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{{Redirect|Zukan|Japanese figures named after the Pokédex|Pokémon Zukan figures}}

[[File:Pokédex BW.png|thumb|right|250px|Pokédex in Black and White]]

The '''Pokédex''' (Japanese: '''ポケモン{{tt|図鑑|ずかん}}''' ''illustrated Pokémon encyclopedia'') was created by [[Professor Oak]] as an invaluable tool to a {{pkmn|Trainer}} in the [[Pokémon world]]. It gives information about all {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} in the world that are contained in its database, although it differs in how it acquires and presents information over the different medias. However, they are also only given to a few trainers at a time, generally to the ones that are felt to have exceptional potential and skill. There are different types of Pokédexes and each Pokédex is special to a specific region. 

Pokédex entries are typically only two- or three-sentence bits of information about the Pokémon referred to. In some events it gives background information on the habitat or activities of this Pokémon in the wild; at other times it gives other bits of information on the Pokémon's history or anatomy. The infomation included is important info on the Pokémon, height, weight (once obtained), cry, other forms, a few sentences about the Pokémon, and a picture of the Pokémon.

==Functions==
In order to accomplish Professor Oak's goal of a complete database of information on every Pokémon, the Pokédex is designed to find and record data on each Pokémon the trainer meets. Pokémon are added to the Pokédex simply by encountering them in battle (or a few special exceptions in Gen IV, such as seeing a picture), but detailed entries are not recorded until the player catches the Pokémon or acquires it in a trade.

===Entries===
The main feature of any Pokédex are the entries on each individual Pokémon, which provide a lot of detail that would otherwise be unexplored in the games.

====Generation I====
[[File:RBYPokedex.png|thumb|right|The main interface of the first Pokédex model]]
In [[Generation I]], the entries were simple and each individual section could be accessed directly from the listing. The first, and main part, was called Data, and included an image of the Pokémon, its number, name, [[species]], Height, Weight, and a short blurb. The second part was called [[Cry]], and selecting that would simply play the Pokémon's cry. The last part was called Area, and would display the [[map]], along with flashing indicators at each location where the selected Pokémon could be found. In cases where the Pokémon was not available in the [[Wild Pokémon|wild]], was only available [[Legendary Pokémon|once]], or could only be found by [[fishing]] or in [[Cerulean Cave]], the message "Area Unknown" would be displayed over the center of the map instead. The [[Pokémon Yellow Version|Yellow version]] allowed players to print entries using the [[Game Boy Printer]]. 

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====Generation II====
[[File:JohtoDex.png|thumb|left|Johto's Pokédex, as seen in {{game|Gold and Silver|s|Pokémon Gold}}]]
[[Generation II]] retained the same elements as its predecessor, while adding the Pokémon's [[footprint]] to the information, and, like Yellow, allowing players to print entries. Unlike Generation I, selecting a Pokémon displayed the entry in a new screen from which the other sections could be selected. This became the norm for each subsequent generation.

Strangely, entries that would normally display "Area Unknown" on the map simply displayed an unmarked map. 
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====Generation III====
[[File:PokedexHoennView.png|thumb|right|Viewing the Hoenn Pokédex in {{game3|Ruby and Sapphire|Pokémon Sapphire|s}}]]
[[Generation III]] did not add anything to the main entry, however, Cry was given its own page, which would display the soundwave as it played. In addition, the Area section was changed to highlight locations instead of marking them and could now display the locations of Pokémon caught by fishing. A Size section was added, which displayed silhouettes of the Pokémon and the [[player character]] side by side.

[[Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions|FireRed and LeafGreen]] displayed entries in a much different format from Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald. It was the first Pokédex to actually display a Pokémon's type in its entry, as well as its box sprite. However, the Cry visuals were removed. Entries for Kanto Pokémon were taken from Red/Green for FireRed and Red/Blue for LeafGreen. Johto Pokémon entries were taken from Silver for FireRed and Gold for LeafGreen.
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====Generation IV====
[[File:Platinum National Pokédex.png|thumb|left|150px|{{p|Giratina}} in the Platinum National Pokédex]]
[[File:HGSSpokedex.png|thumb|right|150px|{{p|Pidgey}} in the Generation IV Johto Pokédex]]
[[Generation IV]] added numerous features, but of FireRed and LeafGreen's changes, it kept only Type. Area would now change its highlight color depending on whether a Pokémon is found on land or in water, and the player could view the differences between morning, day and night, with the default being the current [[time]]. Cry's display returned, with a bar display in addition to the wave display, and the ability to modify the cry via Chorus/Pan, Reverb/Filter and Loop. Weight was added to the Size section, which put the Pokémon and the player character on either side of a balance scale. A new Forms section allowed players to see gender and form differences within species, but only for forms they'd already seen.

[[Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions|HeartGold and SoulSilver]] changed the formatting again, now by displaying the list on the lower screen and the actual entry on the top screen. Cry's page was again removed. By selecting to view details, players could view Area, Size and Forms. Area no longer defaulted to the current time or differentiated between land and water, Size now utilized both screens to display both Height and Weight at the same time, and Forms added a Compare option to see different forms side by side instead of having to scroll between them. Entries for Johto and Kanto Pokémon were taken from Gold for HeartGold and Silver for SoulSilver. Also, while artwork shows a pink Pokédex for females, the in-game interface does not reflect this.
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====Generation V====
[[Generation V]]'s Pokédex is similar to Generation IV's. Its default features are info, map, and voice. If the player obtains a Pokémon from another country, they can select a language for the entry. The map no longer shows what Pokémon appear in the morning, day, or night as it is no longer a factor in Pokémon appearance. Instead, it shows what [[season]] a Pokémon will more likely appear in. It will also show how the Pokémon can be encountered. The voice feature is simple. Tapping on the bottom screen will allow the player to hear the cry. Later in the game, the Pokédex will be upgraded to show a particular Pokémon's different forms. The standard is showing the male and female differences. It will also show the Pokémon with different forms, such as {{p|Castform}}. Different from Generation IV's version, the forms feature will also show the [[Shiny Pokémon|shiny]] version of the Pokémon; the last sprite selected will become the one displayed in the main entry. Like Generation III and Generation IV, this Pokédex does have the height and weight feature.

===Search and Order===
The original Pokédex had no search function.

In [[Generation II]], the ability to search for Pokémon by [[Elemental type|type]] was added, as well as the ability to sort by [[New Pokédex]] mode, [[Old Pokédex]] mode, [[List of Pokémon by name|A to Z]] mode and [[Unown Dex|Unown mode]].

In [[Generation III|Ruby and Sapphire]], the search function was expanded to allow searches by name and [[List of Pokémon by color|color]]. Players were also given the option to order Pokémon by Heaviest, Lightest, Tallest, or Smallest. Two modes were available, [[List of Pokémon by Hoenn Pokédex number|Hoenn]] and [[List of Pokémon by National Pokédex number|National]]. National mode was unlocked via a trade with [[Kanto]] or [[Orre]], or in [[Emerald]], defeating the [[Elite Four]].

However, in [[Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions|FireRed and LeafGreen]], the search function was dropped altogether, instead choosing to expand the sort functions by adding lists of Pokémon by type and [[List of Pokémon by habitat|habitat]]. Heaviest and Tallest orders were also removed. National Mode was unlocked by having obtained 60 Pokémon in the Pokédex and beating the Elite Four.

[[Generation IV]] brought the Search function back, as well as Heaviest and Tallest orders. Habitat was dropped. Searches could now be conducted by [[List of Pokémon by body style|Form]], but not by Color. The two Pokédex modes were [[List of Pokémon by Sinnoh Pokédex number|Sinnoh]] and National. National mode was unlocked by seeing every Pokémon in the Sinnoh Dex.

[[Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions|HeartGold and SoulSilver]] added the ability search by Height and Weight (instead of simply sorting by them), and also allowed search by Area ([[Johto]], [[Kanto]], or Unknown). National Mode was added by talking with [[Professor Oak]] after defeating the Elite Four.

<!--Listing for reference
Gen II: Search: Type1, Type2 ,Option: New Pokedex mode, Old Pokedex mode, A to Z mode (to is actually lowercase legasp) and [[Unown Dex|Unown mode]]

Gen III: Search: Name, Color, Type/Type, Order (Numerical, A to Z, Heaviest, Lightest, Tallest, Smallest), Mode (Hoenn, National); Shift: Order, Mode
FRLG: Does not have a search function, instead resorts dex by A to Z, Type, Lightest, Smallest, and Habitat

Gen IV: Order (Numerical, A to Z, Heaviest, Lightest, Tallest, Smallest), Name (3-2 letters, or blank); Type, Form -->

==Completion==
[[File:Diploma-red.png|right|thumb|Diploma awarded in Red/Blue]]
Completing the Pokédex is a common goal of trainers and carries with it much esteem due to its difficulty, which has gradually escalated with each new generation, as each has introduced at least 100 new Pokémon to be found. However, this is circumvented to a degree by the introduction of Wi-Fi and the [[GTS]] in Generation IV. The in-game rewards are always a congratulations from the director's avatar and a [[diploma]], though in [[Pokémon Emerald Version|Emerald]], the player could receive their choice of one Johto [[starter Pokémon]] for completing the Hoenn Dex.

In Generations I-III, the completion of the regional Pokédex is tracked by how many Pokémon the player has caught. However in Generations IV-V, the regional Pokédex is tracked simply by how many Pokémon the player has seen.

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==In the anime==
[[File:BW Pokedex.png‎|thumb|right|Pokédex's new design as seen in the {{Series|Best Wishes}}]]

When a young [[Sam|"Sammy"]] Oak was accidentally warped to a future of his own time, {{Ash}} explained to him how the Pokédex works, unknowingly giving him an idea. In ''[[EP066|The Evolution Solution]]'' it was mentioned that the Pokédex entries were written by [[Professor Westwood V]] of the [[Seafoam Islands]]. Unlike the games, entries in the anime are pre-programmed into the database and do not require catching to give full information. In this way, they act more as a aide or guide than a recording instrument.

To look up information on a particular species, Trainers may simply point the Pokédex at an individual or manually enter it in.  The Pokédex will then display a picture and read the entry out loud.  It can also give more information on individuals on request, such as [[level]] and learned [[move]]s.  Apparently, a picture or video recording of sufficient quality can also be scanned for information.

The new Pokédex for [[Unova]] comes with a new voice and shows images of the side and back of a Pokémon along with its front.

Trainers without the luxury of a Pokédex may have access to other means of finding information. Some use high-tech computers, like {{an|Giovanni}} in ''[[DP080|The Thief That Keeps On Thieving!]]'' or [[Shingo]] in ''[[EP140|Wired for Battle!]]''. In several episodes, [[James]] uses a deck of cards.

===Pokédex entries===
{{Animedexheader|Kanto}}
{{Animedexbody|EP002|Dexter (purpose)|Ash's Pokédex|I'm Dexter, a Pokédex programmed by [[Professor Oak]] for [[Pokémon Trainer]] [[Ash Ketchum]] of the town of {{to|Pallet}}. My function is to provide Ash with information and advice regarding Pokémon and their {{pkmn|training}}. If lost or stolen, I cannot be replaced.}}
{{Animedexfooter/Pokémon|original|Kanto}}
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===Voice actors===
{{vatable|color={{normal color}}|bordercolor={{normal color light}}
|ja='''[[Kanto]]''' / '''[[Johto]]''': 三木眞一郎 ''[[Shin'ichirō Miki]]''<br>'''[[Hoenn]]''': 林原めぐみ ''[[Megumi Hayashibara]]''<br>'''[[Sinnoh]]''': 川上とも子 ''[[Tomoko Kawakami]]'' ([[DP001]]-[[DP101]]) / 雪野五月 ''[[Satsuki Yukino]]'' ([[DP102]]-[[DP191]])<br>'''[[Unova]]''': 石塚運昇 ''[[Unshō Ishizuka]]''
|en='''[[Kanto]]''' / '''[[Johto]]''': [[Eric Stuart]] ([[4Kids Entertainment|4Kids]]) / [[Bill Rogers]] ([[PUSA|TPCI]]) <br>'''[[Hoenn]]''': [[Rachael Lillis]]<br>'''[[Sinnoh]]''': [[Michele Knotz]]<br>'''[[Unova]]''': [[Marc Thompson]]
|es_eu='''[[Kanto]]''' / '''[[Johto]]''': Eduardo del Hoyo<br>'''[[Hoenn]]''' / '''[[Sinnoh]]''': Amparo Valencia
|es_la='''[[Kanto]]''' / '''[[Johto]]''': Rubén León/ Gabriel Gama ([[The Legend of Thunder!|TLoT]], [[SS018]], [[AG147]])/ Rossy Aguirre ([[AG134]]-[[AG135]])/ Hugo Núñez ([[DP143]]-[[DP147]]) <br>'''[[Hoenn]]''': Rossy Aguirre<br> '''[[Sinnoh]]''': Rubén León ([[DP002]]-[[DP104]])/ Mayra Arellano ([[DP105]]-[[DP156]])/ Rossy Aguirre ([[DP158]]-[[DP190]])}}

==In the manga==
[[File:Pokédex Adventures.png|thumb|250px|left|The Pokédexes of the holders from the {{chap|Emerald}}]]
===Pokémon Adventures===
In Pokémon Adventures, it is seen that Pokédexes make a signal when brought close to one another, a sort of communication mechanism that can help locate others. This signal is only activated when held by their rightful owner, as seen in [[PS085]]. This signal seems to apply for all models of the Pokédex, as the Johto [[Pokédex Holder]]s also had their Dexes beeping when they were united at the [[Whirl Islands]], and the Hoenn trio in the {{chap|Emerald}}. Later within the same chapter, all ten Pokédexes made another signal after the previous five to be petrified in the end of the {{chap|FireRed & LeafGreen}} were restored. The Sinnoh Dexes had the same function as the past trios, but as they have yet to meet their predecessors, the same one seen when all users were brought together has not been seen since.

Much as in the anime, the Pokédex in Pokémon Adventures displays the known moves by an individual Pokémon, as well as its current health, but unlike in the show counterpart, the Dex Entries are usually taken directly from the games and as such contains readable text, cries, and area-tracking functions rather than vocal functions. The Pikachu interaction feature featured in {{game|Yellow}} was added to {{adv|Red}}'s Pokédex, allowing him to see its mood (though he never is seen making much use of it, as {{adv|Yellow}} was in possession of his Pokédex for most of the [[Yellow chapter (Adventures)|chapter]], and could tell [[Pika]]'s mood on her own anyway). The Pokédex's function takes over much of the control the games give to the player, being able to prevent a Pokémon's evolution, whereas Trainers without a Pokédex have no choice in the matter. As seen in ''[[PS004|Wanted: Pikachu!]]'', the Pokédex can discover where a Pokémon was first met by its Trainer, much as the Gen III-added feature allows one to view a Pokémon's origin.

===The Electric Tale of Pikachu===
In the {{pkmn|manga}} series [[The Electric Tale of Pikachu]], Pokémon Trainers receive their Pokédexes when their application to become a Pokémon Trainer is accepted. A Pokédex contains information on a Pokémon's moves and abilities, as well as general information (such as how some Pokémon, like {{AP|Pikachu}}, dislike [[Poké Ball]]s) and the ability to tell if a Pokémon has critically low [[Stats#Hit points|HP]]. In addition, all Pokédexes contain a copy of the Trainer's licence.

Updated versions of the Pokédex are released from time to time: in ''[[ET03|Clefairy Tale]]'', [[Professor Oak]] gives {{Ash}} a beta version of the latest model of the Pokédex.

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==In the TCG==
[[File:PokédexHANDY910isDiamondPearl111.jpg|thumb|righ|Pokédex HANDY910is]]
This listing is of cards mentioning or featuring the Pokédex in the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]]. The Hoenn region's model did not receive a TCG card, and the Generation I and Generation II Pokédexes, which featured model numbers on the Japanese cards (HANDY505 and HANDY808 respectively), did not show these model numbers on the English card. Every card has allowed the player to look at a certain number of cards from the top of their deck and then either arrange them as they like, or in the case of Pokédex HANDY910is, choose one to put in their hand.
{| {{bluetable}} 
|- style="background: #{{tcg trainer color}};"
!Name
!Type
!Rarity
!Set
!Set no.
|-
| rowspan=2 | {{TCG ID|Base Set|Pokédex|87}} || rowspan=2 | T || rowspan=2 | {{rar|Uncommon}} || {{TCG|Base Set}} || 87/102 
|-
| {{TCG|Base Set 2}} || 115/130
|-
| rowspan=2 | {{TCG ID|Neo Genesis|New Pokédex|95}} || rowspan=2 | T || rowspan=1 | {{rar|Uncommon}} || {{TCG|Neo Genesis}} || 95/111 
|-
| {{rar|Common}} || {{TCG|Pokémon Web}} || 16/48 
|-
| {{TCG ID|EX FireRed & LeafGreen|PokéDex HANDY909|96}} || T || {{rar|Uncommon}} || {{TCG|EX FireRed & LeafGreen}} || 96/112
|-
| rowspan=2 | {{TCG ID|Diamond & Pearl|Pokédex HANDY910is|111}} || rowspan=2 | T || rowspan=2 | {{rar|Uncommon}} || {{TCG|Diamond & Pearl}} || 111/130 
|-
| {{TCG|Platinum}} || 114/127
|}
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==Trivia==
* For ''[[DP002|Two Degrees of Separation!]]'', [[Professor Oak]]'s lecture is about the Pokédex. He writes this [[Pokémon senryū]] about it: こまったら　ひらいてみよう　ポケモンずかん ''Komattara hiraite miyō, Pokémon zukan.'' "When troubled, let's open the Pokédex."
* Most of the Pokédexes appear similar to one of Nintendo's handhelds. The Johto Pokédex resembles a [[Game Boy Color]], the Hoenn Pokédex appears similar to the [[Game Boy Advance]], the Generation III Kanto Pokédex resembles a [[Game Boy Advance SP]], the Sinnoh Pokédex resembles [[Nintendo DS Lite]], and the Generation IV Johto Pokédex is in similar appearance to a [[Nintendo DSi]]. However, the Generation V Unova Pokédex does not look like the next handheld, the [[Nintendo 3DS]], but rather an {{wp|iPod}}.
* The Pokédex is evidently encased in material that is invulnerable to almost anything within reason. It has been soaked in water and (in the anime) electrocuted and exposed to high-temperature flames, all with no ill effect. It is also voice-sensitive. There are some limitations to its ability; certain circumstances can prevent the Pokédex from accurately identifying its target:
** A Pokédex which has not received a [[National Pokédex|National Mode]] upgrade will not display any information on Pokémon not usually found in its home region, even if those Pokémon have been caught.
** Similarly, {{Gary}}'s Pokédex failed to identify {{an|Mewtwo}} at the [[Viridian Gym]], displaying only static interference. This may be attributed to the mechanical battle armor Mewtwo was wearing at the time.
* All six of Ash's Pokédexes have been red, as were the Pokédexes in the games prior to {{2v2|HeartGold|SoulSilver}}, while other characters have had other colors. May had a yellow one in Kanto, Paul has a dark blue Pokédex, Dawn has a pink Pokédex, [[Rhyanna]] has an ice blue Pokédex, [[Narissa]] has an orange Pokédex and [[Mamie]] has a lavender Pokédex.
* The only Pokédex Ash has never owned is the Pokédex introduced in HeartGold and SoulSilver.
* The Kanto regional Pokédex and the Sinnoh regional Pokédex ({{v2|Diamond and Pearl|s}}) have 151 members, the smallest of all regional Pokédexes. The largest regional Pokédex is the Johto regional Pokédex, with 256 members.
* The Pokédex models of [[Generation]]s {{gen|I}} and {{gen|II}} rounded the weights of all Pokémon to full pounds except for {{p|Gastly}} and {{p|Haunter}}, despite the Japanese games' use of tenths of kilograms since the start. From [[Generation III]] onward, all weights have been given to the nearest tenth of a pound.
* The Pokédex lost several buttons with every new model, due to various upgrades: Kanto's first model has twenty-two buttons, Johto's original model has five, Kanto's second model, Hoenn's, and Sinnoh's only have three, and Johto's second model apparently has none whatsoever, solely using the touch-screen interface.
* Numerous toy Pokédexes have been manufactured by companies like {{wp|Tiger Electronics}} and [[Jakks Pacific]].
*In HeartGold and SoulSilver, if the player is Ethan, the icon to display where the player is displays Ethan's hat with yellow sides instead of black.

==Gallery of images==
<gallery>
File:Gen I Pokedex.png|The [[Generation I|first]]-generation Pokédex
File:Dex.png|Ash's original Pokédex
File:Pokédex GSC.png|The [[Generation II|second]]-generation Pokédex
File:Pokedex Hoenn Region.png|[[Hoenn]]'s Pokédex
File:Pokedex FRLG.png|Kanto's Pokédex in [[Generation III]]
File:Pokedex DP.png|Sinnoh's Pokédex in {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}
File:Pokedex Pt.png|Sinnoh's Pokédex in {{game|Platinum}}
File:Ash's Pokedex.png|{{Ash}}'s Sinnoh Pokédex
File:Ash's dex.png|Scanning {{p|Piplup}}
File:PokéDex_HGSS_m.png|Johto's [[Generation IV]] Pokédex for males
File:PokéDex HGSS f.png|Johto's Generation IV Pokédex for females
File:Pokedex_logo.png|Pokédex Logo
File:Unova Pokedex anime.png|The Unova Pokédex in the anime
File:Scanning Unova Pokedex.png|Scanning {{p|Snivy}} on the Unova Pokédex
</gallery>

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