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[[File:First Partner Pokémon Abound.png|thumb|300px|Promotional image for [[The Indigo Disk]] using the term "first partner Pokémon"<ref>[https://scarletviolet.pokemon.com/en-gb/news/first_partner_pokemon/ Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Familiar First Partner Pokémon].</ref>]]
 
This is the '''terminology of [[first partner Pokémon]]''', explaining how terms such as "first partner Pokémon" and "starter Pokémon" are used in [[Pokémon]] media.
[[File:First Partner Pokémon Abound.png|thumb|300px|Promotional image for [[The Indigo Disk]] using the term "first partner Pokémon"<ref>[https://scarletviolet.pokemon.com/en-gb/news/first_partner_pokemon/ Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Familiar First Partner Pokémon].</ref>]]
This is the '''terminology of [[first partner Pokémon]]''', explaining how terms such as "first partner Pokémon" and "starter Pokémon" are used in Pokémon media.


==English terminology==
==English terminology==
===First partner Pokémon===
===First partner Pokémon===
Since [[Generation VI]], "'''first partner Pokémon'''" is the main term officially used in the Pokémon games and other media.
Since [[Generation VI]], "'''first partner Pokémon'''" is the main term officially used in the [[Pokémon games]], {{pkmn|anime|animated series}}, {{Trading Card Game}}, and other media.
 
Krysta Yang, a former public relations manager at [[Nintendo of America]], has claimed that the phrase "partner Pokémon" is preferred in official communication due to "starter Pokémon" implying that the player will "be rid of them" later in the game.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqQEFEjLybE&t=6120s Nintendo's Big Announcement Season EXPLAINED - EP81 Kit & Krysta Podcast | Kit & Krysta on YouTube] — Krysta Yang: ''"They did start using 'partner Pokémon' a couple of years back, but it's been hard for them to get people to catch on to this official terminology because people like to say 'starter Pokémon.' ... I think there was something about how, if you call it a 'starter Pokémon,' you're basically saying that you will be rid of them. ...That was one of the reasons, I believe, is that if you call it a 'starter Pokémon,' it's like, oh, you're only just going to start the game with it, and then you ditch it for your, like, shinies and your legendaries. ... So then the 'partner Pokémon' became the phrasing that they liked better because it's like, 'this is your partner for your whole adventure,' like you really want to get attached to this character, this Pokémon that you start your game with, but it's not just who you start your game with..."''</ref>
 
====In the core series games====
The term "first partner" is used in {{B2W2}} in reference to the {{p|Volcarona}} once used by [[Alder]].<ref>Alder: ''"Well done! That was an impressive battle. The spirit of my first partner, Larvesta--no, Volcarona--lives on in my current partners, too!"'' ({{B2W2}})</ref> The first usage of the term to refer to a Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of the game is in {{g|X and Y}} by a {{tc|Beauty}} in [[Couriway Town]].<ref>{{tc|Beauty}} in [[Couriway Town]]: ''"Which Pokémon did you pick as your first partner?"'' ({{g|X and Y}})</ref> In {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}}, the term is used by [[Professor Kukui]] to refer to the Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of the game.<ref>[[Professor Kukui]]: ''"Y’see, the fact of the matter is... one of these Pokémon will become your first partner, woo!"'' ({{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}})</ref> Additionally, [[Nanu]] uses it to refer to the three {{p|Meowth}} he presents to a little boy starting his [[island challenge]].<ref>[[Nanu]]: ''"You’ll have to choose the Pokémon you want to have as your first partner."'' ({{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}})</ref> In {{g|Sword and Shield}}, the back of the player's [[League Card]] denotes their first partner Pokémon using the full term. The term is used by [[Professor Laventon]] in {{g|Legends: Arceus}} while the player is selecting their first partner Pokémon.<ref>[[Professor Laventon]]: ''"Do you want [Rowlet/Cyndaquil/Oshawott] as your first partner?"'' ({{g|Legends: Arceus}})</ref> In {{g|Scarlet and Violet}}, "first partner" is used by both [[Clavell]] and [[Rika]] to refer to the Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of the game.<ref>[[Clavell]]: ''"Have you decided which of these Pokémon you would like to be your first partner?"'' ({{g|Scarlet and Violet}})</ref><ref>[[Rika]]: ''"What was the category of the Pokémon you chose to be your first partner?"'' ({{g|Scarlet and Violet}})</ref>


The term "first partner" is used in {{B2W2}} in reference to the {{p|Volcarona}} once used by [[Alder]].<ref>Alder: ''"Well done! That was an impressive battle. The spirit of my first partner, Larvesta--no, Volcarona--lives on in my current partners, too!"'' ({{B2W2}})</ref> The first usage of the term that refers to a Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of the game is in {{g|X and Y}} by a {{tc|Beauty}} in [[Couriway Town]].<ref>{{tc|Beauty}} in [[Couriway Town]]: ''"Which Pokémon did you pick as your first partner?"'' ({{g|X and Y}})</ref> In {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}}, the term is used by [[Professor Kukui]] to refer to the Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of the game.<ref>[[Professor Kukui]]: ''"Y’see, the fact of the matter is... one of these Pokémon will become your first partner, woo!"'' ({{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}})</ref> Additionally, [[Nanu]] uses it to refer to the three {{p|Meowth}} he presents to a little boy starting his [[island challenge]].<ref>[[Nanu]]: ''"You’ll have to choose the Pokémon you want to have as your first partner."'' ({{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}})</ref> In {{g|Sword and Shield}}, the back of the player's [[League Card]] denotes their first partner Pokémon using the full phrase. The phrase is used by [[Professor Laventon]] in {{g|Legends: Arceus}} while the player is selecting their first partner Pokémon.<ref>[[Professor Laventon]]: ''"Do you want [Rowlet/Cyndaquil/Oshawott] as your first partner?"'' ({{g|Legends: Arceus}})</ref> In {{g|Scarlet and Violet}}, "first partner" is used by both [[Clavell]] and [[Rika]] to refer to the Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of the game.<ref>[[Clavell]]: ''"Have you decided which of these Pokémon you would like to be your first partner?"'' ({{g|Scarlet and Violet}})</ref><ref>[[Rika]]: ''"What was the category of the Pokémon you chose to be your first partner?"'' ({{g|Scarlet and Violet}})</ref>
====In the spin-off games====
This term is also used sometimes in {{g|GO}}. For instance: ''"You might be familiar with the tradition in which a Pokémon Trainer selects their very '''first partner''' from a group of three Pokémon. These first-partner Pokémon are normally {{t|Fire}}, {{t|Water}} or {{t|Grass}} types."''


This term is also used sometimes in [[Pokémon GO]]. For instance: ''"You might be familiar with the tradition in which a Pokémon Trainer selects their very '''first partner''' from a group of three Pokémon. These first-partner Pokémon are normally {{t|Fire}}, {{t|Water}} or {{t|Grass}} types."''
====In the anime====
The term "first partner Pokémon" is used multiple times in ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]'' and ''[[Pokémon Horizons: The Series]]''.


====In the TCG====
The first known usage of the term "first partner" related to the {{Trading Card Game}} appears in marketing copy for the {{DL|XY TCG Series merchandise|Hoenn Collection}}, which reads: ''"The Pokémon {{p|Treecko}}, {{p|Torchic}}, and {{p|Mudkip}} all appear on special foil cards—you don’t have to pick just one to be your first partner!"''<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/product-gallery/pokemon-tcg-hoenn-collection Pokémon TCG: Hoenn Collection | Pokemon.com]</ref> Other TCG products would continue to refer to first partner Pokémon, such as the {{DL|Sword & Shield TCG Series merchandise|First Partner Packs}} released during the Sword & Shield Series and the {{DL|Scarlet & Violet TCG Series merchandise|January 2024 Pokémon Center accessories|First Partner Power merchandise}} released during the Scarlet & Violet Series.
The first known usage of the term "first partner" related to the {{Trading Card Game}} appears in marketing copy for the {{DL|XY TCG Series merchandise|Hoenn Collection}}, which reads: ''"The Pokémon {{p|Treecko}}, {{p|Torchic}}, and {{p|Mudkip}} all appear on special foil cards—you don’t have to pick just one to be your first partner!"''<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/product-gallery/pokemon-tcg-hoenn-collection Pokémon TCG: Hoenn Collection | Pokemon.com]</ref> Other TCG products would continue to refer to first partner Pokémon, such as the {{DL|Sword & Shield TCG Series merchandise|First Partner Packs}} released during the Sword & Shield Series and the {{DL|Scarlet & Violet TCG Series merchandise|January 2024 Pokémon Center accessories|First Partner Power merchandise}} released during the Scarlet & Violet Series.


====In the guidebooks====
[[File:First Partner Handbook.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''[[First Partner Handbook]]'']]
These guidebooks published by [[Scholastic]] include "first partner" in their titles: ''[[First Partner Handbook]]'' (2017) and ''[[First Partner Basics]]'' (2018).
====In official marketing and promotional materials====
The official website for {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}} refers to {{p|Treecko}}, {{p|Torchic}}, and {{p|Mudkip}} as ''"the three Pokémon from which you may choose your first partner"'' and ''"the Pokémon that will become your first partner."''<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141020141357/http://www.pokemonrubysapphire.com/en-us/story Story | Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Official Website], archived October 6, 2014 on Internet Archive</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141018095559/http://www.pokemonrubysapphire.com/en-us/characters/professor-birch Professor Birch | Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Official Website], archived October 18, 2014 on Internet Archive</ref> On the official website for {{g|Sun and Moon}}, the page "Kahunas Lead Each Island" states that [[Hala]] "gives you your first partner Pokémon."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20161026111243/http://www.pokemon-sunmoon.com/en-us/aug-1-kahuna Kahunas Lead Each Island | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website], archived October 26, 2016 on Internet Archive</ref> The "Pokémon" page on the official website for {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}} states ''"Your first partner will be one of these three Pokémon"'' beneath an image of the Alola first partner Pokémon.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171021234159/http://www.pokemon-sunmoon.com/ultra/en-us/gallery.html Pokémon | Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon Official Website], archived October 21, 2017 on Internet Archive</ref> The official websites for {{g|Sword and Shield}}, {{g|Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl}}, {{g|Legends: Arceus}}, and {{g|Scarlet and Violet}} all refer to the Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of the game as first partner Pokémon.<ref>[https://swordshield.pokemon.com/en-us/pokemon-galar-region/first-partner-pokemon/evolution/ The Evolutions of the three first partner Pokémon revealed! | Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Official Website]</ref><ref>[https://diamondpearl.pokemon.com/en-us/trainersguide/fundamentals/ Pokémon Trainer Fundamentals | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl Official Website]</ref><ref>[https://legends.arceus.pokemon.com/en-us/pokemon/ Pokémon | Pokémon Legends: Arceus Official Website]</ref><ref>[https://scarletviolet.pokemon.com/en-us/trainers-guide/catching-pokemon-in-paldea/ Catching Pokémon in Paldea | Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Official Website]</ref> Additionally, the pages for {{LGPE}}, Sword and Shield, and Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl on the official Pokémon website all refer to the Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of the game as first partner Pokémon,<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-lets-go-pikachu-and-pokemon-lets-go-eevee Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! | The Official Pokémon Website]</ref><ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-sword-and-pokemon-shield Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | The Official Pokémon Website]</ref><ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-brilliant-diamond-and-pokemon-shining-pearl Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl | The Official Pokémon Website]</ref> while the page for Scarlet and Violet refers to these Pokémon as "your first partner."<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-scarlet-and-pokemon-violet Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | The Official Pokémon Website]</ref>
The official website for {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}} refers to {{p|Treecko}}, {{p|Torchic}}, and {{p|Mudkip}} as ''"the three Pokémon from which you may choose your first partner"'' and ''"the Pokémon that will become your first partner."''<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141020141357/http://www.pokemonrubysapphire.com/en-us/story Story | Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Official Website], archived October 6, 2014 on Internet Archive</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141018095559/http://www.pokemonrubysapphire.com/en-us/characters/professor-birch Professor Birch | Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Official Website], archived October 18, 2014 on Internet Archive</ref> On the official website for {{g|Sun and Moon}}, the page "Kahunas Lead Each Island" states that [[Hala]] "gives you your first partner Pokémon."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20161026111243/http://www.pokemon-sunmoon.com/en-us/aug-1-kahuna Kahunas Lead Each Island | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website], archived October 26, 2016 on Internet Archive</ref> The "Pokémon" page on the official website for {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}} states ''"Your first partner will be one of these three Pokémon"'' beneath an image of the Alola first partner Pokémon.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171021234159/http://www.pokemon-sunmoon.com/ultra/en-us/gallery.html Pokémon | Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon Official Website], archived October 21, 2017 on Internet Archive</ref> The official websites for {{g|Sword and Shield}}, {{g|Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl}}, {{g|Legends: Arceus}}, and {{g|Scarlet and Violet}} all refer to the Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of the game as first partner Pokémon.<ref>[https://swordshield.pokemon.com/en-us/pokemon-galar-region/first-partner-pokemon/evolution/ The Evolutions of the three first partner Pokémon revealed! | Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Official Website]</ref><ref>[https://diamondpearl.pokemon.com/en-us/trainersguide/fundamentals/ Pokémon Trainer Fundamentals | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl Official Website]</ref><ref>[https://legends.arceus.pokemon.com/en-us/pokemon/ Pokémon | Pokémon Legends: Arceus Official Website]</ref><ref>[https://scarletviolet.pokemon.com/en-us/trainers-guide/catching-pokemon-in-paldea/ Catching Pokémon in Paldea | Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Official Website]</ref> Additionally, the pages for {{LGPE}}, Sword and Shield, and Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl on the official Pokémon website all refer to the Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of the game as first partner Pokémon,<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-lets-go-pikachu-and-pokemon-lets-go-eevee Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! | The Official Pokémon Website]</ref><ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-sword-and-pokemon-shield Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | The Official Pokémon Website]</ref><ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-brilliant-diamond-and-pokemon-shining-pearl Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl | The Official Pokémon Website]</ref> while the page for Scarlet and Violet refers to these Pokémon as "your first partner."<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-scarlet-and-pokemon-violet Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | The Official Pokémon Website]</ref>


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A press release announcing {{g|Sword and Shield}} refers to {{p|Grookey}}, {{p|Scorbunny}}, and {{p|Sobble}} as Pokémon chosen to be a "first partner."<ref>[https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190227005542/en/New-Pokémon-Adventures-Coming-to-Nintendo-Switch-in-Late-2019 New Pokémon Adventures Coming to Nintendo Switch in Late 2019]</ref> In the press release announcing {{g|Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl}} and {{g|Legends: Arceus}}, the Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of those games are referred to as "first partner Pokémon."<ref>[https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210226005438/en/Pokémon-Announces-New-Video-Games-Pokémon-Brilliant-Diamond-Pokémon-Shining-Pearl-and-Pokémon-Legends-Arceus Pokémon Announces New Video Games ''Pokémon Brilliant Diamond'', ''Pokémon Shining Pearl'', and ''Pokémon Legends: Arceus'']</ref> A press release announcing the [[Nintendo Switch – OLED Model|Nintendo Switch – OLED Model: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Edition]] refers to {{p|Sprigatito}}, {{p|Fuecoco}}, and {{p|Quaxly}} as "three Pokémon you can choose as your first partners in the game,"<ref>[https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220907005543/en/Nintendo-Announces-Nintendo-Switch-–-OLED-Model-Pokémon-Scarlet-Violet-Edition-Launching-This-November Nintendo Announces Nintendo Switch – OLED Model: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Edition, Launching This November]</ref> while a press release promoting the then-upcoming relase of {{g|Scarlet and Violet}} referred to these as first partner Pokémon.<ref>[https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221117005454/en/Nintendo-Download-The-World-of-Pokémon-Has-Evolved%21 Nintendo Download: The World of Pokémon Has Evolved!]</ref>
A press release announcing {{g|Sword and Shield}} refers to {{p|Grookey}}, {{p|Scorbunny}}, and {{p|Sobble}} as Pokémon chosen to be a "first partner."<ref>[https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190227005542/en/New-Pokémon-Adventures-Coming-to-Nintendo-Switch-in-Late-2019 New Pokémon Adventures Coming to Nintendo Switch in Late 2019]</ref> In the press release announcing {{g|Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl}} and {{g|Legends: Arceus}}, the Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of those games are referred to as "first partner Pokémon."<ref>[https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210226005438/en/Pokémon-Announces-New-Video-Games-Pokémon-Brilliant-Diamond-Pokémon-Shining-Pearl-and-Pokémon-Legends-Arceus Pokémon Announces New Video Games ''Pokémon Brilliant Diamond'', ''Pokémon Shining Pearl'', and ''Pokémon Legends: Arceus'']</ref> A press release announcing the [[Nintendo Switch – OLED Model|Nintendo Switch – OLED Model: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Edition]] refers to {{p|Sprigatito}}, {{p|Fuecoco}}, and {{p|Quaxly}} as "three Pokémon you can choose as your first partners in the game,"<ref>[https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220907005543/en/Nintendo-Announces-Nintendo-Switch-–-OLED-Model-Pokémon-Scarlet-Violet-Edition-Launching-This-November Nintendo Announces Nintendo Switch – OLED Model: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Edition, Launching This November]</ref> while a press release promoting the then-upcoming relase of {{g|Scarlet and Violet}} referred to these as first partner Pokémon.<ref>[https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221117005454/en/Nintendo-Download-The-World-of-Pokémon-Has-Evolved%21 Nintendo Download: The World of Pokémon Has Evolved!]</ref>


====Definition====
The English online store [http://pokemoncenter.com pokemoncenter.com] regularly uses first partner Pokémon to refer exclusively to the trios of Pokémon that can be chosen at the start of most core games, oftentimes excluding {{p|Pikachu}} and {{p|Eevee}} by mentioning them separately. This separation of Pikachu from other first partner Pokémon was also present in a press release for the series' 25th anniversary.<ref>[https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210113005554/en/Pokémon-Celebrates-25-Years-With-Massive-Music-Program-and-Activations-Across-the-Franchise Pokémon Celebrates 25 Years With Massive Music Program and Activations Across the Franchise]</ref> The website for {{LGPE}} refers to Pikachu and Eevee as both {{ga|Partner Pokémon}} and first partner Pokémon.<ref>[https://pokemonletsgo.pokemon.com/en-us/story/ Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Experience the World of Pokémon]</ref> [[Chloe]]'s new Eevee was referred to as her first partner in ''[[JN049|To Train, or Not to Train!]]''.<ref>[[Narrator]]: ''"Now that Eevee is [[Chloe]]'s first partner, her adventures as a Pokémon Trainer have just begun!"'' (''[[JN049|To Train, or Not to Train!]]'')</ref>
The English online store [http://pokemoncenter.com pokemoncenter.com] regularly uses first partner Pokémon to refer exclusively to the trios of Pokémon that can be chosen at the start of most core games, oftentimes excluding {{p|Pikachu}} and {{p|Eevee}} by mentioning them separately. This separation of Pikachu from other first partner Pokémon was also present in a press release for the series' 25th anniversary.<ref>[https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210113005554/en/Pokémon-Celebrates-25-Years-With-Massive-Music-Program-and-Activations-Across-the-Franchise Pokémon Celebrates 25 Years With Massive Music Program and Activations Across the Franchise]</ref> The website for {{LGPE}} refers to Pikachu and Eevee as both {{ga|Partner Pokémon}} and first partner Pokémon.<ref>[https://pokemonletsgo.pokemon.com/en-us/story/ Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Experience the World of Pokémon]</ref> [[Chloe]]'s new Eevee was referred to as her first partner in ''[[JN049|To Train, or Not to Train!]]''.<ref>[[Narrator]]: ''"Now that Eevee is [[Chloe]]'s first partner, her adventures as a Pokémon Trainer have just begun!"'' (''[[JN049|To Train, or Not to Train!]]'')</ref>


Other Pokémon have been occasionally referred to as '''first partner Pokémon'''. According to its Pokédex entry in [[Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Pokémon Ultra Sun]], {{p|Poipole}} is chosen as a first partner in its world.<ref>[[Pokédex]] entry: ''This Ultra Beast is well enough liked to be chosen as a first partner in its own world.'' ({{pkmn|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Pokémon Ultra Sun}})</ref>
Other Pokémon have occasionally been referred to as "first partner Pokémon". According to its Pokédex entry in [[Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Pokémon Ultra Sun]], {{p|Poipole}} is chosen as a first partner in its world.<ref>[[Pokédex]] entry: ''This Ultra Beast is well enough liked to be chosen as a first partner in its own world.'' ({{pkmn|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Pokémon Ultra Sun}})</ref>
 
In {{g|Masters EX}}, the wording "'''first partner Pokémon'''" refers to several Pokémon, including {{mas|Alder}}'s {{p|Volcarona}}, {{mas|Anabel}}'s {{p|Snorlax}}, {{mas|Ash}}'s {{AP|Pikachu}}, and a female {{tc|Rising Star}}'s {{p|Torchic}}.


Krysta Yang, a former public relations manager at [[Nintendo of America]], has claimed that the phrase "partner Pokémon" is preferred in official communication due to "starter Pokémon" implying that the player will "be rid of them" later in the game.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqQEFEjLybE&t=6120s Nintendo's Big Announcement Season EXPLAINED - EP81 Kit & Krysta Podcast | Kit & Krysta on YouTube] — Krysta Yang: ''"They did start using 'partner Pokémon' a couple of years back, but it's been hard for them to get people to catch on to this official terminology because people like to say 'starter Pokémon.' ... I think there was something about how, if you call it a 'starter Pokémon,' you're basically saying that you will be rid of them. ...That was one of the reasons, I believe, is that if you call it a 'starter Pokémon,' it's like, oh, you're only just going to start the game with it, and then you ditch it for your, like, shinies and your legendaries. ... So then the 'partner Pokémon' became the phrasing that they liked better because it's like, 'this is your partner for your whole adventure,' like you really want to get attached to this character, this Pokémon that you start your game with, but it's not just who you start your game with..."''</ref>
In {{g|Masters EX}}, "first partner Pokémon" refers to several Pokémon, including {{mas|Alder}}'s {{p|Volcarona}}, {{mas|Anabel}}'s {{p|Snorlax}}, {{mas|Ash}}'s {{AP|Pikachu}}, and a female {{tc|Rising Star}}'s {{p|Torchic}}.


===Partner Pokémon===
===Partner Pokémon===
The official website for {{g|X and Y}} referred to the Kanto first partner Pokémon as "classic partner Pokémon."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131127122911/http://www.pokemonxy.com/en-us/pokemon/classic/ Classic Partner Pokémon | Pokémon X and Pokémon Y Official Website], archived November 27, 2013 on Internet Archive</ref> The [[Pokémon Presents|Pokémon Direct]] on September 4, 2013 referred to these as "the partner Pokémon from the original [[Pokémon Red and Blue Versions|Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue]]."<ref name = presents913 />
The term "partner" or "partner Pokémon" is sometimes used to refer to first partner Pokémon on official websites and in promotional materials.


The term "'''partner Pokémon'''" has been used to refer to the trio of Alola first partner Pokémon in the quote ''"Your Partner Pokémon Have Fully Evolved!"'' from an official video promoting [[Pokémon Sun and Moon]].<ref name="Sun Moon evolutions"/> Additionally, the pages for {{p|Rowlet}}, {{p|Litten}}, and {{p|Popplio}} on the official website refer to each of these Pokémon as "your partner."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160904071640mp_/http://www.pokemon-sunmoon.com/en-us/pokemon/rowlet/ Rowlet | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website], archived September 4, 2016 on Internet Archive</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160904073241mp_/http://www.pokemon-sunmoon.com/en-us/pokemon/litten/ Litten | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website], archived September 4, 2016 on Internet Archive</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160906151215mp_/http://www.pokemon-sunmoon.com/en-us/pokemon/popplio Popplio | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website], archived September 6, 2016 on Internet Archive</ref> A press release detailing a promotional event for {{g|Scarlet and Violet}} referred to the Paldea first partner Pokémon as "the partner Pokémon."<ref>[https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221114005404/en/Photos-of-the-Official-Pokémon-Scarlet-and-Pokémon-Violet-Partner-Pokémon-Debut-at-Nintendo-NY-Store-Are-Available-on-Business-Wire's-Website Photos of the Official Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Partner Pokémon Debut at Nintendo NY Store Are Available on Business Wire’s Website]</ref>
The official website for {{g|X and Y}} referred to the Kanto first partner Pokémon as "classic partner Pokémon."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131127122911/http://www.pokemonxy.com/en-us/pokemon/classic/ Classic Partner Pokémon | Pokémon X and Pokémon Y Official Website], archived November 27, 2013 on Internet Archive</ref> The pages for {{p|Rowlet}}, {{p|Litten}}, and {{p|Popplio}} on the official {{g|Sun and Moon}} website refer to each of these Pokémon as "your partner."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160904071640mp_/http://www.pokemon-sunmoon.com/en-us/pokemon/rowlet/ Rowlet | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website], archived September 4, 2016 on Internet Archive</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160904073241mp_/http://www.pokemon-sunmoon.com/en-us/pokemon/litten/ Litten | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website], archived September 4, 2016 on Internet Archive</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160906151215mp_/http://www.pokemon-sunmoon.com/en-us/pokemon/popplio Popplio | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website], archived September 6, 2016 on Internet Archive</ref> The [[Pokémon Presents|Pokémon Direct]] on September 4, 2013 referred to the Kanto first partners as "the partner Pokémon from the original [[Pokémon Red and Blue Versions|Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue]]."<ref name = presents913 /> The term "partner Pokémon" is also used in an official video promoting [[Pokémon Sun and Moon]].<ref name="Sun Moon evolutions"/> A press release detailing a promotional event for {{g|Scarlet and Violet}} referred to the Paldea first partner Pokémon as "the partner Pokémon".<ref>[https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221114005404/en/Photos-of-the-Official-Pokémon-Scarlet-and-Pokémon-Violet-Partner-Pokémon-Debut-at-Nintendo-NY-Store-Are-Available-on-Business-Wire's-Website Photos of the Official Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Partner Pokémon Debut at Nintendo NY Store Are Available on Business Wire’s Website]</ref>


===Starter Pokémon===
===Starter Pokémon===
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The earliest known official usage of "'''starter Pokémon'''" was on page 5 of ''{{OBP|Pokémon Power|magazine}}'' #6 (January 1999). It is also used on page 102 of ''[[Nintendo Power]]'' #180 (June 2004).
The earliest known official usage of "'''starter Pokémon'''" was on page 5 of ''{{OBP|Pokémon Power|magazine}}'' #6 (January 1999). It is also used on page 102 of ''[[Nintendo Power]]'' #180 (June 2004).


On the official Pokémon website, the page detailing {{game|Emerald}} features artwork of the Hoenn first partner Pokémon captioned ''"Which starter Pokémon will you choose?"''<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-emerald-version Pokémon Emerald Version | The Official Pokémon Website]</ref>
====In the core series games====
The [[core series]] games seldom refer to "starter Pokémon" or "starters". In {{game4|BWB2W2}}, the term is referenced in one of the questions from the [[Passerby Analytics HQ]],<ref>''"What's your '''starter Pokémon'''?"'' This is also described as ''"This survey is... a request from a Pokémon Professor. You need to find out the most popular '''starter Pokémon'''."''</ref> and in {{g|X and Y}}, the "Starters" [[Options/Battle BGs|battle background]] features {{p|Chespin}}, {{p|Fennekin}}, and {{p|Froakie}}.


The earliest use in the [[core series]] games was in {{game4|BWB2W2}}, where one of the questions from the [[Passerby Analytics HQ]] is: ''"What's your '''starter Pokémon'''?"'' This is also described as ''"This survey is... a request from a Pokémon Professor. You need to find out the most popular '''starter Pokémon'''."'' The official website for {{game|Black and White|s}} also refers to the Unova first partner Pokémon as "starter Pokémon."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120207112943/http://www.pokemonblackwhite.com/en-us/pokemon Pokémon | Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version Official Website], archived February 7, 2012 on Internet Archive</ref>
====In the anime====
The term "starter Pokémon" was used to refer to the regional first partner Pokémon trios in ''[[Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire]]'',<ref name="AG071">Professor Birch: ''"Great! Team Rocket's just gotten away with SIX Starter Pokémon. The reserved ones."'' (''[[AG071|A Six Pack Attack!]]'')</ref><ref> {{Ash}}: ''"They're evolved forms of the starter Pokémon from Pallet Town."'' /<br> {{MTR}}: ''"Who wouldn't want da fiorst evolution a' t'ree starter Pokeymon?!!"'' (''[[AG092|Judgment Day!]]'')</ref> ''[[Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl|Diamond and Pearl]]'',<ref>Professor Rowan: ''"You must be a new Trainer, since you've got that postcard. Why don't you come with me to my lab and get your starter Pokémon?"'' (''[[DP001|Following A Maiden's Voyage!]]'')</ref><ref>Ash: ''"Sure is! Pretty sure it's a Sinnoh region starter Pokémon!"'' (''[[DP005|Gettin' Twiggy With It!]]'')</ref><ref>Ash: ''"Then that means you chose a Piplup for your starter Pokémon"'' (''[[DP026|Getting the Pre-Contest Titters!]]'')</ref> and ''[[Pokémon the Series: Black & White|Black & White]]''.<ref>Professor Oak: ''"You see, Ash, one of Professor Juniper's numerous duties is to give all new trainers from the Unova region their starter Pokémon."'' <br>Ash: ''"Awesome! Starter Pokémon!"'' (''[[BW001|In the Shadow of Zekrom!]]'')</ref><ref>Ash: ''"A Tepig! That's one of the three starter Pokémon a new trainer can choose."'' (''[[BW004|The Battle Club and Tepig's Choice!]]'')</ref><ref>Ash: ''"Hey, that's a Snivy! It's one of the three starter Pokémon you can get in the Unova region."'' (''[[BW007|Snivy Plays Hard to Catch!]]'')</ref><ref>Nanette: ''"Is it true? I can get a starter Pokémon for free?"'' / <br>Cilan: ''"Since you're the cautious type, why not choose that lively Tepig for your starter?"'' (''[[BW109|New Places...Familiar Faces!]]'')</ref><ref>Professor Oak: ''"First off, I'm wondering if any of you know the names of the three types of starter Pokémon a brand-new Trainer may choose from in the Kanto region..." [...] "I hope you enjoyed the starter Pokémon from the Kanto region."'' /<br>Ash: ''"Here come the starter Pokémon!"'' (''[[BW116|The Fires of a Red-Hot Reunion!]]'')</ref> The first episode to use the term was the ''Ruby and Sapphire'' episode ''[[AG071|A Six Pack Attack!]]''.<ref name="AG071"/>  


In [[Pokémon X and Y]], the "'''Starters'''" [[Options/Battle BGs|battle background]] features {{p|Chespin}}, {{p|Fennekin}}, and {{p|Froakie}}. The official websites for {{g|X and Y}} and for {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}} also refer to the games' respective first partner Pokémon as "starter Pokémon."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131205074459/http://www.pokemonxy.com/en-us/pokemon/starters/ Starter Pokémon | Pokémon X and Pokémon Y Official Website], archived December 5, 2013 on Internet Archive</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141017165107/http://www.pokemonrubysapphire.com/en-us/pokemon/starter-pokemon Starter Pokémon | Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Official Website], archived October 17, 2014 on Internet Archive</ref> Additionally, the [[Pokémon Presents|Pokémon Direct]] on September 4, 2013 referred to the Kalos first partner Pokémon as "the Pokémon X and Y starters." <ref name = presents913 />
Starting in ''[[Pokémon the Series: XY]]'', the term "starter Pokémon" fell out of use entirely—at a panel at PokéCon 2015, then-voice director of the English dub of ''[[Pokémon the Series]]'', [[Tom Wayland]], stated that the term is "an unofficial term now", and it is not used in the show anymore.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EuH-5Fv87g&t=1608s PokéCon 2015 - Tom Wayland on How He Creates Pokémon Voices]: Wayland: "''Chespin is the... your Grass-type starter in XY. Even though "starter" is an unofficial term now.''"<br>Audience: "''I think it's always been an unofficial term.''"<br>Wayland: "''Nope. They used to say it in the show, now they don't.''"</ref>


The official website for {{g|Sun and Moon}} sorts the pages for {{p|Rowlet}}, {{p|Litten}}, and {{p|Popplio}} under the tag "starter"<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160906132443/http://www.pokemon-sunmoon.com/en-us/pokemon/ Pokémon | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website], archived September 6, 2016 on Internet Archive</ref> and the section on the "Cool Features" page that links to the "Introducing Z-Moves" page uses the title "Exclusive Z-Moves for Starter Pokémon."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170611154114/http://www.pokemon-sunmoon.com/en-us/cool-features/ Cool Features | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website], archived June 11, 2017 on Internet Archive]</ref> The term "starter Pokémon" was used in the titles and descriptions of videos promoting the release of {{g|Sun and Moon}},<ref name="Sun Moon evolutions">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uWAMwcRGmU Discover the Final Evolutions of the Starter Pokémon in Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon! | The Official Pokémon YouTube channel]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kn25hijDL7c Starter Pokémon for Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Revealed! | The Official Pokémon YouTube channel]</ref> and "evolved starter Pokémon" also appeared at the start of a video promoting the [[Gigantamax]] forms from the [[Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass]].<ref name="Expansion Pass Gigantamax">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiff3CU27UM More Gigantamax action comes to the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass! | The Official Pokémon YouTube channel]</ref>
In 2019, Sonja Hammes, then a social media associate at [[The Pokémon Company International]],<ref>[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonja-hammes-1a1aa087/ Sonja Hammes on LinkedIn]</ref> stated that official social media accounts had been given authorization to use the phrase "starter Pokémon," provided that the phrase was not capitalized as "Starter Pokémon" or abbreviated as "starters."<ref>[https://twitter.com/novemberalice/status/1103070703904018433 Sonja Hammes on Twitter:] "''P.S. We can call them starter on social now''"</ref><ref>[https://twitter.com/novemberalice/status/1103262076707979265 Sonja Hammes on Twitter:] "''Of course, there are RULES. It’s “starter Pokémon”. No capital S. No “starters”. Gotta keep the standards!''"</ref>
 
The term "starter" was used on a video promoting {{g|Legends: Arceus}} in reference to the final evolutions of the Hisui first partner Pokémon.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyxGvVBlSDQ Hisuian. Final. Starter. Evolutions. | Pokémon Legends: Arceus | The Official Pokémon YouTube channel]</ref>


====In the TCG====
{{DL|Black & White TCG Series merchandise|Starter Figure Boxes}}, which included "Starter Figures" and cards featuring the Unova first partner Pokémon, were released during the Black & White Series of the {{Trading Card Game}}.
{{DL|Black & White TCG Series merchandise|Starter Figure Boxes}}, which included "Starter Figures" and cards featuring the Unova first partner Pokémon, were released during the Black & White Series of the {{Trading Card Game}}.


"Starter Pokémon" is mentioned officially in an article about [[Pokémon UNITE]]: ''"[...] the stickers are of Paldea’s starter Pokémon: Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly."''<ref>[https://unite.pokemon.com/en-us/news/pokemon-scarlet-and-pokemon-violet-bring-paldean-flavor-to-pokemon-unite/ Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet bring Paldean flavor to Pokémon Unite - Pokémon.com]</ref>
====In official marketing and promotional materials====
 
The official sites for {{game|Black and White|s}}, {{g|X and Y}}, and {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}} all refer to their respective first partner trios as "starter Pokémon".<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120207112943/http://www.pokemonblackwhite.com/en-us/pokemon Pokémon | Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version Official Website], archived February 7, 2012 on Internet Archive</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131205074459/http://www.pokemonxy.com/en-us/pokemon/starters/ Starter Pokémon | Pokémon X and Pokémon Y Official Website], archived December 5, 2013 on Internet Archive</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20141017165107/http://www.pokemonrubysapphire.com/en-us/pokemon/starter-pokemon Starter Pokémon | Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Official Website], archived October 17, 2014 on Internet Archive</ref> The official website for {{g|Sun and Moon}} sorts the pages for {{p|Rowlet}}, {{p|Litten}}, and {{p|Popplio}} under the tag "starter"<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160906132443/http://www.pokemon-sunmoon.com/en-us/pokemon/ Pokémon | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website], archived September 6, 2016 on Internet Archive</ref> and the section on the "Cool Features" page that links to the "Introducing Z-Moves" page uses the title "Exclusive Z-Moves for Starter Pokémon."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170611154114/http://www.pokemon-sunmoon.com/en-us/cool-features/ Cool Features | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website], archived June 11, 2017 on Internet Archive]</ref> On the official website for {{g|Scarlet and Violet}}, a hidden comment reads: ''"Looping video showcasing in-game footage of starter Pokémon Sprigatito, Quaxly, and Fuecoco."''<ref>[https://scarletviolet.pokemon.com/en-us/ Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet - Pokémon.com]</ref> Additionally, on the official Pokémon website, the page detailing {{game|Emerald}} features artwork of the Hoenn first partner Pokémon captioned ''"Which starter Pokémon will you choose?"''<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-emerald-version Pokémon Emerald Version | The Official Pokémon Website]</ref> The term "starter Pokémon" is also mentioned in an official article about {{g|UNITE}}.<ref>''"[...] the stickers are of Paldea’s starter Pokémon: Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly."'' [https://unite.pokemon.com/en-us/news/pokemon-scarlet-and-pokemon-violet-bring-paldean-flavor-to-pokemon-unite/ Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet bring Paldean flavor to Pokémon Unite - Pokémon.com]</ref>
In the official website for [[Pokémon Scarlet and Violet]], a hidden comment reads: ''"Looping video showcasing in-game footage of starter Pokémon Sprigatito, Quaxly, and Fuecoco."''<ref>[https://scarletviolet.pokemon.com/en-us/ Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet - Pokémon.com]</ref>
 
The term "starter Pokémon" is used to refer to the regional first partner Pokémon trios in the [[Pokémon anime]] during ''[[Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire]]'',<ref name="AG071">Professor Birch: ''"Great! Team Rocket's just gotten away with SIX Starter Pokémon. The reserved ones."'' (''[[AG071|A Six Pack Attack!]]'')</ref><ref> {{Ash}}: ''"They're evolved forms of the starter Pokémon from Pallet Town."'' /<br> {{MTR}}: ''"Who wouldn't want da fiorst evolution a' t'ree starter Pokeymon?!!"'' (''[[AG092|Judgment Day!]]'')</ref> ''[[Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl|Diamond and Pearl]]'',<ref>Professor Rowan: ''"You must be a new Trainer, since you've got that postcard. Why don't you come with me to my lab and get your starter Pokémon?"'' (''[[DP001|Following A Maiden's Voyage!]]'')</ref><ref>Ash: ''"Sure is! Pretty sure it's a Sinnoh region starter Pokémon!"'' (''[[DP005|Gettin' Twiggy With It!]]'')</ref><ref>Ash: ''"Then that means you chose a Piplup for your starter Pokémon"'' (''[[DP026|Getting the Pre-Contest Titters!]]'')</ref> and ''[[Pokémon the Series: Black & White|Black & White]]''.<ref>Professor Oak: ''"You see, Ash, one of Professor Juniper's numerous duties is to give all new trainers from the Unova region their starter Pokémon."'' <br>Ash: ''"Awesome! Starter Pokémon!"'' (''[[BW001|In the Shadow of Zekrom!]]'')</ref><ref>Ash: ''"A Tepig! That's one of the three starter Pokémon a new trainer can choose."'' (''[[BW004|The Battle Club and Tepig's Choice!]]'')</ref><ref>Ash: ''"Hey, that's a Snivy! It's one of the three starter Pokémon you can get in the Unova region."'' (''[[BW007|Snivy Plays Hard to Catch!]]'')</ref><ref>Nanette: ''"Is it true? I can get a starter Pokémon for free?"'' / <br>Cilan: ''"Since you're the cautious type, why not choose that lively Tepig for your starter?"'' (''[[BW109|New Places...Familiar Faces!]]'')</ref><ref>Professor Oak: ''"First off, I'm wondering if any of you know the names of the three types of starter Pokémon a brand-new Trainer may choose from in the Kanto region..." [...] "I hope you enjoyed the starter Pokémon from the Kanto region."'' /<br>Ash: ''"Here come the starter Pokémon!"'' (''[[BW116|The Fires of a Red-Hot Reunion!]]'')</ref> The first episode to use the term was the ''Ruby and Sapphire'' episode ''[[AG071|A Six Pack Attack!]]''.<ref name="AG071"/> Starting in ''[[Pokémon the Series: XY]]'', the term fell out of use entirely—at a panel at PokéCon 2015, then-voice director of the English dub of the Pokémon anime, [[Tom Wayland]], stated that starter Pokémon is "an unofficial term now", and it is not used in the anime anymore.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EuH-5Fv87g&t=1608s PokéCon 2015 - Tom Wayland on How He Creates Pokémon Voices]: Wayland: "''Chespin is the... your Grass-type starter in XY. Even though "starter" is an unofficial term now.''"<br>Audience: "''I think it's always been an unofficial term.''"<br>Wayland: "''Nope. They used to say it in the show, now they don't.''"</ref>


In 2019, Sonja Hammes, then a social media associate at [[The Pokémon Company International]],<ref>[https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonja-hammes-1a1aa087/ Sonja Hammes on LinkedIn]</ref> stated that official social media accounts had been given authorization to use the phrase "starter Pokémon," provided that the phrase was not capitalized or abbreviated as "starters."<ref>[https://twitter.com/novemberalice/status/1103070703904018433 Sonja Hammes on Twitter:] "''P.S. We can call them starter on social now''"</ref><ref>[https://twitter.com/novemberalice/status/1103262076707979265 Sonja Hammes on Twitter:] "''Of course, there are RULES. It’s “starter Pokémon”. No capital S. No “starters”. Gotta keep the standards!''"</ref>
The [[Pokémon Presents|Pokémon Direct]] on September 4, 2013 referred to the Kalos first partner Pokémon as "the Pokémon X and Y starters." <ref name = presents913 /> The term "starter Pokémon" was used in the titles and descriptions of videos promoting the release of {{g|Sun and Moon}},<ref name="Sun Moon evolutions">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uWAMwcRGmU Discover the Final Evolutions of the Starter Pokémon in Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon! | The Official Pokémon YouTube channel]</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kn25hijDL7c Starter Pokémon for Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Revealed! | The Official Pokémon YouTube channel]</ref> and "evolved starter Pokémon" also appeared at the start of a video promoting the [[Gigantamax]] forms from the [[Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass]].<ref name="Expansion Pass Gigantamax">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiff3CU27UM More Gigantamax action comes to the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass! | The Official Pokémon YouTube channel]</ref> The term "starter" was used in a video promoting {{g|Legends: Arceus}} in reference to the final evolutions of the Hisui first partner Pokémon.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyxGvVBlSDQ Hisuian. Final. Starter. Evolutions. | Pokémon Legends: Arceus | The Official Pokémon YouTube channel]</ref>


===Other terminology===
===Other terminology===
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* On the Pokémon.com page for the [[Pokémon Center New York]]'s [[List of PCNY event Pokémon distributions (Generation II)|Gotta catch 'em all! Station distributions]] in [[Generation II]], the Kanto and Johto first partner Pokémon are referred to as the "'''initial three'''" (sometimes capitalized the "'''Initial Three'''").<ref>"''The Kanto '''Initial Three''' Pokémon {{!}} The following Pokémon were the '''initial three''' from Kanto, all RARE color, plus a rare Mew!''" [https://web.archive.org/web/20021011204306/http://www.pokemon.com/events/events4.asp Catch Celebi!], [https://web.archive.org/web/20030124023941/http://www.pokemon.com/events/events8.asp Catch Them If You Can]</ref><ref>"''The Johto '''Initial Three''' Pokémon {{!}} The following Pokémon were the '''initial three''' from Johto, all RARE color, and all at AP 40, with two new RARE color Pokémon included!''" [https://web.archive.org/web/20021011204306/http://www.pokemon.com/events/events4.asp Catch Celebi!]</ref><ref>"''The '''Initial Three''' Set {{!}} During this week, you can try to catch one RARE color of the Initial Three, and one NORMAL color of the '''Initial Three''' with these powers attached.''" [https://web.archive.org/web/20030124023941/http://www.pokemon.com/events/events8.asp Catch Them If You Can]</ref>
* On the Pokémon.com page for the [[Pokémon Center New York]]'s [[List of PCNY event Pokémon distributions (Generation II)|Gotta catch 'em all! Station distributions]] in [[Generation II]], the Kanto and Johto first partner Pokémon are referred to as the "'''initial three'''" (sometimes capitalized the "'''Initial Three'''").<ref>"''The Kanto '''Initial Three''' Pokémon {{!}} The following Pokémon were the '''initial three''' from Kanto, all RARE color, plus a rare Mew!''" [https://web.archive.org/web/20021011204306/http://www.pokemon.com/events/events4.asp Catch Celebi!], [https://web.archive.org/web/20030124023941/http://www.pokemon.com/events/events8.asp Catch Them If You Can]</ref><ref>"''The Johto '''Initial Three''' Pokémon {{!}} The following Pokémon were the '''initial three''' from Johto, all RARE color, and all at AP 40, with two new RARE color Pokémon included!''" [https://web.archive.org/web/20021011204306/http://www.pokemon.com/events/events4.asp Catch Celebi!]</ref><ref>"''The '''Initial Three''' Set {{!}} During this week, you can try to catch one RARE color of the Initial Three, and one NORMAL color of the '''Initial Three''' with these powers attached.''" [https://web.archive.org/web/20030124023941/http://www.pokemon.com/events/events8.asp Catch Them If You Can]</ref>


In other cases, a Trainer's first Pokémon is simply referred to as such. For instance, in the [[EP001|first episode of the anime]], {{Ash}} asks {{Gary}}: ''"You got your '''first Pokémon'''?"'' Other instances have occurred on official Pokémon websites<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-platinum-version Pokémon Platinum Version | The Official Pokémon Website]: "''Will you choose Piplup, Chimchar, or Turtwig as your first Pokémon?''" </ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131207213850/http://www.pokemonxy.com/en-us/pokemon_101/starters/ Your First Pokémon | Pokémon X and Pokémon Y Official Website], archived December 7, 2013 on Internet Archive</ref> and in official guidebooks.<ref>''"When it's time to pick their '''first Pokémon''', their choices are:"'', followed by the images and names of {{p|Bulbasaur}}, {{p|Charmander}}, and {{p|Squirtle}}. (''[[The Official Pokémon Advanced Handbook 4]]'')</ref><ref>''"To help him, Prof. Birch allows you to select one of the three Poké Balls in his bag. This will be your '''first Pokémon'''."'' (''[[Pokémon Emerald: Official Nintendo Player's Guide]]'', page 19)</ref>
In other cases, a Trainer's first Pokémon is simply referred to as such. For instance, in the [[EP001|first episode]] of ''[[Pokémon the Series]]'', {{Ash}} asks {{Gary}}: ''"You got your '''first Pokémon'''?"'' Other instances have occurred on official Pokémon websites<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-platinum-version Pokémon Platinum Version | The Official Pokémon Website]: "''Will you choose Piplup, Chimchar, or Turtwig as your first Pokémon?''" </ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131207213850/http://www.pokemonxy.com/en-us/pokemon_101/starters/ Your First Pokémon | Pokémon X and Pokémon Y Official Website], archived December 7, 2013 on Internet Archive</ref> and in official guidebooks.<ref>''"When it's time to pick their '''first Pokémon''', their choices are:"'', followed by the images and names of {{p|Bulbasaur}}, {{p|Charmander}}, and {{p|Squirtle}}. (''[[The Official Pokémon Advanced Handbook 4]]'')</ref><ref>''"To help him, Prof. Birch allows you to select one of the three Poké Balls in his bag. This will be your '''first Pokémon'''."'' (''[[Pokémon Emerald: Official Nintendo Player's Guide]]'', page 19)</ref>


==Japanese terminology==
==Japanese terminology==
In contrast to the English terminology, Japanese is not known to prefer any single way of referring to first partner Pokémon. Most commonly, パートナー (''partner'') will be used, but occasionally 相棒 (''partner'') or simply ポケモン (''Pokémon'') may also be used. This is usually paired with 最初の (''first'') or 初めての (''first''), but there may also be some variations on this like 最初に選んだ (''that was chosen first'') or はじめに選んだ (''that was chosen first''). Japanese marketing also has fewer promotions highlighting first partner Pokémon than English marketing. Among fans, 御三家 (''the big three'') refers to the Grass, Fire, and Water trios.
In contrast to the English terminology, Japanese media is not known to prefer any particular way of referring to first partner Pokémon. Most commonly, パートナー (''partner'') will be used, but occasionally 相棒 (''partner'') or simply ポケモン (''Pokémon'') may also be used. This is usually paired with 最初の (''first'') or 初めての (''first''), but there may also be some variations on this like 最初に選んだ (''that was chosen first'') or はじめに選んだ (''that was chosen first''). Japanese marketing also has fewer promotions highlighting first partner Pokémon than English marketing. Among fans, 御三家 (''the big three'') refers to the Grass, Fire, and Water trios.
 
===Partner Pokémon===
In the Japanese manuals of {{game2|Gold|Silver|Crystal}}, [[Professor Elm]] refers to the Johto first partner Pokémon as '''パートナー''' (''partner''):
* Japanese dialogue:「{{ruby|好|す}}きなポケモンを1{{ruby|匹|ひき}}、'''パートナー'''として{{ruby|連|つ}}れていくといいよ」 (''1 Pokémon that you like, take it as your '''partner''''').
*: English dialogue: ''"Choose one of these Pokémon to take along with you."''


In the [[game intro|intro]] of {{game|Black and White|s}}, [[Professor Juniper]] refers to the player's first partner Pokémon in Japanese as the 「旅の　'''パートナー'''」 (''travel '''partner''').
===Partner===
In the Japanese manuals of {{game2|Gold|Silver|Crystal}}, [[Professor Elm]] refers to the Johto first partner Pokémon as '''パートナー''' (''partner'').<ref>
*: Japanese dialogue:「{{ruby|好|す}}きなポケモンを1{{ruby|匹|ひき}}、'''パートナー'''として{{ruby|連|つ}}れていくといいよ」 (''1 Pokémon that you like, take it as your '''partner''''').
*: English dialogue: ''"Choose one of these Pokémon to take along with you."''</ref> In the [[game intro|intro]] of {{game|Black and White|s}}, [[Professor Juniper]] refers to the player's first partner Pokémon in Japanese as the 「旅の　'''パートナー'''」 (''travel '''partner''').


==See also==
==See also==

Latest revision as of 02:12, 8 May 2024

Promotional image for The Indigo Disk using the term "first partner Pokémon"[1]

This is the terminology of first partner Pokémon, explaining how terms such as "first partner Pokémon" and "starter Pokémon" are used in Pokémon media.

English terminology

First partner Pokémon

Since Generation VI, "first partner Pokémon" is the main term officially used in the Pokémon games, animated series, TCG, and other media.

Krysta Yang, a former public relations manager at Nintendo of America, has claimed that the phrase "partner Pokémon" is preferred in official communication due to "starter Pokémon" implying that the player will "be rid of them" later in the game.[2]

In the core series games

The term "first partner" is used in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 in reference to the Volcarona once used by Alder.[3] The first usage of the term to refer to a Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of the game is in Pokémon X and Y by a Beauty in Couriway Town.[4] In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, the term is used by Professor Kukui to refer to the Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of the game.[5] Additionally, Nanu uses it to refer to the three Meowth he presents to a little boy starting his island challenge.[6] In Pokémon Sword and Shield, the back of the player's League Card denotes their first partner Pokémon using the full term. The term is used by Professor Laventon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus while the player is selecting their first partner Pokémon.[7] In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, "first partner" is used by both Clavell and Rika to refer to the Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of the game.[8][9]

In the spin-off games

This term is also used sometimes in Pokémon GO. For instance: "You might be familiar with the tradition in which a Pokémon Trainer selects their very first partner from a group of three Pokémon. These first-partner Pokémon are normally Fire, Water or Grass types."

In the anime

The term "first partner Pokémon" is used multiple times in Pokémon Journeys: The Series and Pokémon Horizons: The Series.

In the TCG

The first known usage of the term "first partner" related to the TCG appears in marketing copy for the Hoenn Collection, which reads: "The Pokémon Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip all appear on special foil cards—you don’t have to pick just one to be your first partner!"[10] Other TCG products would continue to refer to first partner Pokémon, such as the First Partner Packs released during the Sword & Shield Series and the First Partner Power merchandise released during the Scarlet & Violet Series.

In the guidebooks

First Partner Handbook

These guidebooks published by Scholastic include "first partner" in their titles: First Partner Handbook (2017) and First Partner Basics (2018).

In official marketing and promotional materials

The official website for Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire refers to Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip as "the three Pokémon from which you may choose your first partner" and "the Pokémon that will become your first partner."[11][12] On the official website for Pokémon Sun and Moon, the page "Kahunas Lead Each Island" states that Hala "gives you your first partner Pokémon."[13] The "Pokémon" page on the official website for Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon states "Your first partner will be one of these three Pokémon" beneath an image of the Alola first partner Pokémon.[14] The official websites for Pokémon Sword and Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet all refer to the Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of the game as first partner Pokémon.[15][16][17][18] Additionally, the pages for Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, Sword and Shield, and Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl on the official Pokémon website all refer to the Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of the game as first partner Pokémon,[19][20][21] while the page for Scarlet and Violet refers to these Pokémon as "your first partner."[22]

The first Pokémon Direct to use the phrase first partner Pokémon was the Pokémon Direct that aired on September 4, 2013.[23] Two Pokémon Directs promoting Pokémon Sword and Shield, aired on February 27, 2019 and June 5, 2019, used the phrases "first partner" and "first partner Pokémon" respectively to refer to the Pokémon chosen at the beginning of the game.[24][25] The Pokémon Presents that aired on February 26, 2021 referred to the Pokémon chosen at the start of both Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl and Pokémon Legends: Arceus as first partner Pokémon.[26][27] Another Pokémon Presents promoting the release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet that aired on August 3, 2022 referred to Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly as "the Pokémon from which you'll choose your first partner."[28]

A press release announcing Pokémon Sword and Shield refers to Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble as Pokémon chosen to be a "first partner."[29] In the press release announcing Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl and Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the Pokémon chosen by the player at the beginning of those games are referred to as "first partner Pokémon."[30] A press release announcing the Nintendo Switch – OLED Model: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Edition refers to Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly as "three Pokémon you can choose as your first partners in the game,"[31] while a press release promoting the then-upcoming relase of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet referred to these as first partner Pokémon.[32]

Definition

The English online store pokemoncenter.com regularly uses first partner Pokémon to refer exclusively to the trios of Pokémon that can be chosen at the start of most core games, oftentimes excluding Pikachu and Eevee by mentioning them separately. This separation of Pikachu from other first partner Pokémon was also present in a press release for the series' 25th anniversary.[33] The website for Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! refers to Pikachu and Eevee as both Partner Pokémon and first partner Pokémon.[34] Chloe's new Eevee was referred to as her first partner in To Train, or Not to Train!.[35]

Other Pokémon have occasionally been referred to as "first partner Pokémon". According to its Pokédex entry in Pokémon Ultra Sun, Poipole is chosen as a first partner in its world.[36]

In Pokémon Masters EX, "first partner Pokémon" refers to several Pokémon, including Alder's Volcarona, Anabel's Snorlax, Ash's Pikachu, and a female Rising Star's Torchic.

Partner Pokémon

The term "partner" or "partner Pokémon" is sometimes used to refer to first partner Pokémon on official websites and in promotional materials.

The official website for Pokémon X and Y referred to the Kanto first partner Pokémon as "classic partner Pokémon."[37] The pages for Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio on the official Pokémon Sun and Moon website refer to each of these Pokémon as "your partner."[38][39][40] The Pokémon Direct on September 4, 2013 referred to the Kanto first partners as "the partner Pokémon from the original Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue."[23] The term "partner Pokémon" is also used in an official video promoting Pokémon Sun and Moon.[41] A press release detailing a promotional event for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet referred to the Paldea first partner Pokémon as "the partner Pokémon".[42]

Starter Pokémon

Article using the term "starter Pokémon"
(Nintendo Power #180)
"Gigantamax forms for your evolved starter Pokémon" mentioned in an official video about the Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass[43]

The earliest known official usage of "starter Pokémon" was on page 5 of Pokémon Power #6 (January 1999). It is also used on page 102 of Nintendo Power #180 (June 2004).

In the core series games

The core series games seldom refer to "starter Pokémon" or "starters". In Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, and White 2, the term is referenced in one of the questions from the Passerby Analytics HQ,[44] and in Pokémon X and Y, the "Starters" battle background features Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie.

In the anime

The term "starter Pokémon" was used to refer to the regional first partner Pokémon trios in Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire,[45][46] Diamond and Pearl,[47][48][49] and Black & White.[50][51][52][53][54] The first episode to use the term was the Ruby and Sapphire episode A Six Pack Attack!.[45]

Starting in Pokémon the Series: XY, the term "starter Pokémon" fell out of use entirely—at a panel at PokéCon 2015, then-voice director of the English dub of Pokémon the Series, Tom Wayland, stated that the term is "an unofficial term now", and it is not used in the show anymore.[55]

In 2019, Sonja Hammes, then a social media associate at The Pokémon Company International,[56] stated that official social media accounts had been given authorization to use the phrase "starter Pokémon," provided that the phrase was not capitalized as "Starter Pokémon" or abbreviated as "starters."[57][58]

In the TCG

Starter Figure Boxes, which included "Starter Figures" and cards featuring the Unova first partner Pokémon, were released during the Black & White Series of the TCG.

In official marketing and promotional materials

The official sites for Pokémon Black and White, Pokémon X and Y, and Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire all refer to their respective first partner trios as "starter Pokémon".[59][60][61] The official website for Pokémon Sun and Moon sorts the pages for Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio under the tag "starter"[62] and the section on the "Cool Features" page that links to the "Introducing Z-Moves" page uses the title "Exclusive Z-Moves for Starter Pokémon."[63] On the official website for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, a hidden comment reads: "Looping video showcasing in-game footage of starter Pokémon Sprigatito, Quaxly, and Fuecoco."[64] Additionally, on the official Pokémon website, the page detailing Pokémon Emerald features artwork of the Hoenn first partner Pokémon captioned "Which starter Pokémon will you choose?"[65] The term "starter Pokémon" is also mentioned in an official article about Pokémon UNITE.[66]

The Pokémon Direct on September 4, 2013 referred to the Kalos first partner Pokémon as "the Pokémon X and Y starters." [23] The term "starter Pokémon" was used in the titles and descriptions of videos promoting the release of Pokémon Sun and Moon,[41][67] and "evolved starter Pokémon" also appeared at the start of a video promoting the Gigantamax forms from the Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass.[43] The term "starter" was used in a video promoting Pokémon Legends: Arceus in reference to the final evolutions of the Hisui first partner Pokémon.[68]

Other terminology

In some cases, first partner Pokémon are referred to descriptively, or with terminology that has not been consistently used since.

In other cases, a Trainer's first Pokémon is simply referred to as such. For instance, in the first episode of Pokémon the Series, Ash asks Gary: "You got your first Pokémon?" Other instances have occurred on official Pokémon websites[73][74] and in official guidebooks.[75][76]

Japanese terminology

In contrast to the English terminology, Japanese media is not known to prefer any particular way of referring to first partner Pokémon. Most commonly, パートナー (partner) will be used, but occasionally 相棒 (partner) or simply ポケモン (Pokémon) may also be used. This is usually paired with 最初の (first) or 初めての (first), but there may also be some variations on this like 最初に選んだ (that was chosen first) or はじめに選んだ (that was chosen first). Japanese marketing also has fewer promotions highlighting first partner Pokémon than English marketing. Among fans, 御三家 (the big three) refers to the Grass, Fire, and Water trios.

Partner

In the Japanese manuals of Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, Professor Elm refers to the Johto first partner Pokémon as パートナー (partner).[77] In the intro of Pokémon Black and White, Professor Juniper refers to the player's first partner Pokémon in Japanese as the 「旅の　パートナー」 (travel partner).

See also

References

  1. ↑ Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Familiar First Partner Pokémon.
  2. ↑ Nintendo's Big Announcement Season EXPLAINED - EP81 Kit & Krysta Podcast | Kit & Krysta on YouTube — Krysta Yang: "They did start using 'partner Pokémon' a couple of years back, but it's been hard for them to get people to catch on to this official terminology because people like to say 'starter Pokémon.' ... I think there was something about how, if you call it a 'starter Pokémon,' you're basically saying that you will be rid of them. ...That was one of the reasons, I believe, is that if you call it a 'starter Pokémon,' it's like, oh, you're only just going to start the game with it, and then you ditch it for your, like, shinies and your legendaries. ... So then the 'partner Pokémon' became the phrasing that they liked better because it's like, 'this is your partner for your whole adventure,' like you really want to get attached to this character, this Pokémon that you start your game with, but it's not just who you start your game with..."
  3. ↑ Alder: "Well done! That was an impressive battle. The spirit of my first partner, Larvesta--no, Volcarona--lives on in my current partners, too!" (Pokémon Black 2 and White 2)
  4. ↑ Beauty in Couriway Town: "Which Pokémon did you pick as your first partner?" (Pokémon X and Y)
  5. ↑ Professor Kukui: "Y’see, the fact of the matter is... one of these Pokémon will become your first partner, woo!" (Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon)
  6. ↑ Nanu: "You’ll have to choose the Pokémon you want to have as your first partner." (Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon)
  7. ↑ Professor Laventon: "Do you want [Rowlet/Cyndaquil/Oshawott] as your first partner?" (Pokémon Legends: Arceus)
  8. ↑ Clavell: "Have you decided which of these Pokémon you would like to be your first partner?" (Pokémon Scarlet and Violet)
  9. ↑ Rika: "What was the category of the Pokémon you chose to be your first partner?" (Pokémon Scarlet and Violet)
  10. ↑ Pokémon TCG: Hoenn Collection | Pokemon.com
  11. ↑ Story | Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Official Website, archived October 6, 2014 on Internet Archive
  12. ↑ Professor Birch | Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Official Website, archived October 18, 2014 on Internet Archive
  13. ↑ Kahunas Lead Each Island | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website, archived October 26, 2016 on Internet Archive
  14. ↑ Pokémon | Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon Official Website, archived October 21, 2017 on Internet Archive
  15. ↑ The Evolutions of the three first partner Pokémon revealed! | Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Official Website
  16. ↑ Pokémon Trainer Fundamentals | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl Official Website
  17. ↑ Pokémon | Pokémon Legends: Arceus Official Website
  18. ↑ Catching Pokémon in Paldea | Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Official Website
  19. ↑ Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! | The Official Pokémon Website
  20. ↑ Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | The Official Pokémon Website
  21. ↑ Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl | The Official Pokémon Website
  22. ↑ Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | The Official Pokémon Website
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 Pokémon Direct 9.4.2013 | Nintendo of America on YouTube — Junichi Masuda: "However, in Pokémon X and Y, your first partner Pokémon, Chespin, Fennekin, or Froakie, won't be given to you by the professor, but by your friend instead. Then, you'll receive a different Pokémon from the professor later on. What you get from the professor is one of the partner Pokémon from the original Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. So you get either Chespin, Fennekin, or Froakie, the Pokémon X and Y starters, plus Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle to take with you on your journey."
  24. ↑ Pokémon Direct 2.27.2019 | Nintendo of America on YouTube — Shigeru Ohmori: "Here in this region, you'll visit Gyms with the newly-discovered Pokémon you choose to be your first partner, aiming for the enviable and admirable title of Champion."
  25. ↑ Pokémon Direct 6.5.2019 | Nintendo of America on YouTube — Junichi Masuda: "After choosing Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble as your first partner Pokémon, you will embark on an adventure to become the Champion."
  26. ↑ Pokémon Presents | #Pokemon25 | The Official Pokémon YouTube channel — Narrator: "You'll set out on your journey after choosing either Turtwig, Chimchar, or Piplup as your first partner Pokémon."
  27. ↑ Pokémon Presents | #Pokemon25 | The Official Pokémon YouTube channel — Narrator: "You'll set out on your adventure after receiving a first partner Pokémon of your own from this professor."
  28. ↑ Pokémon Presents | 8.3.2022 | The Official Pokémon YouTube channel — Narrator: "Of course, we also have the Pokémon from which you'll choose your first partner: Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly."
  29. ↑ New Pokémon Adventures Coming to Nintendo Switch in Late 2019
  30. ↑ Pokémon Announces New Video Games Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus
  31. ↑ Nintendo Announces Nintendo Switch – OLED Model: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Edition, Launching This November
  32. ↑ Nintendo Download: The World of Pokémon Has Evolved!
  33. ↑ Pokémon Celebrates 25 Years With Massive Music Program and Activations Across the Franchise
  34. ↑ Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Experience the World of Pokémon
  35. ↑ Narrator: "Now that Eevee is Chloe's first partner, her adventures as a Pokémon Trainer have just begun!" (To Train, or Not to Train!)
  36. ↑ Pokédex entry: This Ultra Beast is well enough liked to be chosen as a first partner in its own world. (Pokémon Ultra Sun)
  37. ↑ Classic Partner Pokémon | Pokémon X and Pokémon Y Official Website, archived November 27, 2013 on Internet Archive
  38. ↑ Rowlet | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website, archived September 4, 2016 on Internet Archive
  39. ↑ Litten | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website, archived September 4, 2016 on Internet Archive
  40. ↑ Popplio | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website, archived September 6, 2016 on Internet Archive
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 Discover the Final Evolutions of the Starter Pokémon in Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon! | The Official Pokémon YouTube channel
  42. ↑ Photos of the Official Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet Partner Pokémon Debut at Nintendo NY Store Are Available on Business Wire’s Website
  43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 More Gigantamax action comes to the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass! | The Official Pokémon YouTube channel
  44. ↑ "What's your starter Pokémon?" This is also described as "This survey is... a request from a Pokémon Professor. You need to find out the most popular starter Pokémon."
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 Professor Birch: "Great! Team Rocket's just gotten away with SIX Starter Pokémon. The reserved ones." (A Six Pack Attack!)
  46. ↑ Ash: "They're evolved forms of the starter Pokémon from Pallet Town." /
    Meowth: "Who wouldn't want da fiorst evolution a' t'ree starter Pokeymon?!!" (Judgment Day!)
  47. ↑ Professor Rowan: "You must be a new Trainer, since you've got that postcard. Why don't you come with me to my lab and get your starter Pokémon?" (Following A Maiden's Voyage!)
  48. ↑ Ash: "Sure is! Pretty sure it's a Sinnoh region starter Pokémon!" (Gettin' Twiggy With It!)
  49. ↑ Ash: "Then that means you chose a Piplup for your starter Pokémon" (Getting the Pre-Contest Titters!)
  50. ↑ Professor Oak: "You see, Ash, one of Professor Juniper's numerous duties is to give all new trainers from the Unova region their starter Pokémon."
    Ash: "Awesome! Starter Pokémon!" (In the Shadow of Zekrom!)
  51. ↑ Ash: "A Tepig! That's one of the three starter Pokémon a new trainer can choose." (The Battle Club and Tepig's Choice!)
  52. ↑ Ash: "Hey, that's a Snivy! It's one of the three starter Pokémon you can get in the Unova region." (Snivy Plays Hard to Catch!)
  53. ↑ Nanette: "Is it true? I can get a starter Pokémon for free?" /
    Cilan: "Since you're the cautious type, why not choose that lively Tepig for your starter?" (New Places...Familiar Faces!)
  54. ↑ Professor Oak: "First off, I'm wondering if any of you know the names of the three types of starter Pokémon a brand-new Trainer may choose from in the Kanto region..." [...] "I hope you enjoyed the starter Pokémon from the Kanto region." /
    Ash: "Here come the starter Pokémon!" (The Fires of a Red-Hot Reunion!)
  55. ↑ PokéCon 2015 - Tom Wayland on How He Creates Pokémon Voices: Wayland: "Chespin is the... your Grass-type starter in XY. Even though "starter" is an unofficial term now."
    Audience: "I think it's always been an unofficial term."
    Wayland: "Nope. They used to say it in the show, now they don't."
  56. ↑ Sonja Hammes on LinkedIn
  57. ↑ Sonja Hammes on Twitter: "P.S. We can call them starter on social now"
  58. ↑ Sonja Hammes on Twitter: "Of course, there are RULES. It’s “starter Pokémon”. No capital S. No “starters”. Gotta keep the standards!"
  59. ↑ Pokémon | Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version Official Website, archived February 7, 2012 on Internet Archive
  60. ↑ Starter Pokémon | Pokémon X and Pokémon Y Official Website, archived December 5, 2013 on Internet Archive
  61. ↑ Starter Pokémon | Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Official Website, archived October 17, 2014 on Internet Archive
  62. ↑ Pokémon | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website, archived September 6, 2016 on Internet Archive
  63. ↑ Cool Features | Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Official Website, archived June 11, 2017 on Internet Archive]
  64. ↑ Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet - Pokémon.com
  65. ↑ Pokémon Emerald Version | The Official Pokémon Website
  66. ↑ "[...] the stickers are of Paldea’s starter Pokémon: Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly." Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet bring Paldean flavor to Pokémon Unite - Pokémon.com
  67. ↑ Starter Pokémon for Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Revealed! | The Official Pokémon YouTube channel
  68. ↑ Hisuian. Final. Starter. Evolutions. | Pokémon Legends: Arceus | The Official Pokémon YouTube channel
  69. ↑ Pokémon Gold Version and Pokémon Silver Version | The Official Pokémon Website, archived November 6, 2015 on Internet Archive
  70. ↑ "The Kanto Initial Three Pokémon | The following Pokémon were the initial three from Kanto, all RARE color, plus a rare Mew!" Catch Celebi!, Catch Them If You Can
  71. ↑ "The Johto Initial Three Pokémon | The following Pokémon were the initial three from Johto, all RARE color, and all at AP 40, with two new RARE color Pokémon included!" Catch Celebi!
  72. ↑ "The Initial Three Set | During this week, you can try to catch one RARE color of the Initial Three, and one NORMAL color of the Initial Three with these powers attached." Catch Them If You Can
  73. ↑ Pokémon Platinum Version | The Official Pokémon Website: "Will you choose Piplup, Chimchar, or Turtwig as your first Pokémon?"
  74. ↑ Your First Pokémon | Pokémon X and Pokémon Y Official Website, archived December 7, 2013 on Internet Archive
  75. ↑ "When it's time to pick their first Pokémon, their choices are:", followed by the images and names of Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. (The Official Pokémon Advanced Handbook 4)
  76. ↑ "To help him, Prof. Birch allows you to select one of the three Poké Balls in his bag. This will be your first Pokémon." (Pokémon Emerald: Official Nintendo Player's Guide, page 19)
  77. ↑
    • Japanese dialogue:「好(す)きなポケモンを1匹(ひき)、パートナーとして連(つ)れていくといいよ」 (1 Pokémon that you like, take it as your partner).
      English dialogue: "Choose one of these Pokémon to take along with you."
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