How Many Pokémon Are There?

A Brief History of Pokémon

Pokémon, short for Pocket Monsters, is a franchise of video games, trading cards, television shows, and movies that originated in Japan in 1996. The first Pokémon games, Red and Green, were released for the Game Boy console in Japan in February of that year. The games were an instant hit, and soon became a global phenomenon. The Pokémon franchise has since expanded to include multiple generations of games, spin-off titles, and merchandise.

The concept of Pokémon involves collecting and training various creatures with unique abilities, known as Pokémon, and using them to battle other trainers. The games have a strong emphasis on strategy and exploration, and have a deep and complex lore.

The success of the Pokémon franchise has led to it becoming one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time. As of 2021, the franchise has generated over $100 billion in revenue, and has sold over 368 million copies of its video games worldwide.

The Pokémon Generations

Since its inception, the Pokémon franchise has introduced new generations of Pokémon with each new set of video games. There are currently eight generations of Pokémon, with the most recent being introduced in November 2019 with the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield.

Each generation introduces a new set of Pokémon, along with new gameplay mechanics, storylines, and regions to explore. The first generation, which includes classic Pokémon such as Pikachu and Charmander, was introduced in 1996 with the release of Pokémon Red and Green. Subsequent generations have been released roughly every three to four years, with the most recent generation being the eighth.

Each generation typically introduces around 100 new Pokémon, along with a number of new features and gameplay mechanics. The most recent generation, for example, introduced a new mechanic called Dynamaxing, which allows players to temporarily increase the size and power of their Pokémon during battles.

The introduction of new generations helps to keep the franchise fresh and exciting for fans, while also allowing new players to jump in and discover the world of Pokémon for the first time.

How Many Pokémon Are There Currently?

As of September 2021, there are a total of 898 known species of Pokémon. This includes all generations of Pokémon, from the original 151 to the most recent additions in Generation VIII. However, this number does not include variant forms of Pokémon, such as regional variants or mega-evolutions.

The number of Pokémon has steadily increased with each new generation, with Generation I introducing 151 Pokémon, and Generation VIII introducing 89 new species. Each generation typically includes a mix of brand new Pokémon and evolutions of previously introduced species.

In addition to the main series games, there are also a number of spin-off titles that introduce new Pokémon. For example, the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series includes its own set of unique Pokémon that are not found in the main games.

The number of Pokémon may continue to grow in the future, as the franchise shows no signs of slowing down. Fans can look forward to discovering new species and exploring new regions in upcoming titles.

Catching Them All: Is It Possible?

One of the most iconic phrases associated with the Pokémon franchise is “Gotta Catch ‘Em All!” This phrase refers to the idea of collecting all of the different species of Pokémon that exist in the games. But is it actually possible to catch every single Pokémon?

In theory, it is possible to catch every known species of Pokémon in the main series games. However, doing so is no small feat. It requires a significant amount of time and effort, as some Pokémon can only be obtained through specific methods, such as trading with other players or attending special events.

In addition, there are some Pokémon that are exclusive to certain versions of the games, making it necessary to trade with players who have the opposite version in order to obtain them all. Furthermore, there are some Pokémon that are only available in certain regions or in certain games, making it difficult to catch them all without owning multiple consoles and games.

Despite the challenges, many dedicated players have attempted to catch all of the Pokémon. Some have even documented their journeys online, sharing tips and strategies with other players who are attempting the same feat.

Overall, while it is possible to catch every Pokémon, it is a challenging and time-consuming task that requires a lot of dedication and effort.

The Future of Pokémon

The Pokémon franchise has been going strong for over 25 years, and shows no signs of slowing down. With each new generation of games and spin-off titles, the world of Pokémon continues to expand and evolve.

One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been the introduction of augmented reality (AR) technology in Pokémon GO. This mobile game allows players to catch Pokémon in the real world using their smartphones, and has been a massive hit since its release in 2016.

In addition to AR, the franchise has also continued to innovate with new gameplay mechanics and features. For example, the most recent generation of games introduced a new open-world concept that allows players to explore a vast, interconnected region and encounter Pokémon in the wild.

The Pokémon Company has also continued to expand the franchise with new media, such as the Pokémon Trading Card Game and animated television shows and movies. This ensures that the world of Pokémon remains accessible and engaging for fans of all ages.

Looking ahead, it’s likely that the Pokémon franchise will continue to grow and evolve with new technology and innovations. Fans can look forward to discovering new species of Pokémon, exploring new regions, and battling with friends and rivals for many years to come.