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{{Featured}}
{{Featured|May 9, 2007}}
[[File:Allballs2.png|thumb|250px|right|The 26 Poké Ball variants found in the [[Version|main series]]]]
{{search|type of item|the item called Poké Ball|Poké Ball (item)}}
[[File:Poké Ball sketch.png|thumb|right|[[Ken Sugimori]]'s original concept]]
----
A '''Poké Ball''' (Japanese: '''モンスターボール''' ''Monster Ball'') is a type of [[item]] that is critical to a {{pkmn|Trainer}}'s quest, used for {{pkmn2|caught|catching}} and storing {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}. Both a general term used to describe the various kinds as well as a specific term to refer to the most basic among these variations, Poké Balls are ubiquitous in the modern Pokémon world. Up to six Pokémon can be carried with a {{pkmn|Trainer}} in Poké Balls, while any number of other Poké Balls can be held in the [[Bag]] for later use. These six Pokémon in the Poké Balls can be attached to the user's belt for carrying them around. Some Pokémon do not like to be carried around in Poké Balls, such as [[Ash's Pikachu]].  
[[File:Poké Balls.png|thumb|250px|The 28 Poké Ball variants found in the [[core series]] (excluding those exclusive to Pokémon Legends: Arceus)]]
[[File:Poké Ball sketch.png|thumb|250px|Original concept<!-- - 背面のボタンで開閉する open / close by the button on the back-->]]
A '''Poké Ball''' (Japanese: '''モンスターボール''' ''Monster Ball'') is a type of [[item]] that is critical to a {{pkmn|Trainer}}'s quest, used for {{pkmn2|caught|catching}} and storing {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}. Both a general term used to describe the various kinds as well as a specific term to refer to the most basic among these variations, Poké Balls are ubiquitous in the modern Pokémon world.


Up to six Pokémon can be carried with a {{pkmn|Trainer}} in Poké Balls, while more Poké Balls can be held in the [[Bag]] for later use. These six Pokémon in the Poké Balls can be attached to the user's belt for carrying them around. Some Pokémon do not like to be carried around in Poké Balls, such as [[Ash's Pikachu]].
Stylized Poké Balls are used in many places to symbolize Pokémon in general: the logos of the [[Battle Frontier]]s, the [[Pokémon Contest]]s, the [[Pokéathlon]], and the [[Pokémon Musical]] all feature a Poké Ball in their design, while several Poké Balls can be seen in every [[Pokémon Center]]. The headgear of the protagonists of [[Kanto]], [[Hoenn]], [[Sinnoh]], and [[Unova]]-based games feature Poké Ball designs, as do the [[Bag]]s of the protagonists of [[Johto]]-based games. {{ga|Ethan}}'s headgear is also similar to the top half of an Ultra Ball, and {{ga|Lucas}}'s Bag prominently features a Poké Ball.
==In the core series games==
The strength of a Poké Ball is determined by how much it raises a [[wild Pokémon]]'s [[catch rate]], and may in fact vary depending on the conditions of the battle. Poké Balls limit the power of Pokémon contained inside, taming them, though they do not cause the Pokémon inside to always obey the Trainer.
The strength of a Poké Ball is determined by how much it raises a [[wild Pokémon]]'s [[catch rate]], and may in fact vary depending on the conditions of the battle. Poké Balls limit the power of Pokémon contained inside, taming them, though they do not cause the Pokémon inside to always obey the Trainer.


The [[History of Poké Balls|invention of Poké Balls]] apparently occurred in the [[Johto]] region, where [[Apricorn]]s grow; these fruit were cut apart and carved out, then fitted with a special device, and used to catch wild Pokémon prior to the mass production of the Balls that occurs in modern times under [[Silph Co.]] and the [[Devon Corporation]]. Some Trainers still use Poké Balls made from Apricorns, while [[Kurt]], a resident of [[Azalea Town]], still constructs them. In the games, [[Drayden]] claims that Poké Balls did not exist during his childhood; however, due to Poké Balls being in the sunken ship in ''[[EP095|A Shipful of Shivers]]'', it is implied that in the {{pkmn|anime}}, Poké Balls were first made at least 300 years ago.
===History===
{{main|History of Poké Balls}}
[[File:Legends Arceus Poké Ball.png|thumb|150px|A Poké Ball used by those who explored the Hisui region]]
The invention of Poké Balls occurred in the [[Johto]] region, where [[Apricorn]]s grow; these fruit were cut apart and carved out, then fitted with a special device, and used to catch wild Pokémon. Some Trainers still use Poké Balls made from Apricorns, while [[Kurt]], a resident of [[Azalea Town]], still constructs them. [[Pokémon Legends: Arceus]] shows that the first settlers of the [[Sinnoh]] region, back when it was known as the [[Hisui]] region, used pre-modern Poké Balls made of [[Tumblestone]] and Apricorns, with [[Professor Laventon]] claiming they were a more recent invention. According to [[Professor Elm]], before the invention of the Poké Ball, people would [[Walking Pokémon|walk with their Pokémon]].
 
In the games, in the [[Memory Link]] event {{DL|Memory Link|A New Light}}, [[Drayden]] claims that Poké Balls did not exist during his childhood.


Prior to the invention of Poké Balls, Pokémon were referred to as magical creatures (Japanese: {{tt|魔獣|まじゅう}} ''majū''), indicating that the name Pokémon, short for Pocket Monster, did not come into common parlance as a term until Poké Balls allowed the various magical creatures to be stored easily.
Modern Poké Balls are not normally made from Apricorns, with the exception of specialist Poké Balls such as the [[Moon Ball]]. Modern Poké Balls are manufactured by [[Silph Co.]], the [[Devon Corporation]], and the Kalos [[Poké Ball Factory]].
 
===Mechanics and design===
Though the technology behind a Poké Ball remains unknown and has evolved through the centuries to accommodate the diverse requirements of their creators, the basic mechanics are simple enough to understand and tend to remain constant: in a [[Pokémon battle]], once an opposing wild Pokémon has been weakened, the Pokémon Trainer can throw a Poké Ball at it. When a Poké Ball hits the Pokémon, as long as it is not deflected, the Poké Ball will open, cause the Pokémon to shrink, store it inside, and close. A Pokémon in this state is given a chance to struggle to attempt to break free from the ball and escape, being instantly growing back in size. Should a Pokémon escape a Poké Ball, the device is destroyed in the games (unlike in the anime). A Pokémon who does not escape the Ball will be {{pkmn2|caught}}. [[Pokémon Legends: Arceus]] elaborates a bit on how the Pokémon are contained in a Poké Ball, with [[Professor Laventon]] explaining that Pokémon have the ability to reduce their size to miniscule, and Poké Balls take advantage of this to contain them.
 
Poké Balls are specifically constructed for Pokémon capture, transport, and training. As well as being physically difficult to escape from (as they seal tightly shut as soon as a Pokémon is taken into them) the environment of a Poké Ball is designed to be attractive to Pokémon also; according to Lucian of the [[Sinnoh]] [[Elite Four]], weakened Pokémon instinctively curl up tight in an attempt to heal themselves, an action that the environment of the Poké Ball encourages. Furthermore, while it is not known how caught Pokémon perceives their time inside their Ball, the device is said to replicate a "Pokémon-friendly" environment that is "designed for comfort". All of these factors strongly discourage Pokémon from escaping their Balls. In the manga, Bugsy refers to his "capture net" as being the net that is supposedly inside a Poké Ball, but visible and already deployed. According to Kurt, this invisible net captures and physically stores a Pokémon.


Stylized Poké Balls are used in many places to symbolize Pokémon in general: the logos of both [[Battle Frontier]]s feature a Poké Ball in their design, while several Poké Balls can be seen in every Pokémon Center. The headgear of the protagonists of [[Kanto]], [[Hoenn]], [[Sinnoh]], and [[Unova]]-based games feature Poké Ball designs, as do the [[Bag]]s of the protagonists of [[Johto]]-based games. {{ga|Ethan}}'s headgear is also similar to the top half of an Ultra Ball, and {{ga|Lucas}}'s Bag prominently features a Poké Ball.
When a Trainer [[Dynamax]]es or [[Gigantamax]]es a Pokémon, the Poké Ball expands to the size of an {{wp|Ball (association football)|association football}}.


==Mechanics and design==
In some games, a [[Ball Capsule]] can be used in combination with [[Sticker]]s to create special effects when the Pokémon is sent out.
[[File:Anime Poke Ball Mechanics.jpg|thumb|280px|right|A schematic displaying Poké Ball size, storage and mechanics]]


Though the technology behind a Poké Ball remains unknown and has evolved through the centuries to accommodate the diverse requirements of their creators, the basic mechanics are simple enough to understand and tend to remain constant: in a [[Pokémon battle]], once an opposing wild Pokémon has been weakened, the Pokémon Trainer can throw a Poké Ball at it. When a Poké Ball hits the Pokémon, as long as it is not deflected, the Poké Ball will open, convert the Pokémon to a form of energy, pull it into its center, and close. A Pokémon in this state is given a chance to struggle to attempt to break free from the ball and escape, being instantly re-converted from energy into matter. Should a Pokémon escape a Poké Ball, the device will either be destroyed (in the games and some manga) or will return to the Trainer (anime), who can attempt once again to capture the Pokémon. A Pokémon who does not escape the ball will be {{pkmn2|caught}}.
===Poké Ball accuracy===
:''See also: [[Catch rate]]''


[[File:Poke Ball Interior.png|thumb|250px|right|Interior of a Poké Ball from the anime]]
In some scenarios, a Poké Ball can miss the wild Pokémon completely (in contrast to breaking if the Poké Ball does not successfully capture the Pokémon):
* In the [[Generation I]] games, it was possible for a ball to miss the Pokémon when the likelihood of catching the Pokémon in question was particularly low—rather than the ball throwing animation playing and the ball wiggling zero times, a message would come up stating "You missed the {{ScPkmn}}!".
* In the Generation I games and {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}}, the {{OBP|ghost|Pokémon Tower}}s in [[Lavender Town]]'s [[Pokémon Tower]] dodge any ball thrown at them before being unmasked by the [[Silph Scope]]. The [[Marowak (ghost)|Marowak ghost]] will dodge all Poké Balls even if it is unmasked.
* In {{LGPE}}, and in {{g|Legends: Arceus}} outside of battle, Poké Balls are thrown manually, and the player must aim properly to hit the Pokémon. Some Poké Balls, namely the {{hi|Heavy Ball}} and [[Feather Ball]] lines, have noticeably different throwing distances and trajectories compared to the standard variations.


Poké Balls are specifically constructed for Pokémon capture, transport and training. As well as being physically difficult to escape from (as they seal tightly shut as soon as a Pokémon is taken into them) the environment of a Poké Ball is designed to be attractive to Pokémon also; according to Lucian of the [[Sinnoh]] [[Elite Four]], weakened Pokémon instinctively curl up tight in an attempt to heal themselves, an action that the environment of the Poké Ball encourages. Furthermore, while it is not known how a captured Pokémon perceives their time inside their Ball, the device is said to replicate a "Pokémon-friendly" environment that is "designed for comfort". All of these factors strongly discourage Pokémon from escaping their Balls. In the manga, Bugsy refers to his "capture net" as being the net that is supposedly inside a Poké Ball, but visible and already deployed. According to Kurt, this invisible net captures and physically stores a Pokémon.
In other scenarios, it is simply not possible to use Poké Balls in the first place:
* In the Generation I and II core series games, if both the player's party and their current [[Pokémon Storage System|Box]] are full, the player cannot throw a Poké Ball.
* In the [[core series]] games, in {{pkmn2|wild}} battles the player cannot throw a Poké Ball if there are multiple opponents—such as in wild [[Double Battle]]s, [[Horde Encounter]]s, or [[SOS Battle]]s—with the game claiming that it's impossible to aim.
** This is not the case in {{g|Legends: Arceus}}.
* From {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}} onward, it is not possible to throw a Poké Ball if the opposing Pokémon is in the [[semi-invulnerable turn]] of a move (such as {{m|Fly}} or {{m|Dig}}).
* Starting in [[Generation V]], in [[Double Battle|Double]] and [[Triple Battle]]s, it is not possible to issue a command to one Pokémon and then throw a Poké Ball as the second Pokémon's turn. However, it is still possible to throw a Poké Ball if one Pokémon is in the middle of a two-turn move.
* In {{2v2|Black|White|2}}, [[Ghetsis]] uses his cane to control a wild {{p|Kyurem}} and orders it to attack the {{player}}. The cane also emits signals that disrupt the use of empty Poké Balls, preventing Kyurem from being captured during the climax.
* In {{pkmn|Sun and Moon|Sun, Moon}}, {{pkmn|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon}}, the player is forbidden from throwing Poké Balls at wild Pokémon in a [[Island challenge|trial]] site until the trial has been cleared.
* In Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, a signal that prevents the use of empty Poké Balls is broadcast throughout [[Aether Paradise]] to protect the Pokémon living there. This prevents the player from capturing the wild {{p|Nihilego}} that attacks them on their first visit to the facility.
* In Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, the player cannot use a Poké Ball on a {{p|Necrozma}} that has {{form|Necrozma|fused}} with a {{p|Solgaleo}} or {{p|Lunala}}.
* In {{g|Sword and Shield}}, the player cannot catch a Pokémon whose level is above the limit the player's current [[Badge]]s can allow. Such Pokémon is described as "very strong-looking".
* In [[The Crown Tundra]] expansion, the player cannot catch {{p|Spectrier}} or {{p|Glastrier}} during the encounter with it in the village because "It won't let its guard down!"
* In {{g|Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl}}, the player cannot catch the {{form|Giratina|Origin Forme}} {{p|Giratina}} encountered inside the Distortion Room in [[Ramanas Park]].
* In {{g|Legends: Arceus}}, the player cannot catch certain Pokémon, including [[noble Pokémon]] and {{p|Arceus}}.
* In {{g|Scarlet and Violet}}, the player cannot throw a Poké Ball at a wild {{Tera}} Pokémon until it is sufficiently weakened, breaking through its transformation.


[[File:Iris Dragonite inside Poké Ball.png|thumb|250px|right|[[Iris's Dragonite]] inside a Poké Ball in the anime]]
===Types of Poké Balls===
In the Pokémon games so far, there have been 34 (38 if the Hisuian Poké Ball, Great Ball, Ultra Ball, and Heavy Ball are considered distinct from their modern-day counterparts) different varieties of Poké Balls, all differing from each other in some way, whether it be an increased ability to catch a Pokémon from the wild or an effect which occurs only after the Pokémon has been caught. From Generation III onward, each variety of Poké Ball has a unique animation when it sends out a Pokémon (and also when it catches one prior to Generation VI), and the type of Poké Ball used to catch the Pokémon is preserved on its [[summary]] screen.


Poké Balls are not always at full size. Pressing the button on the front will convert it between its full size, about the size of a {{wp|Baseball (object)|baseball}}, to a smaller size, about that of a {{wp|Table tennis#The ball|ping-pong ball}}, and back again. The larger size makes throwing the ball easier, while the smaller one makes for easier storage on a belt clip, in pockets, and in Bags.
Prior to Generation VI, all hatched Pokémon are in a standard Poké Ball. In [[Generation VI]], a [[Pokémon breeding|bred]] Pokémon will be in the same Poké Ball as its mother, unless its mother was in a Cherish Ball or Master Ball, in which case the Pokémon will be in a standard Poké Ball; Pokémon bred from a male or gender-unknown Pokémon and {{p|Ditto}} will hatch in a standard Poké Ball. Since [[Generation VII]], Pokémon bred from a male and a Ditto inherit the father's ball as well, and if two Pokémon of the same species in different balls are bred, the resulting offspring will be in either the mother's or father's ball. This also applies if the parents are different [[regional form]]s. Much like the Cherish Ball or Master Ball, the Strange Ball introduced in [[Generation VIII]] cannot be inherited and resulting offspring will be in standard Poké Balls.


As mentioned, the generic Poké Ball design is not constant and has been remodelled and altered innumerable times in order to create new Poké Balls that are adapted for specific conditions. For example, it is seen in several anime episodes such as ''[[AG065|Gulpin it Down!]]'' and ''[[AG104|Claydol Big and Tall]]'' that normal Poké Balls have difficulty catching Pokémon which are extremely large or extremely heavy. In the latter episode, it is revealed that ancient civilizations overcame this issue by constructing immense Poké Balls many times the size of the standard model known today, and made from stone instead. Other civilizations such as [[Pokémopolis]] also discovered new technologies that more closely resembled modern Poké Ball technology, such as the [[Dark Device]] and the [[Unearthly Urn]], which were also adapted for the capture and storage of massive Pokémon but in small containers. However, devices like these became lost to the ages and their roles were subsequently supplanted by Heavy Balls in the modern world.
Regardless of the type of Poké Ball, {{m|Fling}} will fail if the user is holding one.


[[File:Paul Chimchar release.png|200px|left|[[Paul]] releasing {{AP|Chimchar|Infernape}}|thumb]]
Starting in [[Generation III]], each type of Poké Ball has an [[index number]] associated with it that is stored in the [[Pokémon data substructures (Generation III)#Origins|data structure]] of the Pokémon when {{pkmn2|caught}} or otherwise obtained with a given type of ball. [[Generation I]] and [[Generation II|II]] did not store this data, resulting in any Pokémon [[transfer]]red from [[Virtual Console]] via [[Poké Transporter]] being placed into standard Poké Balls. Pokémon caught in [[Park Ball]]s within [[Pal Park]] will retain their original Poké Ball and index number from Generation III. Pokémon from {{2v2|HeartGold|SoulSilver}} caught in a Johto-exclusive Poké Ball (such as a Poké Ball made by [[Kurt]] or a Sport Ball) will be displayed in a standard Poké Ball while visiting {{game2|Diamond|Pearl|Platinum}}. Pokémon originating from {{g|Legends: Arceus}} which are then transferred into another game (vice versa for those caught outside Legends: Arceus and then transferred in) will be displayed in [[Strange Ball]]s while visiting a game where the Pokémon's ball is not programmed into the game, but will still retain its original index number. Pokémon originating from Legends: Arceus visiting {{g|Sword and Shield}} will temporarily have their ball converted into a standard Poké Ball, with their original ball data being stored in [[Pokémon HOME]]'s server.
When a Pokémon is released from a Poké Ball, it will be accompanied by a bright light as it returns from its energy form, and materialize nearby, often on the ground. This bright light has been shown to vary depending on the type of Ball in which the Pokémon is contained in the games, while it has always been shown to be white in the anime. Pokémon are recalled to their Poké Ball by holding up the Poké Ball with its button pointed at the Pokémon. A beam of red light will shoot from the button, converting the Pokémon back into energy and returning it to the Ball. The beam, however, has a limited range, and can be dodged by the Pokémon. If the beam hits a person, they will be stunned for a moment, but aside from that no ill effects will make themselves apparent. Releasing Pokémon from a Trainer's ownership, unlike normally sending the Pokémon out, will bathe the Pokémon in a blue glow, and the Poké Ball will no longer mark it, making it able to be caught by another Trainer's Poké Ball.  


A Poké Ball can also be broken, which will release it from ownership, and if a Trainer has done so accidentally, it must somehow be fixed before the Pokémon can be recalled. In the manga, if a Poké Ball is broken before a Pokémon is sent out, then that particular Pokémon can't be used until their Poké Ball has been repaired. This happened several times in the [[Pokémon Adventures]] manga, such as during {{Adv|Red}}'s battle against [[Giovanni]], where the opening mechanism for the Poké Balls of Red's [[Saur|Venusaur]] and [[Gyara]]dos were damaged, preventing either of them from being used in the match.
Every Poké Ball (except the Beast Ball and Master Ball) has a 0.1× catch rate modifier when attempting to catch an [[Ultra Beast]].


Pokémon appear to be conscious while inside Poké Balls. Several Pokémon have shown the ability to leave and return to their Poké Balls at will, most notably among them [[Jessie's Wobbuffet]], [[Misty's Psyduck]], [[Ash's Oshawott]], and [[Brock's Croagunk]], which tend to do so in every episode they appear in. In ''[[EP031|Dig Those Diglett!]]'', many Pokémon belonging to [[Gary Oak]], as well as other Trainers, including Ash Ketchum, demonstrated the ability to prevent themselves from being sent from their Poké Balls, as they refused to fight against the Diglett, though this has not been demonstrated since. Pokémon have also shown to be able to hear orders given by their Trainer right before they are sent out.
{| class="roundtable sortable" style="background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}; border:3px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}"
! class="unsortable" |
! Name
! Gen.
! [[Index number|Index]]&nbsp;#
! class="unsortable" | {{wp|Hexadecimal|Hex}}
! class="unsortable" | Catch rate modifier
! class="unsortable" | Notes
|-
|{{bag/s|Poké Ball|SV|Poké Ball (item)}}
|{{i|Poké Ball}}
| style="background: #{{Gen I color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen I color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=1 | '''I'''
| style="text-align: center" | 4
| style="text-align: center" | 04
| 1×
| Must be in the player's [[Bag]] with an empty space in the [[party]] to obtain a {{p|Shedinja}} when {{p|Nincada}} [[Evolution|evolves]] from [[Generation IV]] onwards.
|-
|{{bag/s|Great Ball|SV}}
|[[Great Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen I color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen I color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=1 | '''I'''
| style="text-align: center" | 3
| style="text-align: center" | 03
| 1.5×
|
|-
|{{bag/s|Ultra Ball|SV}}
|[[Ultra Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen I color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen I color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=1 | '''I'''
| style="text-align: center" | 2
| style="text-align: center" | 02
| 2×
|
|-
|{{bag/s|Master Ball|SV}}
|[[Master Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen I color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen I color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=1 | '''I'''
| style="text-align: center" | 1
| style="text-align: center" | 01
| 255× (guaranteed capture)
| The only Poké Ball other than the Beast Ball that does not have a 0.1× catch modifier when used on an Ultra Beast.
|-
|{{bag/s|Safari Ball|SV}}
|[[Safari Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen I color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen I color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=1 | '''I'''
| style="text-align: center" | 5
| style="text-align: center" | 05
| {{tt|1×|2× in Gen I; 1.5× from Gen II to SwSh; 1.5× in BDSP}}
| Prior to [[Generation VIII]], it was only usable within [[Safari Zone]]s.
|-
|{{bag/s|Fast Ball|SV}}
|[[Fast Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen II color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen II color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=2 | '''II'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=17 | 17
| style="text-align: center" | 11
| 4× if used on a Pokémon with a base {{stat|Speed}} {{cat|Pokémon whose base Speed stat is greater than 100|of at least 100}}<br>1× otherwise
| In [[Generation II]], it was intended to have a 4× catch modifier for Pokémon that can [[Escape#Wild Pokémon|flee]], but it only does for three of them: {{p|Magnemite}}, {{p|Grimer}} and {{p|Tangela}}.
|-
|{{bag/s|Level Ball|SV}}
|[[Level Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen II color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen II color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=2 | '''II'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=18 | 18
| style="text-align: center" | 12
| 1× if the player's Pokémon is the same level as or a lower level than the wild Pokémon<br>2× if the player's Pokémon is at a higher level than the wild Pokémon but less than double it<br>4× if the player's Pokémon is more than double but less than four times the level of the wild Pokémon<br>8× if the player's Pokémon is of a level four times or more than that of the wild Pokémon
|
|-
|{{bag/s|Lure Ball|SV}}
|[[Lure Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen II color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen II color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=2 | '''II'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=19 | 19
| style="text-align: center" | 13
| 4× if used on a Pokémon encountered while [[fishing]]<br>1× otherwise
| In [[Johto]], the bonus was 3x while in [[Alola]], the bonus was 5x
|-
|{{bag/s|Heavy Ball|SV}}
|[[Heavy Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen II color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen II color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=2 | '''II'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=20 | 20
| style="text-align: center" | 14
| -20 if used on a Pokémon weighing [[List of Pokémon by weight#218.3 lbs. to 220.2 lbs. (99.0 kg to 99.9 kg)|220.2&nbsp;lbs. (99.9&nbsp;kg)]] or less<br>±0 if used on a Pokémon weighing [[List of Pokémon by weight#220.5 lbs. to 225.5 lbs. (100.0 kg to 102.3 kg)|220.5&nbsp;lbs. (100.0&nbsp;kg)]] – [[List of Pokémon by weight#330.7 lbs. to 440.7 lbs. (150.0 kg to 199.9 kg)|440.7&nbsp;lbs. (199.9&nbsp;kg)]]<br>+20 if used on a Pokémon weighing [[List of Pokémon by weight#440.9 lbs. to 451.3 lbs. (200.0 kg to 204.7 kg)|440.9&nbsp;lbs. (200.0&nbsp;kg)]] – [[List of Pokémon by weight#617.3 lbs. to 661.2 lbs. (280.0 kg to 299.9 kg)|661.2&nbsp;lbs. (299.9&nbsp;kg)]]<br>+30 if used on a Pokémon weighing [[List of Pokémon by weight#661.4 lbs. to 677.0 lbs. (300.0 kg to 307.1 kg)|661.4&nbsp;lbs. (300.0&nbsp;kg)]] or more
| In [[Pokémon Crystal Version|Pokémon Crystal]] only, there is a glitch that causes the retrieved weights of Pokémon whose index numbers are divisible by 64 ({{p|Kadabra}}, {{p|Tauros}}, and {{p|Sunflora}}) to become junk data that are, in turn, interpreted as massive weights, causing these particular Pokémon to receive the +40 capture modifier.<br>In {{g|Sun and Moon}} only, a Heavy Ball will always fail to catch a Pokémon whose weight is less than 220.46&nbsp;lbs (100.0&nbsp;kg) and whose catch rate is less than or equal to 20. This is because the game will set the catch rate to 0 when the catch rate becomes negative due to the -20 modifier that is applied.
|-
|{{bag/s|Love Ball|SV}}
|[[Love Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen II color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen II color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=2 | '''II'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=21 | 21
| style="text-align: center" | 15
| 8× if used on a Pokémon of the same species but opposite gender of the player's Pokémon<br>1× otherwise
| In [[Generation II]], it has an 8× catch modifier if both Pokémon are the same species ''and'' gender.
|-
|{{bag/s|Friend Ball|SV}}
|[[Friend Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen II color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen II color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=2 | '''II'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=22 | 22
| style="text-align: center" | 16
| 1×
| Sets caught Pokémon's [[friendship]] to 200<sup>[[Generation II|Gen II]]-[[Generation VII|VII]]</sup>, or 150<sup>[[Generation VIII|Gen VIII]]+</sup>
|-
|{{bag/s|Moon Ball|SV}}
|[[Moon Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen II color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen II color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=2 | '''II'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=23 | 23
| style="text-align: center" | 17
| 4× if used on a Pokémon that evolves by using a [[Moon Stone]]<br>1× otherwise
| In [[Generation II]], it always has a 1× catch modifier due to a [[List of glitches in Generation II#Catch rate|programming error]].
|-
|{{bag/s|Sport Ball|SV}}
|[[Sport Ball]]{{tt|*|Park Ball in Generation II}}
| style="background: #{{Gen II color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen I color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=2 | '''II'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=24 | 24
| style="text-align: center" | 18
| {{tt|1×|1.5× prior to Generation VIII}}
| Prior to [[Generation VIII]], it was only usable during the [[Bug-Catching Contest]].
|-
|{{bag/s|Net Ball|SV}}
|[[Net Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen III color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen III color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=3 | '''III'''
| style="text-align: center" | 6
| style="text-align: center" | 06
| 3.5× if used on a {{t|Water}} or {{type|Bug}} Pokémon<br>1× otherwise
|
|-
|{{bag/s|Dive Ball|SV}}
|[[Dive Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen III color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen III color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=3 | '''III'''
| style="text-align: center" | 7
| style="text-align: center" | 07
| 3.5× if used on a water-dwelling Pokémon<br>1× otherwise
| In [[Generation III]], it only had an increased catch rate [[underwater]].
|-
|{{bag/s|Nest Ball|SV}}
|[[Nest Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen III color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen III color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=3 | '''III'''
| style="text-align: center" | 8
| style="text-align: center" | 08
| ((41 - Pokémon's level) ÷ 10)× if Pokémon's level is between 1 and 29<br>1× otherwise
|
|-
|{{bag/s|Repeat Ball|SV}}
|[[Repeat Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen III color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen III color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=3 | '''III'''
| style="text-align: center" | 9
| style="text-align: center" | 09
| 3.5× if used on a Pokémon that is registered in the player's [[Pokédex]] as caught<br>1× otherwise
|
|-
|{{bag/s|Timer Ball|SV}}
|[[Timer Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen III color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen III color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=3 | '''III'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=10 | 10
| style="text-align: center" | 0A
| (1 + number of turns passed in battle * {{tt|1229/4096|approx. 0.3}})×, maximum 4× at 10 turns
|
|-
|{{bag/s|Luxury Ball|SV}}
|[[Luxury Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen III color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen III color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=3 | '''III'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=11 | 11
| style="text-align: center" | 0B
| 1×
| Doubles the rate at which the contained Pokémon's [[friendship]] increases.
|-
|{{bag/s|Premier Ball|SV}}
|[[Premier Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen III color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen III color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=3 | '''III'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=12 | 12
| style="text-align: center" | 0C
| 1×
|
|-
|{{bag/s|Dusk Ball|SV}}
|[[Dusk Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen IV color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen III color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=4 | '''IV'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=13 | 13
| style="text-align: center" | 0D
| 3× if used in a cave or at night<br>1× otherwise
|
|-
|{{bag/s|Heal Ball|SV}}
|[[Heal Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen IV color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen IV color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=4 | '''IV'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=14 | 14
| style="text-align: center" | 0E
| 1×
| Fully restores a caught Pokémon's {{stat|HP}} and [[PP]] and removes their [[status condition]]s.
|-
|{{bag/s|Quick Ball|SV}}
|[[Quick Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen IV color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen IV color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=4 | '''IV'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=15 | 15
| style="text-align: center" | 0F
| 5× if used on the first turn of a battle<br>1× otherwise
|
|-
|{{bag/s|Cherish Ball|SV}}
|[[Cherish Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen IV color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen IV color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=4 | '''IV'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=16 | 16
| style="text-align: center" | 10
| 1×
| Unobtainable by the player, but used for various [[event Pokémon]].
|-
|{{bag/s|Park Ball|SV}}
|[[Park Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen IV color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen IV color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=4 | '''IV'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=27 | {{tt|27|Prior to Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, the Park Ball occupied this index value. This index value was reallocated to the Strange Ball, games released from BDSP onwards have no programmed index number for the Park Ball.}}
| style="text-align: center" | 1B
| 255× (guaranteed capture if used in [[Pal Park]])<br>{{tt|1× otherwise|If used outside of Pal Park, the game will behave as if the player had thrown a standard Poké Ball instead.}}
| Unobtainable by the player, but used in [[Pal Park]].
|-
|{{bag/s|Dream Ball|SV}}
|[[Dream Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen V color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen V color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=5 | '''V'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=25 | 25
| style="text-align: center" | 19
| 4× if used on a {{status|sleep}}ing Pokémon<br>1× otherwise
| Used only in [[Entralink|Entree Forest]] prior to [[Generation VIII]].<br>Catch rate modifier 255× (guaranteed capture) in [[Generation V]].
|-
|{{bag/s|Beast Ball|SV}}
|[[Beast Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen VII color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen VII color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=6 | '''VII'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=26 | 26
| style="text-align: center" | 1A
| 5× if used on an [[Ultra Beast]]<br>0.1× otherwise
| If any other Poké Ball (except the Master Ball) is used on an Ultra Beast, it has a 0.1× catch modifier.
|-
|{{Bag/s|Strange Ball|SV}}
|[[Strange Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen VIII color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen VIII color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=7 | '''VIII'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=27 | {{tt|27|Starting in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, the Strange Ball was assigned this index number, replacing the Park Ball. From BDSP onwards, the Park Ball has no programmed index number, with the Strange Ball occupying its previous value.}}
| style="text-align: center" | 1B
| {{tt|0.75×|Defaults to Poké Ball (Hisui) catchrate in Legends: Arceus if obtained via cheating; has no catchrate in BDSP due to a lack of item data.}}
| Unobtainable by the player. Pokémon in [[Pokémon Legends: Arceus]] that were transferred from other games via [[Pokémon HOME]], as well as Pokémon from Legends: Arceus in [[Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl]] or [[Pokémon Scarlet and Violet]] will be displayed in this ball.
|-
|{{Bag/s|Poké Ball|LA|Poké Ball (Hisui)}}
|[[Poké Ball (Hisui)]]
| style="background: #{{Gen VIII color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen VIII color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=8 | '''VIII'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=28 | 28
| style="text-align: center" | 1C
| 0.75×
|
|-
|{{Bag/s|Great Ball|LA|Great Ball (Hisui)}}
|[[Great Ball (Hisui)]]
| style="background: #{{Gen VIII color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen VIII color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=8 | '''VIII'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=29 | 29
| style="text-align: center" | 1D
| 1.5×
|
|-
|{{Bag/s|Ultra Ball|LA|Ultra Ball (Hisui)}}
|[[Ultra Ball (Hisui)]]
| style="background: #{{Gen VIII color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen VIII color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=8 | '''VIII'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=30 | 30
| style="text-align: center" | 1E
| 2.25×
|
|-
|{{Bag/s|Feather Ball|LA}}
|[[Feather Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen VIII color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen VIII color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=8 | '''VIII'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=31 | 31
| style="text-align: center" | 1F
| 1×<br>1.25× when boosted
| Can be thrown further than a regular Poké Ball. Is more effective for catching Pokémon {{tt|that fly high in the air|This only applies to specific flying encounters that fly well above the terrain.}}.
|-
|{{Bag/s|Wing Ball|LA}}
|[[Wing Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen VIII color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen VIII color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=8 | '''VIII'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=32 | 32
| style="text-align: center" | 20
| 1.5×<br>1.75× when boosted
| Can be thrown further than a Feather Ball. Is more effective for catching Pokémon {{tt|that fly high in the air|This only applies to specific flying encounters that fly well above the terrain.}}.
|-
|{{Bag/s|Jet Ball|LA}}
|[[Jet Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen VIII color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen VIII color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=8 | '''VIII'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=33 | 33
| style="text-align: center" | 21
| 2×<br>2.75× when boosted
| Can be thrown further than a Wing Ball. Is more effective for catching Pokémon {{tt|that fly high in the air|This only applies to specific flying encounters that fly well above the terrain.}}.
|-
|{{Bag/s|Heavy Ball|LA|Heavy Ball (Hisui)}}
|[[Heavy Ball (Hisui)]]
| style="background: #{{Gen VIII color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen VIII color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=8 | '''VIII'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=34 | 34
| style="text-align: center" | 22
| 1×<br>1.25× when boosted
| Doesn't fly far, but is more effective if the Pokémon {{tt|hasn't noticed the player|This bonus is always active during battle, regardless of whether the player was noticed prior to starting the battle. Therefore, the boosted catch rate will always apply in battle.}}.
|-
|{{Bag/s|Leaden Ball|LA}}
|[[Leaden Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen VIII color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen VIII color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=8 | '''VIII'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=35 | 35
| style="text-align: center" | 23
| 1.75×<br>2× when boosted
| Upgraded version of the Heavy Ball. Doesn't fly far, but is more effective if the Pokémon {{tt|hasn't noticed the player|This bonus is always active during battle, regardless of whether the player was noticed prior to starting the battle. Therefore, the boosted catch rate will always apply in battle.}}.
|-
|{{Bag/s|Gigaton Ball|LA}}
|[[Gigaton Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen VIII color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen VIII color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=8 | '''VIII'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=36 | 36
| style="text-align: center" | 24
| 2.5×<br>2.75× when boosted
| Upgraded version of the Leaden Ball. Doesn't fly far, but is more effective if the Pokémon {{tt|hasn't noticed the player|This bonus is always active during battle, regardless of whether the player was noticed prior to starting the battle. Therefore, the boosted catch rate will always apply in battle.}}.
|-
|{{Bag/s|Origin Ball|LA}}
|[[Origin Ball]]
| style="background: #{{Gen VIII color light}}; border: 1px solid #{{Gen VIII color dark}}; text-align: center" data-sort-value=8 | '''VIII'''
| style="text-align: center" data-sort-value=37 | 37
| style="text-align: center" | 25
| {{tt|N/A|Has no programmed catch rate, as it cannot be thrown outside of battle nor selected during battle, even if moved from Key Items to the player's normal inventory via cheating.}}
| Automatically catches {{form|Dialga and Palkia|Origin Forme}} {{p|Dialga}} or {{p|Palkia}} at the end of the main story in [[Pokémon Legends: Arceus]].
|- class="unsortable"
! colspan="7" style="background:#{{Poké Balls color light}}; {{roundybottom|8px}}" | <small>All details are accurate to {{color2|000|Generation VIII}} games. For details that have changed between generations, please see an individual item's page.</small>
|}


Poké Balls are able to communicate with a Trainer's [[Pokédex]], as the system updates itself with information on newly-caught Pokémon, and keeps track of how many Pokémon the Trainer has with them. If a Trainer catches a new Pokémon with the full six already with them, the Pokédex will automatically send the newly-caught Pokémon in its Poké Ball to the [[Pokémon Storage System]] that the Trainer is using. As shown in ''[[DP002|Two Degrees of Separation]]'', a Pokémon caught by a Poké Ball is "marked" by it, and thus most Poké Balls thrown at it will have no effect aside from temporarily stunning it. In the games, as well as in ''[[EP073|Bad to the Bone]]'', however, the Trainer of the Pokémon will block a Poké Ball thrown by another, though it is possible that this is more out of courtesy to their Pokémon than to prevent capture outright.
===Other variants===
{{incomplete|section|Add image of the blue Poké Ball from the Poké Transfer}}
* In [[Pokémon Red and Blue Versions|Pokémon Red, Blue]], [[Pokémon Yellow Version|Yellow]], [[Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions|FireRed, and LeafGreen]], [[Professor Oak]] mentions that his [[Parcel]] contains a custom Poké Ball. However, this is not said in [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!]].
* The [[GS Ball]] is an event item that appears only in {{game|Crystal}}, where it was part of a giveaway on the [[Mobile System GB]] for Japanese games, similar to [[event item]]s given out via [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]] and [[Nintendo Network]] from [[Generation IV]] onward. It was not used to catch any Pokémon and was placed in the [[Key Item]]s pocket. If given to [[Kurt]] for inspection, it will activate an event where the player can catch a {{p|Celebi}} in [[Ilex Forest]].
* When transferring Pokémon via [[Poké Transfer]], a blue Poké Ball is used to catch the Pokémon in the minigame. They are shot using a bow.
* In the [[Timegate Traveler Series]] featured in [[Pokéstar Studios]], the future is ruled by {{type|Bug}} Pokémon that capture wild humans in Human Balls (Japanese: '''ヒューマンボール''' ''Human Ball'') instead of the other way around. They have no visual difference to Poké Balls.
* In {{g|Sword and Shield}}, the [[Dynamax Band]] allows Trainers to increase the size of Poké Balls, making them look like giant [[Premier Ball]]s.
** When a Pokémon is [[Dynamax]]ed (including [[Gigantamax]]ing) with a Dynamax Band, the Trainer returns their active Pokémon to its Poké Ball, then turns the Poké Ball into a giant Poké Ball. This giant Poké Ball is then thrown, sending out the Dynamax Pokémon.
** In [[Max Raid Battle]]s and [[Dynamax Adventure]]s, when the {{pkmn2|wild}} Dynamax Pokémon is defeated, the Trainer turns an empty Poké Ball into a giant Poké Ball, then throws it at the wild Dynamax Pokémon in an attempt to catch it.


Other wireless capabilities of Poké Balls are shown in ''[[M07|Destiny Deoxys]]'', as when the electricity of the city is down, {{mov|Rebecca}} claims that the "Poké Ball Management System" was no longer working without power. There has been no mention of any such system since.
<gallery>
Oak's Parcel dialogue.png|"Ah! This is the custom POKé BALL I ordered! Thank you!"
GS Ball Crystal.png|The [[GS Ball]]
Dynamax Poké Ball Concept Art.jpg|Concept art of a giant Poké Ball for Dynamax by [[Ken Sugimori]]<ref>Shea, Brian (October 4, 2019). "[https://web.archive.org/web/20240416175406/https://www.gameinformer.com/gallery/2019/10/04/exclusive-pokemon-sword-and-shield-concept-art-gallery Exclusive Pokémon Sword And Shield Concept Art Gallery]." ''Game Informer'' (Archived on April 16, 2024.)</ref>
</gallery>


Poké Balls are able to be decorated to no ill effect, with several Poké Balls that have been painted with special colors being seen in the anime. In the games, a [[Ball Capsule]] and [[seal]]s can release special effects when the Pokémon is sent out.
===Palette limitations===
{{-}}
In the games, certain Poké Balls appear off-color due to palette limitations. They are most likely intended to be standard Poké Balls rather than variations.
 
* In [[Generation I]], during a [[Pokémon battle]], the multiple kinds of Poké Ball have different throwing animations but otherwise look the same. They all appear with a black top and white bottom. This black and white design is clearly seen when the Poké Ball is shaking in an attempt to catch the wild Pokémon.
** In [[Generation II]], all kinds of Poké Ball look the same when used in-battle except they have different color palettes. Unlike in the previous generation, all Poké Balls use the same throwing animation.
** In both Generations I and II, the Poké Ball changes color once the wild Pokémon is successfully caught, shortly appearing with the color palette of the caught Pokémon. For instance, no matter what kind of Poké Ball, it appears to be green once a green Pokémon is caught, or pink once a pink Pokémon is caught.
* In Generation I, the [[trade]] animation invariably displays both Pokémon using the Poké Ball design with the black top and white bottom, the same design seen in Pokémon battles.
** In Generation II, the trade animation uses a red color palette for both traded Pokémon, specifically a darker red at the top and a lighter red at the bottom.
* In the Generations from I to {{gen|III}}, several Trainer sprites have off-color Poké Balls. They often reuse the same colors seen elsewhere in the sprites such as the character's hair or clothes.
 
<gallery>
Poké Ball trade Red Blue.png|A black Poké Ball at the start of a trade in {{game|Red and Blue|s}}
Spr RB Red 2.png|{{ga|Red}} with a purple Poké Ball in the [[game intro|intro]] from Pokémon Red and Blue
Spr RG Blue 2.png|{{ga|Blue}} with a purple Poké Ball in Pokémon Red and Blue
Spr RG Blue 3.png|Blue with a black Poké Ball as his {{pkmn|Champion}} sprite in Pokémon Red and Blue
Spr RG Juggler.png|{{tc|Juggler}} with black Poké Balls in Pokémon Red and Blue
Spr RG Psychic.png|{{tc|Psychic}} with black Poké Balls in Pokémon Red and Blue
GSC Ethan Back.png|{{ga|Ethan}} with a brown Poké Ball in [[Generation II]]
C Kris Back.png|{{ga|Kris}} with a blue Poké Ball in Generation II
Spr GS Oak.png|[[Professor Oak]] with an olive green Poké Ball in Generation II
Spr GS Juggler.png|Juggler with blue Poké Balls in Generation II
Spr GS Psychic.png|Psychic with blue Poké Balls in Generation II
Spr RS Glacia.png|[[Glacia]] with a yellow Poké Ball in [[Generation III]]
</gallery>
 
===Item balls===
{{main|Item#Obtaining items|Item → Obtaining items}}
[[File:Itemball.png|thumb|220px|{{ga|Red}} finding an item ball on {{rt|2|Kanto}}]]


==Poké Ball accuracy==
Items contained in Poké Balls have been present from the very first games, with many items that are found on the field being found in Poké Balls in conspicuous locations. These items are sometimes important, and usually will be among the required items for pickup along the way. Sometimes, even Poké Ball variants can be found in item balls, though it may be that the item ball itself is supposed to represent the item that is found (whenever or not it's a Poké Ball). Many other items, however, are hidden, and are not in item balls, instead being directly on the field, and can be found more easily using an Itemfinder or [[Dowsing Machine]].
Except for the [[Master Ball]], all Poké Balls have a chance of breaking and not capturing the Pokémon in question, however, in several cases, it is possible for the Poké Ball to miss the wild Pokémon completely.


* In [[Generation I]] games, it was possible for a ball to miss the Pokémon when the likelihood of catching the Pokémon in question was particularly low—rather than the ball throwing animation playing and the ball wiggling zero times, a message would come up stating "You missed the Pokémon!".
{{p|Voltorb}}, {{p|Electrode}}, {{p|Foongus}}, {{p|Amoonguss}}, and {{rf|Galarian}} {{p|Stunfisk}} appear as item balls in the overworld, but attack when interacted with (or if at close range for Galarian Stunfisk), except the Foongus in [[Accumula Town]]. In {{LGPE}}, fake item balls appear upside down.
* In Generation I as well as in {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}}, the {{OBP|Ghost|literal|ghosts}} in [[Lavender Town]]'s [[Pokémon Tower]] would dodge any ball thrown at them unless they were unmasked by the [[Silph Scope]]. The [[Marowak (ghost)|Marowak ghost]] will dodge even if it is unmasked.
{{-}}
* A Poké Ball cannot be thrown during a wild [[Double Battle]], unless one of the two wild Pokémon is defeated, with the game claiming "It's no good! It's impossible to aim when there are two Pokémon!". A player can however snag Pokémon in {{g|Colosseum}} and {{g|XD: Gale of Darkness}} even if there are two on the opposing side of the field; presumably the [[Snag Machine]] assists in aiming.
* Unlike preceding games, from {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}} onwards, it isn't possible to use a Poké Ball on a Pokémon which is in the {{cat|Moves with a semi-invulnerable turn|semi-invulnerable state}}.
* Pokémon Black and White introduces wild Double Battles that are encountered alone instead of with a partner like in Diamond, Pearl and Platinum. In addition to the prior requirements, a command cannot be issued to a Pokémon during the same turn a Poké Ball is thrown; however, if the second Pokémon is using a two part move like Dig or Dive, a Poké Ball can still be thrown and Dig or Dive will continue if the ball fails.


===Capture chances===
===Game icons===
{{main|Catch rate}}
Poké Balls are often featured in the icons for Pokémon games, which are used on the home screens for the [[Nintendo DS]], [[Nintendo 3DS|3DS]], and [[Nintendo Switch|Switch]].
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|2px}} border:2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background:#{{Poké Balls color}}; font-size:80%"
|-
| style="{{roundy|2px}} border:2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background:#{{Poké Balls color light}}" | [[File:Diamond icon.png]][[File:Pearl icon.png]]
| style="{{roundy|2px}} border:2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background:#{{Poké Balls color light}}" | [[File:Platinum icon.png]]
| style="{{roundy|2px}} border:2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background:#{{Poké Balls color light}}" | [[File:HeartGold Icon.png]][[File:SoulSilver Icon.png]]
| style="{{roundy|2px}} border:2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background:#{{Poké Balls color light}}" | [[File:Black Icon.png]][[File:White Icon.png]]
| style="{{roundy|2px}} border:2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background:#{{Poké Balls color light}}" | [[File:Black 2 Icon.png]][[File:White 2 Icon.png]]
| style="{{roundy|2px}} border:2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background:#{{Poké Balls color light}}" | [[File:X icon.png]][[File:Y icon.png]]
| style="{{roundy|2px}} border:2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background:#{{Poké Balls color light}}" | [[File:Omega Ruby icon.png]][[File:Alpha Sapphire icon.png]]
| style="{{roundy|2px}} border:2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background:#{{Poké Balls color light}}" | [[File:ORAS Demo icon.png]]
| style="{{roundy|2px}} border:2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background:#{{Poké Balls color light}}" | [[File:Sun icon.png]][[File:Moon icon.png]]
| style="{{roundy|2px}} border:2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background:#{{Poké Balls color light}}" | [[File:SM Demo icon.png]]
| style="{{roundy|2px}} border:2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background:#{{Poké Balls color light}}" | [[File:Ultra Sun icon.png]][[File:Ultra Moon icon.png]]
| style="{{roundy|2px}} border:2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background:#{{Poké Balls color light}}" | [[File:Poké Transporter icon.png]]
| style="{{roundy|2px}} border:2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background:#{{Poké Balls color light}}" | [[File:Bank icon.png]]
| style="{{roundy|2px}} border:2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background:#{{Poké Balls color light}}" | [[File:Pokémon HOME icon mobile.png|48px]]
|-
| '''{{GameIcon|D}}{{GameIcon|P}}'''
| '''{{GameIcon|Pt}}'''
| '''{{GameIcon|HG}}{{GameIcon|SS}}'''
| '''{{GameIcon|Bl}}{{GameIcon|W}}'''
| '''{{GameIcon|B2}}{{GameIcon|W2}}'''
| '''{{GameIcon|X}}{{GameIcon|y}}'''
| '''{{GameIcon|OR}}{{GameIcon|AS}}'''
| '''{{GameIcon|OR}}{{GameIcon|AS}}''' <br> (Demo)
| '''{{GameIcon|Su}}{{GameIcon|Mo}}'''
| '''{{GameIcon|Su}}{{GameIcon|Mo}}''' <br> (Demo)
| '''{{GameIcon|US}}{{GameIcon|UM}}'''
| '''{{color2|000|Poké Transporter|Transporter}}'''
| '''{{color2|000|Pokémon Bank|Bank}}'''
| '''{{color2|000|Pokémon HOME|HOME}}'''
|}


==Types of Poké Balls==
==In the side series games==
[[File:PBR Battle Start.jpg|thumb|right|A Double Battle begins in [[Pokémon Battle Revolution]]]]
[[File:Snag Ball.png|thumb|250px|[[Wes]] about to throw a [[Great Ball]] turned into a Snag Ball]]
In the Pokémon games so far, there have been 26 different varieties of Poké Balls, all differing from each other in some effect, whether it be an increased ability to catch a Pokémon from the wild or an effect which occurs only after the Pokémon has been caught. From Generation III onward, each variety of the Poké Ball has a unique animation when they open to draw in a Pokémon and when a Pokémon is sent out, and the type of Poké Ball used to catch the Pokémon is preserved on its status screen.
===Pokémon Colosseum and XD: Gale of Darkness===
In {{g|Colosseum}} and {{g|XD: Gale of Darkness}}, a [[Snag Ball]] is not a single, separate type of Poké Ball, but rather any type of existing Poké Ball that has been "unlocked" by the Snag Machine, allowing it to [[snagging|snag]] an already-[[caught Pokémon]] during a {{pkmn|battle}}. While it is ''able'' to be used on any Pokémon, [[Rui]] will only allow [[Wes]] to use it on [[Shadow Pokémon]], while [[Michael]]'s Aura Reader will render the Snag Machine inoperable when a Pokémon other than a Shadow Pokémon is targeted.


===Introduced in Generation I===
It is possible to snag a [[Shadow Pokémon]] even if there are two on the opposing side of the field, unlike catching Pokémon in the core series games.
The following Poké Balls were introduced in {{game|Red and Green|s}}, and have appeared and been available in all games since then, with the exception of the Safari Ball, which is not present in Generation II. They were developed by [[Silph Co.]], with the development of the [[Master Ball]] factoring into the plot of the Generation I games and their remakes heavily.
{{-}}


{{Item
==In the spin-off games==
|name=Poké Ball
===Pokémon GO===
|jp=モンスターボール
Players do not battle wild Pokémon in [[Pokémon GO]], and using Poké Balls is a matter of the player's aim. To throw one, the player must press their finger on the Poké Ball, move it, and release it. The Ball and Pokémon exist in a 3D environment, so the player may miss the Pokémon by throwing the Ball the wrong distance or too far to the side. Additionally, the wild Pokémon may attempt to dodge or attack every few seconds. When a Pokémon is attacking, any Poké Balls that hit it will be deflected. When a Pokémon dodges, it will move around but can still be hit by a thrown Ball.
|jpt=Monster Ball
|gen=I
|bag=Poké Balls
|buyable=yes
|buy={{tt|200|10000 at Black City; 150 at Goldenrod Sale}}
|sell=100
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]].
|effect2=Exchange twenty with a man in [[Anville Town]] for a [[Full Restore]].{{dotw|Saturday}}{{dotw|Sunday}}{{sup/5|BW}}<br/> Once per day, exchange one with a Roughneck in [[Virbank Complex]] for a [[#Great Ball|Great Ball]]{{sup/5|B2W2}}
|catchrate=1×
|descstad=A <sc>Ball</sc> thrown at wild Pokémon to catch them.
|descgsc=An item for catching <sc>Pok</sc>é<sc>mon</sc>.
|descrse=A tool for catching wild <sc>Pok</sc>é<sc>mon</sc>.
|descfrlg=A <sc>Ball</sc> thrown to catch a wild <sc>Pok</sc>é<sc>mon</sc>. It is designed in a capsule style.
|descdppthgss=A device for catching wild Pokémon. It is thrown like a ball at the target. It is designed as a capsule system.
|descbwb2w2=A device for catching wild Pokémon. It is thrown like a ball at the target. It is designed as a capsule system.
|descxy=A device for catching wild Pokémon. It's thrown like a ball at a Pokémon, comfortably encapsulating its target.
|locrby={{ci|Viridian}}, {{ci|Pewter}}, {{ci|Cerulean}} and {{ci|Vermilion}} [[Poké Mart]]s
|locgsc={{ci|Cherrygrove}}{{tt|*|After tutorial}}, {{ci|Violet}}, {{to|Azalea}}, [[Goldenrod Department Store|Goldenrod]], {{ci|Ecruteak}}, {{to|Mahogany}}{{tt|*|Before Team Rocket}}, {{ci|Viridian}} and {{ci|Celadon}} [[Poké Mart]]s
|locrse={{to|Oldale}}{{tt|*|After getting Pokédex}}, {{ci|Petalburg}}, {{ci|Rustboro}}, {{ci|Slateport}}, {{ci|Mauville}}, [[Lilycove Department Store|Lilycove]] [[Poké Mart]]s
|locfrlg={{ci|Viridian}}, {{ci|Pewter}}, {{ci|Cerulean}} and {{ci|Vermilion}} [[Poké Mart]]s
|loccolo=[[Outskirt Stand]]
|locxd=[[Outskirt Stand]]
|locdppt=All [[Poké Mart]]s
|lochgss=All [[Poké Mart]]s (after learning how to catch Pokémon)
'''Pokéwalker:''' {{pw|Town Outskirts}} ''(0+ Steps)''
|locbw=All [[Poké Mart]]s, [[Black City]] shop{{sup/5|B}}
|locb2w2=All [[Poké Mart]]s, [[Join Avenue]] ({{DL|Join Avenue|Antique Shop}}, {{DL|Join Avenue|Souvenirs|souvenir}})
|locxy=All [[Poké Mart]]s, [[Poké Ball Factory]], [[Couriway Town]], {{rt|18|Kalos}}, [[Santalune Forest]], {{rt|2|Kalos}}


|tcg=Poké Ball (Jungle 64)
:''See more: [[Caught Pokémon#Pokémon GO|Caught Pokémon → Pokémon GO]]
}}
{{Item
|name=Great Ball
|jp=スーパーボール
|jpt=Super Ball
|gen=I
|bag=Poké Balls
|buyable=yes
|buy={{tt|600|500 at Goldenrod sale}}
|sell=300
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]].
|catchrate=1.5×
|descstad=A <sc>Ball</sc> for catching wild Pokémon. More effective than a <sc>Pok</sc>é <sc>Ball</sc>.
|descgsc=A <sc>Ball</sc> with a decent success rate.
|descrse=A good <sc>Ball</sc> with a higher catch rate than a <sc>Pok</sc>é <sc>Ball</sc>.
|descfrlg=A good, quality <sc>Ball</sc> that offers a higher <sc>Pok</sc>é<sc>mon</sc> catch rate than a standard <sc>Pok</sc>é <sc>Ball</sc>.
|descdppthgss=A good, high-performance Ball that provides a higher Pokémon catch rate than a standard Poké Ball.
|descbwb2w2=A good, high-performance Ball that provides a higher Pokémon catch rate than a standard Poké Ball.
|descxy=A good, high-performance Poké Ball that provides a higher Pokémon catch rate than a standard Poké Ball can.
|locrby={{to|Lavender}}, [[Celadon Department Store|Celadon]], {{ci|Saffron}}, {{ci|Fuchsia}}, [[Cinnabar Island]] and [[Indigo Plateau]] [[Poké Mart]]s
|locgsc=[[Goldenrod Department Store|Goldenrod]], {{ci|Ecruteak}}, {{ci|Olivine}}, {{to|Mahogany}}, {{ci|Blackthorn}}, [[Indigo Plateau]], {{ci|Pewter}}, {{ci|Cerulean}}, {{to|Lavender}}, {{ci|Saffron}}, [[Celadon Department Store|Celadon]] and {{ci|Fuchsia}}
|locrse={{ci|Petalburg}}{{tt|*|After acquiring 4 badges}}, {{ci|Slateport}}, {{ci|Mauville}}, {{to|Verdanturf}}, {{to|Fallarbor}}, {{to|Lavaridge}}, {{ci|Fortree}}, {{ci|Lilycove}} [[Poké Mart]]s
|locfrlg={{to|Lavender}}, [[Celadon Department Store|Celadon]], {{ci|Saffron}}, {{ci|Fuchsia}}, [[Cinnabar Island]], [[Indigo Plateau]], {{to|Four Island}}, {{to|Six Island}} and {{to|Seven Island}}  [[Poké Mart]]s, {{to|Two Island}}{{tt|*|before completing Ruby and Sapphire mission}} stall
|loccolo=[[Outskirt Stand]]
|locxd=[[Outskirt Stand]]
|locdppt=All [[Poké Mart]]s after earning 3 [[Badge]]s
|lochgss=All [[Poké Mart]]s after earning 3 [[Badge]]s, [[Join Avenue]] ({{DL|Join Avenue|Antique Shop}}, {{DL|Join Avenue|Souvenirs|souvenir}})


'''Pokéwalker:''' {{pw|Town Outskirts}} ''(750+ Steps)''
On the aiming screen, a colored circle displays over the Pokémon, gradually shrinks to nothing, then resets to its widest before continuing to shrink again. If the player's throw lands inside this circle, they will get a "Nice!", "Great!", or "Excellent!" catch chance bonus depending on how small the circle was. The player can also improve their catch chance by throwing a curveball. If the player spins the Ball while holding it, it will temporarily retain the spin and curve left or right when thrown.
|locbw=All [[Poké Mart]]s after earning 1 [[Badge]]
|locb2w2=All [[Poké Mart]]s after earning 1 [[Badge]]
|locxy=All [[Poké Mart]]s after earning 1 [[Badge]], [[Santalune City]], {{rt|5|Kalos}}, {{rt|4|Kalos}}


|tcg=Great Ball (EX FireRed & LeafGreen 92)
:''See more: [[Catch rate (GO)]]
}}
{{Item
|name=Ultra Ball
|jp=ハイパーボール
|jpt=Hyper Ball
|gen=I
|bag=Poké Balls
|buyable=yes
|sell=600
|buy={{tt|1200|1000 at Goldenrod sale}}
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]].
|catchrate=2×
|descstad=A <sc>Ball</sc> for catching wild Pokémon. More effective than a <sc>Great Ball</sc>.
|descgsc=A <sc>Ball</sc> with a high rate of success.
|descrse=A better <sc>Ball</sc> with a higher catch rate than a <sc>Great Ball</sc>.
|descfrlg=A very high-grade <sc>Ball</sc> that offers a higher <sc>Pok</sc>é<sc>mon</sc> catch rate than a <sc>Great Ball</sc>.
|descdppthgss=An ultra-performance Ball that provides a higher Pokémon catch rate than a Great Ball.
|descbwb2w2=An ultra-performance Ball that provides a higher Pokémon catch rate than a Great Ball.
|descxy=An ultra-high performance Poké Ball that provides a higher success rate for catching Pokémon than a Great Ball.
|locrby={{ci|Fuchsia}}, [[Cinnabar Island]] and [[Indigo Plateau]] [[Poké Mart]]s
|locgsc=[[Goldenrod Department Store|Goldenrod]] sale{{sup/2|C}}, {{ci|Blackthorn}}, [[Indigo Plateau]], {{ci|Cerulean}}, {{ci|Vermilion}}, {{ci|Saffron}}, {{ci|Celadon}} and {{ci|Fuchsia}} [[Poké Mart]]s
|locrse={{ci|Fortree}}, [[Lilycove Department Store|Lilycove]], {{ci|Mossdeep}}, {{ci|Sootopolis}}, {{ci|Ever Grande}} [[Poké Mart]]s
|locfrlg={{ci|Fuchsia}}, [[Cinnabar Island]], [[Indigo Plateau]], {{to|Three Island}}, {{to|Four Island}}, {{to|Six Island}} and {{to|Seven Island}}  [[Poké Mart]]s, {{to|Two Island}}{{tt|*|after saving Lostelle}} stall
|loccolo=[[Outskirt Stand]]
|locxd=[[Outskirt Stand]]
|locdppt=All [[Poké Mart]]s after earning 5 [[Badge]]s, [[Jubilife TV]] [[Pokémon Lottery Corner]] (1 digit){{sup/4|Pt}}
|lochgss=All [[Poké Mart]]s after earning 5 [[Badge]]s, [[Goldenrod Radio Tower]] [[Pokémon Lottery Corner]] (1 digit)


'''Pokéwalker:''' {{pw|Town Outskirts}} ''(2000+ Steps)''
Three types of Poké Balls were available in Pokémon GO upon release: regular Poké Balls, Great Balls, and Ultra Balls. These remain the only types of Poké Balls that are generally available. They can be repeatably obtained by:
|locbw=All [[Poké Mart]]s after earning 5 [[Badge]]s
* Spinning [[PokéStop]]s or {{OBP|Gym|GO}}s (Lv. 12+ for Great Balls and Lv. 20+ for Ultra Balls)
|locb2w2=All [[Poké Mart]]s after earning 5 [[Badge]]s, [[Join Avenue]] ({{DL|Join Avenue|Raffle Shop}}, {{DL|Join Avenue|Antique Shop}}, {{DL|Join Avenue|Souvenirs|souvenir}})
* Opening a [[Gift]] (Lv. 12+ for Great Balls and Lv. 20+ for Ultra Balls)
|locxy=All [[Poké Mart]]s after earning 3 [[Badge]]s, {{kal|Victory Road}}, [[Laverre City]], {{rt|6|Kalos}}, {{rt|8|Kalos}}. [[Camphrier Town]]
* Completing certain [[Field Research]] or [[Special Research]] tasks
* Weekly [[Adventure Sync]] rewards


The player also receives Poké Balls upon [[Trainer level|leveling up]].
* Poké Balls awarded up to level 11 (including 50 Poké Balls starting at level 1)
* Great Balls awarded from level 12 to level 19
* Ultra Balls awarded starting level 20


|tcg=Ultra Ball (Dark Explorers 102)
Regular Poké Balls may be purchased in the Shop at the following rates:
}}
* 20 for {{PCoin}}100
{{Item
* 100 for {{PCoin}}460
|name=Master Ball
* 200 for {{PCoin}}800
|jp=マスターボール
|jpt=Master Ball
|gen=I
|bag=Poké Balls
|sellnotes=Can be sold for 0 in Generation I only
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]] without fail.
|catchrate=255×
|descstad=A <sc>Ball</sc> that captures any wild Pokémon without fail.
|descgsc=The best <sc>Ball</sc>. It never misses.
|descrse=The best <sc>Ball</sc> that catches a <sc>Pok</sc>é<sc>mon</sc> without fail.
|descfrlg=The best <sc>Ball</sc> with the ultimate performance. It will catch any wild <sc>Pok</sc>é<sc>mon</sc> without fail.
|descdppthgss=The best Ball with the ultimate level of performance. It will catch any wild Pokémon without fail.
|descbwb2w2=The best Ball with the ultimate level of performance. It will catch any wild Pokémon without fail.
|descxy=The best Poké Ball with the ultimate level of performance. With it, you will catch any wild Pokémon without fail.
|locrby=[[Silph Co.]]
|locgsc=[[New Bark Town]], [[Lucky Channel]] (all digits)
|locrse=[[Magma Hideout]]{{sup/3|R}}/[[Aqua Hideout]]{{sup/3|S}}{{sup/3|E}}, [[Lilycove Department Store]] [[Pokémon Lottery Corner]] (all digits)
|locfrlg=[[Silph Co.]]
|loccolo=[[Agate Village]]
|locxd=[[Pokémon HQ Lab]]
|locdppt=[[Team Galactic HQ]], [[Jubilife TV]] [[Pokémon Lottery Corner]] (all digits)
|lochgss=[[New Bark Town]], [[Goldenrod Radio Tower]] [[Pokémon Lottery Corner]] (all digits)
|locbw=Gift from [[Professor Juniper]] after obtaining all eight [[Badge]]s, gift from a man wearing black in the [[Castelia City]] [[Pokémon Center]] after trading with 50 people
|locb2w2=Gift from [[Professor Juniper]] in [[Mistralton City]], receive from [[Colress]] after first rematch on [[Plasma Frigate]] (at [[P2 Laboratory]]), [[Join Avenue]] ({{DL|Join Avenue|Raffle Shop}})
|locxy=[[Poké Ball Factory]]
|tcg=Master Ball (Gym Challenge 116)
|main=Master Ball
}}
{{Item
|name=Safari Ball
|jp=サファリボール
|jpt=Safari Ball
|gen=I
|bag=Poké Balls
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]] in the [[Safari Zone]].
|catchrate=1.5×
|descstad=A <sc>Ball</sc> used in the <sc>Safari Zone</sc> for catching wild Pokémon.
|descrse=A special <sc>Ball</sc> that is used only in the <sc>Safari Zone</sc>.
|descfrlg=A special <sc>Ball</sc> that is used only in the <sc>Safari Zone</sc>. It is finished with a camouflage pattern.
|descdppthgss=A special Poké Ball that is used only in the Great Marsh. It is decorated in a camouflage pattern.
|descbw=A special Poké Ball that is used only in the Great Marsh. It is decorated in a camouflage pattern.
|locrby={{safari|Kanto}}
|locrse={{safari|Hoenn}}
|locfrlg={{safari|Kanto}}
|locdppt=[[Great Marsh]]
|lochgss={{safari|Johto}}
}}


===Introduced in Generation II===
All three types of balls have also been available in limited-time Box deals.
The following Poké Balls were introduced in {{game|Gold and Silver|s}}. These Poké Balls were not available in [[Generation III]] or in {{game2|Diamond|Pearl|Platinum}}, but made their return in {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}. Seven of them are made from [[Apricorn]]s by [[Kurt]], while the only one that is not is seen by some to be a counterpart to the Safari Ball in that it is only used in the [[Bug-Catching Contest]] in [[National Park]]. All eight of these Poké Balls have the same animation as a normal Poké Ball when sending out or recalling a Pokémon, rather than the variety of colors and special effects the Poké Ball variants released in other generations have.


When a Pokémon in one of these Balls is used in a link battle in Generation IV, it will appear as an ordinary Poké Ball, regardless of if the link is made with a Johto or Sinnoh-based game. Using a Pokémon in one of these Balls in one of the {{gdis|Battle Frontier|IV}} facilities will show it as it should appear during the battle, but as an ordinary Poké Ball if the battle is saved to the [[Vs. Recorder]] and played back. Trading a Pokémon in one of these Poké Ball variations into {{3v2|Diamond|Pearl|Platinum}} or registering it in [[Pokémon Battle Revolution]] will cause it to display as a normal Poké Ball, though if the Pokémon is traded back into a Johto-based game or transferred forward into Generation V, it will regain its variant Ball.
Premier Balls debuted in Pokémon GO on June 20, 2017,{{fact}} a few days after its first anniversary with the introduction of {{OBP|Raid Battle|GO}}s. They can only be used for catching Raid Bosses and {{OBP|Shadow Pokémon|GO}}, and other types of Poké Balls cannot be used on them. If the player runs out, the Raid Boss or Shadow Pokémon will flee. The number of Premier Balls are awarded to the player after a Raid Battle or [[Team GO Rocket]] battle is based on how well they battled. Unused Premier Balls are not retained and do not roll over to future challenges. Like in the main series, Premier Balls are just as effective as regular Poké Balls.


In Pokémon data, information for these Poké Balls on the status screen and in battle is stored in a separate location from the variants introduced in other generations, so that the Pokémon can be traded back to Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum from HeartGold and SoulSilver and display an ordinary Poké Ball there (the data space for these balls being ignored in the earlier games).  
Beast Balls debuted in Pokémon GO on July 1, 2022 at Pokémon GO Fest 2022 Berlin.{{fact}} They can only be used for catching [[Ultra Beast]]s, and other types of Poké Balls cannot be used on them. Currently, an unlimited number of Beast Balls are provided to the player during an Ultra Beast encounter.


{{Item
Master Balls have existed in Pokémon GO's coding since release, but they didn't debut until May 22, 2023, as a reward from the Let's GO! [[Special Research]]. Future opportunities to get Master Balls are planned.<ref>[https://pokemongolive.com/post/masterball/ Never miss with the Master Ball—coming soon to Pokémon GO!]</ref>
|name=Level Ball
|jp=レベルボール
|jpt=Level Ball
|gen=II
|bag=Poké Balls
|sell=150
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]]; works better on Pokémon of levels lower than the Pokémon currently in battle.
|effect2=Cannot be [[held item|held]].{{sup/4|HGSS}}{{sup/5|BW}}
|catchrate=1× if the player's Pokémon is the same level as or a lower level than the wild Pokémon<br>2× if the player's Pokémon is at a higher level than the wild Pokémon but less than double it<br>4× if the player's Pokémon is more than double but less than four times the level of the wild Pokémon<br>8× if the player's Pokémon is of a level four times or more than that of the wild Pokémon
|descgsc=A <sc>Ball</sc> for lower-level <sc>Pok</sc>é<sc>mon</sc>.
|deschgss=A Poké Ball for catching Pokémon that are a lower level than your own.
|descbw=A Poké Ball for catching Pokémon that are a lower level than your own.
|locgsc=[[Azalea Town]] ({{DL|Apricorn|Red Apricorn}})
|lochgss=[[Azalea Town]] ({{DL|Apricorn|Red Apricorn}})
|tcg=Level Ball (Next Destinies 89)
}}


{{Item
====Description====
|name=Lure Ball
{| class="roundy" style="background:#{{night color}}; border:3px solid #{{blue color light}}"
|jp=ルアーボール
|- style="color:#fff"
|jpt=Lure Ball
! style="background:#{{blue color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | Image
|sprite2=Lure Ball IV
! style="background:#{{blue color light}}" | English name
|gen=II
! style="background:#{{blue color light}}" | Japanese name
|bag=Poké Balls
! style="background:#{{blue color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | Description
|sell=150
|- style="background:#fff"
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]]; works better while [[fishing]].
| [[File:GO Poké Ball.png|40px]]
|effect2=Cannot be [[held item|held]].{{sup/4|HGSS}}{{sup/5|BW}}
| {{i|Poké Ball}}
|catchrate=3× if used on a Pokémon encountered while [[fishing]]<br>1× otherwise
| モンスターボール<br>''Monster Ball''
|descgsc=A <sc>Ball</sc> for <sc>Pok</sc>é<sc>mon</sc> hooked by a rod.
| A device for catching wild Pokémon. It's thrown like a ball, comfortably encapsulating its target.
|deschgss=A Poké Ball for catching Pokémon hooked by a Rod when fishing.
|- style="background:#fff"
|descbw=A Poké Ball for catching Pokémon hooked by a Rod when fishing.
| [[File:GO Great Ball.png|40px]]
|locgsc=[[Kurt]] after saving [[Slowpoke Well]], [[Azalea Town]] ({{DL|Apricorn|Blu Apricorn}})
| [[Great Ball]]
|lochgss={{tc|Fisherman}} in {{rt|32|Johto}} [[Pokémon Center]] (×2), [[Azalea Town]] ({{DL|Apricorn|Blu Apricorn}})
| スーパーボール<br>''Super Ball''
|tcg=Lure Ball (Skyridge 128)
| A high-performance Ball with a higher catch rate than a standard Poké Ball.
}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:GO Ultra Ball.png|40px]]
| [[Ultra Ball]]
| ハイパーボール<br>''Hyper Ball''
| An ultra-performance Ball with a higher catch rate than a Great Ball.
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="{{roundybl|5px}}" | [[File:GO Master Ball.png|40px]]
| [[Master Ball]]
| マスターボール<br>''Master Ball''
| style="{{roundybr|5px}}" | The best Poké Ball with the ultimate level of performance. With it, you will catch any wild Pokémon without fail.
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:GO Premier Ball.png|40px]]
| [[Premier Ball]]
| プレミアボール<br>''Premier Ball''
| A somewhat rare Poké Ball made to commemorate a special occasion of some sort.
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:GO Beast Ball.png|40px]]
| [[Beast Ball]]
| ウルトラボール<br>''Ultra Ball''
| N/A
|}


{{Item
===Pokémon Snap===
|name=Moon Ball
[[File:Pester Ball.png|thumb|A Pester Ball]]
|jp=ムーンボール
In {{g|Snap}}, the [[Pester Ball]]s appear similar to Poké Balls at a glance. However, they are not used to catch Pokémon, and instead will release a Pokémon repellent on contact.
|jpt=Moon Ball
|gen=II
|bag=Poké Balls
|sell=150
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]]; works better on Pokémon that evolve with a {{evostone|Moon Stone}}.
|effect2=Cannot be [[held item|held]].{{sup/4|HGSS}}{{sup/5|BW}}
|catchrate=4× if used on a Pokémon belonging to the {{p|Nidoran♂}}, {{p|Nidoran♀}}, {{p|Clefairy}}, {{p|Jigglypuff}}, or {{p|Skitty}} families; otherwise 1×{{sup/4|HGSS}}<!--not usable in Gen V games, therefore no Munna; Skitty cannot be found in the wild in HGSS, but it is still effective on it if it could be--><br>always 1× due to a glitch{{sup/2|GSC}}
|descgsc=A <sc>Ball</sc> for <sc>Moon Stone</sc> evolvers.
|deschgss=A Poké Ball for catching Pokémon that evolve using the Moon Stone.
|descbw=A Poké Ball for catching Pokémon that evolve using the Moon Stone.
|locgsc=[[Azalea Town]] ({{DL|Apricorn|Ylw Apricorn}})
|lochgss=[[Azalea Town]] ({{DL|Apricorn|Ylw Apricorn}})
}}


{{Item
===Pokémon UNITE===
|name=Friend Ball
[[File:UNITEPokeBall.PNG|thumb|left|250px|A Unite Ball catching a Pokémon]]
|jp=フレンドボール
In {{g|UNITE}}, Trainers use regular Poké Balls to send out their own Pokémon, after they have been [[fainting|knocked out]] in battle. (At the start of a Unite Battle, all Pokémon are present on the field.) During the game's tutorial, a {{UNITE|Pikachu}} from the [[Aeos Research Institute]] is sent out from a Poké Ball twice. This happens before Tutorial (Basics 1) and Tutorial (Basics 2).
|jpt=Friend Ball
|gen=II
|bag=Poké Balls
|sell=150
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]].
|effect2=Sets caught Pokémon's [[friendship]] to 200.<br>Cannot be [[held item|held]].{{sup/4|HGSS}}{{sup/5|BW}}
|catchrate=1×
|descgsc=A <sc>Ball</sc> that makes <sc>Pok</sc>é<sc>mon</sc> friendly.
|deschgss=A Poké Ball that makes caught Pokémon more friendly.
|descbw=A Poké Ball that makes caught Pokémon more friendly.
|locgsc=[[Azalea Town]] ({{DL|Apricorn|Grn Apricorn}})
|lochgss=[[Azalea Town]] ({{DL|Apricorn|Grn Apricorn}})
|tcg=Friend Ball (Skyridge 126)
}}


{{Item
A unique variety of Poké Ball, the '''Unite Ball''', is used as part of Unite Battles. (They are also known as '''Aeos Balls''') Unite Balls are orange, purple, and yellow in colour, with a yellow stripe around in the middle and a white button. The pattern gives the Unite Ball a "U" design. Each Trainer has a Unite Ball, and uses it to [[Caught Pokémon|catch]] the [[wild Pokémon]] their Pokémon [[fainting|knocks out]] in Unite Battles. After doing so, the Unite Ball stores the [[Aeos energy]] the Pokémon held. The stored energy is used by Pokémon to score at [[goal zones]]. At the start of an Unite Battle, the player's Unite Ball only holds a maximum of 30 Aeos energy. After their Pokémon reaches [[Level]] 9, the capacity increases to 40. At level 12, the capacity is boosted again to 50. Trainers only have one Unite Ball canonically, and the interface only depicts a single Unite Ball. Regardless, Trainers throw a Unite Ball for every wild Pokémon defeated even if more than one is defeated at the same time.  
|name=Love Ball
|jp=ラブラブボール
|jpt=Love Love Ball
|gen=II
|bag=Poké Balls
|sell=150
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]]; works better on Pokémon of the opposite [[gender]] of, but same species as the player's Pokémon.
|effect2=Cannot be [[held item|held]].{{sup/4|HGSS}}{{sup/5|BW}}
|catchrate=8× if used on a Pokémon of the same species and same gender as the player's Pokémon{{sup/2|GSC}}<br>8× if used on a Pokémon of the same species but opposite gender of the player's Pokémon{{sup/4|HGSS}}<br>1× otherwise
|descgsc=For catching the opposite gender.
|deschgss=Poké Ball for catching Pokémon that are the opposite gender of your Pokémon.
|descbw=Poké Ball for catching Pokémon that are the opposite gender of your Pokémon.
|locgsc=[[Azalea Town]] ({{DL|Apricorn|Pnk Apricorn}})
|lochgss=[[Azalea Town]] ({{DL|Apricorn|Pnk Apricorn}})
}}


{{Item
In [[Mer Stadium|Mer Stadium's Catch 'Em]] battles, certain wild Pokémon have a white glow around them. When these Pokémon are defeated and captured, the player can send them out from their Unite Ball to temporarily take the place of their selected Pokémon. This function replaces the Trainer's {{DL|Pokémon UNITE|Battle Items}}. Additionally, after enough time has passed, the Battle Item will return to normal and that Pokémon will not be able to be switched into battle. If the captured Pokémon is sent out, a timer is set. When that timer elapses or the Pokémon faints, the Trainer's original Pokémon is sent back into battle from its Poké Ball. Defeating a Wild Pokémon while currently using a [[Caught Pokémon]] does not allow the player to switch to the defeated Wild Pokémon.
|name=Heavy Ball
|jp=ヘビーボール
|jpt=Heavy Ball
|gen=II
|bag=Poké Balls
|sell=150
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]]; works better on [[List of Pokémon by weight|heavier Pokémon]].
|effect2=Cannot be [[held item|held]].{{sup/4|HGSS}}{{sup/5|BW}}
|catchrate=-20 if used on Pokémon weighing less than {{tt|220.6lbs|100.1kg}}{{sup/2|GSC}}/{{tt|451.5 lbs|204.8 kg}}{{sup/4|HGSS}}<br>No modifier if used on Pokémon weight between {{tt|220.6lbs|100.1kg}} and {{tt|441.0 lbs|200.1 kg}}{{sup/2|GSC}}<br>+20 if used on Pokémon weighing between {{tt|451.5 lbs|204.8 kg}} and {{tt|677.3 lbs|307.2 kg}}<br>+30 if used on Pokémon weighing more than {{tt|661.5 lbs|300.1 kg}}{{sup/2|GSC}}<br>+30 if used on Pokémon weighing between {{tt|677.3 lbs|307.2 kg}} and {{tt|903.0 lbs|409.6 kg}}{{sup/4|HGSS}}<br>+40 if used on Pokémon weighing more than {{tt|903.0 lbs|409.6 kg}}{{sup/4|HGSS}}
|descgsc=A <sc>Ball</sc> for catching heavy <sc>Pok</sc>é<sc>mon</sc>.
|deschgss=A Poké Ball for catching very heavy Pokémon.
|descbw=A Poké Ball for catching very heavy Pokémon.
|locgsc=[[Azalea Town]] ({{DL|Apricorn|Blk Apricorn}})
|lochgss=[[Azalea Town]] ({{DL|Apricorn|Blk Apricorn}})
|tcg=Heavy Ball (Next Destinies 88)
}}


{{Item
In [[Shivre City (Panic Parade)|Panic Parade]], certain wild Pokémon have a white glow around them and a Aeos Ball icon over their heads. When these Pokémon are defeated and captured, the player can send them out from their Unite Ball. This function replaces the Trainer's {{DL|Pokémon UNITE|Battle Items|Battle Item}}, and after using the Battle Item will return to normal. (Although "normal" in Panic Parade means no Battle Item at all.) If another item is picked up or another capturable Pokémon is captured, the first Pokémon is lost. The sent out Pokémon wanders to the nearest opposing Pokémon, uses their [[Unite Move]], then is recalled and leaves the battle.
|name=Fast Ball
|jp=スピードボール
|jpt=Speed Ball
|gen=II
|bag=Poké Balls
|sell=150
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]]; works better on fast Pokémon{{sup/4|HGSS}} or Pokémon able to flee from battle{{sup/2|GSC}}.
|effect2=Cannot be [[held item|held]].{{sup/4|HGSS}}{{sup/5|BW}}
|catchrate=4× if used on {{p|Magnemite}}, {{p|Grimer}}, or {{p|Tangela}}{{sup/2|GSC}}<br>4× if used on a Pokémon with a base {{stat|Speed}} {{cat|Pokémon whose base Speed stat is greater than 100|of at least 100}}{{sup/4|HGSS}}<br>1× otherwise
|descgsc=A <sc>Ball</sc> for catching fast <sc>Pok</sc>é<sc>mon</sc>.
|deschgss=A Poké Ball that makes it easier to catch fast Pokémon.
|descbw=A Poké Ball that makes it easier to catch Pokémon which are quick to run away.
|locgsc=[[Azalea Town]] ({{DL|Apricorn|Wht Apricorn}})
|lochgss=[[Kurt]] (after saving [[Slowpoke Well]]), [[Azalea Town]] ({{DL|Apricorn|Wht Apricorn}})
|tcg=Fast Ball (Skyridge 124)
}}


{{Item
Unite Balls (mislabeled Poké Balls) are used as part of the Prize Machine menu. By throwing Unite Balls at one of the items on display, the prize gauge for that item is increased. When the prize gauge of an item is full, the item is obtained. A single Unite Ball has a 66% chance to add 1 unit to the prize gauge, a 30% chance to add 2 units to the prize gauge, a 3.3% chance to add 3 units, a  0.6% chance to add 5 units, and a 0.1% chance to add 10 units. Players have two Unite Balls to use in this menu. After using a Unite Ball, players must wait 12 hours before it can be used again. Players can spend {{DL|Pokémon UNITE|Aeos gems}} to hasten this timer. Some events provide additional Unite Balls in the Prize Machine menu, under the umbrella name '''No-cost Holiday Balls'''. When available, only 10 of these Poké Balls can be obtained per day, and they are lost if they are not used before the next day begins. Usually there is a cap on the number of No-cost Holiday Balls obtainable per event, with that cap usually being 100. Sometimes, these additional Unite Balls have alternate names, such as '''Holiday Balls''' or '''Anniversary Balls'''. (Oddly, the menu's text states that "Poké Balls always hit their target..." in this mode, even though Unite Balls have never been shown to miss in any media.)
|name=Sport Ball
|jp=コンペボール
|jpt=Compé Ball
|gen=II
|bag=Poké Balls
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]] in the [[Bug-Catching Contest]].
|catchrate=1.5×
|descgsc=The Bug-Catching Contest <sc>Ball</sc>.
|deschgss=A special Poké Ball for the Bug-Catching Contest.
|descbw=A special Poké Ball for the Bug-Catching Contest.
|locgsc=[[National Park]]
|lochgss=[[National Park]]
|notes=Called Park Ball (パークボール) in Generation II.
}}


===Introduced in Generation III===
===Pokémon Pinball series===
The following Poké Balls were introduced in {{game|Ruby and Sapphire|s}}. While the main four Poké Balls and the Safari Ball returned to central usage, these specialty Balls were only available at certain [[Poké Mart]]s in the Hoenn region, and the Luxury Ball only available via completion of certain quests in the games. Generally, they can be seen to be counterparts to Generation II's Apricorn Balls, which were not available in the Generation III games, with the Nest Ball and Level Ball, Net Ball and Lure Ball, and Luxury Ball and Friend Ball being very similar in effect to each other.
{{main|Ball Upgrade}}
In [[Pokémon Pinball]] and [[Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire]], the {{i|Poké Ball}}, [[Great Ball]], [[Ultra Ball]], and [[Master Ball]] are available.


The Premier Ball is functionally identical to the standard Poké Ball; it is simply a premium (hence the name) given with the purchase of ten Poké Balls. Only one is given with each purchase of ten or more, so buying 20 or more Poké Balls still only yields one gift Premier Ball. To obtain multiple Premier Balls, the Poké Balls must be purchased in separate transactions of 10 at a time.
The Poké Ball is the normal ball used in the pinball tables since the beginning of the game. In both games, if the player lights up the three Field Multiplier Lanes found in all tables, the ball is upgraded to the next kind of Poké Ball (a Poké Ball is upgraded into a Great Ball, a Great Ball into an Ultra Ball, and an Ultra Ball into a Master Ball). If a minute passes without new Poké Ball upgrades, the ball returns to the previous state. If the player loses a ball, the next ball is a Poké Ball.


These Ball variants continued to be available in {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}}, though most must be traded in from a Hoenn-based game, with only the Timer Ball and Repeat Ball available to be bought, and even then, only in {{OBP|Two Island|town}}. The Dive Ball's effect was altered, with it now having greater chance to catch Pokémon encountered on water rather than under it, as Hoenn-based games are the only ones where wild Pokémon can be encountered while using {{m|Dive}}. In Generation IV, all but the Dive Ball are readily available to be bought, though the Dive Ball can still be obtained through use of [[Pal Park]] and other special events. The Johto-based HeartGold and SoulSilver make the Timer, Repeat, and Luxury Balls hard to find once more, though the returning Apricorn Balls help to take their place. All of these Poké Balls can be purchased in Generation V. Additionally, the Timer Ball's effectiveness now increases much more quickly as the battle goes on.
The bonus points are as follows:
* The {{i|Poké Ball}} has no bonus multiplier.
* The [[Great Ball]] multiplies bonus points by ×2.
* The [[Ultra Ball]] multiplies bonus points by ×3.
* The [[Master Ball]] multiplies bonus points by ×4 in [[Pokémon Pinball]] and by ×5 in [[Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire]].


Unlike the Poké Balls introduced in Generation I, these Poké Balls were developed by the [[Devon Corporation]].
====Pokémon Pinball====
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|10px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color}}"
| style="{{roundy|10px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}; width:80px; height:20px" | [[File:Pinball Poké Ball.png]]
| style="{{roundy|10px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}; width:80px; height:20px" | [[File:Pinball Great Ball.png]]
| style="{{roundy|10px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}; width:80px; height:20px" | [[File:Pinball Ultra Ball.png]]
| style="{{roundy|10px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}; width:80px; height:20px" | [[File:Pinball Master Ball.png]]
|- style="font-size:80%"
| {{color2|000|Poké Ball (item)|Poké Ball}}
| {{color2|000|Great Ball}}
| {{color2|000|Ultra Ball}}
| {{color2|000|Master Ball}}
|}


{{Item
====Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire====
|name=Premier Ball
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|10px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color}}"
|jp=プレミアボール
| style="{{roundy|10px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}; width:80px; height:20px" | [[File:Pinball RS Poké Ball.png]]
|jpt=Premier Ball
| style="{{roundy|10px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}; width:80px; height:20px" | [[File:Pinball RS Great Ball.png]]
|gen=III
| style="{{roundy|10px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}; width:80px; height:20px" | [[File:Pinball RS Ultra Ball.png]]
|bag=Poké Balls
| style="{{roundy|10px}} border: 2px solid #{{Poké Balls color dark}}; background: #{{Poké Balls color light}}; width:80px; height:20px" | [[File:Pinball RS Master Ball.png]]
|buyable=yes
|- style="font-size:80%"
|sell=100
| {{color2|000|Poké Ball (item)|Poké Ball}}
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]].
| {{color2|000|Great Ball}}
|catchrate=1×
| {{color2|000|Ultra Ball}}
|descrse=A rare <sc>Ball</sc> made in commemoration of some event.
| {{color2|000|Master Ball}}
|descfrlg=A rare <sc>Ball</sc> that has been specially made to commemorate an event of some sort.
|}
|descdppthgss=A somewhat rare Poké Ball that has been specially made to commemorate an event of some sort.
|descbwb2w2=A somewhat rare Poké Ball that has been specially made to commemorate an event of some sort.
|descxy=A somewhat rare Poké Ball that was made as a commemorative item used to celebrate an event of some sort.
|locrse=Any [[Poké Mart]] (buy 10 or more Poké Balls at once)
|loccolo=[[Outskirt Stand]] (buy 10 or more Poké Balls at once)
|locxd=Any [[Poké Mart]] (buy 10 or more Poké Balls at once)
|locdppt=Any [[Poké Mart]] (buy 10 or more Poké Balls at once)
|lochgss=Any [[Poké Mart]] (buy 10 or more Poké Balls at once)
|locbw=Any [[Poké Mart]] (buy 10 or more Poké Balls at once)
|locb2w2=Any [[Poké Mart]] (buy 10 or more Poké Balls at once)
|locxy=Any [[Poké Mart]] (buy 10 or more Poké Balls at once); {{DL|Lumiose City|Poké Ball Boutique}}
|tcg=Premier Ball (Great Encounters 101)
}}


{{Item
===Learn with Pokémon: Typing Adventure===
|name=Repeat Ball
In [[Learn with Pokémon: Typing Adventure]], the Typing Balls are thrown after one successfully types a Pokémon's name. It has the overall design like that of a normal Poké Ball, only having an additional vertical line at the bottom, resembling the letter "T".
|jp=リピートボール
|jpt=Repeat Ball
|gen=III
|bag=Poké Balls
|buyable=yes
|sell=500
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]]; works better on Pokémon who is registered in the Pokédex as caught.
|catchrate=3× if used on a Pokémon that is registered in the player's Pokédex as caught<br>1× otherwise
|descrse=A <sc>Ball</sc> that works better on <sc>Pok</sc>é<sc>mon</sc> caught before.
|descfrlg=A somewhat different <sc>Ball</sc> that works especially well on <sc>Pok</sc>é<sc>mon</sc> caught before.
|descdppthgss=A somewhat different Poké Ball that works especially well on Pokémon species that were previously caught.
|descbwb2w2=A somewhat different Poké Ball that works especially well on Pokémon species that were previously caught.
|descxy=A somewhat different Poké Ball that works especially well on Pokémon species that have been caught before.
|locrse=[[Rustboro City]] [[Poké Mart]]{{tt|*|after receiving a Repeat Ball from Mr. Stone}}
|locfrlg={{OBP|Two Island|town}} vendor{{tt|*|after completing Ruby and Sapphire mission}}
|locdppt=[[Canalave City]] [[Poké Mart]], {{si|Pokémon League}} [[Poké Mart]], [[Pokémon News Press]]
|lochgss='''Johto:''' [[Goldenrod Department Store]] lottery{{dotw|Tu}}


'''Pokéwalker:''' {{pw|Sinnoh Field}} ''(3000+ Steps)''
<gallery>
|locbw={{un|Pokémon League}} [[Poké Mart]]
Typing Ball.png|A Typing Ball
|locb2w2={{OBP|Victory Road|Black 2 and White 2}} [[Poké Mart]], [[Accumula Town]] [[Poké Mart]]
</gallery>
|locxy=[[Coumarine City]] [[Poké Mart]] and the {{DL|Lumiose City|Poké Ball Boutique}}, {{rt|21|Kalos}}, {{rt|20|Kalos}}, [[Anistar City]]
}}


{{Item
===Super Smash Bros. series===
|name=Timer Ball
[[File:Poké Ball SSBB.png|thumb|220px|Render of a Poké Ball from [[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]]]
|jp=タイマーボール
{{smashWiki|Poké Ball}}
|jpt=Timer Ball
In the {{sbw|Super Smash Bros. series}}, Poké Balls appear as items, which fighters can pick up and throw to release a random Pokémon. These Pokémon will typically attack the opponents of the player who summoned them, but may also have other effects. Starting in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U'', the Master Ball also appears as an item, which has the same effect as Poké Balls but can only summon {{pkmn2|Legendary}} or [[Mythical Pokémon]] (or {{p|Goldeen}}).
|gen=III
|bag=Poké Balls
|buyable=yes
|sell=500
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]]; works better in battles that have lasted longer.
|catchrate=((number of turns passed in battle + 10) ÷ 10)×, maximum 4× {{sup/3|RSE}}{{sup/3|FRLG}}{{sup/4|DPPt}}{{sup/4|HGSS}}<br/>
1× + 1229 ÷ 4096× (0.3×) per turn passed in the battle, maximum 4× {{sup/5|BW}}{{sup/5|BW2}}{{sup/6|XY}}
|descrs=More effective as more turns are taken in battle.
|desce=A <sc>Ball</sc> that gains power in battles taking many turns.
|descfrlg=A somewhat different <sc>Ball</sc> that becomes progressively better the more turns there are in a battle.
|desccolo=A ball that works better the more turns in battle.
|descdppthgss=A somewhat different Ball that becomes progressively better the more turns there are in a battle.
|descbwb2w2=A somewhat different Ball that becomes progressively better the more turns there are in a battle.
|descxy=A somewhat different Poké Ball that becomes progressively more effective the more turns that are taken in battle.
|locrse=[[Rustboro City]] [[Poké Mart]]{{tt|*|after receiving a Repeat Ball from Mr. Stone}}
|locfrlg={{OBP|Two Island|town}} vendor{{tt|*|after completing Ruby and Sapphire mission}}
|locdppt=[[Celestic Town]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Canalave City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Snowpoint City]] [[Poké Mart]], {{si|Pokémon League}} [[Poké Mart]], [[Pokémon News Press]]
|lochgss='''Johto:''' [[Goldenrod Department Store]] lottery{{dotw|Sa}}


'''Pokéwalker:''' {{pw|Sinnoh Field}} ''(2500+ Steps)''
The Pokémon that can appear from Poké Balls differ between the games. The {{DL|Super Smash Bros.|Poké Ball Pokémon}} in [[Super Smash Bros.]] all come from [[Generation I]], the {{DL|Super Smash Bros. Melee|Poké Ball Pokémon}} in [[Super Smash Bros. Melee]] come from up to [[Generation II]], the {{DL|Super Smash Bros. Brawl|Poké Ball Pokémon}} in [[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]] come from up to [[Generation IV]], the {{DL|Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U|Poké Ball and Master Ball Pokémon|Poké Ball Pokémon}} in [[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U]] come from up to [[Generation VI]], and the {{DL|Super Smash Bros. Ultimate|Poké Ball and Master Ball Pokémon|Poké Ball Pokémon}} in [[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]] come from up to [[Generation VII]]. The only Pokémon that have appeared in all of the Super Smash Bros. games as Poké Ball Pokémon are {{p|Goldeen}}, {{p|Snorlax}}, and {{p|Mew}}.
|locbw=[[Shopping Mall Nine]], [[Opelucid City]] [[Poké Mart]], {{un|Pokémon League}} [[Poké Mart]]
|locb2w2=[[Opelucid City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Shopping Mall Nine]], {{OBP|Victory Road|Black 2 and White 2}} [[Poké Mart]] and [[Icirrus City]] [[Poké Mart]]
|locxy=[[Coumarine City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Snowbelle City]] [[Poké Mart]], and the {{DL|Lumiose City|Poké Ball Boutique}} and South Boulevard, {{rt|19|Kalos}}, {{rt|17|Kalos}}, [[Geosenge Town]], [[Poké Ball Factory]]
}}


{{Item
<gallery>
|name=Nest Ball
Poké Ball SSB4.png|The Poké Ball in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS
|jp=ネストボール
Master Ball SSB4.png|The Master Ball in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS
|jpt=Nest Ball
</gallery>
|gen=III
|bag=Poké Balls
|buyable=yes
|sell=500
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]]; works better on lower-[[level]] Pokémon.
|catchrate=((40 - Pokémon's level) ÷ 10)×, minimum 1×
{{sup/3|RSE}}{{sup/3|FRLG}}{{sup/4|DPPt}}{{sup/4|HGSS}}<br/>((41 - Pokémon's level) ÷ 10)×, minimum 1×{{sup/5|BW}}{{sup/5|B2W2}}{{sup/6|XY}}
|descrse=A <sc>Ball</sc> that works better on weaker <sc>Pok</sc>é<sc>mon</sc>.
|descfrlg=A somewhat different <sc>Ball</sc> that works especially well on weaker <sc>Pok</sc>é<sc>mon</sc>.
|descdppthgss=A somewhat different Poké Ball that works especially well on weaker Pokémon in the wild.
|descbwb2w2=A somewhat different Poké Ball that works especially well on weaker Pokémon in the wild.
|descxy=A somewhat different Poké Ball that becomes more effective the lower the level of the wild Pokémon.
|locrse=[[Verdanturf Town]] [[Poké Mart]]
|locfrlg=[[Rocket Hideout]], hidden near Giovanni's seat, [[Rocket Warehouse]], hidden near [[Gideon]]
|locdppt=[[Eterna City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Hearthome City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Pastoria City]] [[Poké Mart]], {{si|Pokémon League}} [[Poké Mart]], [[Pokémon News Press]]
|lochgss='''Johto:''' [[Goldenrod Department Store]] lottery{{dotw|Mo}}, [[Safari Zone Gate]]
'''Kanto:''' [[Pewter City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Vermilion City]] [[Poké Mart]]


'''Pokéwalker:''' {{pw|Sinnoh Field}} ''(500+ Steps)''
The Pokémon series as a whole is represented by a Poké Ball logo in the Super Smash Bros. series. The logo was updated in ''Brawl''.
|locbw=[[Castelia City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Driftveil City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Shopping Mall Nine]], {{un|Pokémon League}} [[Poké Mart]]
|locb2w2=[[Castelia City]] [[Poké Mart]],  [[Driftveil City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Lentimas Town]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Shopping Mall Nine]], {{OBP|Victory Road|Black 2 and White 2}} [[Poké Mart]] and [[Accumula Town]] [[Poké Mart]]
|locxy=[[Lumiose City]] (North Boulevard [[Poké Mart]]), [[Cyllage City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Snowbelle City]] [[Poké Mart]], and the {{DL|Lumiose City|Poké Ball Boutique}}, [[Reflection Cave]], {{rt|13|Kalos}}
}}


{{Item
<gallery>
|name=Net Ball
Smash Bros Pokemon Symbol.png|The Pokémon series' symbol from ''SSB'' and ''Melee''
|jp=ネットボール
Smash Bros Brawl Pokemon Symbol.png|The Pokémon series' symbol from ''Brawl'' and ''SSB4''
|jpt=Net Ball
</gallery>
|gen=III
|bag=Poké Balls
|buyable=yes
|sell=500
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]]; works better on {{t|Water}}- and {{type|Bug}} Pokémon.
|catchrate=3× if used on a Water-type or Bug-type Pokémon<br>1× otherwise
|descrse=A <sc>Ball</sc> that works well on <sc>Water</sc>- and <sc>Bug</sc>-type <sc>Pok</sc>é<sc>mon</sc>.
|descfrlg=A somewhat different <sc>Ball</sc> that works especially well on <sc>Water</sc>- and <sc>Bug</sc>-type <sc>Pok</sc>é<sc>mon</sc>.
|descdppthgss=A somewhat different Poké Ball that works especially well on Water- and Bug-type Pokémon.
|descbwb2w2=A somewhat different Poké Ball that works especially well on Water- and Bug-type Pokémon.
|descxy=A somewhat different Poké Ball that is more effective when attempting to catch Water- or Bug-type Pokémon.
|locrse=[[Mossdeep City]] [[Poké Mart]]
|locfrlg=[[Fishing Brothers#Silence Bridge Fishing Guru|Silence Bridge]] on [[Kanto Route 12#Silence Bridge|Route 12]], [[Outcast Island]], [[Rocket Warehouse]]
|locdppt=[[Eterna City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Hearthome City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Solaceon Town]] [[Poké Mart]], {{si|Pokémon League}} [[Poké Mart]], [[Pokémon News Press]]
|lochgss='''Johto:''' [[Goldenrod Department Store]] lottery{{dotw|We}}, [[Blackthorn City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Frontier Access]] [[Poké Mart]]
'''Kanto:''' [[Viridian City]] [[Poké Mart]]


'''Pokéwalker:''' {{pw|Noisy Forest}} ''(5000+ Steps)'', {{pw|Blue Lake}} ''(4000+ Steps)''
====[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]====
|locbw=[[Nacrene City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Castelia City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Driftveil City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Shopping Mall Nine]], {{un|Pokémon League}} [[Poké Mart]]
;Poké Ball trophy:
|locb2w2=[[Virbank City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Castelia City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Driftveil City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Shopping Mall Nine]], [[Humilau City]] [[Poké Mart]] and {{OBP|Victory Road|Black 2 and White 2}} [[Poké Mart]]
:''These balls are used to catch and contain wild Pokémon. Most Pokémon must be weakened in some way before they can be caught, but once they're inside a Poké Ball, they enjoy their new home, since Poké Balls contain an environment specially designed for Pokémon comfort. [[Master Ball]]s are the strongest type.''
|locxy=[[Lumiose City]] (North Boulevard [[Poké Mart]]), [[Cyllage City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Snowbelle City]] [[Poké Mart]], and the {{DL|Lumiose City|Poké Ball Boutique}}, {{rt|12|Kalos}}, {{rt|4|Kalos}}, {{rt|15|Kalos}}, {{rt|19|Kalos}}
}}


{{Item
====[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]====
|name=Dive Ball
;Poké Ball trophy:
|jp=ダイブボール
:''"An item used for capturing Pokémon and calling them out into battle. Pokémon live in these items which despite appearances, actually contain a wide, comfortable Pokémon-friendly world inside them. In Super Smash Bros., Pokémon give temporary support to who calls them out. You never know which you will get, but some are devastatingly powerful."''
|jpt=Dive Ball
|gen=III
|bag=Poké Balls
|buyable=yes
|sell=500
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]]; works better on Pokémon encountered [[underwater]]{{sup/3|RSE}} or while {{m|Surf}}ing or [[fishing]]{{sup/3|FRLG}}{{sup/4|DPPt}}{{sup/4|HGSS}}{{sup/5|BWB2W2}}{{sup/6|XY}}.
|catchrate=3.5× if used while [[underwater]]{{sup/3|RSE}}<br>3.5× if used on a water-dwelling Pokémon{{sup/3|FRLG}}{{sup/4|DPPt}}{{sup/4|HGSS}}{{sup/5|BW}}{{sup/5|B2W2}}{{sup/6|XY}}<br>1× otherwise
|descrse=A <sc>Ball</sc> that works better on <sc>Pok</sc>é<sc>mon</sc> on the ocean floor.
|descfrlg=A somewhat different <sc>Ball</sc> that works especially well on <sc>Pok</sc>é<sc>mon</sc> deep in the sea.
|descdppthgss=A somewhat different Poké Ball that works especially well on Pokémon that live in the sea.
|descbwb2w2=A somewhat different Poké Ball that works especially well on Pokémon that live underwater.
|descxy=A somewhat different Poké Ball that works especially well when catching Pokémon that live underwater.
|locrse=[[Mossdeep City]] [[Poké Mart]]
|locdppt=[[Sinnoh Route 223|Route 223]], [[Pokémon News Press]]
|lochgss='''Pokéwalker:''' {{pw|Beautiful Beach}} ''(5000+ Steps)'', {{pw|Blue Lake}} ''(3500+ Steps)''
|locbw=[[Undella Town]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Village Bridge]]
|locb2w2=[[Undella Town]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Humilau City]] [[Poké Mart]]
|locxy=[[Ambrette Town]] (Trade Poké Ball); {{DL|Lumiose City|Poké Ball Boutique}}, {{rt|16|Kalos}}, [[Azure Bay]], [[Ambrette Town]]
}}


{{Item
====[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U]]====
|name=Luxury Ball
[[File:Poké Ball 3DS trophy SSB4.png|thumb|150px|Poké Ball trophy in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS]]
|jp=ゴージャスボール
;Poké Ball trophy:
|jpt=Gorgeous Ball
:'''NA''': ''An item used to call out different Pokémon. Which Pokémon emerges is a mystery, but it will aid whoever threw the Poké Ball. Some of the Pokémon contained inside are extremely powerful and will really intensify the battle. It's definitely worth beating your opponents to these!''
|gen=III
:'''PAL''': ''A ball holding one of any number of Pokémon just waiting to burst out and help you in battle. Which kind will it be? Well, that's a surprise, but whichever one it is, it'll definitely up the intensity of the battle! If you see one, make sure you're the one to grab it!''
|bag=Poké Balls
{{-}}
|buyable=yes
|buy={{tt|1000|50000 at Black City}}
|sell=500
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]].
|effect2=Alters the amount by which a caught Pokémon's [[friendship]] rises.
|catchrate=1×
|descrse=A cozy <sc>Ball</sc> that makes <sc>Pok</sc>é<sc>mon</sc> more friendly.
|descfrlg=A comfortable <sc>Ball</sc> that makes a captured wild <sc>Pok</sc>é<sc>mon</sc> quickly grow friendly.
|descdppthgss=A comfortable Poké Ball that makes a caught wild Pokémon quickly grow friendly.
|descbwb2w2=A comfortable Poké Ball that makes a caught wild Pokémon quickly grow friendly.
|descxy=A particularly comfortable Poké Ball that makes a wild Pokémon quickly grow friendlier after being caught.
|locrse=[[Abandoned Ship]], {{ci|Lilycove}} [[Contest Hall]]
|locfrlg=[[Resort Gorgeous]]
|locxd=[[S.S. Libra]]
|locdppt=[[Sunyshore City]] [[Poké Mart]], {{si|Pokémon League}} [[Poké Mart]], [[Pokémon News Press]]
|lochgss='''Johto:''' [[Goldenrod Department Store]] lottery{{dotw|Su}}


'''Pokéwalker:''' {{pw|Resort}} ''(6000+ Steps)''
[[File:Master Ball 3DS trophy SSB4.png|thumb|150px|Master Ball trophy in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS]]
|locbw={{un|Pokémon League}} [[Poké Mart]], [[Undella Town]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Black City]] shop{{sup/5|B}}
;Master Ball trophy:
|locb2w2=[[Undella Town]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Humilau City]] [[Poké Mart]], {{OBP|Victory Road|Black 2 and White 2}} [[Poké Mart]] and [[N's Castle]]
:'''NA''': ''These valuable, powerful balls can capture any wild Pokémon. In Smash Bros., hard-to-find Pokémon often pop out of them. You can easily identify a Master Ball by the distinct purple appearance and large M on the top. A Pokémon within a Master Ball may turn the tide of battle.''
|locxy={{DL|Lumiose City|Poké Ball Boutique}}, [[Lumiose City#Sycamore Pokémon Lab|Professor Sycamore's Lab]], and {{DL|Lumiose City|Centrico Boulevard}}
:'''PAL''': ''A rare type of Poké Ball that never fails to catch a Pokémon. Throw one in this game, and the Mythical or Legendary Pokémon inside will come to your aid. Master Balls are easy to identify due to their purple colour and the large M on them. Use one to quickly turn the tide of any battle!''
|tcg=Luxury Ball (Stormfront 86)
}}


===Introduced in Generation IV===
===Pokémon Tower Battle===
The following Poké Balls were introduced in {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}. The set of seven introduced in Generation III, as well as the original set of five, are preserved in this generation, and are available either for purchase or by trade in all Generation IV games. The Generation II Poké Balls also make a return in this generation, but only in {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}.
In [[Pokémon Tower Battle]], the featured Pokémon come from {{i|Poké Ball|Poké Balls}}, with some rare Pokémon from [[Ultra Ball]]s and [[Master Ball]]s.


{{Item
===Camp Pokémon===
|name=Heal Ball
{{sectionstub}}
|jp=ヒールボール
|jpt=Heal Ball
|gen=IV
|bag=Poké Balls
|buyable=yes
|sell=150
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]].
|effect2=Fully restores a caught Pokémon's {{stat|HP}}, {{PP}}, and [[status ailment|status]].
|catchrate=1×
|descdppthgss=A remedial Poké Ball that restores the caught Pokémon's HP and eliminates any status problem.
|descbwb2w2=A remedial Poké Ball that restores the caught Pokémon's HP and eliminates any status problem.
|descxy=A remedial Poké Ball that restores the HP of a Pokémon caught with it and eliminiates any status conditions.
|locdppt=[[Jubilife City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Oreburgh City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Floaroma Town]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Eterna City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Hearthome City]] [[Poké Mart]], {{si|Pokémon League}} [[Poké Mart]], [[Pokémon News Press]]
|lochgss='''Johto:''' [[Cherrygrove City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Violet City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Azalea Town]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Ecruteak City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Olivine City]] [[Poké Mart]].
'''Kanto:''' [[Viridian City]] [[Poké Mart]]
'''Pokéwalker:''' {{pw|Stormy Beach}} ''(2000+ Steps)''
|locbw=[[Striaton City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Nacrene City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Castelia City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Shopping Mall Nine]], {{un|Pokémon League}} [[Poké Mart]]
|locb2w2=[[Virbank City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Castelia City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Lentimas Town]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Shopping Mall Nine]] and {{OBP|Victory Road|Black 2 and White 2}} [[Poké Mart]]
|locxy=[[Lumiose City]] (North Boulevard [[Poké Mart]] and Centrico Boulevard), [[Snowbelle City]] [[Poké Mart]], and the {{DL|Lumiose City|Poké Ball Boutique}}, {{rt|7|Kalos}}, [[Dendemille Town]]
}}


{{Item
In [[Camp Pokémon]], the Poké Ball Roll minigame features the Poké Ball, Great Ball, Ultra Ball, and Master Ball.
|name=Quick Ball
|jp=クイックボール
|jpt=Quick Ball
|gen=IV
|bag=Poké Balls
|buyable=yes
|sell=500
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]]; works better when used early in the battle.
|catchrate=5× if used on the first turn of a battle{{sup/5|BW}}{{sup/5|B2W2}}{{sup/6|XY}}<br>4× if used on the first turn of a battle{{sup/4|DPPt}}{{sup/4|HGSS}}<br>1× otherwise
|descdppthgss=A somewhat different Poké Ball that provides a better catch rate if it is used at the start of a wild encounter.
|descbwb2w2=A somewhat different Poké Ball that provides a better catch rate if it is used at the start of a wild encounter.
|descxy=A somewhat different Poké Ball that has a more successful catch rate if used at the start of a wild encounter.
|locdppt=[[Pastoria City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Canalave City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Snowpoint City]] [[Poké Mart]], {{si|Pokémon League}} [[Poké Mart]], [[Pokémon News Press]]
|lochgss='''Johto:''' [[Goldenrod Department Store]] lottery{{dotw|Th}}, [[Safari Zone Gate]]
'''Kanto:''' [[Pewter City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Cerulean City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Vermilion City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Saffron City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Lavender Town]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Fuchsia City]] [[Poké Mart]]<br>
'''Pokéwalker:''' {{pw|Stormy Beach}} ''(1500+ Steps)''
|locbw=[[Shopping Mall Nine]], [[Opelucid City]] [[Poké Mart]], {{un|Pokémon League}} [[Poké Mart]]
|tcg=Quick Ball (Mysterious Treasures 114)
|locb2w2=[[Opelucid City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Shopping Mall Nine]], {{OBP|Victory Road|Black 2 and White 2}} [[Poké Mart]], [[Icirrus City]] [[Poké Mart]] and [[Accumula Town]] [[Poké Mart]]
|locxy=[[Coumarine City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Snowbelle City]] [[Poké Mart]] and the {{DL|Lumiose City|Poké Ball Boutique}} and South Boulevard, [[Poké Ball Factory]], {{kal|Victory Road}}
}}


{{Item
===Pokémon Sleep===
|name=Dusk Ball
{{main|Poké Biscuit}}
|jp=ダークボール
|jpt=Dark Ball
|gen=IV
|bag=Poké Balls
|buyable=yes
|sell=500
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]]; works better when used in [[cave]]s or at [[Time#Night 2|night]].
|catchrate=3.5× if used in a cave or at night<br>1× otherwise
|descdppthgss=A somewhat different Poké Ball that makes it easier to catch wild Pokémon at night or in dark places like caves.
|descbwb2w2=A somewhat different Poké Ball that makes it easier to catch wild Pokémon at night or in dark places like caves.
|descxy=A somewhat different Poké Ball that makes it easier to catch wild Pokémon at night or in dark places like caves.
|locdppt=[[Solaceon Town]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Snowpoint City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Pastoria City]] [[Poké Mart]], {{si|Pokémon League}} [[Poké Mart]], [[Pokémon News Press]]
|lochgss='''Johto:''' [[Goldenrod Department Store]] lottery{{dotw|Fr}}, [[Safari Zone Gate]], [[Blackthorn City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Frontier Access]] [[Poké Mart]]
'''Kanto:''' [[Vermilion City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Lavender Town]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Fuchsia City]] [[Poké Mart]]


'''Pokéwalker:''' {{pw|Scary Cave}} ''(4000+ Steps)'', {{pw|Quiet Cave}} ''(2000+ Steps)''
Poké Balls do not exist in [[Pokémon Sleep]]. Instead, [[Poké Biscuit]]s are used to "befriend" Pokémon (which is the same mechanic as catching them in the core series games).
|locbw=[[Driftveil City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Shopping Mall Nine]], [[Opelucid City]] [[Poké Mart]], {{un|Pokémon League}} [[Poké Mart]]
{{-}}
|locb2w2=[[Driftveil City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Lentimas Town]] [[Poké Mart]] , [[Opelucid City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Shopping Mall Nine]], {{OBP|Victory Road|Black 2 and White 2}} [[Poké Mart]] and [[Icirrus City]] [[Poké Mart]]
|locxy=[[Cyllage City]] [[Poké Mart]], [[Snowbelle City]] [[Poké Mart]], and the {{DL|Lumiose City|Poké Ball Boutique}}, {{kal|Victory Road}}, [[Terminus Cave]], [[Frost Cavern]], {{rt|9|Kalos}}, [[Poké Ball Factory]], [[Lost Hotel]] (Trash Cans)
|tcg=Dusk Ball (Mysterious Treasures 110)
}}


{{Item
==In the anime==
|name=Cherish Ball
===Main series===
|jp=プレジャスボール
====Mechanics====
|jpt=Precious Ball
[[File:Paul Chimchar release.png|thumb|220px|[[Paul]] releasing {{TP|Paul|Chimchar}}]]
|gen=IV
[[File:Anime Poke Ball Mechanics.jpg|thumb|220px|Concept art of a Poké Ball from the [[original series]]<!-- - モンスターボール monster ball ○ゆ yu (someone's signature?) ○改 revised ①普段ピンポン玉位 usually about ping-pong ball ②まん中のボタンをプチッと押す push the button on the center like puchi(onomatopoeia) ③ソフトボール位になる become about softball (2K中2位) about 2-koma-naka-2 (show each picture 2 frames, 2 in-betweens) ④投げる throw ○赤 red ○白 white 開く open Hi色トレス Hi(highlight)-color trace くぼんでる have a dent ミラーっぽいかんじでカゲ入れて下さい please apply shades like a mirror 赤い方 the red part モンスターボール サトシは常に6コベルトに装着 monster ball: Satoshi always attaches 6 of them on his belt ボールなんとなくくっついてる balls sticks in some vague way-->]]
|bag=Poké Balls
|sell=500
|effect=Contains [[event Pokémon]].
|catchrate=1×
|descdppthgss=A quite rare Poké Ball that has been specially crafted to commemorate an occasion of some sort.
|descbw=A quite rare Poké Ball that has been specially crafted to commemorate an occasion of some sort.
|loc=Not found.
}}


{{Item
[[File:Poke Ball Interior.png|thumb|left|220px|Interior of a Poké Ball from the anime]]
|name=Park Ball
In the anime, Poké Balls are not always at full size. Pressing the button on the front will convert it between its full size, about the size of a {{wp|Baseball (object)|baseball}}, to a smaller size, about that of a {{wp|Table tennis#Ball|ping-pong ball}}, and back again. The larger size makes throwing the ball easier, while the smaller one makes for easier storage on a belt clip, in pockets, and in Bags.  
|jp=パークボール
|jpt=Park Ball
|gen=IV
|bag=Poké Balls
|effect=Recatches Pokémon sent through [[Pal Park]].
|catchrate=255×
|descdppthgss=A special Poké Ball for the Pal Park.
|descbw=A special Poké Ball for the Pal Park.
|locdppt=[[Pal Park]]
|lochgss=[[Pal Park]]
|notes=Pokémon recaught with this ball in Pal Park will retain the ball in which they were originally caught in Generation III. Not to be confused with [[#Sport Ball|Sport Balls]], which were known as Park Balls (パークボール) in Generation II.
}}


===Introduced in Generation V===
When a Pokémon is sent out from a Poké Ball, it will be accompanied by a distinctive sound effect and a bright light as it returns from its energy form and materializes nearby, often on the ground. This bright light has been shown to vary depending on the type of Ball in which the Pokémon is contained in the games, while it has always been shown to be white in the anime. Pokémon are recalled to their Poké Ball by holding up the Poké Ball with its button pointed at the Pokémon. A beam of red, white, or blue light will shoot from the button, converting the Pokémon back into energy and returning it to the Ball. The beam, however, has a limited range and can be dodged by the Pokémon. If the beam hits a person, they will be stunned for a moment, but aside from that, no ill effects will make themselves apparent.
Only one new Poké Ball was introduced in {{game|Black and White|s}}, though all Poké Balls of previous generations are programmed into the game, both as items and on the status screen. If the {{player}} cheats to get them into the game, the Apricorn Balls, Sport Ball, and Park Ball cannot be used to catch wild Pokémon, though the Safari Ball and Cherish Ball can. If a Pokémon is transferred to Generation V from an earlier generation with the [[Poké Transfer]], it will appear to have the same ball it was originally caught with.


In the [[Entralink|Entree Forest]], a Dream Ball appears in the player's Bag when battling a Pokémon. As Poké Balls never fail in the Entree Forest and the Dream Ball can only be used there, the Dream Ball effectively never fails. However, any Poké Ball in the Bag can be used in the Entree Forest, not just the Dream Ball. Pokémon transferred from [[Pokémon Dream Radar]] are obtained in Dream Balls.
[[Released Pokémon|Releasing]] a Pokémon from a Trainer's ownership, unlike normally sending the Pokémon out, will bathe the Pokémon in a blue glow, and the Poké Ball will no longer mark it, making it able to be caught by another Trainer's Poké Ball.
<!--
Because of the removal of the [[Pokémon Dream World]] in [[Generation VI]], the Dream Ball is not present in {{g|X and Y}}.-->


{{Item
A Poké Ball can also be broken, which will release it from ownership, as seen when Jessie releases her Dustox in ''[[DP073|Crossing Paths]]''. If a Trainer has done so accidentally, it must somehow be fixed before the Pokémon can be recalled. This was seen in ''[[EP107|Pokémon Food Fight!]]'', where Ash becomes unable to recall Snorlax after its Poké Ball is broken. In the manga, if a Poké Ball is broken before a Pokémon is sent out, then that particular Pokémon cannot be used until their Poké Ball has been repaired. This happened several times in the [[Pokémon Adventures]] manga, such as during {{adv|Red}}'s battle against {{adv|Giovanni}}, where the opening mechanism for the Poké Balls of Red's [[Saur|Venusaur]] and [[Gyara]]dos were damaged, preventing either of them from being used in the match.
|name=Dream Ball
|jp=ドリームボール
|jpt=Dream Ball
|gen=V
|genex=yes
|bag=Poké Balls
|buyable=no
|effect=Allows the {{player}} to catch [[wild Pokémon]] in the [[Entralink|Entree Forest]].
|catchrate=255×
|descbw=A special Poké Ball that appears out of nowhere in a bag at the Entree Forest. It can catch any Pokémon.
|locbw=[[Entralink|Entree Forest]]
|locb2w2=[[Entralink|Entree Forest]]
}}


In [[EP232|''Just Waiting On A Friend'']], it is implied that Pokémon are bound to the Poké Ball they are caught in, and cannot go very far from it.


[[File:Iris Dragonite inside Poké Ball.png|thumb|left|250px|[[Iris's Dragonite]] inside a Poké Ball in the anime]]
Pokémon appear to be conscious while inside Poké Balls. Several Pokémon have shown the ability to leave and return to their Poké Balls at will, most notably among them [[Jessie's Wobbuffet]], [[Misty's Psyduck]], [[Ash's Oshawott]], [[Brock's Croagunk]], and [[Clemont's Chespin]], who tend to do so in every episode that they appear in. In ''[[EP031|Dig Those Diglett!]]'', many Pokémon belonging to [[Gary Oak]], as well as other Trainers, including Ash Ketchum, demonstrated the ability to prevent themselves from being sent from their Poké Balls, as they refused to fight against the Diglett, though this has not been demonstrated since. Pokémon have also been shown to be able to hear orders given by their Trainer right before they are sent out.


Also the well known good ball. The good ball is must like and ultra or great ball except it is good. Good balls are very effective against pokemonsters who are good. Every time you capture a legendary pokemonster, they have a  3% chance to be carrying a good ball and a 0.001% chance to carry a really good ball (Just a better version of the good ball). These good balls were thought of when one of the X and Y coders thought, hmm I need a GOOD pokeball idea. So then he came up with good balls and implemented them. Here is a picture of a good ball:
Pokémon can even make their Poké Ball jump and roll around at high speeds, while also being able to navigate, as seen in {{LGPE}}, when the {{OBP|partner Pokémon|Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!}} moves its Poké Ball onto an empty pedestal in [[Professor Oak's Laboratory]] after being caught in [[Pallet Town]].


[[File:Ash Pikachu failed catch.png|thumb|220px|A Poké Ball failing to catch an already owned Pokémon]]
Poké Balls are able to communicate with a Trainer's [[Pokédex]], as the system updates itself with information on newly-caught Pokémon, and keeps track of how many Pokémon the Trainer has with them. If a Trainer catches a new Pokémon with the full six already with them, the Pokédex will automatically send the newly-caught Pokémon in its Poké Ball to the [[Pokémon Storage System]] that the Trainer is using. As shown in ''[[DP002|Two Degrees of Separation!]]'', a Pokémon caught by a Poké Ball is "marked" by it, and thus most Poké Balls thrown at it will have no effect aside from temporarily stunning it. In the games, as well as in ''[[EP073|Bad to the Bone]]'', however, the Trainer of the Pokémon will block a Poké Ball thrown by another, though it is possible that this is more out of courtesy to their Pokémon than to prevent capture outright. In ''[[EP011|Charmander – The Stray Pokémon]]'', Ash was able to catch his {{AP|Charmander}} in a Poké Ball despite his previous ownership by [[Damian|another Trainer]], though he may have lost his "mark" when he abandoned his previous Trainer by refusing to return to his old Poké Ball. Earlier in the same episode, Ash failed to catch the same Charmander while he still held his loyalty, despite his weakened state.


[[File:Rice Ball Poké Ball.png|thumb|left|220px|Ash catching a [[rice ball]] thrown by a wild {{AP|Mankey|Primeape}}]]
Other wireless capabilities of Poké Balls are shown in ''[[M07|Destiny Deoxys]]'', as when the electricity of the city is down, {{OBP|Rebecca|M07}} claims that the "Poké Ball Management System" was no longer working without power. A similar mechanism is suggested to exist in the games, with the Paradise Protection Protocol issuing a lock signal that disables the use of any Poké Balls that do not have a specific ID.


Poké Balls are able to be decorated to no ill effect, with several Poké Balls that have been painted with special colors being seen in the anime.


Should a Pokémon escape a Poké Ball, the device will return to the Trainer, who can attempt once again to catch the Pokémon.


http://www.google.com/imgres?q=pokeball&biw=1024&bih=599&tbm=isch&tbnid=8vTnkMuEEzvM2M:&imgrefurl=http://poke-lab.deviantart.com/art/Pokeball-Template-176034128&docid=qoY43wmxI8K5KM&imgurl=http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2010/231/7/1/Pokeball_Template_by_Poke_Lab.png&w=500&h=500&ei=lsGgUpeTDYi5kQe86IGwDA&zoom=1&ved=1t:3588,r:3,s:0,i:109&iact=rc&page=1&tbnh=197&tbnw=197&start=0&ndsp=10&tx=124&ty=129
It has sometimes been shown that [[item]]s can be contained in Poké Balls, apparently able to be captured in much the same way as a Pokémon. The anime has used this as a gag on several occasions, most notably in ''[[EP025|Primeape Goes Bananas]]'', where {{Ash}} accidentally catches a [[rice ball]] when he throws a Poké Ball in an attempt to catch a wild Mankey.
{{-}}


==In the anime==
====Types of Poké Ball====
===In the main series===
[[File:Poké Ball anime.png|thumb|left|250px|A regular Poké Ball in the anime]]
[[File:Ashball.png|thumb|220px|right|{{Ash}} pulling out a Poké Ball, preparing to catch a Pokémon]]
[[File:Ashball.png|thumb|250px|{{Ash}} pulling out a Poké Ball, preparing to catch a Pokémon]]
In the {{pkmn|anime}}, the basic Poké Ball is the most commonly used of all varieties, with other varieties appearing either very few times or not at all. A vast majority of Pokémon are shown to be stored in regular Poké Balls, to the point that large collections of Poké Balls can be seen with no variation among them. Even [[Ash's Pikachu]], the most prominent Pokémon in the anime which spends all its time [[walking Pokémon|outside with Ash]], has a plain Poké Ball that differs from others only by the small yellow lightning bolt symbol on it, as seen in ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]''.
In the {{pkmn|anime}}, the basic Poké Ball is the most commonly used of all varieties, with other varieties appearing either very few times or not at all. A vast majority of Pokémon are shown to be stored in regular Poké Balls, to the point that large collections of Poké Balls can be seen with no variation among them. Even [[Ash's Pikachu]], the most prominent Pokémon in the anime which spends all its time [[walking Pokémon|outside with Ash]], has a plain Poké Ball that differs from others only by the small yellow lightning bolt symbol on it, as seen in ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]''.


Despite this, the various other types of Poké Ball have been seen in the anime, usually to illustrate a special property about that particular ball. The lack of the different types is unsurprising, however, due to the fact that, when the anime was first created, the games themselves did not even keep track of the Poké Ball that a Pokémon was caught in, and thus, it made no difference in sending a Pokémon out.
Despite this, the various other types of Poké Ball have been seen in the anime, usually to illustrate a special property about that particular ball. The lack of the different types is unsurprising, however, due to the fact that, when the anime was first created, the games themselves did not even keep track of the Poké Ball that a Pokémon was caught in, and thus, it made no difference in sending a Pokémon out. This has recently become less common as of ''[[Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon]]'', possibly to reflect the fact that NPC Trainers in [[Generation VII]] have certain types of Poké Balls associated with them.


The first time that a Poké Ball aside from the normal variation was seen was in [[EP035]], where Ash was given 30 Safari Balls in order to compete in the Safari Game. With these 30 Safari Balls, Ash attempted to catch various rare Pokémon; however, he only managed to capture an entire herd of {{AP|Tauros}}. They appeared in Safari Balls in ''[[EP065|Showdown at the Po-Ké Corral]]''; afterward; however, whenever Ash uses one of his Tauros in a battle, it is sent out from a standard Poké Ball.
The first time that a Poké Ball aside from the normal variation was seen was in [[EP035]], where Ash was given 30 Safari Balls in order to compete in the Safari Game. With these 30 Safari Balls, Ash attempted to catch various rare Pokémon; however, he only managed to capture an entire herd of {{AP|Tauros}}. They appeared in Safari Balls in ''[[EP065|Showdown at the Po-Ké Corral]]''; however, whenever Ash uses one of his Tauros in a battle, it is sent out from a standard Poké Ball.


The [[GS Ball]] was the second of the variant Poké Balls to appear in the anime, this time with a special purpose. This mysterious ball was unable to be opened by [[Professor Ivy]], and served as the reason for Ash's journeys to the [[Orange Archipelago]] (to pick it up) and [[Johto]] (to deliver it to [[Kurt]]), so that what was contained within it could be discovered. {{p|Celebi}} was long rumored to be related to the ball, something which the [[Pokémon Adventures]] and game canons verify, while [[Masamitsu Hidaka|a director of the anime]] confirmed that, had it not been insisted that {{mov|Celebi|Celebi|4}} appear in a central role in [[M04|the fourth movie]], the GS Ball arc would have concluded with Celebi being released from the ball and traveling with Ash and his friends.
[[File:Poké Ball success.png|thumb|left|250px|A Poké Ball after catching a Pokémon in ''[[Pokémon Horizons: The Series]]'']]
[[File:Poke Ball Recent Capture.png|thumb|240px|left|A Poké Ball after catching a Pokémon in the anime]]
The [[GS Ball]] was the second of the variant Poké Balls to [[EP083|appear in the anime]], this time with a special purpose. This mysterious ball was unable to be opened by [[Professor Ivy]], and served as the reason for Ash's journeys to the [[Orange Islands]] (to pick it up) and [[Johto]] (to deliver it to [[Kurt]]), so that what was contained within it could be discovered. {{p|Celebi}} was long rumored to be related to the ball, something which the [[Pokémon Adventures]] and game canons verify, while [[Masamitsu Hidaka|a director of the anime]] confirmed that, had it not been insisted that {{OBP|Celebi|M04}} appear in a central role in [[M04|the fourth movie]], the GS Ball arc would have concluded with Celebi being released from the ball and traveling with Ash and his friends.
Also related to Kurt, as in the games, the first non-standard Poké Ball variants, the [[Apricorn]] balls, made an appearance in the anime, and several were given to the members of the main cast. All three members of the main cast received Fast Balls in ''[[EP143|Going Apricorn!]]'', with {{an|Brock}} using his to catch a {{TP|Brock|Pineco}} shortly after receiving it. In the [[EP144|next episode]], Brock received a Heavy Ball, while Ash and {{an|Misty}} received Lure Balls. While Brock's Heavy Ball and Ash and Misty's Fast Balls would remain unused (and have not been mentioned since), both Ash and Misty would use their Lure Balls to capture a {{AP|Totodile}} and {{TP|Misty|Corsola}}, respectively. Another Heavy Ball appeared in ''[[AG065|Gulpin It Down]]'', where it was used to capture a giant {{p|Gulpin}}, though this was not the one belonging to Brock.


The {{DL|Master Ball|In the anime}} itself has only appeared once as an actual Poké Ball, in ''[[AG075|Whiscash and Ash]]'', where it was used by [[Sullivan]] in a last resort attempt to catch a wild {{p|Whiscash}} called "[[Nero]]". Despite the fact that a Master Ball cannot be escaped from, the Whiscash ''swallowed'' the Master Ball, thus preventing capture, and disappeared back into the water. While not a Poké Ball itself, Misty owns a beach ball that is designed like the Master Ball, which can be seen in ''[[EP018|Beauty and the Beach]]'' and ''[[EP167|A Hot Water Battle]]''.
Also related to Kurt, as in the games, the first non-standard Poké Ball variants, the [[Apricorn]] balls, made an appearance in the anime, and several were given to the members of the main cast. All three members of the main cast received a Fast Ball each in ''[[EP143|Going Apricorn!]]'', with {{an|Brock}} using his to catch a {{TP|Brock|Pineco}} shortly after receiving it. Many other Apricorn Poké Balls also appeared in a fantasy in this episode. In the [[EP144|next episode]], Brock received a Heavy Ball, while Ash and {{an|Misty}} received a Lure Ball each. While Brock's Heavy Ball and Ash and Misty's Fast Balls would remain unused (and have not been mentioned since), both Ash and Misty would use their Lure Balls to capture a {{AP|Totodile}} and {{TP|Misty|Corsola}}, respectively. Another Heavy Ball appeared in ''[[AG065|Gulpin It Down]]'', where it was used to capture a {{pkmn2|giant}} {{p|Gulpin}}, though this was not the one belonging to Brock. In ''[[EP183|Trouble's Brewing]]'', the {{DL|Kimono Girl|In the anime|Kimono Sisters}} (excluding [[Sakura]]) were shown keeping their [[Eeveelution]]s inside Apricorn Poké Balls, with Satsuki's {{p|Jolteon}}'s ball being a Moon Ball, Sumomo's {{p|Vaporeon}}'s ball being a Lure Ball, and Tamao's {{p|Umbreon}}'s ball being a Fast Ball. While Koume's {{p|Flareon}}'s ball wasn't shown, her kimono pattern indicates it being a Love Ball.
[[File:Ash Poké Ball.png|thumb|right|240px|Ash calling out a Pokémon]]
[[File:Ash Poké Ball.png|thumb|250px|Ash calling out a Pokémon]]
The Generation III specialty balls have only been seen in cameos, with only the Repeat Ball and Luxury Ball appearing, in the opening of ''[[M06|Jirachi: Wish Maker]]''. These balls contained {{ga|Brendan}}'s {{p|Shiftry}} and {{p|Aggron}}, respectively.
The Master Ball itself has only appeared once as an actual Poké Ball, in ''[[AG075|Whiscash and Ash]]'', where it was used by [[Sullivan]] in a last resort attempt to catch a wild {{p|Whiscash}} called "[[Nero]]". Despite the fact that a Master Ball cannot be escaped from, the Whiscash ''swallowed'' the Master Ball, thus preventing capture, and disappeared back into the water. While not a Poké Ball itself, Misty owns a beach ball that is designed like the Master Ball, which can be seen in ''[[EP018|Beauty and the Beach]]'' and ''[[EP167|A Hot Water Battle]]''.
 
The Generation III specialty balls have mostly been seen in cameos. The Repeat Ball and Luxury Ball appeared in the opening of ''[[M06|Jirachi: Wish Maker]]''. These balls contained {{ga|Brendan}}'s {{p|Shiftry}} and {{p|Aggron}}, respectively.


The debut of most of the specialty balls, both from Generation III and IV, came in the ending [[Which One ~ Is It?]], which contained the first appearance of the Great Ball and Ultra Ball, as well as the first anime appearance of the Premier, Heal, Net, Dusk, Nest, Quick, Timer, and Dive Balls.
The debut of most of the specialty balls, both from Generation III and IV, came in the ending [[Which One ~ Is It?]], which contained the first appearance of the Great Ball and Ultra Ball, as well as the first anime appearance of the Premier, Heal, Net, Dusk, Nest, Quick, Timer, and Dive Balls.


Many other Poké Balls have been shown in the anime; however, most of these are cosmetic alterations alone, such as Poké Balls with gold plating, diamond studded Poké Balls, and Poké Balls with special designs on them, usually to denote an organization.
The first proper appearance of the Great, Ultra, Net, Nest, Dusk, Dive, Repeat, Premier, and Heal Balls was in ''[[XY079|A Frenzied Factory Fiasco!]]'', where these balls were seen being manufactured at the [[Poké Ball Factory]], in addition to normal Poké Balls, Luxury Balls, and Safari Balls, although the last ones were not shown. Although [[James]] did mention a Quick Ball in the Japanese version, one was never shown in the episode (a fact that was picked up by the [[dub]], which removed the Quick Ball reference). {{TRT}} tried to steal many of these Poké Balls, but were foiled by Ash and his friends.


Most notably, a broken Poké Ball, snapped in half at its rusted hinges, is kept by both {{Ash}} and {{Gary}}, symbolizing their rivalry.
[[File:Dawn Poké Ball.png|thumb|left|250px|{{an|Dawn}}'s Poké Balls with Ball Capsules and Seals]]
It was revealed in ''[[SM004|First Catch in Alola, Ketchum-Style!]]'' that James had been collecting Poké Balls. When Jessie's attempts to catch a {{TP|Jessie|Mimikyu}} with typical Poké Balls had failed, she grabbed the Luxury Ball James had been polishing and used it instead, capturing Mimikyu, much to James's dismay. The rest of James's collection appeared in ''[[SM062|Acting True to Form!]]'', where it was revealed to also contain a Great, Ultra, Premier, Dusk, Heal, and Quick Ball, marking the first proper anime appearance of a Quick Ball. The collection reappeared in ''[[JN026|Splash, Dash, and Smash for the Crown!]]'', where it now consisted of a Premier, Dive, Nest, Quick, Heal, and Dusk Ball.


In ''[[EP013|Mystery at the Lighthouse]]'', it was shown that if a Trainer catches a Pokémon while they already have six on hand, it is automatically sent to the regional {{pkmn|professor}}. This was again demonstrated in ''[[EP030|Sparks Fly for Magnemite]]''. ''[[BW018|Sewaddle and Burgh in Pinwheel Forest]]'' shows a major difference in what happens after a Pokémon is captured. Instead of being automatically sent to the regional Professor, the Poké Ball is sealed and the button becomes red. The Pokémon is kept inactive until it is switched out by another actively in the Trainer's party.
{{an|Gladion}} keeps all of his known Pokémon in special Poké Balls. His {{TP|Gladion|Lycanroc}} is kept in an Ultra Ball (as first seen in ''[[SM027|A Glaring Rivalry!]]''), his {{TP|Gladion|Silvally}} is kept in a Premier Ball (as first seen in ''[[SM037|Rising from the Ruins!]]''), his {{TP|Gladion|Umbreon}} is kept in a Heal Ball (as first seen in ''[[SM053|Rescuing the Unwilling!]]''), his {{TP|Gladion|Zoroark}} is kept in a Dusk Ball (as first seen in the [[Poké Problem]] extra scene of [[SM127]]), and his {{DL|Ultra Beasts (anime)|Lillie|Nihilego}} is kept in a Beast Ball (as first seen in ''[[JN111|The Homecoming Crown!]]'').
 
[[File:James Poké Ball collection.png|thumb|250px|James's Poké Ball collection]]
Beast Balls debuted in ''[[SM061|A Mission of Ultra Urgency!]]'', in which the [[Aether Foundation]] provided multiple of them for Ash and {{ashcl}} to use during their missions as [[Ultra Guardians]]. Since then, Beast Balls have appeared in {{cat|Ultra Guardians episodes|a number of episodes}}. Most of the time they are only used to temporarily hold {{an|Ultra Beasts}} until they are released back into [[Ultra Space]]. The only Ultra Beasts that have been kept in a Beast Ball for longer than one episode are [[Ash's Naganadel]] and Gladion's {{p|Nihilego}}.
 
In ''[[JN045|Sword and Shield... The Legends Awaken!]]'', {{an|Leon}} used an Ultra Ball in an attempt to catch {{TP|Goh|Eternatus}}, only for Eternatus to break out.
[[File:Sealed Poké Ball anime.png|thumb|250px|left|A sealed Poké Ball]]
Many other Poké Balls have been shown in the anime; however, most of these are cosmetic alterations alone, such as Poké Balls with gold plating, diamond studded Poké Balls, and Poké Balls with stickers or special designs on them, usually to denote an organization. [[Ball Capsule]]s and [[Seal]]s can also be used to customize a Poké Ball's appearance, and they add special effects when the Pokémon is sent out. In the anime, they are mostly used by {{pkmn|Coordinator}}s during [[Pokémon Contest]]s to create a showy entrance and ensure that the Pokémon will make a good impression right out of the Poké Ball.
 
Notably, a broken Poké Ball, snapped in half at its rusted hinges, was kept by both Ash and {{Gary}}, symbolizing their rivalry. After Ash defeated Gary during the [[Silver Conference]], Gary gave his half of the Ball to Ash as a sign of ending their rivalry.
 
In ''[[EP013|Mystery at the Lighthouse]]'', it was shown that if a Trainer catches a Pokémon while they already have six on hand, it is automatically sent to the regional {{pkmn|Professor}}. ''[[BW018|Sewaddle and Burgh in Pinwheel Forest]]'' shows a major difference in what happens after a Pokémon is captured. Instead of being automatically sent to the regional Professor, the Poké Ball is sealed and the button becomes red. The Pokémon is kept inactive until it is switched out by another actively in the Trainer's party.
 
=====Other variants=====
[[File:HZ029 Poké Ball 3.png|thumb|250px|Some of [[Karna]]'s custom Poké Balls]]
* A green Poké Ball appeared in ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]''. Interestingly, the cover of the book {{OBP|Grass Pokédex|book}} greatly resembles this Poké Ball, and is labeled as a Safari Ball.
** In addition to this, the artwork of {{ga|Brendan}}, in {{2v2|Ruby|Sapphire}}, features Brendan holding a green Poké Ball.
* Several objects were used to contain and control Pokémon before Poké Balls themselves were developed. Large monumental objects have been shown several times in episodes to be containers for large ancient Pokémon, as seen most notably in ''[[EP072|The Ancient Puzzle of Pokémopolis]]''. Smaller objects have also been used, such as the staff belonging to [[Sir Aaron]], which contained his partner, {{OBP|Lucario|M08}}, until {{Ash}} released it in the current era. Special armor developed by [[Marcus]] was used to control Pokémon in ancient [[Michina Town]], though it did not directly ''contain'' the Pokémon; unlike other methods of using Pokémon, these Pokémon were enslaved, instead of befriended, and they turned against him the moment the armor was broken.
* {{OBP|Mewtwo|M01}} had a collection of strange Poké Balls known as (Japanese: '''ミュウツーボール''' ''Mewtwo Balls'') in ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]'', which incorporated an eye into their design, and were used primarily to capture Pokémon to be cloned. These balls had no trouble catching Pokémon which were already captured—even if they were already inside of Poké Balls.
* In ''[[M03|Spell of the Unown: Entei]]'', [[Molly Hale]], whose imagination caused the power of the {{OBP|Unown|M03}} to change the world around them, was able to use strange, crystalline Poké Balls when she challenged {{an|Brock}} and {{an|Misty}}. The Pokémon sent from these appeared normally, but dissolved into crystal, rather than being recalled. These crystal Poké Balls only appeared when used by her imagined older selves, and do not appear to actually exist.
* A special variant of Poké Ball, the Lake Ball, was used during the [[Seaking Catching Competition]] in ''[[EP168|Hook, Line, and Stinker]]''; this is viewed by many to be similar to the Sport Ball used in the [[Bug-Catching Contest]]. They appear as blue and white Poké Balls, with a fish pattern around the edge, and a yellow arrow on the top and bottom of the ball. They don't shake after capture, implying an automatic catch.
* In ''[[EP248|One Trick Phony!]]'', specially marked Poké Balls appeared at the {{jo|Battle Park}}, containing the Park's [[rental Pokémon]]. They looked almost exactly like standard Poké Balls, except that they had the Park's stylized "BP" logo on the top.
* Older Poké Balls have also appeared in the anime, specifically the one carried by [[Sam]] in ''[[M04|Celebi: The Voice of the Forest]]'', which was colored differently, and it had a knob that needed to be twisted before the Pokémon inside could be sent out. While it is unknown how these types were manufactured, it is likely that they were made by hand using Apricorns, prior to the standardization and mass production of modern-day Poké Balls.
* The [[Iron-Masked Marauder]], an agent of [[Team Rocket]], used special [[Dark Ball]]s that corrupted Pokémon caught inside them and made them into mindless servants of the Trainer, as well as raising their power significantly. Multiple Pokémon were caught in these Poké Balls, including the {{pkmn2|Mythical}} {{OBP|Celebi|M04}} and a powerful {{p|Tyranitar}}. They seem capable of catching any Pokémon without fail.
* As in the games, the [[GS Ball]] appeared in the anime, and was the primary motivation for Ash's trip to the [[Orange Islands]], where he would compete in his second Pokémon League. It also served as the catalyst for his journey to [[Johto]], as he needed to deliver the ball to [[Kurt]]. Former director [[Masamitsu Hidaka]] revealed that a shelved storyline, that would have concluded the GS Ball's arc, involved a {{p|Celebi}} that would have traveled with Ash and his friends through at least part of Johto. The storyline was viewed as redundant after the decision was made to introduce Celebi in the fourth movie instead.
* ''[[AG104|Claydol, Big and Tall]]'' featured the "[[Stone Ball]]", a huge Poké Ball made of stone used to keep an evil, giant {{p|Claydol}} that levied destruction everywhere. This Poké Ball is about the size of a two-story house.
* In ''[[AG178|Battling the Enemy Within!]]'', an ancient relic resembling a Poké Ball was first mentioned by {{an|Brandon}}, who told Ash and his friends a story about the [[King of Pokélantis]], who had once tried to control {{p|Ho-Oh}} for his own evil purposes. When Ash later found the relic, it was revealed that the King of Pokélantis's spirit was actually sealed within it, and it possessed Ash until it was banished from his body and resealed back inside the relic.
* In ''[[BW037|A Fishing Connoisseur in a Fishy Competition!]]'', a specially marked Poké Ball, called the "Fishing Poké Ball", was used in the fake fishing contest set up by {{TRT}}. This Poké Ball highly resembled the regular red and white Poké Ball, except that it had a dark fish mark on its red part.
* In ''[[M21|The Power of Us]]'', the participants of the [[Pokémon Catch Race]] used special "Catch Race Poké Balls" to catch specifically marked Pokémon around [[Fula City]]. These Poké Balls feature a blue-and-white color scheme, with a gold button.
* In ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]'', starting from ''[[JN003|Ivysaur's Mysterious Tower!]]'', the Team Rocket trio was provided with the [[Rocket Prize Master]], a vending machine that lets them borrow random Pokémon from it, contained in special Team Rocket Poké Balls. When a Pokémon is sent out from them, these Balls drop a small leaflet explaining details about the Pokémon in question.
* Dynamaxed Poké Balls were first used in ''[[JN012|Flash of the Titans!]]'' during {{an|Lance}} and {{an|Leon}}'s [[World Coronation Series]] {{pkmn|battle}}. In ''[[JN045|Sword and Shield... The Legends Awaken!]]'', [[Goh]], with Ash's help, used a Dynamaxed Poké Ball to catch a weakened {{TP|Goh|Eternatus}}, which was later sealed away.
* In ''[[HZ029|Orla and the Poké Ball Smith]]'', several custom-made Poké Balls created by [[Karna]] were shown. These include the Rocket Ball, which has miniature rocket engines that boost its speed; the Boomerang Ball, which curves back around once thrown; the Bomb-Bomb Ball, which has a fuse that lights up when the ball is about to be thrown and causes the ball to explode when it burns out; the Chase Ball, which homes in on the target Pokémon on a set of wheels; and an unnamed Ball that Karna gave to [[Orla]] as a gift at the end of the episode.
 
<gallery>
Green Poké Ball anime.png|A green Poké Ball in ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]''
Bulbasaur Ball.png|The Poké Ball containing {{p|Bulbasaur}} in ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]''
Charmander Ball.png|The Poké Ball containing {{p|Charmander}} in ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]''
Squirtle Ball.png|The Poké Ball containing {{TP|Gary|Squirtle|Blastoise}} in ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]''
Ash Pikachu Poké Ball.png|The Poké Ball containing {{AP|Pikachu}} in ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]''
Meowzie Poké Ball.png|A diamond-encrusted Poké Ball in ''[[EP070|Go West Young Meowth]]''
Mewtwo Balls anime.png|{{OBP|Mewtwo|M01}}'s Mewtwo Balls
Crystal Ball anime.png|[[Molly Hale]] holding a Crystal Poké Ball
Lake Ball anime.png|The Lake Ball from ''[[EP168|Hook, Line, and Stinker]]''
Lokoko Poké Ball anime.png|[[Lokoko]]'s old Poké Ball from ''[[EP232|Just Waiting On a Friend]]''
Battle Park Ball.png|A Poké Ball used in the {{jo|Battle Park}} in ''[[EP248|One Trick Phony!]]''
Team Rocket Ball.png|A [[Team Rocket]] Ball from ''[[Mewtwo Returns]]''
Dark Ball.png|[[Iron-Masked Marauder]] holding a Dark Ball
Sammy Old Poké Ball.png|Sammy's old Poké Ball from ''[[M04|Celebi: The Voice of the Forest]]''
Annie Oakley Ball.png|{{OBP|Annie|M05}} and [[Oakley]]'s Poké Balls from ''[[M05|Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias]]''
Promo Annie Oakley Ball reverse.png|A promotional toy version of Annie and Oakley's Poké Balls, produced by [[Tomy]]
Giant stone Poké Ball anime.png|{{p|Claydol}}'s giant stone Poké Ball from ''[[AG104|Claydol, Big and Tall]]''
Pokélantis Poké Ball anime.png|A relic holding the [[King of Pokélantis]]'s spirit
Fishing Poké Ball.png|A Fishing Poké Ball from ''[[BW037|A Fishing Connoisseur in a Fishy Competition!]]''
Catch Race Poké Ball.png|A Catch Race Poké Ball from ''[[M21|The Power of Us]]''
Team Rocket Ball JN.png|Team Rocket Balls from ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]''
Dynamax Poké Ball anime.png|A [[Dynamax]]ed Poké Ball in ''[[JN045|Sword and Shield... The Legends Awaken!]]''
Rocket Ball.png|A Rocket Ball from ''[[HZ029|Orla and the Poké Ball Smith]]''
Boomerang Ball.png|A Boomerang Ball from ''[[HZ029|Orla and the Poké Ball Smith]]''
Bomb-Bomb Ball.png|A Bomb-Bomb Ball from ''[[HZ029|Orla and the Poké Ball Smith]]''
Chase Ball.png|A Chase Ball from ''[[HZ029|Orla and the Poké Ball Smith]]''
HZ029 Poké Ball 1.png|One of [[Karna]]'s custom Poké Balls from ''[[HZ029|Orla and the Poké Ball Smith]]''
HZ029 Poké Ball 2.png|One of Karna's custom Poké Balls from ''[[HZ029|Orla and the Poké Ball Smith]]''
</gallery>


====History====
====History====
{{main|History of Poké Balls}}
{{main|History of Poké Balls}}
As mentioned, the generic Poké Ball design is not constant and has been remodeled and altered innumerable times in order to create new Poké Balls that are adapted for specific conditions. For example, it is seen in several anime episodes such as ''[[AG065|Gulpin it Down!]]'' and ''[[AG104|Claydol Big and Tall]]'' that normal Poké Balls have difficulty catching Pokémon which are extremely large or extremely heavy. In the latter episode, it is revealed that ancient civilizations overcame this issue by constructing immense Poké Balls many times the size of the standard model known today, and made from stone instead. Other civilizations such as [[Pokémopolis]] also discovered new technologies that more closely resembled modern Poké Ball technology, such as the [[Pokémopolis#Pokémopolis artifacts|Dark Device]] and the [[Pokémopolis#Pokémopolis artifacts|Unearthly Urn]], which were also adapted for the capture and storage of massive Pokémon but in small containers. However, devices like these became lost to the ages and their roles were subsequently supplanted by Heavy Balls in the modern world.


====Appearance====
In ''[[EP095|A Shipful of Shivers]]'', modern Poké Balls are found in the [[ghost ship]], implying that modern Poké Balls were first made at least 300 years ago. According to ''[[Pocket Monsters: The Animation]]'', Poké Balls were developed to allow for various Trainers to efficiently capture and train Pokémon in relatively little risk to themselves, as the act of training a Pokémon often results in severe injuries and even death. It also claims that the Pokémon {{p|Primeape}} and its notoriously violent nature was directly responsible for their creation.
<gallery perrow=4>
 
File:Master Ball anime.png|The Master Ball
Prior to the invention of Poké Balls, Pokémon were referred to as magical creatures (Japanese: {{tt|魔獣|まじゅう}} ''majū''), indicating that the name Pokémon, short for Pocket Monster, did not come into common parlance as a term until Poké Balls allowed the various magical creatures to be stored easily.
File:Safari Ball anime.png|An early Safari Ball
File:GS Ball anime.png|The [[GS Ball]]
File:Fast Ball anime.png|Fast Balls
File:Heavy Lure Balls anime.png|Two Lure Balls and a Heavy Ball
File:Park Ball anime.png|A [[National Park|Park]] Ball
File:Luxury Repeat Ball anime.png|A Luxury Ball and Repeat Ball
File:Masked Marauder Dark Ball.png|A Dark Ball
</gallery>


====Pokédex entries====
====Pokédex entries====
{{Animedexheader|Kanto}}
{{Animedexheader|Kanto|no}}
{{Animedexbody|EP001|Poké Ball|Ash's Pokédex|While being {{pkmn|training|trained}}, a Pokémon ''usually'' stays inside its Poké Ball. However, there are many exceptions. Some Pokémon hate being confined.}}
{{Animedexbody|EP001|Poké Ball|Ash's Pokédex|While being {{pkmn|training|trained}}, a Pokémon ''usually'' stays inside its Poké Ball. However, there are many exceptions. Some Pokémon hate being confined.}}
{{Animedexfooter/Pokémon|original|Kanto}}
{{Animedexfooter/Pokémon|Kanto}}
 
====Ancient Poké Ball====
[[File:Roy Ancient Poké Ball anime.png|thumb|250px|Ancient Poké Ball]]
The search for these Poké Balls is an important plot within ''[[Pokémon Horizons: The Series]]''. These Poké Balls, in addition to capturing Pokémon, seem to have unique powers and react to certain stimuli, like Liko's pendant and other Ancient Poké Balls.


===In Pokémon Origins===
=====History=====
Besides the regular Poké Ball, the other Generation I variations of it were also seen during the [[Pokémon Origins]] mini-series. In ''[[PO03|File 3 - Giovanni]]'', it was shown that [[Giovanni]] kept his strongest Pokémon, {{p|Rhyhorn}} and {{p|Rhydon}}, within Ultra Balls. In ''[[PO04|File 4 - Charizard]]'', {{OBP|Red|Origins}} was seen catching an {{p|Arbok}} with a Great Ball and a {{p|Chansey}} with a Safari Ball. He also used Ultra Balls to capture the [[legendary Pokémon]] {{p|Articuno}}, {{p|Zapdos}}, {{p|Moltres}}, and {{p|Mewtwo}}.
[[Roy]] is in possession of an antique Poké Ball that he refers to as the Ancient Poké Ball. It was found by [[Roy's grandfather|his grandfather]] and later given to him. It first appeared in ''[[HZ004|The Treasure After the Storm!]]'', where Roy mentioned how he had never managed to open it. In ''[[HZ006|The Ancient Poké Ball]]'', the ball reacted with [[Liko]]'s pendant and opened to reveal a {{Shiny|Black}} [[Black Rayquaza|Rayquaza]] that flew away soon after. The ball is said to have belonged to an [[Lucius|ancient adventurer]] who once commanded Rayquaza. In ''[[HZ011|Arboliva's Forest]]'', another identical Ancient Poké Ball appeared under the possession of a giant [[Six Heroes#Lucius's Arboliva|Arboliva]]. In the [[HZ012|next episode]], this Poké Ball was revealed to be Arboliva's, and to have been owned by the ancient adventurer as well. Another Ancient Poké Ball appeared under the possession of the adventurer's [[Galarian form|Galarian]] [[Six Heroes#Lucius's Moltres|Moltres]]. Another Ancient Poké Ball appeared under the possession of the adventurer's [[Six Heroes#Lucius's Lapras|Lapras]].


The Master Ball only appeared in a demonstration in ''[[PO03|File 3 - Giovanni]]'', as it was still under development at the time. After [[Team Rocket]] was driven out of the [[Silph Co.]] building by Red, the development of the Master Ball was put on hold for a while.
=====Pokémon housed in Ancient Poké Balls=====
{| class="roundy" style="text-align:center; background:#{{scarlet color}}; border:3px solid #{{violet color light}}"
|- style="color:#fff"
! style="background:#{{blue color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | Pokémon
! style="background:#{{blue color light}}" | Region
! style="background:#{{blue color light}}" | Debut
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Black Rayquaza.png|150px]]<br>[[Black Rayquaza]]
| [[Kanto]]{{tt|*|Formerly}}
| ''[[HZ006|The Ancient Poké Ball]]''
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Lucius Arboliva.png|150px]]<br>{{pkmn2|Giant}} {{p|Arboliva}}
| [[Paldea]]
| ''[[HZ010|Nemona and Brassius and…]]''
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Lucius Moltres.png|150px]]<br>{{rf|Galarian}} {{p|Moltres}}
| [[Galar]]
| ''[[HZ022|Charge! Galar Mine!]]''
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Lucius Lapras.png|150px]]<br>Giant {{p|Lapras}}
| [[Lapras Sea|Unknown]]
| ''[[HZ031|Song Within the Mist]]''
|}


=====Gallery=====
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Great Ball PO.png|A Great Ball
Ancient Poké Ball HZ.jpg|Concept art of [[Roy]]'s Ancient Poké Ball from ''[[Pokémon Horizons: The Series]]''
File:Ultra Ball PO.png|An Ultra Ball
File:Safari Ball PO.png|{{OBP|Red|Origins}} holding a Safari Ball
File:Master Ball PO.png|The Master Ball
</gallery>
</gallery>
===Pokémon Origins===
[[File:Poké Ball PO.png|thumb|250px|A Poké Ball in Pokémon Origins]]
Besides the regular Poké Ball, the other Generation I variations of it were also seen during the [[Pokémon Origins]] miniseries. In ''[[PO03|File 3: Giovanni]]'', it was shown that [[Giovanni]] kept his strongest Pokémon, {{p|Rhyhorn}} and {{p|Rhydon}}, within Ultra Balls. In ''[[PO04|File 4: Charizard]]'', {{OBP|Red|Origins}} was seen catching an {{p|Arbok}} with a Great Ball and a {{p|Chansey}} with a Safari Ball. He also used Ultra Balls to capture the [[Legendary Pokémon]] {{p|Articuno}}, {{p|Zapdos}}, {{p|Moltres}}, and {{p|Mewtwo}}.
The Master Ball only appeared in a demonstration in ''File 3: Giovanni'', as it was still under development at the time. After [[Team Rocket]] was driven out of the [[Silph Co.]] building by Red, the development of the Master Ball was put on hold for a while.
Additionally, in Pokémon Origins, the sound effects and bright light used when a Trainer is catching, sending out, or recalling a Pokémon differ in comparison to the sound effects and lights that are used in the main Pokémon anime, more resembling the effects seen in {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}}.
===Pokémon Generations===
[[File:Ultra Ball PG.png|thumb|left|250px|An Ultra Ball in [[Pokémon Generations]]]]
The only Poké Ball variant seen in [[Pokémon Generations]] was an Ultra Ball, which appeared in ''[[PG09|The Scoop]]''. It was shown being used by {{player|a Trainer}} to catch a {{p|Deoxys}} in outer space.
{{-}}


==In the manga==
==In the manga==
[[File:Poké Ball EToP.png|thumb|right|A Poké Ball in [[The Electric Tale of Pikachu]]]]
In the various [[Pokémon manga]], Poké Balls have been shown to appear differently, as an attempt to explain how a Trainer knows which Pokémon is in which ball, as most Pokémon manga series were, like the anime, developed at a time when the games could not keep track of the ball a Pokémon was contained in.
In the various [[Pokémon manga]], Poké Balls have been shown to appear differently, as an attempt to explain how a Trainer knows which Pokémon is in which ball, as most Pokémon manga series were, like the anime, developed at a time when the games could not keep track of the ball a Pokémon was contained in.


===In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga===
===The Electric Tale of Pikachu===
In the manga [[The Electric Tale of Pikachu]], the rules are more similar to the anime; however, Poké Balls are numbered on the outside, on the button, so that a Trainer knows which member of their team they are sending into battle.
[[File:Poké Ball EToP.png|thumb|left|200px|A Poké Ball in [[The Electric Tale of Pikachu]]]]
[[File:Enormo Poké Ball EToP.png|thumb|200px|The Enormo Poké Ball-X1]]
In [[The Electric Tale of Pikachu]], the rules are more similar to the anime; however, Poké Balls are numbered on the outside, on the button, so that a Trainer knows which member of their team they are sending into battle. In The Electric Tale of Pikachu, Trainers must obtain a license before they are legally allowed to purchase Poké Balls.


It is also possible for a Pokémon to be placed inside a Poké Ball without it being owned by a Trainer. In ''[[ET11|Days of Gloom and Glory]]'', [[Meowzie]] steals a Poké Ball from a shop and puts her kitten in it so that it will not be hurt by a flood affecting the city.
It is also possible for a Pokémon to be placed inside a Poké Ball without it being owned by a Trainer. In ''[[ET11|Days of Gloom and Glory]]'', [[Meowzie]] steals a Poké Ball from a shop and puts her kitten in it so that it will not be hurt by a flood affecting the city.


===In the Pokémon Adventures manga===
In ''[[ET04|Haunting My Dreams]]'', a giant Poké Ball named the Enormo Poké Ball-X1 (Japanese: '''ビッグモンスターボールX1''' ''Big Monster Ball-X1'') or EPB-X1 for short, was created to capture the gigantic {{p|Haunter}}, [[Black Fog]]. It was destroyed when the Black Fog used {{m|Explosion}} to free itself after being captured.
[[File:Yellow Seadra Poké Ball.png|thumb|left|{{adv|Yellow}}'s {{p|Seadra}}'s Poké Ball in [[Pokémon Adventures]]]]
{{-}}
In the [[Pokémon Adventures]] manga, the tops of Poké Balls are semitransparent, allowing the Pokémon inside, which is miniaturized, to be seen through the ball, while the Pokémon can likewise see out of the ball it is contained in. In this manga, unlike in the anime, Pokémon already captured can be recaught in another Poké Ball, as is seen when {{adv|Red}} recatches Misty's Gyarados (though {{adv|Blue}} states that catching a Pokémon that belongs to another is not possible in ''[[PS050|Lapras Lazily]]''). Like in the anime and games, specialty balls do exist, and {{adv|Gold}} and {{adv|Silver}} received a Friend Ball and Heavy Ball, respectively. It has also been shown that unlike the games, Pokémon placed in their balls recover from status conditions; however, like in the games, they do not recover health points. Additionally, the three original types of Poké Ball are used to identify the Trainer's rank; most Trainers keep their Pokémon in Poké Balls, [[Gym Leader]]s use Great Balls, and [[Elite Four]] members and [[Frontier Brain]]s use Ultra Balls.
{{left clear}}


==In the TCG==
===Magical Pokémon Journey===
[[File:Rocket Sneak Attack artwork.png|thumb|Ultra Ball]]
In [[Magical Pokémon Journey]], the main characters generally do not capture Pokémon, rather, they befriend them. Although [[Almond]], one of the main characters, is known to be a [[Pokémon Trainer]], he is not actually depicted capturing or raising any Pokémon. In fact, in the bonus materials of {{Vol|Magical Pokémon Journey|2}}, in which the cast of the manga meet {{Ash}}, {{an|Misty}} and {{an|Brock}} in a series of crossovers, it is revealed that [[Hazel]] and [[Coconut]] do not even know what Poké Balls are. When Ash and Misty explain that they are used to capture Pokémon, they both proceed to attempt to use them to capture Almond, as he is each of their love interest.
Several variants of Poké Ball have been released in card form in the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]], ranging from the standard variants found in the games and other media to variants specific to the TCG.


* The standard {{TCG ID|Jungle|Poké Ball|64}} card, which was the first released, debuted in the {{TCG|Jungle}} expansion and has since been featured in many others. It features a TCG-centric mechanic, requiring a {{TCG|coin}} flip to search the deck for a {{TCG|Pokémon}} to be put in the hand. Most of the Poké Ball variants, both adapted from the games and exclusive to the TCG, are similar to this, with several requiring coin flips to use their effect.
===Pokémon Adventures===
* The Ultra Ball can be seen in the artwork of {{TCG ID|Team Rocket|Rocket's Sneak Attack|16}}, from the {{TCG|Team Rocket}} expansion. The [[Ultra Ball (Dark Explorers 102)|Ultra Ball]] would make its actual first appearance, with its effect requiring the player to discard 2 cards from the player's hand to search the player's deck for a Pokémon. The 'H' on this Ultra Ball is derived from its Japanese name, ''Hyper Ball''.
[[File:Yellow Seadra Poké Ball.png|thumb|200px|{{adv|Yellow}}'s {{p|Seadra}} inside his Poké Ball in [[Pokémon Adventures]]]]
* The {{TCG ID|EX FireRed & LeafGreen|Great Ball|92}}, which first appeared in the {{TCG|EX FireRed & LeafGreen|TCG expansion}} coinciding with the {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s|remakes}} of the [[Generation I]] games, is somewhat of an upgrade to the Poké Ball, and does not require the coin flip that the Poké Ball does, instead restricting the search of Pokémon to Basic Pokémon. Later, in {{TCG|Emerging Powers}}, {{TCG ID|Emerging Powers|Great Ball|93}}'s effect was changed to have you instead search the top 7 cards of your deck for any 1 Pokémon card & put it in your hand.
In the [[Pokémon Adventures]] manga, the tops of Poké Balls are semitransparent, allowing the Pokémon inside, which is miniaturized, to be seen through the ball, while the Pokémon can likewise see out of the ball it is contained in. In this manga, unlike in the anime, Pokémon already captured can be recaught in another Poké Ball, as is seen when {{adv|Red}} recatches [[Gyara|Misty's Gyarados]] in ''[[PS006|Gyarados Splashes In!]]'' (though {{adv|Blue}} states that catching a Pokémon that belongs to another is not possible in ''[[PS050|Lapras Lazily]]'').
* The [[Master Ball (Gym Challenge 116)|Master Ball]], first appearing in the {{TCG|Gym Challenge}} expansion, and in the games the most powerful of the Poké Balls, provides a vastly different effect than the standard. Rather than searching the entire deck, only the top seven cards may be searched. One {{TCG|Pokémon}} found in these seven can be put into the hand, while the rest must be shuffled back into the deck.
* Debuting in the {{TCG|Skyridge}} expansion, the {{TCG ID|Skyridge|Lure Ball|128}} is different from the basic Poké Balls in that it draws from the {{TCG|discard pile}} rather than the deck. For each heads flipped, with a maximum of three, an {{TCG|Evolution card}} can be returned from the discard pile and put into the hand. It has not appeared since.
* Also debuting in Skyridge, the {{TCG ID|Skyridge|Friend Ball|126}}, another [[Apricorn]] Ball, has a unique effect entirely, allowing the user to search their deck for a Pokémon of the same {{TCG|type}} as one of the opponent's Pokémon, making it effective in decks that typically match up well against their own type. It also has not appeared since.
* The {{TCG ID|Skyridge|Fast Ball|124}} allows the player to go through their deck, turning over cards one at a time until they find the first evolution card, and then taking that into their hand, shuffling afterward. Like the other two Apricorn Balls, it debuted in Skyridge and has not appeared since.
* The {{TCG ID|Great Encounters|Premier Ball|101}}, debuting in the {{TCG|Great Encounters}} expansion, is special, much as in the games, and allows the player to search either the deck ''or'' the discard pile for a {{TCG|Pokémon LV.X}} to put into their hand.
* The {{TCG ID|Stormfront|Luxury Ball|86}}, first found in the {{TCG|Stormfront}} expansion, is among the rarest of the Poké Ball varieties in the games, though its catch rate is the same as that of a normal Poké Ball. Likewise it is so with the TCG, allowing a non-{{TCG|Pokémon LV.X|LV.X}} Pokémon to be searched from the deck, but only if another Luxury Ball card is not in the discard pile.
* The {{TCG ID|Mysterious Treasures|Quick Ball|114}} released in the {{TCG|Mysterious Treasures}} expansion has a similar effect to the Fast Ball released in Skyridge, allowing the player to uncover cards from their deck until they find a Pokémon. An expansion of the Fast Ball's use, any Pokémon can be found, though this may prove an issue if the player is looking for an Evolution card specifically and finds a Basic Pokémon first.
* The {{TCG ID|Mysterious Treasures|Dusk Ball|110}}, also first found in Mysterious Treasures, features an effect somewhat opposite from the Master Ball's: Instead of the top seven cards being searched, only the bottom seven cards may be, and a Pokémon found there may be put into the player's hand.
* The {{TCG ID|Next Destinies|Heavy Ball|88}}, first found in {{TCG|Next Destinies}}, allows the player to search through their deck for a Pokémon who has a retreat cost of 3 or more and put it in their hand, whereas the {{TCG ID|Next Destinies|Level Ball|89}}, also found in {{TCG|Next Destinies}}, allows them to do the same with a Pokémon that has 90 HP or less.


==In the Super Smash Bros. series==
Like in the anime and the games, specialty balls do exist, although they are much more commonly used than in the anime. In ''[[PS026|Holy Moltres]]'', [[Team Rocket]] was shown to have caught the {{adv|legendary birds}} in Ultra Balls. In ''[[PS035|And Mewtwo... Three!]]'', [[Blaine]] gave Red the [[Master Ball]], which Red used to catch {{adv|Mewtwo}} shortly afterwards. In ''[[PS101|Teddiursa's Picnic]]'', {{adv|Gold}} and {{adv|Silver}} received a Friend Ball and Heavy Ball, respectively, with Silver using his ball to catch an {{TP|Silver|Ursaring}}, while Gold used his to catch a {{p|Teddiursa}} for [[Maizie]]. Close to the end of the {{MangaArc|Gold, Silver & Crystal}}, the [[Masked Man]] was shown creating a [[GS Ball]] and using it to catch {{adv|Celebi}}. In ''[[PS528|Innocent Scientist]]'', {{adv|Blake}} used Luxury Balls while trying to catch the {{TP|Blake|Genesect}} controlled by [[Colress]], eventually succeeding. In ''[[PS543|Abyssal Ruins]]'', Blake gave {{adv|Whitley}} a Quick Ball to catch a {{p|Karrablast}}. In ''[[PS583|Scizor Defends]]'', a Quick Ball was seen amongst the Poké Balls that {{adv|Y}} had used while trying to catch an {{p|Absol}}.
The Pokémon series is represented in the {{sbw|Super Smash Bros. series}} by a Poké Ball icon. The first two games show the Poké Ball with both halves and the center filled in, while the third goes with Generation IV's redesigned icon with only the top half filled in. The upcoming fourth game appears to continue with the half-filled version.
<gallery>
File:Smash Bros Pokemon Symbol.png|The Pokémon series's symbol from ''SSB'' and ''Melee''
File:Smash Bros Brawl Pokemon Symbol.png|The Pokémon series's symbol from ''Brawl'' and ''SSB4''
</gallery>


[[File:SSBB Poke Ball.png|thumb|right|Render of a Poké Ball from [[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]]]
Safari Balls have been seen being used by Red at the {{safari|Kanto|Kanto Safari Zone}}, by {{adv|Diamond}}, {{adv|Pearl}}, and {{adv|Platinum}} at the [[Great Marsh]], and by Silver at the {{safari|Johto|Johto Safari Zone}}. {{adv|Crystal}} and {{adv|Emerald}} have also been shown using special balls to catch Pokémon, with Crystal specializing in [[Apricorn]] balls and Emerald specializing in Poké Balls introduced in [[Generation III]].
Poké Balls in their base design are an item in the Super Smash Bros. series. First appearing in the original game, they can be picked up and thrown by the characters to do damage, and, on striking the ground, release a random Pokémon. In the original, the Pokémon that can be released are {{p|Beedrill}}, {{p|Blastoise}}, {{p|Chansey}}, {{p|Charizard}}, {{p|Clefairy}}, {{p|Goldeen}}, {{p|Hitmonlee}}, {{p|Koffing}}, {{p|Meowth}}, {{p|Mew}}, {{p|Onix}}, {{p|Snorlax}}, or {{p|Starmie}}. In [[Super Smash Bros. Melee|Melee]], the listing changes, and now the Pokémon released include Generation II Pokémon, with {{p|Venusaur}}, {{p|Charizard}}, {{p|Blastoise}}, {{p|Clefairy}}, {{p|Electrode}}, {{p|Weezing}}, {{p|Chansey}}, {{p|Goldeen}}, {{p|Staryu}}, {{p|Snorlax}}, {{p|Articuno}}, {{p|Zapdos}}, {{p|Moltres}}, {{p|Mew}}, {{p|Chikorita}}, {{p|Cyndaquil}}, {{p|Togepi}}, {{p|Bellossom}}, {{p|Marill}}, {{p|Unown}}, {{p|Wobbuffet}}, {{p|Scizor}}, {{p|Porygon2}}, {{p|Raikou}}, {{p|Entei}}, {{p|Suicune}}, {{p|Lugia}}, {{p|Ho-Oh}}, or {{p|Celebi}} appearing. {{p|Ditto}} was also planned to appear, acting as a clone of the character who released it for a short while, but was dummied out of the final game and can only be accessed through [[cheating]], where it does nothing. In the third installment, [[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]], [[Generation III]] and [[Generation IV]] Pokémon were added, and now {{p|Meowth}}, {{p|Electrode}}, {{p|Goldeen}}, {{p|Staryu}}, {{p|Snorlax}}, {{p|Moltres}}, {{p|Mew}}, {{p|Chikorita}}, {{p|Togepi}}, {{p|Bellossom}}, {{p|Wobbuffet}}, {{p|Entei}}, {{p|Suicune}}, {{p|Lugia}}, {{p|Ho-Oh}}, {{p|Celebi}}, {{p|Torchic}}, {{p|Gardevoir}}, {{p|Gulpin}}, {{p|Metagross}}, {{p|Latias}}, {{p|Latios}}, {{p|Kyogre}}, {{p|Groudon}}, {{p|Jirachi}}, {{p|Deoxys}}, {{p|Piplup}}, {{p|Bonsly}}, {{p|Munchlax}}, {{p|Weavile}}, or {{p|Manaphy}} can be released from a Poké Ball that is thrown.


Also, in the Subspace Emissary, Pokémon Trainer is shown to push the button on the Poké Ball to send out the Pokémon; this has not been shown in the anime.
Additionally, the three original types of Poké Ball are used to identify the Trainer's rank; most Trainers keep their Pokémon in Poké Balls, [[Gym Leader]]s use Great Balls, and [[Elite Four]] members use Ultra Balls.


===[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]] Trophy information===
In the {{MangaArc|Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon}}, Beast Balls were created for the [[Aether Foundation]] by Blake, who was disguised as Colress, as a means of catching [[Ultra Beast]]s. Sun used one to catch his {{p|Stakataka}} in ''[[PASM30|Madness!! Mother Lusamine!]]''.
''These balls are used to catch and contain wild Pokémon. Most Pokémon must be weakened in some way before they can be caught, but once they're inside a Poké Ball, they enjoy their new home, since Poké Balls contain an environment specially designed for Pokémon comfort. [[Master Ball]]s are the strongest type.''


===[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]] Trophy information===
Like in the games, but unlike the anime, Pokémon placed in their balls don't recover from [[status condition]]s nor regain lost health, no matter how much time passes.
''"An item used for capturing Pokémon and calling them out into battle. Pokémon live in these items which despite appearances, actually contain a wide, comfortable Pokémon-friendly world inside them. In Super Smash Bros., Pokémon give temporary support to who calls them out. You never know which you will get, but some are devastatingly powerful."''


==Other variants==
====Variants====
The following Poké Ball variants are found outside of the standard games. They are often very unusual compared to the 26 types found in the games, and it is sometimes questionable whether or not they even qualify as Poké Balls. Many have separate articles, where their unique properties are described in greater detail.
* [[Bruno]] has modified his Poké Balls so that they are fitted onto the ends of his {{wp|Nunchaku|nunchucks}}. By swinging them quickly and throwing the nunchuck forward, Bruno can have his Pokémon quickly attack his opponent, giving him the advantage.
* [[Koga]] and his daughter [[Janine]] modified their Poké Balls into {{wp|shuriken}} to fit their ninja theme. In addition to being used as weapons, they can also be used to have their Pokémon pop up from different locations to surprise the opponent or to hold items to help an ally.
* [[Bugsy]] had [[Kurt]] modify his butterfly net into something he calls a Capture Net. His net has a Poké Ball nested into the middle of it. The bag of the net is made of the same material of the inside of a Poké Ball. Once a Pokémon is covered in the bag, they will automatically be sucked into the Poké Ball.
* [[Falkner]] has modified his Poké Balls into boomerangs using the feathers of his {{p|Skarmory}}. Because of Skarmory's feathers being transparent, they have the tendency to turn invisible, confusing enemies when Falkner throws them in random directions only for them to turn around and go straight for them.
* [[Erika]] and {{adv|Moon}} modified their Poké Balls to be at the end of their arrows.
* In ''[[PS283|It Takes Patience, Knowledge and a Really Quick Beedrill]]'', {{adv|Giovanni}} used a specifically designed Poké Ball with the letters "DNA" on its top half to capture {{adv|Deoxys}}.
* Multiple Dynamaxed Poké Balls appeared in the {{MangaArc|Sword & Shield}}, being used to both capture Dynamax Pokémon and send them out.


===In the games===
* [[Pester Ball]]s: These objects, which appear similar to Poké Balls at a glance, are not used to catch Pokémon, and instead will release a Pokémon repellent on contact. They are only found in {{g|Snap}}.
* The [[GS Ball]] is an event item that appears only in {{game|Crystal}}, where it was part of a giveaway on the [[Pokémon Mobile System GB]], much as event items are given out in [[Generation IV]] games over the [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]. It was not used to catch any Pokémon, and was placed in the [[key items]] pocket. If given to [[Kurt]] for inspection, it will activate an event where the player can catch a {{p|Celebi}} in [[Ilex Forest]].
* A [[Snag Ball]] is a Poké Ball variant that has been "unlocked" by the Snag Machine, allowing it to [[snagging|snag]] an already [[caught Pokémon]] during a {{pkmn|battle}}. While it is ''able'' to be used on any Pokémon, [[Rui]] will only allow [[Wes]] to use it on [[Shadow Pokémon]], while [[Michael]]'s Aura Reader will render the Snag Machine inoperable when a Pokémon other than a Shadow Pokémon is targeted.
* When transferring Pokémon via [[Poké Transfer]], a blue-colored Poké Ball is used to catch the Pokémon in the mingame. They are shot using a bow.
* Typing Balls are used in [[Learn with Pokémon: Typing Adventure]]. They are thrown after one successfully types a Pokémon's name. It has the overall design like that of a normal Poké Ball, only having an additional vertical line at the bottom, resembling the letter "T".
* In the [[Timegate Traveler Series]] featured in [[Pokéstar Studios]], the future is ruled by {{type|Bug}} Pokémon that capture wild humans in Human Balls (Japanese: '''ヒューマンボール''' ''Human Ball'') instead of the other way around.
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Pester Ball.png|A Pester Ball
Bruno Nunchuck Poké Ball.png|Bruno's nunchuck with Poké Balls on them
File:Snag Ball.png|[[Wes]] about to throw a Great Ball turned into a Snag Ball
Koga Shuriken Poké Ball.png|Koga's shuriken Poké Ball
File:Typing Ball.png|A Typing Ball
Bugsy Poké Ball net.png|Bugsy's Capture Net
Falkner Boomerang Poké Ball.png|Falkner's boomerang Poké Balls
Erika Arrow Poké Ball.png|Erika with one of her Poké Ball arrows
Moon bow Adventures.png|Moon with one of her Poké Ball arrows
DNA Ball.png|Giovanni's Deoxys Poké Ball
Dynamax Poké Ball Adventures.png|A Dynamaxed Poké Ball
</gallery>
</gallery>


===In the anime===
===Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys===
* A green Poké Ball appeared in ''[[EP001|Pokémon! I Choose You!]]''. Interestingly, the cover of the book {{OBP|Grass Pokédex|book}} greatly resembles this Poké Ball, and is labeled as a Safari Ball.
Besides regular Poké Balls, Apricorn Poké Balls also received notable attention in the [[Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys]] manga. They were first featured in ''[[GB07|The Great Search! Let's Rescue The Slowpoke!]]'', where {{GnB|Gold}} and [[Kurt]] used some of Kurt's hand-made Poké Balls to save a group of {{p|Slowpoke}} from drowning in the flooding [[Slowpoke Well]]. Kurt's Level Ball also proved crucial in stopping the [[Black Tyranitar]]'s rampage during the manga's climax.
** In addition to this; the artwork of {{ga|Brendan}}, in {{2v2|Ruby|Sapphire}}, features Brendan holding a green Poké Ball.
 
* Several objects were used to contain and control Pokémon before Poké Balls themselves were developed. Large monumental objects have been shown several times in episodes to be containers for large ancient Pokémon, as seen most notably in ''[[EP072|The Ancient Puzzle of Pokémopolis]]''. Smaller objects have also been used, such as the staff belonging to [[Sir Aaron]], which contained his partner, {{mov|Lucario|Lucario|8}}, until {{Ash}} released it in the current era. Special armor developed by [[Marcus]] was used to control Pokémon in ancient [[Michina Town]], though it did not directly ''contain'' the Pokémon; unlike other methods of using Pokémon, these Pokémon were enslaved, instead of befriended, and they turned against him the moment the armor was broken.
===Pokémon: Yeah! I Got Pokémon!===
* {{an|Mewtwo}} had a collection of strange Poké Balls in ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]'', which incorporated an eye into their design, and were used primarily to capture Pokémon to be cloned. These balls had no trouble catching Pokémon which were already captured—even if they were already inside of Poké Balls. They have been called by several names by fans, such as "Mewtwo Balls" and "Clone Balls".
[[File:Poké Ball PM.png|thumb|200px|A Poké Ball in [[Pokémon Pocket Monsters]]]]
* [[Molly Hale]], whose imagination caused the power of the {{mov|Unown|Unown|3}} to change the world around them, was able to use strange, crystalline Poké Balls when she challenged {{an|Brock}} and {{an|Misty}} in ''[[M03|Spell of the Unown]]''. The Pokémon sent from these appeared normally, but dissolved into crystal, rather than being recalled. These crystal Poké Balls only appeared when used by her imagined older selves, and do not appear to actually exist.
In [[Pokémon: Yeah! I Got Pokémon!]], Poké Balls are depicted as solid, with no visual identification as to which Poké Ball is which. In ''[[GDZ15|Special Chapter - Get Pikachu!]]'', it is revealed that when [[Shu]] met {{TP|Shu|Pikachu}}, Pikachu's Poké Ball had been abandoned in a forest because it was defective and it was causing Pikachu's electricity to be released throughout the surrounding area.
* A special variant of Poké Ball, the Lake Ball, was used during the [[Seaking Catching Day|Seaking Catching Competition]] in ''[[EP168|Hook, Line, and Stinker]]''; this is viewed by many to be similar to the Sport Ball used in the [[Bug-Catching Contest]]. They appear as blue and white Poké Balls, with a fish pattern around the edge, and a yellow arrow on the top and bottom of the ball. They don't shake after capture, implying an automatic catch.
 
* Older Poké Balls have also appeared in the anime, specifically the one carried by [[Sam|Sammy]] in ''[[M04|Celebi: Voice of the Forest]]'', which was colored differently, and it had a knob that needed to be twisted before the Pokémon inside could be sent out. While it is unknown how these types were manufactured, it is likely that they were made by hand using Apricorns, prior to the standardization and mass production of modern-day Poké Balls.
===Pokémon Pocket Monsters===
* The [[Iron-Masked Marauder]], an agent of [[Team Rocket]], used special [[Dark Ball]]s that corrupted Pokémon caught inside them and made them into mindless servants of the Trainer, as well as raising their power significantly. Multiple Pokémon were caught in these Poké Balls, including the legendary {{mov|Celebi|Celebi|4}} and a powerful {{p|Tyranitar}}. They seem capable of catching any Pokémon without fail.
In [[Pokémon Pocket Monsters]], Poké Balls are often shown as transparent to identify when a Pokémon is inside. They usually have their typical appearance from far away, suggesting that they may not always be transparent, or are only see-through from up close. Pokémon appear to be able to see the world outside of their Poké Balls, as shown in ''[[PM003|Bring Down the Powerful Opponent Onix!!]]'', when {{TP|Red|Clefairy}} sees {{OBP|Red's Pikachu|Pocket Monsters|Pikachu}} inside his Poké Ball, and they talk to each other. In ''[[PM001|Introducing the Pokémon Clefairy!!]]'', when {{PPM|Green}} is choosing Charmander as his [[first partner Pokémon]], he is shown to be able to pick up and lift Charmander directly from the Poké Ball without throwing it first.
* As in the games, the [[GS Ball]] appeared in the anime, and was the primary motivation for Ash's trip to the [[Orange Archipelago]], where he would compete in his second Pokémon League. It also served as the catalyst for his journey to [[Johto]], as he needed to deliver the ball to [[Kurt]]. Former director [[Masamitsu Hidaka]] revealed that a shelved storyline, that would have concluded the GS Ball's arc, involved a {{p|Celebi}} that would have traveled with Ash and his friends through at least part of Johto. The storyline was viewed as redundant after the decision was made to introduce Celebi in the fourth movie instead.
* In ''[[AG104|Claydol, Big and Tall]]'', the "Stone Ball", a huge Poké Ball made of stone used to keep an evil, giant {{p|Claydol}} that levied destruction everywhere. This Poké Ball is about the size of a 2-story house.
* In ''[[BW037|A Fishing Connoisseur in a Fishy Competition!]]'', a specially marked Poké Ball, called the "Fishing Poké Ball", was used in the fake fishing contest set up by {{TRT}}. This Poké Ball highly resembled the regular red and white Poké Ball, except that it had a dark fish mark on its red part.


<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Green Poké Ball anime.png|A green Poké Ball in ''[[EP001|Pokémon! I Choose You!]]''
Brock Pikachu PM.png|{{PPM|Red's Pikachu}} inside his Poké Ball, in his debut appearance
File:Bulbasaur Ball.png|The Poké Ball containing {{p|Bulbasaur}} in ''[[EP001|Pokémon! I Choose You!]]''
Green Charmander Poké Ball PPM.png|[[Green's Charmander]] being lifted from its Poké Ball
File:Charmander Ball.png|The Poké Ball containing {{p|Charmander}} in ''[[EP001|Pokémon! I Choose You!]]''
File:Squirtle Ball.png|The Poké Ball containing {{TP|Gary|Squirtle|Blastoise}} in ''[[EP001|Pokémon! I Choose You!]]''
File:Ash Pikachu Poké Ball.png|The Poké Ball containing {{AP|Pikachu}} in ''[[EP001|Pokémon! I Choose You!]]''
File:Meowzie Poké Ball.png|A diamond-encrusted Poké Ball in ''[[EP070|Go West, Young Meowth]]''
File:Clone Balls anime.png|{{an|Mewtwo}}'s "Clone Balls"
File:Crystal Ball anime.png|[[Molly Hale]] holding a Crystal Poké Ball
File:Lake Ball anime.png|The Lake Ball from ''[[EP168|Hook, Line, and Stinker]]''
File:Lokoko Poké Ball anime.png|[[Lokoko]]'s old Poké Ball from ''[[EP232|Just Waiting On a Friend]]''
File:Team Rocket Ball.png|A [[Team Rocket]] Ball from ''[[Mewtwo Returns]]''
File:Dark Ball anime.png|[[Iron-Masked Marauder]] holding a Dark Ball
File:Sammy Old Poké Ball.png|Sammy's old Poké Ball from ''[[M04|Celebi: Voice of the Forest]]''
File:Annie Oakley Ball.png|{{mov|Annie}} and [[Oakley]]'s Poké Balls from ''[[M05|Pokémon Heroes]]''
File:Promo Annie Oakley Ball reverse.jpg|A promotional toy version of {{mov|Annie}} and [[Oakley]]'s Poké Balls, produced by [[Tomy]]
File:Giant stone Poké Ball anime.png|{{p|Claydol}}'s Giant Stone Poké Ball from ''[[AG104|Claydol, Big and Tall]]''
File:Pokélantis Poké Ball anime.png|A relic holding the [[King of Pokélantis]]'s spirit
</gallery>
</gallery>


===In the manga===
==In the TCG==
====In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga====
[[File:Rocket Sneak Attack artwork.png|thumb|Ultra Ball]]
* In ''[[ET04|Haunting My Dreams]]'', a giant Poké Ball named the Enormo Poké Ball-X1 (Japanese: '''ビッグモンスターボールX1''' ''Big Monster Ball-X1'') or EPB-X1 for short, was created to capture the gigantic {{p|Haunter}}, [[Black Fog]]. It was destroyed when the Black Fog used {{m|Explosion}} to free itself after being captured.
Many variants of Poké Ball have been released in card form in the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]], ranging from the standard variants found in the games and other media to variants specific to the TCG. Generally, Poké Balls are depicted as {{TCG|Item card}}s that search the player's [[deck]] for {{TCG|Pokémon}} and put them into the player's [[hand]]. Many Poké Ball cards require some number of successful {{TCG|coin}} flips in order to allow for the search to succeed, but some cards use the order of the player's [[deck]] to create inconsistency instead. There are even Poké Ball cards that are guaranteed to work, but these cards are balanced by only finding specific subsets of Pokémon, requiring some cost to be paid, or having another drawback.
<gallery>
File:Enormo Poké Ball EToP.png|The Enormo Poké Ball-X1
</gallery>


====In the Pokémon Adventures manga====
Some cards, such as {{TCG ID|Skyridge|Apricorn Maker|121}} and {{TCG ID|Shining Fates|Ball Guy|57}}, refer to Poké Ball cards as a group, using the phrase "Item cards that have the word “Ball” in their name". This phraseology excludes cards with "Balloon" in their name even though they otherwise meet the criteria. (An example of an excluded card was {{TCG ID|BREAKpoint|Bursting Balloon|97}}, before the [[errata]] that changed {{TCG|Pokémon Tool card}}s to be a subtype of {{TCG|Trainer card}}s rather than Item cards.)
In addition to various Poké Balls introduced in the games, Pokémon Adventures also has several Trainers modifying their Poké Balls to suit their fighting styles


* [[Bruno]] has modified his Poké Balls so that they are fitted onto the ends of his {{wp|Nunchaku|nunchucks}}. By swinging them quickly and throwing the nunchuck forward, Bruno can have his Pokémon quickly attack his opponent, giving him the advantage.  
===List of Poké Ball cards based on the games===
* [[Koga]] and his daughter [[Janine]] modified their Poké Balls into {{wp|shuriken}} to fit their ninja theme. In addition to being used as weapons, they can also be used to have their Pokémon pop up from different locations to surprise the opponent or to hold items to help an ally.
* The standard {{TCG ID|Jungle|Poké Ball|64}} card, which was the first released, debuted in the {{TCG|Jungle}} expansion and has since been featured in many others. It requires the player to flip a coin and if it is successful, it searches the deck for a {{TCG|Pokémon}} and puts it in the player's hand.
* [[Bugsy]] had [[Kurt]] modify his butterfly net into something he calls a Capture Net. His net has a Poké Ball nested into the middle of it. The bag of the net is made of the same material of the inside of a Poké Ball. Once a Pokémon is covered in the bag, they will automatically be sucked into the Poké Ball.
* The Ultra Ball can be seen in the artwork of {{TCG ID|Team Rocket|Rocket's Sneak Attack|16}}, from the {{TCG|Team Rocket}} expansion. The 'H' on this Ultra Ball is derived from its Japanese name, ''Hyper Ball''. The {{TCG ID|Dark Explorers|Ultra Ball|102}} itself would debut in {{TCG|Dark Explorers}}, with its effect requiring the player to discard 2 cards from the hand to search the deck for any single Pokémon.
* [[Falkner]] has modified his Poké Balls into boomerangs using the feathers of his {{p|Skarmory}}. Because of Skarmory's feathers being transparent, they have the tendency to turn invisible, confusing enemies when Falkner throws them in random directions only for them to turn around and go straight for them.
* The {{TCG ID|EX FireRed & LeafGreen|Great Ball|92}}, which first appeared in the {{TCG|EX FireRed & LeafGreen|TCG expansion}} coinciding with the {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s|remakes}} of the [[Generation I]] games, is somewhat of an upgrade to the Poké Ball, and does not require the coin flip that the Poké Ball does, instead restricting the search to Basic Pokémon. Later, in {{TCG|Emerging Powers}}, {{TCG ID|Emerging Powers|Great Ball|93}}'s effect was changed to have the player search the top 7 cards of the deck for any one Pokémon card and put it in the hand.
* [[Erika]] modified her Poké Balls to be at the end of her arrows.
* The {{TCG ID|Gym Challenge|Master Ball|116}}, first appearing in the {{TCG|Gym Challenge}} expansion, and in the games the most powerful of the Poké Balls, provides a vastly different effect than the standard. Rather than searching the entire deck, only the top seven cards may be searched. One {{TCG|Pokémon}} found in these seven can be put into the hand, while the rest must be shuffled back into the deck. In {{TCG|Plasma Blast}}, the {{TCG ID|Plasma Blast|Master Ball|94}} was changed to an {{TCG|ACE SPEC card}} that allowed the player to search the entire deck for any one Pokémon. This effect is similar to Ultra Ball, but without the discard cost.
* Debuting in the {{TCG|Skyridge}} expansion, the {{TCG ID|Skyridge|Lure Ball|128}} is different from the basic Poké Balls in that it draws from the {{TCG|discard pile}} rather than the deck. For each heads flipped, with a maximum of three, an {{TCG|Evolution card}} can be returned from the discard pile and put into the hand. It has since been reprinted in {{TCG|Celestial Storm}}.
* Also debuting in Skyridge, the {{TCG ID|Skyridge|Friend Ball|126}}, another [[Apricorn]] Ball, has a unique effect entirely, allowing the user to search their deck for a Pokémon of the same {{TCG|type}} as one of the opponent's Pokémon and put it into their hand. It is effective in decks that typically match up well against their own type. It was also reprinted in Celestial Storm.
* The {{TCG ID|Skyridge|Fast Ball|124}} allows the player to go through their deck, turning over cards one at a time until they find the first evolution card, and then taking that into their hand, shuffling afterward. Like the other two Apricorn Balls, it debuted in Skyridge, but unlike the others, it has not appeared since.
* The {{TCG ID|Great Encounters|Premier Ball|101}}, debuting in the {{TCG|Great Encounters}} expansion, is special, much as in the games, and allows the player to search either the deck ''or'' the discard pile for a {{TCG|Pokémon LV.X}} to put into their hand.
* The {{TCG ID|Stormfront|Luxury Ball|86}}, first released in the {{TCG|Stormfront}} expansion, is among the rarest of the Poké Ball varieties in the games, though its catch rate is the same as that of a normal Poké Ball. Likewise it is so with the TCG, allowing a non-{{TCG|Pokémon LV.X|LV.X}} Pokémon to be searched from the deck, but only if another Luxury Ball card is not in the discard pile.
* The {{TCG ID|Mysterious Treasures|Quick Ball|114}} released in the {{TCG|Mysterious Treasures}} expansion has a similar effect to the Fast Ball released in Skyridge, allowing the player to uncover cards from their deck until they find a Pokémon. An expansion of the Fast Ball's use, any Pokémon can be found, though this may prove an issue if the player is looking for an Evolution card specifically and finds a Basic Pokémon first, and vice versa. The Quick Ball was rereleased in the {{TCG|Sword & Shield}} expansion with a different effect, requiring players to discard 1 card in order to search their deck for a Basic Pokémon.
* The {{TCG ID|Mysterious Treasures|Dusk Ball|110}}, also first released in Mysterious Treasures, features an effect somewhat opposite from that of the pre-Plasma Blast version of Master Ball: Instead of the top seven cards being searched, only the bottom seven cards may be, and a Pokémon found there may be put into the player's hand.
* The {{TCG ID|Next Destinies|Heavy Ball|88}}, first released in {{TCG|Next Destinies}}, allows the player to search their deck for a Pokémon who has a [[Retreat Cost]] of 3 or more and put it into their hand.
* The {{TCG ID|Next Destinies|Level Ball|89}}, also first released in {{TCG|Next Destinies}}, allows the player to search their deck for a Pokémon that has 90 HP or less and put it into their hand.
* The {{TCG ID|Primal Clash|Dive Ball|125}}, released only in {{TCG|Primal Clash}}, allows the player to search their deck for a {{ct|Water}} Pokémon and put it into their hand.
* The {{TCG ID|Primal Clash|Repeat Ball|136}}, released only in {{TCG|Primal Clash}}, allows the player to search their deck for a Pokémon with the same name as one of their Pokémon in play and put it into their hand.
* The {{TCG ID|Sun & Moon|Nest Ball|123}}, first released in {{TCG|Sun & Moon}}, allows the player to search their deck for a Basic Pokémon and put it onto their Bench.
* The {{TCG ID|Sun & Moon|Timer Ball|134}}, first released in {{TCG|Sun & Moon}}, allows the player to search their deck for a number of Evolution Pokémon equal to the number of heads from flipping two coins.
* The {{TCG ID|Lost Thunder|Net Ball|187}}, first released in {{TCG|Lost Thunder}}, allows the player to search their deck for a Basic {{e|Grass}} Pokémon or a {{e|Grass}} Energy card and put it into their hand.
* The {{TCG ID|Celestial Storm|Beast Ball|125}}, first released in {{TCG|Celestial Storm}}, allows the player to look at their Prize Cards, and swap an [[Ultra Beast]] found there with the Beast Ball card.
* The {{TCG ID|Unified Minds|Cherish Ball|191}}, first released in {{TCG|Unified Minds}}, allows the player to search their deck for any {{TCG|Pokémon-GX}} and put it into their hand.
* The {{TCG ID|Evolving Skies|Dream Ball|146}}, first released in {{TCG|Evolving Skies}}, allows the player to search their deck for a Pokémon and put it on their bench, but the card can only be played if the player took it as a face down Prize card.
* The {{TCG ID|Astral Radiance|Feather Ball|141}}, first released in {{TCG|Astral Radiance}}, allows the player to search their deck for a Pokémon with no Retreat Cost and put it into their hand.
* The {{TCG ID|Astral Radiance|Hisuian Heavy Ball|146}}, first released in Astral Radiance, allows the player to look at their Prize cards, and swap a Basic Pokémon found there with the Hisuian Heavy Ball card.
* The {{TCG ID|Twilight Masquerade|Love Ball|156}}, first released in {{TCG|Twilight Masquerade}}, is similar in effect to Friend Ball, except it allows the user to search their deck for a Pokémon of the same name (instead of the same type) as one of the opponent's Pokémon, and put it into their hand.


<gallery perrow=6>
<gallery>
File:Bruno Nunchuck Poké Ball.png|Bruno's nunchuck with Poké Balls on them
PokéBallScarletViolet185.jpg|{{TCG|Poké Ball}}
File:Koga Shuriken Poké Ball.png|Koga's Shuriken Poké Ball
GreatBallPaldeaEvolved183.jpg|{{TCG|Great Ball}}
File:Bugsy Poké Ball net.png|Bugsy's Capture net
UltraBallScarletViolet196.jpg|{{TCG|Ultra Ball}}
File:Falkner Boomerang Poké Ball.png|Falkner's boomerang Poké Balls
MasterBallTemporalForces153.jpg|{{TCG|Master Ball}}
File:Erika Blaine Adventures.png|Erika with one of her Poké Ball arrows.
FastBallSkyridge124.jpg|{{TCG|Fast Ball}}
LevelBallBattleStyles129.jpg|{{TCG|Level Ball}}
LureBallCelestialStorm138.jpg|{{TCG|Lure Ball}}
HeavyBallBREAKthrough140.jpg|{{TCG|Heavy Ball}}
LoveBallTwilightMasquerade156.jpg|{{TCG|Love Ball}}
FriendBallCelestialStorm131.jpg|{{TCG|Friend Ball}}
NetBallLostThunder187.jpg|{{TCG|Net Ball}}
NestBallScarletViolet181.jpg|{{TCG|Nest Ball}}
RepeatBallPrimalClash136.jpg|{{TCG|Repeat Ball}}
TimerBallSunMoon134.jpg|{{TCG|Timer Ball}}
LuxuryBallStormfront86.jpg|{{TCG|Luxury Ball}}
PremierBallGreatEncounters101.jpg|{{TCG|Premier Ball}}
DiveBallPrimalClash125.jpg|{{TCG|Dive Ball}}
DuskBallParadiseDragona54.jpg|{{TCG|Dusk Ball}}
QuickBallSwordShield179.jpg|{{TCG|Quick Ball}}
CherishBallUnifiedMinds191.jpg|{{TCG|Cherish Ball}}
DreamBallEvolvingSkies146.jpg|{{TCG|Dream Ball}}
BeastBallCelestialStorm125.jpg|{{TCG|Beast Ball}}
FeatherBallAstralRadiance141.jpg|{{TCG|Feather Ball}}
HisuianHeavyBallAstralRadiance146.jpg|{{TCG|Hisuian Heavy Ball}}
</gallery>
</gallery>


===In the TCG===
===List of Poké Balls original to the TCG===
* The {{TCG ID|Expedition|Dual Ball|139}} is merely two Poké Balls together, and has a similar effect to using two plain Poké Ball cards, requiring two coin flips to search for up to two Pokémon, depending on how many heads appear.
* The {{TCG ID|Expedition|Dual Ball|139}} is two Poké Balls together, and has a similar (but not identical) effect to using two Poké Ball cards. The player flips two coins then searches their deck for one Basic Pokémon per heads result.
* The {{TCG ID|EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua|Team Magma Ball|80}} is [[Team Magma]]'s Poké Ball variant, found only in the {{TCG|EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua}} expansion. It works similarly to a Poké Ball, however, it only can be used to find Team Magma's Pokémon, and will still allow a player to find a Pokémon, though only a {{TCG|Basic Pokémon|Basic one}}, if the coin flip results in tails.
* The {{TCG ID|EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua|Team Magma Ball|80}} is a [[Team Magma]] variation of the Poké Ball, released only in the {{TCG|EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua}} expansion. First, the player flips a coin. If it has a heads result, the card allows the user to search for a Team Magma's Pokémon. If that coin flip results in tails, the search is limited to {{TCG|Basic Pokémon|Basic}} Team Magma Pokémon.
* The {{TCG ID|EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua|Team Aqua Ball|75}} is [[Team Aqua]]'s Poké Ball variant, also found only in the {{TCG|EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua}} expansion. It works ''exactly'' the same as the Team Magma Ball, with the exception that it can only search out Team Aqua's Pokémon instead.
* The {{TCG ID|EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua|Team Aqua Ball|75}} is a [[Team Aqua]] variation of the Poké Ball, also released only in the {{TCG|EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua}} expansion. It has the same effect as the Team Magma Ball, but searches for Team Aqua's Pokémon instead.
* The {{TCG ID|EX Team Rocket Returns|Rocket's Poké Ball|89}} is the [[Team Rocket]] variation on the Poké Ball, found in the {{TCG|EX Team Rocket Returns}} expansion. No coin flip is required, and it simply allows the player to search for a {{TCG|Dark Pokémon}}.
* The {{TCG ID|EX Team Rocket Returns|Rocket's Poké Ball|89}} is the [[Team Rocket]] variation on the Poké Ball, released in the {{TCG|EX Team Rocket Returns}} expansion. It allows the player to search their deck for a {{TCG|Dark Pokémon}}.
* The {{TCG ID|Plasma Freeze|Team Plasma Ball|105}} is the Team Plasma variant of the Poké Ball, found in the {{TCG|Plasma Freeze}} expansion. It allows the user to search for a Team Plasma Pokémon without a coin flip required.
* The {{TCG ID|Plasma Freeze|Team Plasma Ball|105}} is a [[Team Plasma]] variation of the Poké Ball, released in the {{TCG|Plasma Freeze}} expansion. It allows the user to search their deck for a {{TCG|Team Plasma}} Pokémon.
* The {{TCG ID|Double Crisis|Team Magma's Great Ball|31}} is a Team Magma variation on the Great Ball, released in the {{TCG|Double Crisis}} expansion. It searches the deck for a Basic Team Magma Pokémon and a Basic {{e|Fighting}} Energy.
* The {{TCG ID|Double Crisis|Team Aqua's Great Ball|27}} is a Team Aqua variation on the Great Ball, also released in the {{TCG|Double Crisis}} expansion. It searches the deck for a Basic Team Aqua Pokémon and a Basic {{e|Water}} Energy.


<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Magma Ball artwork.jpg|Team Magma Ball
DualBallCallLegends78.jpg|{{TCG|Dual Ball}}
File:Aqua Ball artwork.jpg|Team Aqua Ball
Magma Ball artwork.jpg|{{TCG|Team Magma Ball}}
File:Rocket Ball artwork.jpg|Rocket's Poké Ball
Aqua Ball artwork.jpg|{{TCG|Team Aqua Ball}}
Rocket Ball artwork.jpg|{{TCG|Rocket's Poké Ball}}
Plasma Ball artwork.jpg|{{TCG|Team Plasma Ball}}
Magma Great Ball artwork.jpg|{{TCG|Team Magma's Great Ball}}
Aqua Great Ball artwork.jpg|{{TCG|Team Aqua's Great Ball}}
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Item balls==
==In the novels==
{{main|Item#Obtaining items|Item → Obtaining items}}
===Pocket Monsters: The Animation===
[[File:Itemball.png|thumb|200px|left|{{ga|Red}} finds an item ball on {{rt|2|Kanto}}]]
In [[Pocket Monsters: The Animation]], it is said that Poké Balls were invented in 1925 by [[Professor Westwood V|Professor Nishinomori]].
[[File:Rice Ball Poké Ball.png|right|200px|thumb|Ash catches a [[rice ball]] thrown by a wild {{p|Mankey}}]]
In both the anime and games, it has been shown that [[item]]s can be contained in Poké Balls, apparently able to be captured in much the same way as a Pokémon. The anime has used this as a gag on several occasions, most notably in ''[[EP025|Primeape Goes Bananas]]'', where {{Ash}} accidentally catches a rice ball when he throws a Poké Ball in an attempt to catch a wild Mankey.


Items contained in Poké Balls have been present from the very first games, with many items that are found on the field being found in Poké Balls in conspicuous locations. These items are sometimes important, and usually will be among the required items for pickup along the way. Sometimes, even Poké Ball variants can be found in item balls, though it may be that the item ball itself is supposed to represent the ball that is found. Many other items, however, are hidden, and are not in item balls, instead being directly on the field, and can be found more easily using an [[Itemfinder]] or Dowsing Machine.  
==In the guidebooks==
According to the [[Encyclopedia Pokemonica]], [[Pocket Monsters Encyclopedia]], and a [[Pokémon Daisuki Club]] site describing the [[Pokémon world]], modern Poké Balls were developed in 1925 from the research of [[Professor Westwood V|Professor Westwood]] of [[Celadon University]].


{{p|Voltorb}}, {{p|Electrode}}, {{p|Foongus}}, and {{p|Amoonguss}} often appear as item balls in the overworld, but attack when interacted with.
==In real life==
{{left clear}}{{right clear}}
The Pokémon Company has occasionally partnered with certain companies in order to create certain products. This includes Poké Balls.
 
*The Pokémon Company has collaborated with {{wikipedia|Tiffany & Co.}} in order to make a Poké Ball that also acts as a jewelry case.
==Artwork==
<gallery>
These are artwork of the items as seen in the [[Pokémon Dream World]]
Collaboration Tiffany & Co. Poké Ball.png|The {{wikipedia|Tiffany & Co.}} Poké Ball.
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{black color dark}}; border: 5px solid #{{black color}}"
|-
| width="160px" style="background: #{{red color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Dream Poké Ball Sprite.png]]
| width="160px" style="background: #{{blue color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Dream Great Ball Sprite.png]]
| width="160px" style="background: #{{yellow color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Dream Ultra Ball Sprite.png]]
| width="160px" style="background: #{{poison color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Dream Master Ball Sprite.png]]
| width="160px" style="background: #{{grass color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Dream Safari Ball Sprite.png]]
|-
| style="background: #{{red color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{color|{{red color dark}}|Poké Ball}}
| style="background: #{{blue color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{color|{{blue color dark}}|Great Ball}}
| style="background: #{{yellow color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{color|{{yellow color dark}}|Ultra Ball}}
| style="background: #{{poison color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{color|{{poison color dark}}|Master Ball}}
| style="background: #{{grass color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{color|{{grass color dark}}|Safari Ball}}
|-
| width="160px" style="background: #{{white color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Dream Premier Ball Sprite.png]]
| width="160px" style="background: #{{orange color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Dream Repeat Ball Sprite.png]]
| width="160px" style="background: #{{orre color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Dream Timer Ball Sprite.png]]
| width="160px" style="background: #{{normal color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Dream Nest Ball Sprite.png]]
| width="160px" style="background: #{{bug color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Dream Net Ball Sprite.png]]
|-
| style="background: #{{white color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{color|{{white color dark}}|Premier Ball}}
| style="background: #{{orange color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{color|{{orange color dark}}|Repeat Ball}}
| style="background: #{{orre color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{color|{{orre color dark}}|Timer Ball}}
| style="background: #{{normal color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{color|{{normal color dark}}|Nest Ball}}
| style="background: #{{bug color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{color|{{bug color dark}}|Net Ball}}
|-
| width="160px" style="background: #{{water color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Dream Dive Ball Sprite.png]]
| width="160px" style="background: #{{black color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Dream Luxury Ball Sprite.png]]
| width="160px" style="background: #{{fairy color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Dream Heal Ball Sprite.png]]
| width="160px" style="background: #{{speed color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Dream Quick Ball Sprite.png]]
| width="160px" style="background: #{{night color}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | [[File:Dream Dusk Ball Sprite.png]]
|-
| style="background: #{{water color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{color|{{water color dark}}|Dive Ball}}
| style="background: #{{black color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{color|{{black color dark}}|Luxury Ball}}
| style="background: #{{fairy color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{color|{{fairy color dark}}|Heal Ball}}
| style="background: #{{speed color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{color|{{speed color dark}}|Quick Ball}}
| style="background: #{{night color light}}; {{roundybottom|5px}}" | {{color|{{night color dark}}|Dusk Ball}}
|}{{-}}
 
===Non-Bag sprites===
====Summary====
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{black color dark}}; border: 5px solid #{{black color}}"
|-
| style="background: #{{red color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | {{color|{{red color dark}}|Poké Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{red color}};" | [[File:Poké Ball summary IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{blue color light}};" | {{color|{{blue color dark}}|Great Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{blue color}};" | [[File:Great Ball summary IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{yellow color light}};" | {{color|{{yellow color dark}}|Ultra Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{yellow color}};" | [[File:Ultra Ball summary IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{poison color light}};" | {{color|{{poison color dark}}|Master Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{poison color}};" | [[File:Master Ball summary IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{grass color light}};" | {{color|{{grass color dark}}|Safari Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{grass color}}; {{roundytr|5px}};" | [[File:Safari Ball summary IV.png]]
|-
| style="background: #{{power color light}};" | {{color|{{power color dark}}|Level Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{power color}};" | [[File:Level Ball summary IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{skill color light}};" | {{color|{{skill color dark}}|Lure Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{skill color}};" | [[File:Lure Ball summary IV.png|Generation IV]]<br>[[File:Lure Ball summary V.png|Generation V]]
| style="background: #{{stamina color light}};" | {{color|{{stamina color dark}}|Moon Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{stamina color}};" | [[File:Moon Ball summary IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{jump color light}};" | {{color|{{jump color dark}}|Friend Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{jump color}};" | [[File:Friend Ball summary IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{speed color light}};" | {{color|{{speed color dark}}|Love Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{speed color}};" | [[File:Love Ball summary IV.png]]
|-
| style="background: #{{black 2 color light}};" | {{color|{{black 2 color dark}}|Heavy Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{black 2 color}};" | [[File:Heavy Ball summary IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{white 2 color light}};" | {{color|{{white 2 color dark}}|Fast Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{white 2 color}};" | [[File:Fast Ball summary IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{bug color light}};" | {{color|{{bug color dark}}|Sport Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{bug color}};" | [[File:Sport Ball summary IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{white color light}};" | {{color|{{white color dark}}|Premier Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{white color}};" | [[File:Premier Ball summary IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{orange color light}};" | {{color|{{orange color dark}}|Repeat Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{orange color}};" | [[File:Repeat Ball summary IV.png]]
|-
| style="background: #{{orre color light}};" | {{color|{{orre color dark}}|Timer Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{orre color}};" | [[File:Timer Ball summary IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{normal color light}};" | {{color|{{normal color dark}}|Nest Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{normal color}};" | [[File:Nest Ball summary IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{bug color light}};" | {{color|{{bug color dark}}|Net Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{bug color}};" | [[File:Net Ball summary IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{water color light}};" | {{color|{{water color dark}}|Dive Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{water color}};" | [[File:Dive Ball summary IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{black color light}};" | {{color|{{black color dark}}|Luxury Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{black color}};" | [[File:Luxury Ball summary IV.png]]
|-
| style="background: #{{fairy color light}}; {{roundybl|5px}};" | {{color|{{fairy color dark}}|Heal Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{fairy color}};" | [[File:Heal Ball summary IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{speed color light}};" | {{color|{{speed color dark}}|Quick Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{speed color}};" | [[File:Quick Ball summary IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{night color light}};" | {{color|{{night color dark}}|Dusk Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{night color}};" | [[File:Dusk Ball summary IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{ruby color light}};" | {{color|{{ruby color dark}}|Cherish Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{ruby color}};" | [[File:Cherish Ball summary IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{dream color light}};" | {{color|{{dream color dark}}|Dream Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{dream color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | [[File:Dream Ball summary.png]]
|}{{-}}
 
====In battle====
=====Generation I and II=====
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{black color dark}}; border: 5px solid #{{black color}}"
|-
| style="background: #FFF; {{roundyleft|5px}}" | {{color|000|Any Poké Ball<br>(Generation I)}}
| width="12px" style="background: #FFF;" | [[File:Poké Ball battle I.png]]
| style="background: #{{red color light}};" | {{color|{{red color dark}}|Poké Ball<br>Love Ball}}
| width="12px" style="background: #{{red color}};" | [[File:Poké Ball Love Ball battle II.png]]
| style="background: #{{blue color light}};" | {{color|{{blue color dark}}|Great Ball<br>Lure Ball<br>Fast Ball}}
| width="12px" style="background: #{{blue color}};" | [[File:Great Ball Lure Ball Fast Ball battle II.png]]
| style="background: #{{yellow color light}};" | {{color|{{yellow color dark}}|Ultra Ball<br>Friend Ball}}
| width="12px" style="background: #{{yellow color}};" | [[File:Ultra Ball Friend Ball battle II.png]]
| style="background: #{{green color light}};" | {{color|{{green color dark}}|Master Ball}}
| width="12px" style="background: #{{green color}};" | [[File:Master Ball battle II.png]]
| style="background: #{{bronze color light}};" | {{color|{{bronze color dark}}|Level Ball}}
| width="12px" style="background: #{{bronze color}};" | [[File:Level Ball battle II.png]]
| style="background: #{{platinum color light}};" | {{color|{{platinum color dark}}|Moon Ball<br>Heavy Ball<br>Park Ball}}
| width="12px" style="background: #{{platinum color}}; {{roundyright|5px}}" | [[File:Moon Ball Heavy Ball Park Ball battle II.png]]
|}{{-}}
 
=====Generation III=====
Sprites are the same for both summary and battle.
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{black color dark}}; border: 5px solid #{{black color}}"
|-
| style="background: #{{red color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | {{color|{{red color dark}}|Poké Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{red color}};" | [[File:Poké Ball III.png]]
| style="background: #{{blue color light}};" | {{color|{{blue color dark}}|Great Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{blue color}};" | [[File:Great Ball III.png]]
| style="background: #{{yellow color light}};" | {{color|{{yellow color dark}}|Ultra Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{yellow color}};" | [[File:Ultra Ball III.png]]
| style="background: #{{poison color light}};" | {{color|{{poison color dark}}|Master Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{poison color}}; {{roundytr|5px}};" | [[File:Master Ball III.png]]
|-
| style="background: #{{grass color light}};" | {{color|{{grass color dark}}|Safari Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{grass color}};" | [[File:Safari Ball III.png]]
| style="background: #{{white color light}};" | {{color|{{white color dark}}|Premier Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{white color}};" | [[File:Premier Ball III.png]]
| style="background: #{{orange color light}};" | {{color|{{orange color dark}}|Repeat Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{orange color}};" | [[File:Repeat Ball III.png]]
| style="background: #{{orre color light}};" | {{color|{{orre color dark}}|Timer Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{orre color}};" | [[File:Timer Ball III.png]]
|-
| style="background: #{{normal color light}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{color|{{normal color dark}}|Nest Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{normal color}};" | [[File:Nest Ball III.png]]
| style="background: #{{bug color light}};" | {{color|{{bug color dark}}|Net Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{bug color}};" | [[File:Net Ball III.png]]
| style="background: #{{water color light}};" | {{color|{{water color dark}}|Dive Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{water color}};" | [[File:Dive Ball III.png]]
| style="background: #{{black color light}};" | {{color|{{black color dark}}|Luxury Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{black color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | [[File:Luxury Ball III.png]]
|}{{-}}
 
=====Generation IV=====
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{black color dark}}; border: 5px solid #{{black color}}"
|-
| style="background: #{{red color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | {{color|{{red color dark}}|Poké Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{red color}};" | [[File:Poké Ball battle IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{blue color light}};" | {{color|{{blue color dark}}|Great Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{blue color}};" | [[File:Great Ball battle IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{yellow color light}};" | {{color|{{yellow color dark}}|Ultra Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{yellow color}};" | [[File:Ultra Ball battle IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{poison color light}};" | {{color|{{poison color dark}}|Master Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{poison color}};"  | [[File:Master Ball battle IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{grass color light}};" | {{color|{{grass color dark}}|Safari Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{grass color}}; {{roundytr|5px}}"| [[File:Safari Ball battle IV.png]]
|-
| style="background: #{{power color light}};" | {{color|{{power color dark}}|Level Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{power color}};" | [[File:Level Ball battle IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{skill color light}};" | {{color|{{skill color dark}}|Lure Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{skill color}};" | [[File:Lure Ball battle IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{stamina color light}};" | {{color|{{stamina color dark}}|Moon Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{stamina color}};" | [[File:Moon Ball battle IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{jump color light}};" | {{color|{{jump color dark}}|Friend Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{jump color}};" | [[File:Friend Ball battle IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{speed color light}};" | {{color|{{speed color dark}}|Love Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{speed color}};" | [[File:Love Ball battle IV.png]]
|-
| style="background: #{{black 2 color light}};" | {{color|{{black 2 color dark}}|Heavy Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{black 2 color}};" | [[File:Heavy Ball battle IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{white 2 color light}};" | {{color|{{white 2 color dark}}|Fast Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{white 2 color}};" | [[File:Fast Ball battle IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{bug color light}};" | {{color|{{bug color dark}}|Sport Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{bug color}};" | [[File:Sport Ball battle IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{white color light}};" | {{color|{{white color dark}}|Premier Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{white color}};" | [[File:Premier Ball battle IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{orange color light}};" | {{color|{{orange color dark}}|Repeat Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{orange color}};" | [[File:Repeat Ball battle IV.png]]
|-
| style="background: #{{orre color light}};" | {{color|{{orre color dark}}|Timer Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{orre color}};" | [[File:Timer Ball battle IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{normal color light}};" | {{color|{{normal color dark}}|Nest Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{normal color}};" | [[File:Nest Ball battle IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{bug color light}};" | {{color|{{bug color dark}}|Net Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{bug color}};" | [[File:Net Ball battle IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{water color light}};" | {{color|{{water color dark}}|Dive Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{water color}};" | [[File:Dive Ball battle IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{black color light}};" | {{color|{{black color dark}}|Luxury Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{black color}};" | [[File:Luxury Ball battle IV.png]]
|-
| style="background: #{{fairy color light}}; {{roundybl|5px}}" | {{color|{{fairy color dark}}|Heal Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{fairy color}};" | [[File:Heal Ball battle IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{speed color light}};" | {{color|{{speed color dark}}|Quick Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{speed color}};" | [[File:Quick Ball battle IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{night color light}};" | {{color|{{night color dark}}|Dusk Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{night color}};" | [[File:Dusk Ball battle IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{ruby color light}};" | {{color|{{ruby color dark}}|Cherish Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{ruby color}};" | [[File:Cherish Ball battle IV.png]]
| style="background: #{{yellow color light}};" | {{color|{{yellow color dark}}|Park Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{yellow color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | [[File:Park Ball battle IV.png]]
|}{{-}}
 
=====Generation V=====
{{incomplete|section|needs=All images}}
Generation II Poké Balls, while programmed into the game, cannot be used to catch Pokémon and can be seen only when sending out a Pokémon. Sprites seen below are at full size as they are seen as they are when player's Pokémon is sent out after a switch.
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{black color dark}}; border: 5px solid #{{black color}}"
|-
| style="background: #{{red color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | {{color|{{red color dark}}|Poké Ball}}
| width="14px" style="background: #{{red color}};" | [[File:Poké Ball battle V.png]]
| style="background: #{{blue color light}};" | {{color|{{blue color dark}}|Great Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{blue color}};" | [[File:Great Ball battle V.png]]
| style="background: #{{yellow color light}};" | {{color|{{yellow color dark}}|Ultra Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{yellow color}};" | [[File:Ultra Ball battle V.png]]
| style="background: #{{poison color light}};" | {{color|{{poison color dark}}|Master Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{poison color}};" | [[File:Master Ball battle V.png]]
| style="background: #{{grass color light}};" | {{color|{{grass color dark}}|Safari Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{grass color}}; {{roundytr|5px}};" | [[File:Safari Ball battle V.png]]
|-
| style="background: #{{power color light}};" | {{color|{{power color dark}}|Level Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{power color}};" | [[File:Level Ball battle V.png]]
| style="background: #{{skill color light}};" | {{color|{{skill color dark}}|Lure Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{skill color}};" | [[File:Lure Ball battle V.png]]
| style="background: #{{stamina color light}};" | {{color|{{stamina color dark}}|Moon Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{stamina color}};" | [[File:Moon Ball battle V.png]]
| style="background: #{{jump color light}};" | {{color|{{jump color dark}}|Friend Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{jump color}};" | [[File:Friend Ball battle V.png]]
| style="background: #{{speed color light}};" | {{color|{{speed color dark}}|Love Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{speed color}};" | [[File:Love Ball battle V.png]]
|-
| style="background: #{{black 2 color light}};" | {{color|{{black 2 color dark}}|Heavy Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{black 2 color}};" | [[File:Heavy Ball battle V.png]]
| style="background: #{{white 2 color light}};" | {{color|{{white 2 color dark}}|Fast Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{white 2 color}};" | [[File:Fast Ball battle V.png]]
| style="background: #{{bug color light}};" | {{color|{{bug color dark}}|Sport Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{bug color}};" | [[File:Sport Ball battle V.png]]
| style="background: #{{white color light}};" | {{color|{{white color dark}}|Premier Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{white color}};" | [[File:Premier Ball battle V.png]]
| style="background: #{{orange color light}};" | {{color|{{orange color dark}}|Repeat Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{orange color}};" | [[File:Repeat Ball battle V.png]]
|-
| style="background: #{{orre color light}};" | {{color|{{orre color dark}}|Timer Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{orre color}};" | [[File:Timer Ball battle V.png]]
| style="background: #{{normal color light}};" | {{color|{{normal color dark}}|Nest Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{normal color}};" | [[File:Nest Ball battle V.png]]
<!--
| style="background: #{{bug color light}};" | {{color|{{bug color dark}}|Net Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{bug color}};" | [[File:Net Ball battle V.png]]
| style="background: #{{water color light}};" | {{color|{{water color dark}}|Dive Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{water color}};" | [[File:Dive Ball battle V.png]]
| style="background: #{{black color light}};" | {{color|{{black color dark}}|Luxury Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{black color}};" | [[File:Luxury Ball battle V.png]]
|-
| style="background: #{{fairy color light}}; {{roundybl|5px}};" | {{color|{{fairy color dark}}|Heal Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{fairy color}};" | [[File:Heal Ball battle V.png]]
| style="background: #{{speed color light}};" | {{color|{{speed color dark}}|Quick Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{speed color}};" | [[File:Quick Ball battle V.png]]
| style="background: #{{night color light}};" | {{color|{{night color dark}}|Dusk Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{night color}};" | [[File:Dusk Ball battle V.png]]
| style="background: #{{ruby color light}};" | {{color|{{ruby color dark}}|Cherish Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{ruby color}};" | [[File:Cherish Ball battle V.png]]
| style="background: #{{dream color light}};" | {{color|{{dream color dark}}|Dream Ball}}
| width="15px" style="background: #{{dream color}}; {{roundybr|5px}}" | [[File:Dream Ball battle V.png]]
!-->
|}{{-}}
 
===Pokémon Stadium===
[[File:Stadium Poké Ball.png|thumb|left|A Poké Ball from {{eng|Pokémon Stadium}}]]
[[File:Stadium 2 Poké Ball.png|thumb|right|A Poké Ball from [[Pokémon Stadium 2]]]]
Outside of the battles, Generation I Poké Balls (except the Safari Ball) are all seen in the minigame {{p|Furret}}'s Frolic in [[Pokémon Stadium 2]]. Poké Ball is worth 1 point, Great Ball 2, Ultra Ball 3 and [[Master Ball]] 5.
{{-}}
====Furret's Frolic====
<gallery perrow="4">
File:Furret Frolic Poké Ball.png|Poké Ball
File:Furret Frolic Great Ball.png|Great Ball
File:Furret Frolic Ultra Ball.png|Ultra Ball
File:Furret Frolic Master Ball.png|Master Ball
File:Furret Frolic Poké Ball instructions.png|Poké Ball on instructions screen
File:Furret Frolic Great Ball instructions.png|Great Ball on instructions screen
File:Furret Frolic Ultra Ball instructions.png|Ultra Ball on instructions screen
File:Furret Frolic Master Ball instructions.png|Master Ball on instructions screen
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
* While any Pokémon species can be caught by any Poké Ball, due to Pokémon distribution, no Pokémon species can legitimately be in all of the 26 in-game Poké Ball variants. The Pokémon that come the closest are the {{p|Paras}} and {{p|Venonat}} families, as they are found in the wild in all five generations that introduced Poké Balls, and can be obtained in the [[Pokémon Dream World]]; the only Ball they cannot be legitimately contained in is the Cherish Ball, as they have not been given out as an event Pokémon during Generation IV, V, or VI.
* {{an|Professor Oak}} has written {{wp|senryū}} about the Poké Ball in two of his lectures:
** For [[DP003]], the [[Professor Oak's Big Pokémon Encyclopedia]] featured this senryū: 「ゲットだぜ　なげかたいろいろ　モンスターボール」 ''"I caught a Pokémon! {{tt|Monster Balls|Poké Balls}} can be thrown in all sorts of ways."''
** For [[BW002]], the [[Professor Oak's Pokémon Live Caster]] featured this senryū: 「あっポケモン　モンスターボール　わすれずに」 ''"Oh, a Pokémon; don't forget to bring your {{tt|Monster Balls|Poké Balls}}."''
* In {{g|Pinball}}, the Poké Balls serve as the balls in the machine; they can be used to capture Pokémon and are upgraded depending on the multiplier bonus at the time.
* In {{g|Pinball}}, the Poké Balls serve as the balls in the machine; they can be used to capture Pokémon and are upgraded depending on the multiplier bonus at the time.
* Many of the types of Poké Balls introduced in [[Generation III]] function similarly to those introduced in [[Generation II]]: the Nest Ball, like the Level Ball, is better if used on Pokémon of lower levels, the Net and Dive Balls are both useful against Pokémon found while in the water, much like the Lure Ball, and the Luxury Ball raises a Pokémon's [[friendship]] quickly, similarly to a Friend Ball. Excluding the Sport Ball, which many see as a parallel to the Safari Ball which made its return in Generation III, the specialty Balls made by the Devon Corporation in Hoenn number seven, the same amount as the Apricorn Balls made by Kurt.
* In some early artwork for {{game|Red and Green|s}}, Poké Balls are shown on the ground in two pieces while the Pokémon are in battle, rather than in the more familiar hinged form they take now. This may be a carryover from when Pokémon was known as Capsule Monsters, as the Poké Ball sprites in [[Generation I]] also do not show the button on the ball. In [[Generation II]], Poké Balls split in half when capturing a Pokémon as part of their animation, while the anime had been using the hinge style since the very first episode.
* In Generation II, the Park Ball's name is written as one word on the catch screen menu in the [[Bug-Catching Contest]], rather than as two separate words, as the rest of the Poké Balls are. However, it will appear spelled correctly in the [[Bag]] if obtained illegitimately there.
* In the earlier volumes of the [[Pokémon Adventures]] manga, Poké Balls captured and released Pokémon in large puffs of smoke, often with a strong sound effect. This may have been based on the capture and release animations in Generation I and II. As [[Generation III]] onwards exchanged the smoke effect for Ball-specific animations, the effect in the manga shifted instead to bursts of light.  
* In some early artwork for {{game|Red and Green|s}}, Poké Balls are shown on the ground in two pieces while the Pokémon are in battle, rather than in the more familiar hinged form they take now. This may be a carryover from when Pokémon was known as Capsule Monsters, as the Poké Ball sprites in Generation I also do not show the button on the ball. In [[Generation II]], Poké Balls split in half when capturing a Pokémon as part of their animation, while the anime had been using the hinge style since the very first episode.
* Poké Balls are inspired by the capsules for {{wp|gashapon}} machines, which contain small, handheld toys.
* Poké Balls are inspired by the capsules for {{wp|gashapon}} machines, which contain small, handheld toys.
* In HeartGold and SoulSilver and the {{Trading Card Game}}, Lure Balls are shown to have a green outer coloring; however, in official artwork and the anime, they are shown to have a blue outer coloring.
** However, in Generation V, the Lure Ball has both its Bag sprite, status screen sprite, and battle animation altered to the official blue color.
** Similarly, the Fast Ball is shown to be red in official art; however, it is orange in its Bag and status screen sprites, and only appears red in battle in Generation V.
* Item description data for the Safari Ball in {{2v2|HeartGold|SoulSilver}} and {{2v2|Black|White}} is unchanged from {{v2|Platinum}}, hence its description still states that it can only be used within the [[Great Marsh]].
* While most Poké Balls cannot capture Pokémon that have already been caught, there are some types that can easily catch a Pokémon that already is owned. These are usually rare or use-restricted balls.
** The Generation IV Park Ball, which is used to capture Pokémon migrated from a Generation III game to a Generation IV game, is one of these. It reverts to the original ball used to catch the migrated Pokémon in the Summary screen.
** In the anime, Mewtwo's "Mewtwo Balls", seen only in ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]'', can catch any Pokémon despite being owned. These Balls have been shown to even catch owned Pokémon even when inside of their Poké Balls. After the Pokémon's DNA is extracted through Mewtwo's cloning device, "Mewtwo Balls" automatically release the caught Pokémon.
** [[Snag Ball]]s, exclusive to {{g|Colosseum}} and {{Pokémon XD}}, are used for catching [[Shadow Pokémon]], all of which are already owned.
* While the Apricorn Balls and the Sport Ball exist in the internal data of the [[Generation V]] games, they are completely unobtainable. If they are illegitimately obtained into the Bag, they cannot be held by a Pokémon, much as in HeartGold and SoulSilver, and will not be recognized by the game as Poké Balls for in-battle use. Despite this, a Pokémon caught in one of these Poké Balls in HeartGold and SoulSilver will retain the Ball in Generation V.
** The sprite color of the Lure Ball was altered in Pokémon Black and White, changing its base color to a light blue color as opposed to the green it had in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver.
** The Moon Ball, while it returns in HeartGold and SoulSilver and appears in the internal data of the Generation V games, cannot legitimately contain Pokémon in the {{p|Skitty}} and {{p|Munna}} families, even though both evolve with the Moon Stone. This is due to their unavailability in the wild in HeartGold and SoulSilver.
* In Generation II, after catching a Pokémon, the Poké Ball's color palette changes to that of the Pokémon that was just caught. It then changes back to normal thereafter.
* In Generation II, after catching a Pokémon, the Poké Ball's color palette changes to that of the Pokémon that was just caught. It then changes back to normal thereafter.
* Generation V introduced fewer types of Poké Balls than any other generation, only introducing one.
* Starting in Generation III, all Poké Ball types have a special effect that appears whenever the ball is opened. These special effects also can be seen in [[Pokémon Colosseum]] and [[Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness]]. In [[Generation IV]] and {{pkmn|Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl}}, customizable special effects are available through [[Sticker]]s.
* The Safari Ball has a catching animation programmed into Black and White despite not being legitimately able to be used, as there is no Safari Zone.
* In {{game2|Diamond|Pearl|Platinum}}, [[Cyrus]]'s computer indicates that a Poké Ball would limit the power of {{p|Dialga}} and {{p|Palkia}}. This leads to [[Team Galactic]] creating the [[Red Chain]] instead to shackle them so they can control their full power.
* Both the Safari Ball and Generation II Park Ball appeared in the anime prior to sprites being introduced for items in the games, in [[EP035]] and [[EP161]], respectively. In these appearances, their designs were vastly different from their later-introduced in-game sprites.
* [[Generation VI]] is the only completed generation to date to not have introduced a new type of Poké Ball.
* In [[Generation V]], {{m|Dive}} regained its [[Field move (main series)|field move]] status. However, since there are no wild Pokémon underwater in [[Unova]], the Dive Ball retained its new effect that boosts its catch rate while {{m|Surf}}ing or [[fishing]].
 
* {{p|Surskit}} is {{2t|Water|Bug}}-type, the two types that improve the Net Ball's odds of capture. However, it does not get an increased bonus for being both types.
==In other languages==
* When the player uses a Master Ball in Generation II, stars appear and a sound effect is played before the ball closes and captures the Pokémon.
{{langtable|color={{red color light}}|bordercolor={{red color}}
* Starting in [[Generation III]] all Poké Ball types have a special effect that appears whenever the ball is opened. These special effects also can be seen in [[Pokemon Colosseum]] and [[Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness]]. It's not until [[Generation IV]] that customizable special effects are available through [[Seals]].
|ja=モンスターボール ''Monster Ball''
* [[Generation VI]] is the only Generation that did not introduce a new type of Poké Ball.
|ar=كرة البوكي ''Kurt Al-Poké''
|zh_yue=精靈球 ''{{tt|Jīnglìhng Kàuh|Monster Ball}}''
|zh_cmn=精靈球 / 精灵球 ''{{tt|Jīnglíng Qiú|Monster Ball}}'' {{tt|*|Games, Mainland China (1998 - 2005, 2011 - present)}}<br>寶貝球 / 宝贝球 ''{{tt|Bǎobèi Qiú|Creatures Ball}}'' {{tt|*|Taiwan and Mainland China (2005 - 2011)}}
|hr=Pokélopta
|cs=Pokébal
|da=Pokéball
|nl=PokéBal {{tt|*|TCG}}
|fi=Poképallo
|fr=Poké Ball
|de=Pokéball
|he=פוקדור ''Pokadur''
|hi=पोकेबॉल ''Pokéball''
|hu=Pokélabda
|id=Poké Ball<br>Bola Pokémon
|it=Poké Ball<br>Sfera Poké {{tt|*|Occasionally in the first 11 seasons of the anime}}
|ko=몬스터볼 ''Monster Ball''
|ms=Poké Ball<br>Pokéball
|pl=Pokéball
|pt_br=Poké Bola {{tt|*|Games, anime, TCG (HeartGold & SoulSilver-Unleashed, Sun & Moon-present), Adventures (PS091-present), The Official Pokémon Handbook, Pokémon Characters Guidebook}}<br>Poké bola {{tt|*|Adventures (PS135)}}<br>Poké Ball {{tt|*|TCG (Black & White-Generations), Adventures (PS001-PS085, PS461-PS518)}}<br>Pokébola {{tt|*|Early anime, The Electric Tale of Pikachu, Pokémon Club}}
|pt_eu=Pokébola<br>Bola Poké {{tt|*|Platinum manual}}
|ro=Poké-minge
|ru=Поке-Болл ''Poké-Boll'' {{tt|*|TCG, anime, GO}}<br>Покешар ''Pokéshar'' {{tt|*|Anime}}
|es_la=Pokébola
|es_eu=Poké Ball
|sv=Poké Ball<br>Pokéboll<br>Pokéklot {{tt|*|Black version manual}}<br>Poké-klot {{tt|*|Victini event pamphlet}}
|ta=போகிபால் ''Pokéball''
|te=పోకెబాల్ ''Pokéball''
|th=มอนสเตอร์บอล ''Monster Ball''<br>โปเกบอล ''Poké Ball'' {{tt|*|Medallion}}
|tr=Poké Topu
|vi=Bóng chứa Pokémon<br>Bóng Poké
|is=Pokébolti
|no=Pokéball}}
 
==References==
<references/>


{{-}}
{{-}}
{{Poké Balls}}<br>
{{Items}}<br>
{{Items}}<br>
{{Smash Bros.}}<br>
{{Smash Bros.}}
 
{{-}}
{{Project ItemDex notice}}
{{Project ItemDex notice}}


[[Category:Game mechanics]]
[[Category:Poké Balls|*]]
[[Category:Equipment]]
[[Category:Groups of items]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros.]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. trophies]]
 
[[pt:Pokébola]]


[[de:Pokéball]]
[[de:Pokébälle]]
[[es:Poké Ball]]
[[es:Poké Ball]]
[[fr:Pokéball]]
[[fr:Ball]]
[[it:Poké Ball]]
[[it:Poké Ball]]
[[ja:モンスターボール]]
[[ja:モンスターボール (総称)]]
[[pl:Poké Ball]]
[[zh:精靈球]]
[[zh:宝贝球（分类）]]

Latest revision as of 19:32, 19 September 2024

Smart Ribbon Master Sinnoh.png This article is a featured article. This means that it has been identified as one of the best articles produced on Bulbapedia.
This article is about the type of item. For the item called Poké Ball, see Poké Ball (item).
The 28 Poké Ball variants found in the core series (excluding those exclusive to Pokémon Legends: Arceus)
Original concept

A Poké Ball (Japanese: モンスターボール Monster Ball) is a type of item that is critical to a Trainer's quest, used for catching and storing Pokémon. Both a general term used to describe the various kinds as well as a specific term to refer to the most basic among these variations, Poké Balls are ubiquitous in the modern Pokémon world.

Up to six Pokémon can be carried with a Trainer in Poké Balls, while more Poké Balls can be held in the Bag for later use. These six Pokémon in the Poké Balls can be attached to the user's belt for carrying them around. Some Pokémon do not like to be carried around in Poké Balls, such as Ash's Pikachu.

Stylized Poké Balls are used in many places to symbolize Pokémon in general: the logos of the Battle Frontiers, the Pokémon Contests, the Pokéathlon, and the Pokémon Musical all feature a Poké Ball in their design, while several Poké Balls can be seen in every Pokémon Center. The headgear of the protagonists of Kanto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Unova-based games feature Poké Ball designs, as do the Bags of the protagonists of Johto-based games. Ethan's headgear is also similar to the top half of an Ultra Ball, and Lucas's Bag prominently features a Poké Ball.

In the core series games

The strength of a Poké Ball is determined by how much it raises a wild Pokémon's catch rate, and may in fact vary depending on the conditions of the battle. Poké Balls limit the power of Pokémon contained inside, taming them, though they do not cause the Pokémon inside to always obey the Trainer.

History

Main article: History of Poké Balls
A Poké Ball used by those who explored the Hisui region

The invention of Poké Balls occurred in the Johto region, where Apricorns grow; these fruit were cut apart and carved out, then fitted with a special device, and used to catch wild Pokémon. Some Trainers still use Poké Balls made from Apricorns, while Kurt, a resident of Azalea Town, still constructs them. Pokémon Legends: Arceus shows that the first settlers of the Sinnoh region, back when it was known as the Hisui region, used pre-modern Poké Balls made of Tumblestone and Apricorns, with Professor Laventon claiming they were a more recent invention. According to Professor Elm, before the invention of the Poké Ball, people would walk with their Pokémon.

In the games, in the Memory Link event A New Light, Drayden claims that Poké Balls did not exist during his childhood.

Modern Poké Balls are not normally made from Apricorns, with the exception of specialist Poké Balls such as the Moon Ball. Modern Poké Balls are manufactured by Silph Co., the Devon Corporation, and the Kalos Poké Ball Factory.

Mechanics and design

Though the technology behind a Poké Ball remains unknown and has evolved through the centuries to accommodate the diverse requirements of their creators, the basic mechanics are simple enough to understand and tend to remain constant: in a Pokémon battle, once an opposing wild Pokémon has been weakened, the Pokémon Trainer can throw a Poké Ball at it. When a Poké Ball hits the Pokémon, as long as it is not deflected, the Poké Ball will open, cause the Pokémon to shrink, store it inside, and close. A Pokémon in this state is given a chance to struggle to attempt to break free from the ball and escape, being instantly growing back in size. Should a Pokémon escape a Poké Ball, the device is destroyed in the games (unlike in the anime). A Pokémon who does not escape the Ball will be caught. Pokémon Legends: Arceus elaborates a bit on how the Pokémon are contained in a Poké Ball, with Professor Laventon explaining that Pokémon have the ability to reduce their size to miniscule, and Poké Balls take advantage of this to contain them.

Poké Balls are specifically constructed for Pokémon capture, transport, and training. As well as being physically difficult to escape from (as they seal tightly shut as soon as a Pokémon is taken into them) the environment of a Poké Ball is designed to be attractive to Pokémon also; according to Lucian of the Sinnoh Elite Four, weakened Pokémon instinctively curl up tight in an attempt to heal themselves, an action that the environment of the Poké Ball encourages. Furthermore, while it is not known how caught Pokémon perceives their time inside their Ball, the device is said to replicate a "Pokémon-friendly" environment that is "designed for comfort". All of these factors strongly discourage Pokémon from escaping their Balls. In the manga, Bugsy refers to his "capture net" as being the net that is supposedly inside a Poké Ball, but visible and already deployed. According to Kurt, this invisible net captures and physically stores a Pokémon.

When a Trainer Dynamaxes or Gigantamaxes a Pokémon, the Poké Ball expands to the size of an association football.

In some games, a Ball Capsule can be used in combination with Stickers to create special effects when the Pokémon is sent out.

Poké Ball accuracy

See also: Catch rate

In some scenarios, a Poké Ball can miss the wild Pokémon completely (in contrast to breaking if the Poké Ball does not successfully capture the Pokémon):

In other scenarios, it is simply not possible to use Poké Balls in the first place:

Types of Poké Balls

In the Pokémon games so far, there have been 34 (38 if the Hisuian Poké Ball, Great Ball, Ultra Ball, and Heavy Ball are considered distinct from their modern-day counterparts) different varieties of Poké Balls, all differing from each other in some way, whether it be an increased ability to catch a Pokémon from the wild or an effect which occurs only after the Pokémon has been caught. From Generation III onward, each variety of Poké Ball has a unique animation when it sends out a Pokémon (and also when it catches one prior to Generation VI), and the type of Poké Ball used to catch the Pokémon is preserved on its summary screen.

Prior to Generation VI, all hatched Pokémon are in a standard Poké Ball. In Generation VI, a bred Pokémon will be in the same Poké Ball as its mother, unless its mother was in a Cherish Ball or Master Ball, in which case the Pokémon will be in a standard Poké Ball; Pokémon bred from a male or gender-unknown Pokémon and Ditto will hatch in a standard Poké Ball. Since Generation VII, Pokémon bred from a male and a Ditto inherit the father's ball as well, and if two Pokémon of the same species in different balls are bred, the resulting offspring will be in either the mother's or father's ball. This also applies if the parents are different regional forms. Much like the Cherish Ball or Master Ball, the Strange Ball introduced in Generation VIII cannot be inherited and resulting offspring will be in standard Poké Balls.

Regardless of the type of Poké Ball, Fling will fail if the user is holding one.

Starting in Generation III, each type of Poké Ball has an index number associated with it that is stored in the data structure of the Pokémon when caught or otherwise obtained with a given type of ball. Generation I and II did not store this data, resulting in any Pokémon transferred from Virtual Console via Poké Transporter being placed into standard Poké Balls. Pokémon caught in Park Balls within Pal Park will retain their original Poké Ball and index number from Generation III. Pokémon from HeartGold and SoulSilver caught in a Johto-exclusive Poké Ball (such as a Poké Ball made by Kurt or a Sport Ball) will be displayed in a standard Poké Ball while visiting Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. Pokémon originating from Pokémon Legends: Arceus which are then transferred into another game (vice versa for those caught outside Legends: Arceus and then transferred in) will be displayed in Strange Balls while visiting a game where the Pokémon's ball is not programmed into the game, but will still retain its original index number. Pokémon originating from Legends: Arceus visiting Pokémon Sword and Shield will temporarily have their ball converted into a standard Poké Ball, with their original ball data being stored in Pokémon HOME's server.

Every Poké Ball (except the Beast Ball and Master Ball) has a 0.1× catch rate modifier when attempting to catch an Ultra Beast.

Name Gen. Index # Hex Catch rate modifier Notes
Poké Ball Poké Ball I 4 04 1× Must be in the player's Bag with an empty space in the party to obtain a Shedinja when Nincada evolves from Generation IV onwards.
Great Ball Great Ball I 3 03 1.5×
Ultra Ball Ultra Ball I 2 02 2×
Master Ball Master Ball I 1 01 255× (guaranteed capture) The only Poké Ball other than the Beast Ball that does not have a 0.1× catch modifier when used on an Ultra Beast.
Safari Ball Safari Ball I 5 05 1× Prior to Generation VIII, it was only usable within Safari Zones.
Fast Ball Fast Ball II 17 11 4× if used on a Pokémon with a base Speed of at least 100
1× otherwise 		In Generation II, it was intended to have a 4× catch modifier for Pokémon that can flee, but it only does for three of them: Magnemite, Grimer and Tangela.
Level Ball Level Ball II 18 12 1× if the player's Pokémon is the same level as or a lower level than the wild Pokémon
2× if the player's Pokémon is at a higher level than the wild Pokémon but less than double it
4× if the player's Pokémon is more than double but less than four times the level of the wild Pokémon
8× if the player's Pokémon is of a level four times or more than that of the wild Pokémon
Lure Ball Lure Ball II 19 13 4× if used on a Pokémon encountered while fishing
1× otherwise 		In Johto, the bonus was 3x while in Alola, the bonus was 5x
Heavy Ball Heavy Ball II 20 14 -20 if used on a Pokémon weighing 220.2 lbs. (99.9 kg) or less
±0 if used on a Pokémon weighing 220.5 lbs. (100.0 kg) – 440.7 lbs. (199.9 kg)
+20 if used on a Pokémon weighing 440.9 lbs. (200.0 kg) – 661.2 lbs. (299.9 kg)
+30 if used on a Pokémon weighing 661.4 lbs. (300.0 kg) or more 		In Pokémon Crystal only, there is a glitch that causes the retrieved weights of Pokémon whose index numbers are divisible by 64 (Kadabra, Tauros, and Sunflora) to become junk data that are, in turn, interpreted as massive weights, causing these particular Pokémon to receive the +40 capture modifier.
In Pokémon Sun and Moon only, a Heavy Ball will always fail to catch a Pokémon whose weight is less than 220.46 lbs (100.0 kg) and whose catch rate is less than or equal to 20. This is because the game will set the catch rate to 0 when the catch rate becomes negative due to the -20 modifier that is applied.
Love Ball Love Ball II 21 15 8× if used on a Pokémon of the same species but opposite gender of the player's Pokémon
1× otherwise 		In Generation II, it has an 8× catch modifier if both Pokémon are the same species and gender.
Friend Ball Friend Ball II 22 16 1× Sets caught Pokémon's friendship to 200Gen II-VII, or 150Gen VIII+
Moon Ball Moon Ball II 23 17 4× if used on a Pokémon that evolves by using a Moon Stone
1× otherwise 		In Generation II, it always has a 1× catch modifier due to a programming error.
Sport Ball Sport Ball* II 24 18 1× Prior to Generation VIII, it was only usable during the Bug-Catching Contest.
Net Ball Net Ball III 6 06 3.5× if used on a Water or Bug-type Pokémon
1× otherwise
Dive Ball Dive Ball III 7 07 3.5× if used on a water-dwelling Pokémon
1× otherwise 		In Generation III, it only had an increased catch rate underwater.
Nest Ball Nest Ball III 8 08 ((41 - Pokémon's level) ÷ 10)× if Pokémon's level is between 1 and 29
1× otherwise
Repeat Ball Repeat Ball III 9 09 3.5× if used on a Pokémon that is registered in the player's Pokédex as caught
1× otherwise
Timer Ball Timer Ball III 10 0A (1 + number of turns passed in battle * 1229/4096)×, maximum 4× at 10 turns
Luxury Ball Luxury Ball III 11 0B 1× Doubles the rate at which the contained Pokémon's friendship increases.
Premier Ball Premier Ball III 12 0C 1×
Dusk Ball Dusk Ball IV 13 0D 3× if used in a cave or at night
1× otherwise
Heal Ball Heal Ball IV 14 0E 1× Fully restores a caught Pokémon's HP and PP and removes their status conditions.
Quick Ball Quick Ball IV 15 0F 5× if used on the first turn of a battle
1× otherwise
Cherish Ball Cherish Ball IV 16 10 1× Unobtainable by the player, but used for various event Pokémon.
Park Ball Park Ball IV 27 1B 255× (guaranteed capture if used in Pal Park)
1× otherwise 		Unobtainable by the player, but used in Pal Park.
Dream Ball Dream Ball V 25 19 4× if used on a sleeping Pokémon
1× otherwise 		Used only in Entree Forest prior to Generation VIII.
Catch rate modifier 255× (guaranteed capture) in Generation V.
Beast Ball Beast Ball VII 26 1A 5× if used on an Ultra Beast
0.1× otherwise 		If any other Poké Ball (except the Master Ball) is used on an Ultra Beast, it has a 0.1× catch modifier.
Strange Ball Strange Ball VIII 27 1B 0.75× Unobtainable by the player. Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus that were transferred from other games via Pokémon HOME, as well as Pokémon from Legends: Arceus in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl or Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will be displayed in this ball.
Poké Ball Poké Ball (Hisui) VIII 28 1C 0.75×
Great Ball Great Ball (Hisui) VIII 29 1D 1.5×
Ultra Ball Ultra Ball (Hisui) VIII 30 1E 2.25×
Feather Ball Feather Ball VIII 31 1F 1×
1.25× when boosted 		Can be thrown further than a regular Poké Ball. Is more effective for catching Pokémon that fly high in the air.
Wing Ball Wing Ball VIII 32 20 1.5×
1.75× when boosted 		Can be thrown further than a Feather Ball. Is more effective for catching Pokémon that fly high in the air.
Jet Ball Jet Ball VIII 33 21 2×
2.75× when boosted 		Can be thrown further than a Wing Ball. Is more effective for catching Pokémon that fly high in the air.
Heavy Ball Heavy Ball (Hisui) VIII 34 22 1×
1.25× when boosted 		Doesn't fly far, but is more effective if the Pokémon hasn't noticed the player.
Leaden Ball Leaden Ball VIII 35 23 1.75×
2× when boosted 		Upgraded version of the Heavy Ball. Doesn't fly far, but is more effective if the Pokémon hasn't noticed the player.
Gigaton Ball Gigaton Ball VIII 36 24 2.5×
2.75× when boosted 		Upgraded version of the Leaden Ball. Doesn't fly far, but is more effective if the Pokémon hasn't noticed the player.
Origin Ball Origin Ball VIII 37 25 N/A Automatically catches Origin Forme Dialga or Palkia at the end of the main story in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
All details are accurate to Generation VIII games. For details that have changed between generations, please see an individual item's page.

Other variants

050Diglett.png This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: Add image of the blue Poké Ball from the Poké Transfer
  • "Ah! This is the custom POKé BALL I ordered! Thank you!"

    "Ah! This is the custom POKé BALL I ordered! Thank you!"

  • The GS Ball

    The GS Ball

  • Concept art of a giant Poké Ball for Dynamax by Ken Sugimori[1]

    Concept art of a giant Poké Ball for Dynamax by Ken Sugimori[1]

Palette limitations

In the games, certain Poké Balls appear off-color due to palette limitations. They are most likely intended to be standard Poké Balls rather than variations.

  • In Generation I, during a Pokémon battle, the multiple kinds of Poké Ball have different throwing animations but otherwise look the same. They all appear with a black top and white bottom. This black and white design is clearly seen when the Poké Ball is shaking in an attempt to catch the wild Pokémon.
    • In Generation II, all kinds of Poké Ball look the same when used in-battle except they have different color palettes. Unlike in the previous generation, all Poké Balls use the same throwing animation.
    • In both Generations I and II, the Poké Ball changes color once the wild Pokémon is successfully caught, shortly appearing with the color palette of the caught Pokémon. For instance, no matter what kind of Poké Ball, it appears to be green once a green Pokémon is caught, or pink once a pink Pokémon is caught.
  • In Generation I, the trade animation invariably displays both Pokémon using the Poké Ball design with the black top and white bottom, the same design seen in Pokémon battles.
    • In Generation II, the trade animation uses a red color palette for both traded Pokémon, specifically a darker red at the top and a lighter red at the bottom.
  • In the Generations from I to III, several Trainer sprites have off-color Poké Balls. They often reuse the same colors seen elsewhere in the sprites such as the character's hair or clothes.
  • A black Poké Ball at the start of a trade in Pokémon Red and Blue

    A black Poké Ball at the start of a trade in Pokémon Red and Blue

  • Red with a purple Poké Ball in the intro from Pokémon Red and Blue

    Red with a purple Poké Ball in the intro from Pokémon Red and Blue

  • Blue with a purple Poké Ball in Pokémon Red and Blue

    Blue with a purple Poké Ball in Pokémon Red and Blue

  • Blue with a black Poké Ball as his Champion sprite in Pokémon Red and Blue

    Blue with a black Poké Ball as his Champion sprite in Pokémon Red and Blue

  • Juggler with black Poké Balls in Pokémon Red and Blue

    Juggler with black Poké Balls in Pokémon Red and Blue

  • Psychic with black Poké Balls in Pokémon Red and Blue

    Psychic with black Poké Balls in Pokémon Red and Blue

  • Ethan with a brown Poké Ball in Generation II

    Ethan with a brown Poké Ball in Generation II

  • Kris with a blue Poké Ball in Generation II

    Kris with a blue Poké Ball in Generation II

  • Professor Oak with an olive green Poké Ball in Generation II

    Professor Oak with an olive green Poké Ball in Generation II

  • Juggler with blue Poké Balls in Generation II

    Juggler with blue Poké Balls in Generation II

  • Psychic with blue Poké Balls in Generation II

    Psychic with blue Poké Balls in Generation II

  • Glacia with a yellow Poké Ball in Generation III

    Glacia with a yellow Poké Ball in Generation III

Item balls

Main article: Item → Obtaining items
Red finding an item ball on Route 2

Items contained in Poké Balls have been present from the very first games, with many items that are found on the field being found in Poké Balls in conspicuous locations. These items are sometimes important, and usually will be among the required items for pickup along the way. Sometimes, even Poké Ball variants can be found in item balls, though it may be that the item ball itself is supposed to represent the item that is found (whenever or not it's a Poké Ball). Many other items, however, are hidden, and are not in item balls, instead being directly on the field, and can be found more easily using an Itemfinder or Dowsing Machine.

Voltorb, Electrode, Foongus, Amoonguss, and Galarian Stunfisk appear as item balls in the overworld, but attack when interacted with (or if at close range for Galarian Stunfisk), except the Foongus in Accumula Town. In Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, fake item balls appear upside down.

Game icons

Poké Balls are often featured in the icons for Pokémon games, which are used on the home screens for the Nintendo DS, 3DS, and Switch.

Diamond icon.pngPearl icon.png Platinum icon.png HeartGold Icon.pngSoulSilver Icon.png Black Icon.pngWhite Icon.png Black 2 Icon.pngWhite 2 Icon.png X icon.pngY icon.png Omega Ruby icon.pngAlpha Sapphire icon.png ORAS Demo icon.png Sun icon.pngMoon icon.png SM Demo icon.png Ultra Sun icon.pngUltra Moon icon.png Poké Transporter icon.png Bank icon.png Pokémon HOME icon mobile.png
 D  P   Pt   HG  SS   B  W   B2  W2   X  Y   OR  AS   OR  AS 
(Demo) 		 S  M   S  M 
(Demo) 		 US  UM  Transporter Bank HOME

In the side series games

Wes about to throw a Great Ball turned into a Snag Ball

Pokémon Colosseum and XD: Gale of Darkness

In Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, a Snag Ball is not a single, separate type of Poké Ball, but rather any type of existing Poké Ball that has been "unlocked" by the Snag Machine, allowing it to snag an already-caught Pokémon during a battle. While it is able to be used on any Pokémon, Rui will only allow Wes to use it on Shadow Pokémon, while Michael's Aura Reader will render the Snag Machine inoperable when a Pokémon other than a Shadow Pokémon is targeted.

It is possible to snag a Shadow Pokémon even if there are two on the opposing side of the field, unlike catching Pokémon in the core series games.

In the spin-off games

Pokémon GO

Players do not battle wild Pokémon in Pokémon GO, and using Poké Balls is a matter of the player's aim. To throw one, the player must press their finger on the Poké Ball, move it, and release it. The Ball and Pokémon exist in a 3D environment, so the player may miss the Pokémon by throwing the Ball the wrong distance or too far to the side. Additionally, the wild Pokémon may attempt to dodge or attack every few seconds. When a Pokémon is attacking, any Poké Balls that hit it will be deflected. When a Pokémon dodges, it will move around but can still be hit by a thrown Ball.

See more: Caught Pokémon → Pokémon GO

On the aiming screen, a colored circle displays over the Pokémon, gradually shrinks to nothing, then resets to its widest before continuing to shrink again. If the player's throw lands inside this circle, they will get a "Nice!", "Great!", or "Excellent!" catch chance bonus depending on how small the circle was. The player can also improve their catch chance by throwing a curveball. If the player spins the Ball while holding it, it will temporarily retain the spin and curve left or right when thrown.

See more: Catch rate (GO)

Three types of Poké Balls were available in Pokémon GO upon release: regular Poké Balls, Great Balls, and Ultra Balls. These remain the only types of Poké Balls that are generally available. They can be repeatably obtained by:

The player also receives Poké Balls upon leveling up.

  • Poké Balls awarded up to level 11 (including 50 Poké Balls starting at level 1)
  • Great Balls awarded from level 12 to level 19
  • Ultra Balls awarded starting level 20

Regular Poké Balls may be purchased in the Shop at the following rates:

  • 20 for PokéCoin.png100
  • 100 for PokéCoin.png460
  • 200 for PokéCoin.png800

All three types of balls have also been available in limited-time Box deals.

Premier Balls debuted in Pokémon GO on June 20, 2017,[citation needed] a few days after its first anniversary with the introduction of Raid Battles. They can only be used for catching Raid Bosses and Shadow Pokémon, and other types of Poké Balls cannot be used on them. If the player runs out, the Raid Boss or Shadow Pokémon will flee. The number of Premier Balls are awarded to the player after a Raid Battle or Team GO Rocket battle is based on how well they battled. Unused Premier Balls are not retained and do not roll over to future challenges. Like in the main series, Premier Balls are just as effective as regular Poké Balls.

Beast Balls debuted in Pokémon GO on July 1, 2022 at Pokémon GO Fest 2022 Berlin.[citation needed] They can only be used for catching Ultra Beasts, and other types of Poké Balls cannot be used on them. Currently, an unlimited number of Beast Balls are provided to the player during an Ultra Beast encounter.

Master Balls have existed in Pokémon GO's coding since release, but they didn't debut until May 22, 2023, as a reward from the Let's GO! Special Research. Future opportunities to get Master Balls are planned.[2]

Description

Image English name Japanese name Description
GO Poké Ball.png Poké Ball モンスターボール
Monster Ball 		A device for catching wild Pokémon. It's thrown like a ball, comfortably encapsulating its target.
GO Great Ball.png Great Ball スーパーボール
Super Ball 		A high-performance Ball with a higher catch rate than a standard Poké Ball.
GO Ultra Ball.png Ultra Ball ハイパーボール
Hyper Ball 		An ultra-performance Ball with a higher catch rate than a Great Ball.
GO Master Ball.png Master Ball マスターボール
Master Ball 		The best Poké Ball with the ultimate level of performance. With it, you will catch any wild Pokémon without fail.
GO Premier Ball.png Premier Ball プレミアボール
Premier Ball 		A somewhat rare Poké Ball made to commemorate a special occasion of some sort.
GO Beast Ball.png Beast Ball ウルトラボール
Ultra Ball 		N/A

Pokémon Snap

A Pester Ball

In Pokémon Snap, the Pester Balls appear similar to Poké Balls at a glance. However, they are not used to catch Pokémon, and instead will release a Pokémon repellent on contact.

Pokémon UNITE

A Unite Ball catching a Pokémon

In Pokémon UNITE, Trainers use regular Poké Balls to send out their own Pokémon, after they have been knocked out in battle. (At the start of a Unite Battle, all Pokémon are present on the field.) During the game's tutorial, a Pikachu from the Aeos Research Institute is sent out from a Poké Ball twice. This happens before Tutorial (Basics 1) and Tutorial (Basics 2).

A unique variety of Poké Ball, the Unite Ball, is used as part of Unite Battles. (They are also known as Aeos Balls) Unite Balls are orange, purple, and yellow in colour, with a yellow stripe around in the middle and a white button. The pattern gives the Unite Ball a "U" design. Each Trainer has a Unite Ball, and uses it to catch the wild Pokémon their Pokémon knocks out in Unite Battles. After doing so, the Unite Ball stores the Aeos energy the Pokémon held. The stored energy is used by Pokémon to score at goal zones. At the start of an Unite Battle, the player's Unite Ball only holds a maximum of 30 Aeos energy. After their Pokémon reaches Level 9, the capacity increases to 40. At level 12, the capacity is boosted again to 50. Trainers only have one Unite Ball canonically, and the interface only depicts a single Unite Ball. Regardless, Trainers throw a Unite Ball for every wild Pokémon defeated even if more than one is defeated at the same time.

In Mer Stadium's Catch 'Em battles, certain wild Pokémon have a white glow around them. When these Pokémon are defeated and captured, the player can send them out from their Unite Ball to temporarily take the place of their selected Pokémon. This function replaces the Trainer's Battle Items. Additionally, after enough time has passed, the Battle Item will return to normal and that Pokémon will not be able to be switched into battle. If the captured Pokémon is sent out, a timer is set. When that timer elapses or the Pokémon faints, the Trainer's original Pokémon is sent back into battle from its Poké Ball. Defeating a Wild Pokémon while currently using a Caught Pokémon does not allow the player to switch to the defeated Wild Pokémon.

In Panic Parade, certain wild Pokémon have a white glow around them and a Aeos Ball icon over their heads. When these Pokémon are defeated and captured, the player can send them out from their Unite Ball. This function replaces the Trainer's Battle Item, and after using the Battle Item will return to normal. (Although "normal" in Panic Parade means no Battle Item at all.) If another item is picked up or another capturable Pokémon is captured, the first Pokémon is lost. The sent out Pokémon wanders to the nearest opposing Pokémon, uses their Unite Move, then is recalled and leaves the battle.

Unite Balls (mislabeled Poké Balls) are used as part of the Prize Machine menu. By throwing Unite Balls at one of the items on display, the prize gauge for that item is increased. When the prize gauge of an item is full, the item is obtained. A single Unite Ball has a 66% chance to add 1 unit to the prize gauge, a 30% chance to add 2 units to the prize gauge, a 3.3% chance to add 3 units, a 0.6% chance to add 5 units, and a 0.1% chance to add 10 units. Players have two Unite Balls to use in this menu. After using a Unite Ball, players must wait 12 hours before it can be used again. Players can spend Aeos gems to hasten this timer. Some events provide additional Unite Balls in the Prize Machine menu, under the umbrella name No-cost Holiday Balls. When available, only 10 of these Poké Balls can be obtained per day, and they are lost if they are not used before the next day begins. Usually there is a cap on the number of No-cost Holiday Balls obtainable per event, with that cap usually being 100. Sometimes, these additional Unite Balls have alternate names, such as Holiday Balls or Anniversary Balls. (Oddly, the menu's text states that "Poké Balls always hit their target..." in this mode, even though Unite Balls have never been shown to miss in any media.)

Pokémon Pinball series

Main article: Ball Upgrade

In Pokémon Pinball and Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire, the Poké Ball, Great Ball, Ultra Ball, and Master Ball are available.

The Poké Ball is the normal ball used in the pinball tables since the beginning of the game. In both games, if the player lights up the three Field Multiplier Lanes found in all tables, the ball is upgraded to the next kind of Poké Ball (a Poké Ball is upgraded into a Great Ball, a Great Ball into an Ultra Ball, and an Ultra Ball into a Master Ball). If a minute passes without new Poké Ball upgrades, the ball returns to the previous state. If the player loses a ball, the next ball is a Poké Ball.

The bonus points are as follows:

Pokémon Pinball

Pinball Poké Ball.png Pinball Great Ball.png Pinball Ultra Ball.png Pinball Master Ball.png
Poké Ball Great Ball Ultra Ball Master Ball

Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire

Pinball RS Poké Ball.png Pinball RS Great Ball.png Pinball RS Ultra Ball.png Pinball RS Master Ball.png
Poké Ball Great Ball Ultra Ball Master Ball

Learn with Pokémon: Typing Adventure

In Learn with Pokémon: Typing Adventure, the Typing Balls are thrown after one successfully types a Pokémon's name. It has the overall design like that of a normal Poké Ball, only having an additional vertical line at the bottom, resembling the letter "T".

  • A Typing Ball

    A Typing Ball

Super Smash Bros. series

Render of a Poké Ball from Super Smash Bros. Brawl
SmashWiki
SmashWiki has more about this subject:

In the Super Smash Bros. series, Poké Balls appear as items, which fighters can pick up and throw to release a random Pokémon. These Pokémon will typically attack the opponents of the player who summoned them, but may also have other effects. Starting in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U, the Master Ball also appears as an item, which has the same effect as Poké Balls but can only summon Legendary or Mythical Pokémon (or Goldeen).

The Pokémon that can appear from Poké Balls differ between the games. The Poké Ball Pokémon in Super Smash Bros. all come from Generation I, the Poké Ball Pokémon in Super Smash Bros. Melee come from up to Generation II, the Poké Ball Pokémon in Super Smash Bros. Brawl come from up to Generation IV, the Poké Ball Pokémon in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U come from up to Generation VI, and the Poké Ball Pokémon in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate come from up to Generation VII. The only Pokémon that have appeared in all of the Super Smash Bros. games as Poké Ball Pokémon are Goldeen, Snorlax, and Mew.

  • The Poké Ball in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS

    The Poké Ball in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS

  • The Master Ball in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS

    The Master Ball in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS

The Pokémon series as a whole is represented by a Poké Ball logo in the Super Smash Bros. series. The logo was updated in Brawl.

  • The Pokémon series' symbol from SSB and Melee

    The Pokémon series' symbol from SSB and Melee

  • The Pokémon series' symbol from Brawl and SSB4

    The Pokémon series' symbol from Brawl and SSB4

Super Smash Bros. Melee

Poké Ball trophy
These balls are used to catch and contain wild Pokémon. Most Pokémon must be weakened in some way before they can be caught, but once they're inside a Poké Ball, they enjoy their new home, since Poké Balls contain an environment specially designed for Pokémon comfort. Master Balls are the strongest type.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Poké Ball trophy
"An item used for capturing Pokémon and calling them out into battle. Pokémon live in these items which despite appearances, actually contain a wide, comfortable Pokémon-friendly world inside them. In Super Smash Bros., Pokémon give temporary support to who calls them out. You never know which you will get, but some are devastatingly powerful."

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U

Poké Ball trophy in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS
Poké Ball trophy
NA: An item used to call out different Pokémon. Which Pokémon emerges is a mystery, but it will aid whoever threw the Poké Ball. Some of the Pokémon contained inside are extremely powerful and will really intensify the battle. It's definitely worth beating your opponents to these!
PAL: A ball holding one of any number of Pokémon just waiting to burst out and help you in battle. Which kind will it be? Well, that's a surprise, but whichever one it is, it'll definitely up the intensity of the battle! If you see one, make sure you're the one to grab it!


Master Ball trophy in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS
Master Ball trophy
NA: These valuable, powerful balls can capture any wild Pokémon. In Smash Bros., hard-to-find Pokémon often pop out of them. You can easily identify a Master Ball by the distinct purple appearance and large M on the top. A Pokémon within a Master Ball may turn the tide of battle.
PAL: A rare type of Poké Ball that never fails to catch a Pokémon. Throw one in this game, and the Mythical or Legendary Pokémon inside will come to your aid. Master Balls are easy to identify due to their purple colour and the large M on them. Use one to quickly turn the tide of any battle!

Pokémon Tower Battle

In Pokémon Tower Battle, the featured Pokémon come from Poké Balls, with some rare Pokémon from Ultra Balls and Master Balls.

Camp Pokémon

In Camp Pokémon, the Poké Ball Roll minigame features the Poké Ball, Great Ball, Ultra Ball, and Master Ball.

Pokémon Sleep

Main article: Poké Biscuit

Poké Balls do not exist in Pokémon Sleep. Instead, Poké Biscuits are used to "befriend" Pokémon (which is the same mechanic as catching them in the core series games).

In the anime

Main series

Mechanics

Paul releasing Chimchar
Concept art of a Poké Ball from the original series
Interior of a Poké Ball from the anime

In the anime, Poké Balls are not always at full size. Pressing the button on the front will convert it between its full size, about the size of a baseball, to a smaller size, about that of a ping-pong ball, and back again. The larger size makes throwing the ball easier, while the smaller one makes for easier storage on a belt clip, in pockets, and in Bags.

When a Pokémon is sent out from a Poké Ball, it will be accompanied by a distinctive sound effect and a bright light as it returns from its energy form and materializes nearby, often on the ground. This bright light has been shown to vary depending on the type of Ball in which the Pokémon is contained in the games, while it has always been shown to be white in the anime. Pokémon are recalled to their Poké Ball by holding up the Poké Ball with its button pointed at the Pokémon. A beam of red, white, or blue light will shoot from the button, converting the Pokémon back into energy and returning it to the Ball. The beam, however, has a limited range and can be dodged by the Pokémon. If the beam hits a person, they will be stunned for a moment, but aside from that, no ill effects will make themselves apparent.

Releasing a Pokémon from a Trainer's ownership, unlike normally sending the Pokémon out, will bathe the Pokémon in a blue glow, and the Poké Ball will no longer mark it, making it able to be caught by another Trainer's Poké Ball.

A Poké Ball can also be broken, which will release it from ownership, as seen when Jessie releases her Dustox in Crossing Paths. If a Trainer has done so accidentally, it must somehow be fixed before the Pokémon can be recalled. This was seen in Pokémon Food Fight!, where Ash becomes unable to recall Snorlax after its Poké Ball is broken. In the manga, if a Poké Ball is broken before a Pokémon is sent out, then that particular Pokémon cannot be used until their Poké Ball has been repaired. This happened several times in the Pokémon Adventures manga, such as during Red's battle against Giovanni, where the opening mechanism for the Poké Balls of Red's Venusaur and Gyarados were damaged, preventing either of them from being used in the match.

In Just Waiting On A Friend, it is implied that Pokémon are bound to the Poké Ball they are caught in, and cannot go very far from it.

Iris's Dragonite inside a Poké Ball in the anime

Pokémon appear to be conscious while inside Poké Balls. Several Pokémon have shown the ability to leave and return to their Poké Balls at will, most notably among them Jessie's Wobbuffet, Misty's Psyduck, Ash's Oshawott, Brock's Croagunk, and Clemont's Chespin, who tend to do so in every episode that they appear in. In Dig Those Diglett!, many Pokémon belonging to Gary Oak, as well as other Trainers, including Ash Ketchum, demonstrated the ability to prevent themselves from being sent from their Poké Balls, as they refused to fight against the Diglett, though this has not been demonstrated since. Pokémon have also been shown to be able to hear orders given by their Trainer right before they are sent out.

Pokémon can even make their Poké Ball jump and roll around at high speeds, while also being able to navigate, as seen in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, when the partner Pokémon moves its Poké Ball onto an empty pedestal in Professor Oak's Laboratory after being caught in Pallet Town.

A Poké Ball failing to catch an already owned Pokémon

Poké Balls are able to communicate with a Trainer's Pokédex, as the system updates itself with information on newly-caught Pokémon, and keeps track of how many Pokémon the Trainer has with them. If a Trainer catches a new Pokémon with the full six already with them, the Pokédex will automatically send the newly-caught Pokémon in its Poké Ball to the Pokémon Storage System that the Trainer is using. As shown in Two Degrees of Separation!, a Pokémon caught by a Poké Ball is "marked" by it, and thus most Poké Balls thrown at it will have no effect aside from temporarily stunning it. In the games, as well as in Bad to the Bone, however, the Trainer of the Pokémon will block a Poké Ball thrown by another, though it is possible that this is more out of courtesy to their Pokémon than to prevent capture outright. In Charmander – The Stray Pokémon, Ash was able to catch his Charmander in a Poké Ball despite his previous ownership by another Trainer, though he may have lost his "mark" when he abandoned his previous Trainer by refusing to return to his old Poké Ball. Earlier in the same episode, Ash failed to catch the same Charmander while he still held his loyalty, despite his weakened state.

Ash catching a rice ball thrown by a wild Mankey

Other wireless capabilities of Poké Balls are shown in Destiny Deoxys, as when the electricity of the city is down, Rebecca claims that the "Poké Ball Management System" was no longer working without power. A similar mechanism is suggested to exist in the games, with the Paradise Protection Protocol issuing a lock signal that disables the use of any Poké Balls that do not have a specific ID.

Poké Balls are able to be decorated to no ill effect, with several Poké Balls that have been painted with special colors being seen in the anime.

Should a Pokémon escape a Poké Ball, the device will return to the Trainer, who can attempt once again to catch the Pokémon.

It has sometimes been shown that items can be contained in Poké Balls, apparently able to be captured in much the same way as a Pokémon. The anime has used this as a gag on several occasions, most notably in Primeape Goes Bananas, where Ash accidentally catches a rice ball when he throws a Poké Ball in an attempt to catch a wild Mankey.

Types of Poké Ball

A regular Poké Ball in the anime
Ash pulling out a Poké Ball, preparing to catch a Pokémon

In the anime, the basic Poké Ball is the most commonly used of all varieties, with other varieties appearing either very few times or not at all. A vast majority of Pokémon are shown to be stored in regular Poké Balls, to the point that large collections of Poké Balls can be seen with no variation among them. Even Ash's Pikachu, the most prominent Pokémon in the anime which spends all its time outside with Ash, has a plain Poké Ball that differs from others only by the small yellow lightning bolt symbol on it, as seen in Pokémon - I Choose You!.

Despite this, the various other types of Poké Ball have been seen in the anime, usually to illustrate a special property about that particular ball. The lack of the different types is unsurprising, however, due to the fact that, when the anime was first created, the games themselves did not even keep track of the Poké Ball that a Pokémon was caught in, and thus, it made no difference in sending a Pokémon out. This has recently become less common as of Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon, possibly to reflect the fact that NPC Trainers in Generation VII have certain types of Poké Balls associated with them.

The first time that a Poké Ball aside from the normal variation was seen was in EP035, where Ash was given 30 Safari Balls in order to compete in the Safari Game. With these 30 Safari Balls, Ash attempted to catch various rare Pokémon; however, he only managed to capture an entire herd of Tauros. They appeared in Safari Balls in Showdown at the Po-Ké Corral; however, whenever Ash uses one of his Tauros in a battle, it is sent out from a standard Poké Ball.

A Poké Ball after catching a Pokémon in Pokémon Horizons: The Series

The GS Ball was the second of the variant Poké Balls to appear in the anime, this time with a special purpose. This mysterious ball was unable to be opened by Professor Ivy, and served as the reason for Ash's journeys to the Orange Islands (to pick it up) and Johto (to deliver it to Kurt), so that what was contained within it could be discovered. Celebi was long rumored to be related to the ball, something which the Pokémon Adventures and game canons verify, while a director of the anime confirmed that, had it not been insisted that Celebi appear in a central role in the fourth movie, the GS Ball arc would have concluded with Celebi being released from the ball and traveling with Ash and his friends.

Also related to Kurt, as in the games, the first non-standard Poké Ball variants, the Apricorn balls, made an appearance in the anime, and several were given to the members of the main cast. All three members of the main cast received a Fast Ball each in Going Apricorn!, with Brock using his to catch a Pineco shortly after receiving it. Many other Apricorn Poké Balls also appeared in a fantasy in this episode. In the next episode, Brock received a Heavy Ball, while Ash and Misty received a Lure Ball each. While Brock's Heavy Ball and Ash and Misty's Fast Balls would remain unused (and have not been mentioned since), both Ash and Misty would use their Lure Balls to capture a Totodile and Corsola, respectively. Another Heavy Ball appeared in Gulpin It Down, where it was used to capture a giant Gulpin, though this was not the one belonging to Brock. In Trouble's Brewing, the Kimono Sisters (excluding Sakura) were shown keeping their Eeveelutions inside Apricorn Poké Balls, with Satsuki's Jolteon's ball being a Moon Ball, Sumomo's Vaporeon's ball being a Lure Ball, and Tamao's Umbreon's ball being a Fast Ball. While Koume's Flareon's ball wasn't shown, her kimono pattern indicates it being a Love Ball.

Ash calling out a Pokémon

The Master Ball itself has only appeared once as an actual Poké Ball, in Whiscash and Ash, where it was used by Sullivan in a last resort attempt to catch a wild Whiscash called "Nero". Despite the fact that a Master Ball cannot be escaped from, the Whiscash swallowed the Master Ball, thus preventing capture, and disappeared back into the water. While not a Poké Ball itself, Misty owns a beach ball that is designed like the Master Ball, which can be seen in Beauty and the Beach and A Hot Water Battle.

The Generation III specialty balls have mostly been seen in cameos. The Repeat Ball and Luxury Ball appeared in the opening of Jirachi: Wish Maker. These balls contained Brendan's Shiftry and Aggron, respectively.

The debut of most of the specialty balls, both from Generation III and IV, came in the ending Which One ~ Is It?, which contained the first appearance of the Great Ball and Ultra Ball, as well as the first anime appearance of the Premier, Heal, Net, Dusk, Nest, Quick, Timer, and Dive Balls.

The first proper appearance of the Great, Ultra, Net, Nest, Dusk, Dive, Repeat, Premier, and Heal Balls was in A Frenzied Factory Fiasco!, where these balls were seen being manufactured at the Poké Ball Factory, in addition to normal Poké Balls, Luxury Balls, and Safari Balls, although the last ones were not shown. Although James did mention a Quick Ball in the Japanese version, one was never shown in the episode (a fact that was picked up by the dub, which removed the Quick Ball reference). Team Rocket tried to steal many of these Poké Balls, but were foiled by Ash and his friends.

Dawn's Poké Balls with Ball Capsules and Seals

It was revealed in First Catch in Alola, Ketchum-Style! that James had been collecting Poké Balls. When Jessie's attempts to catch a Mimikyu with typical Poké Balls had failed, she grabbed the Luxury Ball James had been polishing and used it instead, capturing Mimikyu, much to James's dismay. The rest of James's collection appeared in Acting True to Form!, where it was revealed to also contain a Great, Ultra, Premier, Dusk, Heal, and Quick Ball, marking the first proper anime appearance of a Quick Ball. The collection reappeared in Splash, Dash, and Smash for the Crown!, where it now consisted of a Premier, Dive, Nest, Quick, Heal, and Dusk Ball.

Gladion keeps all of his known Pokémon in special Poké Balls. His Lycanroc is kept in an Ultra Ball (as first seen in A Glaring Rivalry!), his Silvally is kept in a Premier Ball (as first seen in Rising from the Ruins!), his Umbreon is kept in a Heal Ball (as first seen in Rescuing the Unwilling!), his Zoroark is kept in a Dusk Ball (as first seen in the Poké Problem extra scene of SM127), and his Nihilego is kept in a Beast Ball (as first seen in The Homecoming Crown!).

James's Poké Ball collection

Beast Balls debuted in A Mission of Ultra Urgency!, in which the Aether Foundation provided multiple of them for Ash and his classmates to use during their missions as Ultra Guardians. Since then, Beast Balls have appeared in a number of episodes. Most of the time they are only used to temporarily hold Ultra Beasts until they are released back into Ultra Space. The only Ultra Beasts that have been kept in a Beast Ball for longer than one episode are Ash's Naganadel and Gladion's Nihilego.

In Sword and Shield... The Legends Awaken!, Leon used an Ultra Ball in an attempt to catch Eternatus, only for Eternatus to break out.

A sealed Poké Ball

Many other Poké Balls have been shown in the anime; however, most of these are cosmetic alterations alone, such as Poké Balls with gold plating, diamond studded Poké Balls, and Poké Balls with stickers or special designs on them, usually to denote an organization. Ball Capsules and Seals can also be used to customize a Poké Ball's appearance, and they add special effects when the Pokémon is sent out. In the anime, they are mostly used by Coordinators during Pokémon Contests to create a showy entrance and ensure that the Pokémon will make a good impression right out of the Poké Ball.

Notably, a broken Poké Ball, snapped in half at its rusted hinges, was kept by both Ash and Gary, symbolizing their rivalry. After Ash defeated Gary during the Silver Conference, Gary gave his half of the Ball to Ash as a sign of ending their rivalry.

In Mystery at the Lighthouse, it was shown that if a Trainer catches a Pokémon while they already have six on hand, it is automatically sent to the regional Professor. Sewaddle and Burgh in Pinwheel Forest shows a major difference in what happens after a Pokémon is captured. Instead of being automatically sent to the regional Professor, the Poké Ball is sealed and the button becomes red. The Pokémon is kept inactive until it is switched out by another actively in the Trainer's party.

Other variants
Some of Karna's custom Poké Balls
  • A green Poké Ball appeared in Pokémon - I Choose You!. Interestingly, the cover of the book Grass Pokédex greatly resembles this Poké Ball, and is labeled as a Safari Ball.
  • Several objects were used to contain and control Pokémon before Poké Balls themselves were developed. Large monumental objects have been shown several times in episodes to be containers for large ancient Pokémon, as seen most notably in The Ancient Puzzle of Pokémopolis. Smaller objects have also been used, such as the staff belonging to Sir Aaron, which contained his partner, Lucario, until Ash released it in the current era. Special armor developed by Marcus was used to control Pokémon in ancient Michina Town, though it did not directly contain the Pokémon; unlike other methods of using Pokémon, these Pokémon were enslaved, instead of befriended, and they turned against him the moment the armor was broken.
  • Mewtwo had a collection of strange Poké Balls known as (Japanese: ミュウツーボール Mewtwo Balls) in Mewtwo Strikes Back, which incorporated an eye into their design, and were used primarily to capture Pokémon to be cloned. These balls had no trouble catching Pokémon which were already captured—even if they were already inside of Poké Balls.
  • In Spell of the Unown: Entei, Molly Hale, whose imagination caused the power of the Unown to change the world around them, was able to use strange, crystalline Poké Balls when she challenged Brock and Misty. The Pokémon sent from these appeared normally, but dissolved into crystal, rather than being recalled. These crystal Poké Balls only appeared when used by her imagined older selves, and do not appear to actually exist.
  • A special variant of Poké Ball, the Lake Ball, was used during the Seaking Catching Competition in Hook, Line, and Stinker; this is viewed by many to be similar to the Sport Ball used in the Bug-Catching Contest. They appear as blue and white Poké Balls, with a fish pattern around the edge, and a yellow arrow on the top and bottom of the ball. They don't shake after capture, implying an automatic catch.
  • In One Trick Phony!, specially marked Poké Balls appeared at the Battle Park, containing the Park's rental Pokémon. They looked almost exactly like standard Poké Balls, except that they had the Park's stylized "BP" logo on the top.
  • Older Poké Balls have also appeared in the anime, specifically the one carried by Sam in Celebi: The Voice of the Forest, which was colored differently, and it had a knob that needed to be twisted before the Pokémon inside could be sent out. While it is unknown how these types were manufactured, it is likely that they were made by hand using Apricorns, prior to the standardization and mass production of modern-day Poké Balls.
  • The Iron-Masked Marauder, an agent of Team Rocket, used special Dark Balls that corrupted Pokémon caught inside them and made them into mindless servants of the Trainer, as well as raising their power significantly. Multiple Pokémon were caught in these Poké Balls, including the Mythical Celebi and a powerful Tyranitar. They seem capable of catching any Pokémon without fail.
  • As in the games, the GS Ball appeared in the anime, and was the primary motivation for Ash's trip to the Orange Islands, where he would compete in his second Pokémon League. It also served as the catalyst for his journey to Johto, as he needed to deliver the ball to Kurt. Former director Masamitsu Hidaka revealed that a shelved storyline, that would have concluded the GS Ball's arc, involved a Celebi that would have traveled with Ash and his friends through at least part of Johto. The storyline was viewed as redundant after the decision was made to introduce Celebi in the fourth movie instead.
  • Claydol, Big and Tall featured the "Stone Ball", a huge Poké Ball made of stone used to keep an evil, giant Claydol that levied destruction everywhere. This Poké Ball is about the size of a two-story house.
  • In Battling the Enemy Within!, an ancient relic resembling a Poké Ball was first mentioned by Brandon, who told Ash and his friends a story about the King of Pokélantis, who had once tried to control Ho-Oh for his own evil purposes. When Ash later found the relic, it was revealed that the King of Pokélantis's spirit was actually sealed within it, and it possessed Ash until it was banished from his body and resealed back inside the relic.
  • In A Fishing Connoisseur in a Fishy Competition!, a specially marked Poké Ball, called the "Fishing Poké Ball", was used in the fake fishing contest set up by Team Rocket. This Poké Ball highly resembled the regular red and white Poké Ball, except that it had a dark fish mark on its red part.
  • In The Power of Us, the participants of the Pokémon Catch Race used special "Catch Race Poké Balls" to catch specifically marked Pokémon around Fula City. These Poké Balls feature a blue-and-white color scheme, with a gold button.
  • In Pokémon Journeys: The Series, starting from Ivysaur's Mysterious Tower!, the Team Rocket trio was provided with the Rocket Prize Master, a vending machine that lets them borrow random Pokémon from it, contained in special Team Rocket Poké Balls. When a Pokémon is sent out from them, these Balls drop a small leaflet explaining details about the Pokémon in question.
  • Dynamaxed Poké Balls were first used in Flash of the Titans! during Lance and Leon's World Coronation Series battle. In Sword and Shield... The Legends Awaken!, Goh, with Ash's help, used a Dynamaxed Poké Ball to catch a weakened Eternatus, which was later sealed away.
  • In Orla and the Poké Ball Smith, several custom-made Poké Balls created by Karna were shown. These include the Rocket Ball, which has miniature rocket engines that boost its speed; the Boomerang Ball, which curves back around once thrown; the Bomb-Bomb Ball, which has a fuse that lights up when the ball is about to be thrown and causes the ball to explode when it burns out; the Chase Ball, which homes in on the target Pokémon on a set of wheels; and an unnamed Ball that Karna gave to Orla as a gift at the end of the episode.

History

Main article: History of Poké Balls

As mentioned, the generic Poké Ball design is not constant and has been remodeled and altered innumerable times in order to create new Poké Balls that are adapted for specific conditions. For example, it is seen in several anime episodes such as Gulpin it Down! and Claydol Big and Tall that normal Poké Balls have difficulty catching Pokémon which are extremely large or extremely heavy. In the latter episode, it is revealed that ancient civilizations overcame this issue by constructing immense Poké Balls many times the size of the standard model known today, and made from stone instead. Other civilizations such as Pokémopolis also discovered new technologies that more closely resembled modern Poké Ball technology, such as the Dark Device and the Unearthly Urn, which were also adapted for the capture and storage of massive Pokémon but in small containers. However, devices like these became lost to the ages and their roles were subsequently supplanted by Heavy Balls in the modern world.

In A Shipful of Shivers, modern Poké Balls are found in the ghost ship, implying that modern Poké Balls were first made at least 300 years ago. According to Pocket Monsters: The Animation, Poké Balls were developed to allow for various Trainers to efficiently capture and train Pokémon in relatively little risk to themselves, as the act of training a Pokémon often results in severe injuries and even death. It also claims that the Pokémon Primeape and its notoriously violent nature was directly responsible for their creation.

Prior to the invention of Poké Balls, Pokémon were referred to as magical creatures (Japanese: 魔獣 majū), indicating that the name Pokémon, short for Pocket Monster, did not come into common parlance as a term until Poké Balls allowed the various magical creatures to be stored easily.

Pokédex entries

Episode Subject Source Entry
EP001 Poké Ball Ash's Pokédex While being trained, a Pokémon usually stays inside its Poké Ball. However, there are many exceptions. Some Pokémon hate being confined.

Ancient Poké Ball

Ancient Poké Ball

The search for these Poké Balls is an important plot within Pokémon Horizons: The Series. These Poké Balls, in addition to capturing Pokémon, seem to have unique powers and react to certain stimuli, like Liko's pendant and other Ancient Poké Balls.

History

Roy is in possession of an antique Poké Ball that he refers to as the Ancient Poké Ball. It was found by his grandfather and later given to him. It first appeared in The Treasure After the Storm!, where Roy mentioned how he had never managed to open it. In The Ancient Poké Ball, the ball reacted with Liko's pendant and opened to reveal a Black Rayquaza that flew away soon after. The ball is said to have belonged to an ancient adventurer who once commanded Rayquaza. In Arboliva's Forest, another identical Ancient Poké Ball appeared under the possession of a giant Arboliva. In the next episode, this Poké Ball was revealed to be Arboliva's, and to have been owned by the ancient adventurer as well. Another Ancient Poké Ball appeared under the possession of the adventurer's Galarian Moltres. Another Ancient Poké Ball appeared under the possession of the adventurer's Lapras.

Pokémon housed in Ancient Poké Balls
Pokémon Region Debut
Black Rayquaza.png
Black Rayquaza 		Kanto* The Ancient Poké Ball
Lucius Arboliva.png
Giant Arboliva 		Paldea Nemona and Brassius and…
Lucius Moltres.png
Galarian Moltres 		Galar Charge! Galar Mine!
Lucius Lapras.png
Giant Lapras 		Unknown Song Within the Mist
Gallery

Pokémon Origins

A Poké Ball in Pokémon Origins

Besides the regular Poké Ball, the other Generation I variations of it were also seen during the Pokémon Origins miniseries. In File 3: Giovanni, it was shown that Giovanni kept his strongest Pokémon, Rhyhorn and Rhydon, within Ultra Balls. In File 4: Charizard, Red was seen catching an Arbok with a Great Ball and a Chansey with a Safari Ball. He also used Ultra Balls to capture the Legendary Pokémon Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, and Mewtwo.

The Master Ball only appeared in a demonstration in File 3: Giovanni, as it was still under development at the time. After Team Rocket was driven out of the Silph Co. building by Red, the development of the Master Ball was put on hold for a while.

Additionally, in Pokémon Origins, the sound effects and bright light used when a Trainer is catching, sending out, or recalling a Pokémon differ in comparison to the sound effects and lights that are used in the main Pokémon anime, more resembling the effects seen in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen.

Pokémon Generations

An Ultra Ball in Pokémon Generations

The only Poké Ball variant seen in Pokémon Generations was an Ultra Ball, which appeared in The Scoop. It was shown being used by a Trainer to catch a Deoxys in outer space.

In the manga

In the various Pokémon manga, Poké Balls have been shown to appear differently, as an attempt to explain how a Trainer knows which Pokémon is in which ball, as most Pokémon manga series were, like the anime, developed at a time when the games could not keep track of the ball a Pokémon was contained in.

The Electric Tale of Pikachu

A Poké Ball in The Electric Tale of Pikachu
The Enormo Poké Ball-X1

In The Electric Tale of Pikachu, the rules are more similar to the anime; however, Poké Balls are numbered on the outside, on the button, so that a Trainer knows which member of their team they are sending into battle. In The Electric Tale of Pikachu, Trainers must obtain a license before they are legally allowed to purchase Poké Balls.

It is also possible for a Pokémon to be placed inside a Poké Ball without it being owned by a Trainer. In Days of Gloom and Glory, Meowzie steals a Poké Ball from a shop and puts her kitten in it so that it will not be hurt by a flood affecting the city.

In Haunting My Dreams, a giant Poké Ball named the Enormo Poké Ball-X1 (Japanese: ビッグモンスターボールX1 Big Monster Ball-X1) or EPB-X1 for short, was created to capture the gigantic Haunter, Black Fog. It was destroyed when the Black Fog used Explosion to free itself after being captured.

Magical Pokémon Journey

In Magical Pokémon Journey, the main characters generally do not capture Pokémon, rather, they befriend them. Although Almond, one of the main characters, is known to be a Pokémon Trainer, he is not actually depicted capturing or raising any Pokémon. In fact, in the bonus materials of Volume 2, in which the cast of the manga meet Ash, Misty and Brock in a series of crossovers, it is revealed that Hazel and Coconut do not even know what Poké Balls are. When Ash and Misty explain that they are used to capture Pokémon, they both proceed to attempt to use them to capture Almond, as he is each of their love interest.

Pokémon Adventures

Yellow's Seadra inside his Poké Ball in Pokémon Adventures

In the Pokémon Adventures manga, the tops of Poké Balls are semitransparent, allowing the Pokémon inside, which is miniaturized, to be seen through the ball, while the Pokémon can likewise see out of the ball it is contained in. In this manga, unlike in the anime, Pokémon already captured can be recaught in another Poké Ball, as is seen when Red recatches Misty's Gyarados in Gyarados Splashes In! (though Blue states that catching a Pokémon that belongs to another is not possible in Lapras Lazily).

Like in the anime and the games, specialty balls do exist, although they are much more commonly used than in the anime. In Holy Moltres, Team Rocket was shown to have caught the legendary birds in Ultra Balls. In And Mewtwo... Three!, Blaine gave Red the Master Ball, which Red used to catch Mewtwo shortly afterwards. In Teddiursa's Picnic, Gold and Silver received a Friend Ball and Heavy Ball, respectively, with Silver using his ball to catch an Ursaring, while Gold used his to catch a Teddiursa for Maizie. Close to the end of the Gold, Silver & Crystal arc, the Masked Man was shown creating a GS Ball and using it to catch Celebi. In Innocent Scientist, Blake used Luxury Balls while trying to catch the Genesect controlled by Colress, eventually succeeding. In Abyssal Ruins, Blake gave Whitley a Quick Ball to catch a Karrablast. In Scizor Defends, a Quick Ball was seen amongst the Poké Balls that Y had used while trying to catch an Absol.

Safari Balls have been seen being used by Red at the Kanto Safari Zone, by Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum at the Great Marsh, and by Silver at the Johto Safari Zone. Crystal and Emerald have also been shown using special balls to catch Pokémon, with Crystal specializing in Apricorn balls and Emerald specializing in Poké Balls introduced in Generation III.

Additionally, the three original types of Poké Ball are used to identify the Trainer's rank; most Trainers keep their Pokémon in Poké Balls, Gym Leaders use Great Balls, and Elite Four members use Ultra Balls.

In the Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon arc, Beast Balls were created for the Aether Foundation by Blake, who was disguised as Colress, as a means of catching Ultra Beasts. Sun used one to catch his Stakataka in Madness!! Mother Lusamine!.

Like in the games, but unlike the anime, Pokémon placed in their balls don't recover from status conditions nor regain lost health, no matter how much time passes.

Variants

  • Bruno has modified his Poké Balls so that they are fitted onto the ends of his nunchucks. By swinging them quickly and throwing the nunchuck forward, Bruno can have his Pokémon quickly attack his opponent, giving him the advantage.
  • Koga and his daughter Janine modified their Poké Balls into shuriken to fit their ninja theme. In addition to being used as weapons, they can also be used to have their Pokémon pop up from different locations to surprise the opponent or to hold items to help an ally.
  • Bugsy had Kurt modify his butterfly net into something he calls a Capture Net. His net has a Poké Ball nested into the middle of it. The bag of the net is made of the same material of the inside of a Poké Ball. Once a Pokémon is covered in the bag, they will automatically be sucked into the Poké Ball.
  • Falkner has modified his Poké Balls into boomerangs using the feathers of his Skarmory. Because of Skarmory's feathers being transparent, they have the tendency to turn invisible, confusing enemies when Falkner throws them in random directions only for them to turn around and go straight for them.
  • Erika and Moon modified their Poké Balls to be at the end of their arrows.
  • In It Takes Patience, Knowledge and a Really Quick Beedrill, Giovanni used a specifically designed Poké Ball with the letters "DNA" on its top half to capture Deoxys.
  • Multiple Dynamaxed Poké Balls appeared in the Sword & Shield arc, being used to both capture Dynamax Pokémon and send them out.
  • Bruno's nunchuck with Poké Balls on them

    Bruno's nunchuck with Poké Balls on them

  • Koga's shuriken Poké Ball

    Koga's shuriken Poké Ball

  • Bugsy's Capture Net

    Bugsy's Capture Net

  • Falkner's boomerang Poké Balls

    Falkner's boomerang Poké Balls

  • Erika with one of her Poké Ball arrows

    Erika with one of her Poké Ball arrows

  • Moon with one of her Poké Ball arrows

    Moon with one of her Poké Ball arrows

  • Giovanni's Deoxys Poké Ball

    Giovanni's Deoxys Poké Ball

  • A Dynamaxed Poké Ball

    A Dynamaxed Poké Ball

Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys

Besides regular Poké Balls, Apricorn Poké Balls also received notable attention in the Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys manga. They were first featured in The Great Search! Let's Rescue The Slowpoke!, where Gold and Kurt used some of Kurt's hand-made Poké Balls to save a group of Slowpoke from drowning in the flooding Slowpoke Well. Kurt's Level Ball also proved crucial in stopping the Black Tyranitar's rampage during the manga's climax.

Pokémon: Yeah! I Got Pokémon!

A Poké Ball in Pokémon Pocket Monsters

In Pokémon: Yeah! I Got Pokémon!, Poké Balls are depicted as solid, with no visual identification as to which Poké Ball is which. In Special Chapter - Get Pikachu!, it is revealed that when Shu met Pikachu, Pikachu's Poké Ball had been abandoned in a forest because it was defective and it was causing Pikachu's electricity to be released throughout the surrounding area.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

In Pokémon Pocket Monsters, Poké Balls are often shown as transparent to identify when a Pokémon is inside. They usually have their typical appearance from far away, suggesting that they may not always be transparent, or are only see-through from up close. Pokémon appear to be able to see the world outside of their Poké Balls, as shown in Bring Down the Powerful Opponent Onix!!, when Clefairy sees Pikachu inside his Poké Ball, and they talk to each other. In Introducing the Pokémon Clefairy!!, when Green is choosing Charmander as his first partner Pokémon, he is shown to be able to pick up and lift Charmander directly from the Poké Ball without throwing it first.

In the TCG

Ultra Ball

Many variants of Poké Ball have been released in card form in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, ranging from the standard variants found in the games and other media to variants specific to the TCG. Generally, Poké Balls are depicted as Item cards that search the player's deck for Pokémon and put them into the player's hand. Many Poké Ball cards require some number of successful coin flips in order to allow for the search to succeed, but some cards use the order of the player's deck to create inconsistency instead. There are even Poké Ball cards that are guaranteed to work, but these cards are balanced by only finding specific subsets of Pokémon, requiring some cost to be paid, or having another drawback.

Some cards, such as Apricorn Maker and Ball Guy, refer to Poké Ball cards as a group, using the phrase "Item cards that have the word “Ball” in their name". This phraseology excludes cards with "Balloon" in their name even though they otherwise meet the criteria. (An example of an excluded card was Bursting Balloon, before the errata that changed Pokémon Tool cards to be a subtype of Trainer cards rather than Item cards.)

List of Poké Ball cards based on the games

  • The standard Poké Ball card, which was the first released, debuted in the Jungle expansion and has since been featured in many others. It requires the player to flip a coin and if it is successful, it searches the deck for a Pokémon and puts it in the player's hand.
  • The Ultra Ball can be seen in the artwork of Rocket's Sneak Attack, from the Team Rocket expansion. The 'H' on this Ultra Ball is derived from its Japanese name, Hyper Ball. The Ultra Ball itself would debut in Dark Explorers, with its effect requiring the player to discard 2 cards from the hand to search the deck for any single Pokémon.
  • The Great Ball, which first appeared in the TCG expansion coinciding with the remakes of the Generation I games, is somewhat of an upgrade to the Poké Ball, and does not require the coin flip that the Poké Ball does, instead restricting the search to Basic Pokémon. Later, in Emerging Powers, Great Ball's effect was changed to have the player search the top 7 cards of the deck for any one Pokémon card and put it in the hand.
  • The Master Ball, first appearing in the Gym Challenge expansion, and in the games the most powerful of the Poké Balls, provides a vastly different effect than the standard. Rather than searching the entire deck, only the top seven cards may be searched. One Pokémon found in these seven can be put into the hand, while the rest must be shuffled back into the deck. In Plasma Blast, the Master Ball was changed to an ACE SPEC card that allowed the player to search the entire deck for any one Pokémon. This effect is similar to Ultra Ball, but without the discard cost.
  • Debuting in the Skyridge expansion, the Lure Ball is different from the basic Poké Balls in that it draws from the discard pile rather than the deck. For each heads flipped, with a maximum of three, an Evolution card can be returned from the discard pile and put into the hand. It has since been reprinted in Celestial Storm.
  • Also debuting in Skyridge, the Friend Ball, another Apricorn Ball, has a unique effect entirely, allowing the user to search their deck for a Pokémon of the same type as one of the opponent's Pokémon and put it into their hand. It is effective in decks that typically match up well against their own type. It was also reprinted in Celestial Storm.
  • The Fast Ball allows the player to go through their deck, turning over cards one at a time until they find the first evolution card, and then taking that into their hand, shuffling afterward. Like the other two Apricorn Balls, it debuted in Skyridge, but unlike the others, it has not appeared since.
  • The Premier Ball, debuting in the Great Encounters expansion, is special, much as in the games, and allows the player to search either the deck or the discard pile for a Pokémon LV.X to put into their hand.
  • The Luxury Ball, first released in the Stormfront expansion, is among the rarest of the Poké Ball varieties in the games, though its catch rate is the same as that of a normal Poké Ball. Likewise it is so with the TCG, allowing a non-LV.X Pokémon to be searched from the deck, but only if another Luxury Ball card is not in the discard pile.
  • The Quick Ball released in the Mysterious Treasures expansion has a similar effect to the Fast Ball released in Skyridge, allowing the player to uncover cards from their deck until they find a Pokémon. An expansion of the Fast Ball's use, any Pokémon can be found, though this may prove an issue if the player is looking for an Evolution card specifically and finds a Basic Pokémon first, and vice versa. The Quick Ball was rereleased in the Sword & Shield expansion with a different effect, requiring players to discard 1 card in order to search their deck for a Basic Pokémon.
  • The Dusk Ball, also first released in Mysterious Treasures, features an effect somewhat opposite from that of the pre-Plasma Blast version of Master Ball: Instead of the top seven cards being searched, only the bottom seven cards may be, and a Pokémon found there may be put into the player's hand.
  • The Heavy Ball, first released in Next Destinies, allows the player to search their deck for a Pokémon who has a Retreat Cost of 3 or more and put it into their hand.
  • The Level Ball, also first released in Next Destinies, allows the player to search their deck for a Pokémon that has 90 HP or less and put it into their hand.
  • The Dive Ball, released only in Primal Clash, allows the player to search their deck for a Water-type Pokémon and put it into their hand.
  • The Repeat Ball, released only in Primal Clash, allows the player to search their deck for a Pokémon with the same name as one of their Pokémon in play and put it into their hand.
  • The Nest Ball, first released in Sun & Moon, allows the player to search their deck for a Basic Pokémon and put it onto their Bench.
  • The Timer Ball, first released in Sun & Moon, allows the player to search their deck for a number of Evolution Pokémon equal to the number of heads from flipping two coins.
  • The Net Ball, first released in Lost Thunder, allows the player to search their deck for a Basic Grass Pokémon or a Grass Energy card and put it into their hand.
  • The Beast Ball, first released in Celestial Storm, allows the player to look at their Prize Cards, and swap an Ultra Beast found there with the Beast Ball card.
  • The Cherish Ball, first released in Unified Minds, allows the player to search their deck for any Pokémon-GX and put it into their hand.
  • The Dream Ball, first released in Evolving Skies, allows the player to search their deck for a Pokémon and put it on their bench, but the card can only be played if the player took it as a face down Prize card.
  • The Feather Ball, first released in Astral Radiance, allows the player to search their deck for a Pokémon with no Retreat Cost and put it into their hand.
  • The Hisuian Heavy Ball, first released in Astral Radiance, allows the player to look at their Prize cards, and swap a Basic Pokémon found there with the Hisuian Heavy Ball card.
  • The Love Ball, first released in Twilight Masquerade, is similar in effect to Friend Ball, except it allows the user to search their deck for a Pokémon of the same name (instead of the same type) as one of the opponent's Pokémon, and put it into their hand.

List of Poké Balls original to the TCG

In the novels

Pocket Monsters: The Animation

In Pocket Monsters: The Animation, it is said that Poké Balls were invented in 1925 by Professor Nishinomori.

In the guidebooks

According to the Encyclopedia Pokemonica, Pocket Monsters Encyclopedia, and a Pokémon Daisuki Club site describing the Pokémon world, modern Poké Balls were developed in 1925 from the research of Professor Westwood of Celadon University.

In real life

The Pokémon Company has occasionally partnered with certain companies in order to create certain products. This includes Poké Balls.

  • The Pokémon Company has collaborated with Tiffany & Co. in order to make a Poké Ball that also acts as a jewelry case.

Trivia

  • Professor Oak has written senryū about the Poké Ball in two of his lectures:
  • In Pokémon Pinball, the Poké Balls serve as the balls in the machine; they can be used to capture Pokémon and are upgraded depending on the multiplier bonus at the time.
  • In some early artwork for Pokémon Red and Green, Poké Balls are shown on the ground in two pieces while the Pokémon are in battle, rather than in the more familiar hinged form they take now. This may be a carryover from when Pokémon was known as Capsule Monsters, as the Poké Ball sprites in Generation I also do not show the button on the ball. In Generation II, Poké Balls split in half when capturing a Pokémon as part of their animation, while the anime had been using the hinge style since the very first episode.
  • In the earlier volumes of the Pokémon Adventures manga, Poké Balls captured and released Pokémon in large puffs of smoke, often with a strong sound effect. This may have been based on the capture and release animations in Generation I and II. As Generation III onwards exchanged the smoke effect for Ball-specific animations, the effect in the manga shifted instead to bursts of light.
  • Poké Balls are inspired by the capsules for gashapon machines, which contain small, handheld toys.
  • In Generation II, after catching a Pokémon, the Poké Ball's color palette changes to that of the Pokémon that was just caught. It then changes back to normal thereafter.
  • Starting in Generation III, all Poké Ball types have a special effect that appears whenever the ball is opened. These special effects also can be seen in Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness. In Generation IV and Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, customizable special effects are available through Stickers.
  • In Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, Cyrus's computer indicates that a Poké Ball would limit the power of Dialga and Palkia. This leads to Team Galactic creating the Red Chain instead to shackle them so they can control their full power.
  • Generation VI is the only completed generation to date to not have introduced a new type of Poké Ball.

In other languages

Language Title
Japan Flag.png Japanese モンスターボール Monster Ball
The Arab world Flag.png Arabic كرة البوكي Kurt Al-Poké
Chinese Cantonese 精靈球 Jīnglìhng Kàuh
Mandarin 精靈球 / 精灵球 Jīnglíng Qiú *
寶貝球 / 宝贝球 Bǎobèi Qiú *
Croatia Flag.png Croatian Pokélopta
The Czech Republic Flag.png Czech Pokébal
Denmark Flag.png Danish Pokéball
The Netherlands Flag.png Dutch PokéBal *
Finland Flag.png Finnish Poképallo
France Flag.png French Poké Ball
Germany Flag.png German Pokéball
Israel Flag.png Hebrew פוקדור Pokadur
India Flag.png Hindi पोकेबॉल Pokéball
Hungary Flag.png Hungarian Pokélabda
Iceland Flag.png Icelandic Pokébolti
Indonesia Flag.png Indonesian Poké Ball
Bola Pokémon
Italy Flag.png Italian Poké Ball
Sfera Poké *
South Korea Flag.png Korean 몬스터볼 Monster Ball
Malaysia Flag.png Malaysian Poké Ball
Pokéball
Norway Flag.png Norwegian Pokéball
Poland Flag.png Polish Pokéball
Portuguese Brazil Flag.png Brazil Poké Bola *
Poké bola *
Poké Ball *
Pokébola *
Portugal Flag.png Portugal Pokébola
Bola Poké *
Romania Flag.png Romanian Poké-minge
Russia Flag.png Russian Поке-Болл Poké-Boll *
Покешар Pokéshar *
Spanish CELAC Flag.png Latin America Pokébola
Spain Flag.png Spain Poké Ball
Sweden Flag.png Swedish Poké Ball
Pokéboll
Pokéklot *
Poké-klot *
Tamil Flag.png Tamil போகிபால் Pokéball
India Flag.png Telugu పోకెబాల్ Pokéball
Thailand Flag.png Thai มอนสเตอร์บอล Monster Ball
โปเกบอล Poké Ball *
Turkey Flag.png Turkish Poké Topu
Vietnam Flag.png Vietnamese Bóng chứa Pokémon
Bóng Poké

References

  1. ↑ Shea, Brian (October 4, 2019). "Exclusive Pokémon Sword And Shield Concept Art Gallery." Game Informer (Archived on April 16, 2024.)
  2. ↑ Never miss with the Master Ball—coming soon to Pokémon GO!


Poké Balls
Poké Ball Poké Ball
Great Ball Great Ball
Ultra Ball Ultra Ball
Master Ball Master Ball
Safari Ball Safari Ball
Fast Ball Fast Ball
Level Ball Level Ball
Lure Ball Lure Ball
Heavy Ball Heavy Ball
Love Ball Love Ball
Friend Ball Friend Ball
Moon Ball Moon Ball
Sport Ball Sport Ball
Net Ball Net Ball
Nest Ball Nest Ball
Repeat Ball Repeat Ball
Timer Ball Timer Ball
Luxury Ball Luxury Ball
Premier Ball Premier Ball
Dive Ball Dive Ball
Dusk Ball Dusk Ball
Heal Ball Heal Ball
Quick Ball Quick Ball
Cherish Ball Cherish Ball
Park Ball Park Ball
Dream Ball Dream Ball
Beast Ball Beast Ball
Strange Ball Strange Ball
Exclusive to Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Poké Ball Poké Ball
Great Ball Great Ball
Ultra Ball Ultra Ball
Heavy Ball Heavy Ball
Leaden Ball Leaden Ball
Gigaton Ball Gigaton Ball
Feather Ball Feather Ball
Wing Ball Wing Ball
Jet Ball Jet Ball
Origin Ball Origin Ball


Types of items
General Evolution stones • Fossils • Flutes • Shards • Held items
Evolution items • Escape items • Exchangeable items • Valuable items
Battle items • Scents • Nectars • Candy • Ingredients
Medicine Status condition healing items • Vitamins • Feathers
Mints • Mochi • Drinks • Herbal medicine
Berry and Apricorn Poké Balls • Apricorns • Berries • Mulch
Aesthetic Decorations • Accessories • Backdrops • Props • Décor
Clothing (XY • SMUSUM • LGPE • SwSh • BDSP • LA • SV)
Other Mail • Key Items • Event items
Wonder Launcher items • Rotom Powers


Games: Super Smash Bros. • Super Smash Bros. Melee • Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U • Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Characters: Pikachu • Jigglypuff • Mewtwo • Pichu
Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle • Ivysaur • Charizard) • Lucario • Greninja • Incineroar
Stages: Saffron City • Pokémon Stadium • Poké Floats • Pokémon Stadium 2 • Spear Pillar
Prism Tower • Unova Pokémon League • Kalos Pokémon League
Poké Ball and Master Ball: Abomasnow • Abra • Alolan Exeggutor • Alolan Raichu • Alolan Vulpix • Arceus • Articuno • Beedrill
Bellossom • Bewear • Blastoise • Bonsly • Celebi • Chansey • Charizard • Chespin • Chikorita • Clefairy
Cyndaquil • Darkrai • Dedenne • Deoxys • Ditto • Eevee • Electrode • Entei • Fennekin
Fletchling • Gardevoir • Genesect • Giratina • Gogoat • Goldeen • Groudon • Gulpin • Hitmonlee
Ho-Oh • Inkay • Jirachi • Keldeo • Koffing • Kyogre • Kyurem • Latias and Latios
Lugia • Lunala • Manaphy • Marill • Marshadow • Meloetta • Meowth • Mew • Metagross • Mimikyu
Moltres • Munchlax • Onix • Oshawott • Palkia • Piplup • Porygon2 • Pyukumuku • Raikou • Scizor • Snivy
Snorlax • Solgaleo • Spewpa • Staryu • Starmie • Suicune • Swirlix • Tapu Koko • Togedemaru • Togepi
Torchic • Unown • Venusaur • Victini • Vulpix • Weavile • Weezing • Wobbuffet • Xerneas • Zapdos • Zoroark
Collectables: Trophies (Melee • Brawl • for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U)
Stickers
Spirits
Misc: The Subspace Emissary • My Music • Final Smash • Pokémon Change • Brawl cameos


Project ItemDex logo.png This item article is part of Project ItemDex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on all items.
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