related articles==
*[[Anime physics]]
*[[Size discrepancies in the Pokémon anime]]


[[Category:Pokémon meta]]
[[Category:Pokémon meta]]

Revision as of 17:42, 10 December 2016

The Pokémon anime can often differ to the Pokémon games. While the games tend to dictate the venues and main events that occur within the anime, and tend to correspond on basic information, there are many noticeable differences or contradictions that can be seen between the two media.

Most notable differences

  • Pokémon with colors different from their normal or Shiny ones appear in the anime, though Pokémon with the official Shiny colors do appear.
  • Eggs have a different appearance depending on the Pokémon species that is inside of the Egg. An example of this would be Togepi's Egg's blue and red triangles, mimicking Togepi's physical appearance.
Contests are different in the anime and in the games.
  • In the anime, Pokémon battles take place in real-time as opposed to being turn-based. This means that Pokémon Trainers are not forced to wait for the other Pokémon to make a move. However, most Trainers usually wait for the opponent to finish issuing commands.
  • Pokémon can have more than four moves in the anime, and are not required to forget an old move in order to learn a new one (although some of the moves a Pokémon is shown using when first introduced will generally fall into disuse as the Pokémon learns more powerful moves as the series continues). Later series are more likely to have Pokémon stick to the four-move limit, however.
  • Egg Moves, which a Pokémon knows upon hatching in the games, are able to be picked up naturally as the Pokémon grows (one example being Ash's Pikachu learning Volt Tackle 424 episodes after its first appearance).
  • In the anime, there can be more than the 8 usual Gyms in each region. However, Ash only ever faces the ones from the games, with the others challenged by the rivals.
  • In the anime, all Trainers who collect at least eight Badges compete in a Pokémon League Conference. In the games, Trainers who manage to collect all the specific regional Badges are qualified to challenge the Elite Four and the current Champion.
    • In the anime, Trainers may also just directly challenge the current Champion without additional requirements, as seen in several of Cynthia's battles.
  • Multiples of various species of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon have been sighted. In the games, only one can be found per game. This also states that Legendary and Mythical Pokémon are able to breed in the anime, contrary to the games.
    • However, game canon seems to imply that more exist, but the player only ever encounters one.
  • Starter Pokémon can be found in the wild in the anime. In the games, players can only receive one from the regional professor. They must trade to obtain others. An exception occurs in Pokémon X and Y, where both Kanto and Kalos starters can be found and caught in a Friend Safari (in their second evolutionary stage).
  • In battles in the anime, moves can be used together to make a totally new move.
  • In the anime, characters change their clothes when they go swimming. However, when a player dives underwater in the games, the player is still wearing their normal outfit.
  • In the anime, Pokémon Contest rounds work very differently. In the first one, called the Performance Stage, Coordinators display an array of moves and skills to showcase their Pokémon, while in the games, the player simply presents their Pokémon so its condition can be evaluated. The second round is different as well. In the anime, contestants face each other in a Contest Battle, while in the games all the participants take turns showing off one move at a time.
  • In the anime, the Trainer can order their Pokémon to dodge attacks, regardless of the accuracy of that move in the games. Additionally moves that normally cannot miss in the games, such as Swift, Shock Wave and Aerial Ace, can miss.
  • HMs are shown as regular moves in the anime, yet they are not used as tools for certain situations like in the games.
  • TMs do not seem to exist. Instead, TM-exclusive moves must be taught to the Pokémon over a period of time.
  • Locations are not the same between the anime and the game. Multiple locations are added to regions to carry out plots in the anime. Along with the core series regions, there are also two regions exclusive to the anime: the Orange Archipelago and the Decolore Islands.
    • Some towns and other locations also differ between the anime and the games. In the anime, the Whirl Islands are populated, but in the games they are just a series of caves. Also, Littleroot Town is shown to be a coastal town in the anime; in the games, it is surrounded by woodland on all sides. In addition, the Seafoam Islands in the anime are depicted as a beach resort town with a warm climate, while in the games, the Seafoam Islands are depicted as a location of icy caverns.
Dustox cannot learn Stun Spore in the games.
  • Occasionally the anime shows Pokémon using moves they cannot learn in the games.
    • However, some of these cases may be attributed to a translation error or a misinterpretation. Examples include Ash telling Pikachu to use "electric attack" when he could just mean to use an electric attack, or Pokémon using basic attacks like Tackle or Headbutt simply because they are just simple attacks.
  • Pokémon can sometimes use a technique that normally would not affect the enemy in the games, notably with Pikachu who has been able to affect Ground types with Electric attacks, which it can't do in the games.
  • Like people, Pokémon can be worn out from constant battling and eventually collapse from exhaustion. However, in the games, a Pokémon that runs out of PP in every move can faint from the recoil damage of Struggle.
  • Official Gym and League battles set limits on how many Pokémon a Trainer can use to fight with, whereas in the games only facilities like the Battle Tower set limits.
  • All official Pokémon Trainer battles in the anime have a judge, who sets the rules and referees the battle, and is able to declare when a Pokémon is unable to battle which would eliminate that Pokémon from the match. In the games, however, aside from a battle facility match, any Pokémon that has fainted can be revived and used again in battle as long as the Trainer has at least one Pokémon left.
  • Pokémon have the right to decide if they want to evolve in the anime, and can choose if they don't want to evolve. However, in the games, the Pokémon only evolves when/if the player wants it to and the requirement has been met. Notable examples are Ash's Pikachu and Bulbasaur, Meowth of Team Rocket, and Dawn's Piplup. An exception is Pokémon Yellow, where Red's Pikachu refuses to evolve.
  • Pokémon in the anime occasionally undergo changes in their personality when they evolve. In the games, their personality remains the same after evolution.
  • In the anime, some Pokémon that have been recently captured or evolved disobey their Trainer until that Trainer is able to find a way to get through to them, with the prime example being Ash's Charizard. In the games, only traded Pokémon disobey their Trainer until Badges that can neutralize this problem are acquired.
  • It is possible in the anime to render moves harmless in an unorthodox way that is not possible in the games. Sometimes this is used to counter type disadvantages. One example is with Ash's Pikachu during its battle against Winona's Pelipper, where Pelipper used Steel Wing to attract Pikachu's electricity and divert it into the ground to render it useless.
  • Occasionally there have been cases where move or status mechanics have been ignored or altered in the anime that contradicts the games. One example of this is Volt Tackle causing recoil damage when blocked with Protect instead of being caused from a small amount based on the damage inflicted. Another example is Toxic Spikes poisoning Ash's Pokémon when they touched the ground instead of when they were switched out. This affected his Staraptor and Gliscor, which would be immune to the move in the games due to being Flying types.
    • Sometimes the anime contradicts its own rules. For example, when Ash asks his Aipom to dodge and counter with Focus Punch when it's been explained before that the Pokémon needs to concentrate a moment without being disturbed to be able to use the attack.
  • The cries in the regular games differ significantly from the cries in the anime. An exception is Pikachu in Pokémon Yellow and the post-Generation V games, which actually says its name when interacted with or when called into battle.
  • In the games, evolutionary methods revolving around leveling up usually occur after a battle, while in the anime these kinds of evolution can occur during a battle or a serious situation. One example is when Ash's Chikorita evolved into Bayleef to protect him from Team Rocket.
  • Move effects differ as well. For example, Will-O-Wisp acts more like Ember and does direct damage, whereas in the game it only inflicts a burn. Confusion and Psychic deal direct damage in the game but in the anime it has a psychokinesis-like effect, able to move the target to the user's will. Hypnosis puts a Pokémon to sleep in game, but in the anime, while it can be used to inflict sleep, it also has effects similar to the alleged effects of real-life hypnosis - putting the target into a trance or suggestible state.

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