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[[Image:Redtitle.png|frame|right|The title screen of [[Pokémon Red Version]]]]
{{fan speculation}}
A '''version''' of the Pokémon games is a [[Pokémon game]], up to present, always released on a [[Nintendo]] handheld system, which follows the now-standard model of a {{player}}'s journey through a specific [[region]] to collect all of the Pokémon. Collectively, the seventeen games released with the suffix "version" are known by fans as the '''main series''' of Pokémon games.
It is not yet known if there will be '''future generations''' of the Pokémon franchise. However, it has been indicated in the past, that not every Pokémon in the {{pkmn|world}} has been discovered yet, and regions to which unknown Pokémon are native are likely to be revealed gradually. The Pokémon franchise remains very profitable for Nintendo and is currently the second best selling video-game franchise, second only to the Mario franchise (which also belongs to Nintendo), meaning that the end of the series is likely still far away.


==Version formula==
Currently, there are four [[generation]]s of Pokémon games, each with their own set of then-new Pokémon, moves and several other things that have become the pattern of the [[main series]] so far. Although nothing is known at this time about a possible Generation V or beyond, the patterns which have applied to all four current generations are expected to continue to hold true in the future.
What makes a Pokémon game a "version", aside from the label on the box and game media, is the standard plot which is shared by all of them. The player begins the game in a small town, having no [[Pokémon]] of their own. Through a course of events, they will come into contact with their region's native [[Pokémon professor]], who will then allow them to keep a [[starter Pokémon]] of their choice. The starter Pokémon is always one of a group of three, a {{type2|Grass}}, {{type2|Fire}}, or {{type2|Water}}, and the character who will become the {{player}}'s [[rival]] will choose or already have the Pokémon whose [[Elemental types|type]] is [[super effective]] against that of the player's choice. The sole exception to this is {{game|Yellow}}, in which the player starts with {{p|Pikachu}} and the rival starts with {{p|Eevee}}.


It is at this point where the storyline of all seventeen diverge. The player is allowed to journey across the entire region, capturing any [[wild Pokémon]] they choose to, and using a [[party]] they assemble to take on the eight [[Gym Leader]]s of the region. Alongside encounters with both other {{pkmn|Trainer}}s and repeated interactions with their rival, a [[villainous team]] will arrive to cause trouble early on in the player's quest, touting plans to take over the world and sometimes capture [[legendary Pokémon]] to do their bidding.
What is so far assumed from the patterns that have run from [[Generation I]] to the present about Generation V and beyond is as follows:
*Initially, there will be two versions of the new game, which will differ in capture rates and [[version exclusives]]. A more extensive third version will be released some time later, in which most Pokémon previously exclusive to one of the two versions will be available, but other Pokémon found in both versions will be missing. In the third version, the outfits of the [[player character]]s and [[rival]] will likely change. There will also probably be an extension to the plot in the third version.
**'''Evidence:''' The three-version formula has been used in every generation, although there remains no third version to {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}}, and there are four games in Generation I. However, this is most likely because the former games were remakes of the [[Generation I]] games and the latter game was only released in Japan. Since [[Generation III]], the player characters have gotten an outfit change in the third version.
*A new [[region]] will be explored. It will be geographically similar to a real-life region in Japan.
**'''Evidence:''' Each of the four generations has been centered in a new region relative to its time: [[Kanto]] in Generation I, [[Johto]] in Generation II, [[Hoenn]] in Generation III, and [[Sinnoh]] in Generation IV. The similarities to Japan's regions are noted [[Pokémon world in relation to the real world|here]].
*A previously unknown [[Pokémon professor]] will reside in this region and have new {{type2|Grass}}, {{type2|Fire}}, and {{type2|Water}} Pokémon available for the player to select for his or her adventure. The professor will be named after a tree in the English version.
**'''Evidence:''' Professors {{prof|Oak}}, {{prof|Elm}}, {{prof|Birch}}, {{prof|Rowan}} and their [[starter Pokémon]].
*More new Pokémon will be introduced. Some may be [[List of Pokémon with cross-generational evolutions|evolved forms]] or [[Baby Pokémon|pre-evolutions]] of Pokémon now known. The amount of new Pokémon introduced will likely not be below 100 or above 150. Specifically, a dual-typed {{2t|Normal|Flying}} bird Pokémon will be introduced along with a mammal-based {{type2|Normal}} Pokémon.
**'''Evidence:''' Each generation after the first has introduced at least two Pokémon related to those of previous generations. The amount of Pokémon released each generation was 151 (150 before {{p|Mew}}), 100, 135 and 107. As for the birds and mammals, in each generation there has been one of each introduced:
***'''[[Generation I]]''': {{p|Pidgey}} and {{p|Rattata}}. {{p|Spearow}} was also introduced in this generation.
***'''[[Generation II]]''': {{p|Hoothoot}} and {{p|Sentret}}
***'''[[Generation III]]''': {{p|Taillow}} and {{p|Zigzagoon}}
***'''[[Generation IV]]''': {{p|Starly}} and {{p|Bidoof}}
*The new [[regional Pokédex]] will begin with the starter Pokémon and their evolutionary kin as #001-#009, in the order of Grass-Fire-Water. It will lack at least some Pokémon. The [[National Dex]] numbers of new Pokémon will start with #494 for the Grass-type starter and continue on at least up to #593 if at least 100 Pokémon are added.
**'''Evidence:''' [[List of Pokémon by Hoenn Dex number|Hoenn's regional Pokédex]] leaves out 184 Pokémon. [[List of Pokémon by Sinnoh Dex number|Sinnoh's regional Pokédex]] leaves out 342 Pokémon in {{2v2|Diamond|Pearl}} and 283 Pokémon in {{v2|Platinum}}.
*The new region may feature new evolutions of {{p|Eevee}} and new [[Fossil|Fossil Pokémon]].
**'''Evidence: '''Both have happened in three out of the four released generations.
*There will be eight Pokémon [[Gym]]s and an [[Elite Four]], of which each will specialize in a specific [[elemental type]], and a [[Champion]] at the end of the [[Elite Four]]. There will also be an evil team that the player will battle and eventually defeat after a battle with its leader.
**'''Evidence:''' This is part of the standard [[version]] formula.
*There will be an {{pkmn|anime}} season or series. In it {{Ash}} will travel to a new region, bringing his Pikachu, and will capture the resident bird Pokémon and at least one [[Starter Pokémon]]. He will have a team consisting of {{AP|Pikachu}}, the bird Pokémon, a {{type2|Water}} Pokémon, a {{type2|Grass}} Pokémon, a {{type2|Fire}} Pokémon, and another Pokémon. He will challenge the [[Gym]]s of the region. He may receive new [[Ash's friends|traveling companions]], and might get a new outfit made by [[Delia Ketchum|his mother]] at the beginning of the new series
**'''Evidence:''' This has happened to every [[Version|main game]] and [[generation]] since {{2v2|Red|Blue}} in [[Generation I]].
*There will be some new [[manga]] produced, some [[Pokémon Special]] chapters written, and new [[Pokémon Trading Card Game|TCG]] cards created.
**'''Evidence:''' This has happened to every [[Version|main game]] and [[generation]] since {{v2|Red and Blue|s}} in [[Generation I]].
*{{p|Pikachu}} will be found in the new region.
**'''Evidence:''' The series mascot can be caught in every portable Pokémon game, except {{game|Yellow}} where it is the starter.
*The evolutionary families of {{p|Geodude}}, {{p|Abra}}, {{p|Zubat}}, {{p|Machop}}, {{p|Psyduck}}, {{p|Goldeen}}, {{p|Tentacool}}, {{p|Magikarp}}, and possibly {{p|Magnemite}} and {{p|Rhyhorn}} will be included within the new region.
**'''Evidence:''' There has not been one [[sea route]] yet where Magikarp or Tentacool/{{p|Tentacruel}} hasn't been found. Magikarp is always catchable with the [[Old Rod]] as well. Goldeen is a common fishing Pokémon as well. Zubat and Geodude or their evolutions can be found in nearly every cave, along with Machop or Abra occasionally. Psyduck is common around lakes or in [[Safari Zone]]s. Magnemite may also be included in an industrial type location, like a [[Power Plant]]. This isn't certain as it was not included in the original [[Sinnoh]] Pokédex, but was later included in the {{v2|Platinum}} Sinnoh Pokédex addition.
*There will be at least one [[legendary trio]] in the next generation, as well as at least one Über legendary and one [[event Pokémon]]. In total, there will be more than 14 new legendary Pokémon.
**'''Evidence:''' Generation I has exactly one of each of the above, and all subsequent generations have expanded on this number in some way. The number of new legendaries has increased for each Generation: 5 in Generation I, 6 in Generation II, 10 in Generation III and 14 in Generation IV.
*The new generation will be playable on a new handheld game system.
**'''Evidence:''' Every new generation so far has been released for the newest Nintendo handheld console relative to its time.
***{{game3|Red and Blue|Pokémon Red, Blue|s}} {{game3|Red and Green|Green|s}} and {{v2|Yellow}} for the [[Game Boy]].
***{{game2|Gold|Silver|Crystal}} for the [[Game Boy Color]].
***[[Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Versions|Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire]], {{3v2|FireRed|LeafGreen|Emerald}} for the [[Game Boy Advance]].
***[[Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Versions|Pokémon Diamond, Pearl]], {{v2|Platinum}}, [[Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions|HeartGold, and SoulSilver]] for the [[Nintendo DS]].
*The new generation will introduce some new battling mechanics, and will likely have graphical improvements.
**'''Evidence''': This has happened in every generation since the first.
***[[Gen II]]: Introduced a split in {{stat|Special}} into {{stat|Special Attack}} and {{stat|Special Defense}}, as well as other additions, such as [[weather conditions]] and held items. Also, introduced animated sprites and slightly better graphics.
***[[Gen III]]: Introduced [[Ability|abilities]], and reorganized [[Effort values|EVs]] and [[Individual values|IVs]]. Graphics were greatly improved from Gen II as well.
***[[Gen IV]]: Redefined the difference between [[Physical move|Physical]] and [[Special move|Special]] attacks. Introduced 3D environments and made graphics more realistic and less cartoony.
*Before the first duo of games is released, at least three Pokémon of the next generation will appear in the anime first, at least one of which will appear prior to their official debut or fairly unannounced. As of late, they will likely debut in a movie, then possibly shortly afterwards be captured by a main character.
**'''Evidence:''' This has happened to every generation yet aside from the first:
***[[Gen II]]: {{p|Ho-Oh}} in ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]'', {{p|Togepi}} in ''[[EP050|Who Gets To Keep Togepi?]]'', {{p|Marill}} and {{p|Snubbull}} in ''[[PK01|Pikachu's Vacation]]'', {{p|Donphan}} in ''[[Mewtwo Strikes Back]]'', and {{p|Lugia}} and {{p|Slowking}} in ''[[The Power of One]]''.
***[[Gen III]]: {{p|Kecleon}} in ''[[EP205|The Kecleon Caper]]'', {{p|Wynaut}} in ''[[EP251|Beauty is Skin Deep]]'', {{p|Azurill}} in ''[[PK11|Pikachu's PikaBoo]]'', and  {{p|Blaziken}} in ''[[EP265|Pop Goes the Sneasel]]''.
***[[Gen IV]]: {{p|Munchlax}} in ''[[Destiny Deoxys]]'', {{p|Lucario}}, {{p|Bonsly}}, {{p|Mime Jr.}}, and {{p|Weavile}} in ''[[Lucario and the Mystery of Mew]]'', and {{p|Buizel}}, {{p|Chatot}}, {{p|Mantyke}}, and {{p|Manaphy}} in ''[[Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea]]''.
* Somewhere between the beginning of the main games and the third Gym will be a forest/woods. The forest/woods will most likely be named according to a nearby town.
**'''Evidence:''' Every generation has had some sort of forest or woods, with [[Ilex Forest]] of the Johto region being the only one not named after a nearby location.
*There will be at least 20 numbered routes within the games. These include surfing routes, among other things. There will also be at least one cave as well as a [[Victory Road]].
**'''Evidence:''' There has been a cave, sea route, and at least 19 other routes in every main game.


After all eight Gym Leaders have been defeated, with each of their [[Badge]]s allowing for the use of a specific [[HM]] [[move]] outside of battle (in the later games), the player can head to the [[Pokémon League]], where the [[Elite Four]] and {{pkmn|Champion}} await challengers. In regions other than [[Kanto]], the first encountered region, the player will be required to climb {{m|waterfall}}s to reach their destination.
==See Also==
* [[Generation I]]
* [[Generation II]]
* [[Generation III]]
* [[Generation IV]]


Though the game is technically over as soon as the player has defeated the Champion, the player's other task of completing the [[Pokédex]] remains (also obtaining the other badges in [[Generation II]] and {{2v2|HeartGold|SoulSilver}} in [[Generation IV]]). After this has been done (in [[Generation III]] and onward, on both the [[regional Pokédex|regional]] and [[national Pokédex|national]] level), the player will receive a [[diploma]] from the [[Game Freak]] employees in the game. Starting in Generation III, a new task is added in order to fully complete the game: obtaining all {{ga|Trainer card}} [[Trainer stars|stars]].
{{Project Fandom notice}}
 
[[Category:Fandom]]
==Mascots==
On the boxart for each game, one Pokémon, always introduced during the [[generation]] that game is a part of, will appear. This Pokémon has become known by fans as a [[version mascot]], and beginning in [[Generation II]], has always (with the exception of {{2v2|FireRed|LeafGreen}}, remakes of the [[Generation I]] games) been a [[legendary Pokémon]] available in that game at the climax of the storyline.
 
==Relation to one another==
When a generation of Pokémon games begins, a pair of games, seen as counterparts to one another, is always released. These paired versions feature the same exact storyline as each other, but the Pokémon available in either one is different: one game may be missing the {{type2|Electric}} {{p|Electabuzz}}, while the other may not have the {{type2|Fire}} {{p|Magmar}}. These Pokémon, due to their usual exclusivity to one or two of the games in a generation, are typically known as [[version-exclusive Pokémon]]. These Pokémon must be [[trade]]d between games in order to complete the Pokédex, a feature that has encouraged collaboration among players since the series began.
 
A later third game, usually to conclude the generation, is released with several, usually minor, storyline tweaks, but with the same basic plot and taking place in the same [[region]]. Like the first two games, it will always be missing some of the Pokémon (though will likely contain some of those missing from one of the other two), and so, players of this third version must link together with the original pair to complete the Pokédex.
 
[[Generation III]] was the first generation which contained the unprecedented release of ''two'' sets of paired versions, first {{game|Ruby and Sapphire|s}}, and then later {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}}, as well as the first which did not contain a third version for one of its storylines (the [[Hoenn]]-based Ruby and Sapphire were later joined by {{v2|Emerald}}, however, [[Kanto]]'s storyline did not receive a tuned-up third game). This was later mimicked by [[Generation IV]], which featured a similar setup, except with the order of the remakes and the third version of the initial pair inverted.
 
{| align="center" style="background: #a0a0c4; -moz-border-radius: 10px; border: 5px solid #ccf;"
|-
! colspan="2" width="66%" style="background: #ddf; -moz-border-radius-topleft: 5px; -moz-border-radius-bottomleft: 5px;" | Paired versions
! width="33%" style="background: #ddf; -moz-border-radius-topright: 5px; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 5px;" | Third version
|- style="background: #{{kanto color}}; -moz-border-radius: 5px;"
! colspan="3" | {{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Generation I}}
|- style="background: #{{kanto color light}}; -moz-border-radius-topleft: 5px; -moz-border-radius-topright: 5px;"
! colspan="3" | {{color|{{kanto color dark}}|Japan}}
|- align="center"
| rowspan="2" style="background: #{{red color}}; -moz-border-radius-bottomleft: 5px;" width="33%" | {{ani|006}}<br>{{color2|{{red color dark}}|Pokémon Red and Green Versions|Red}}
| rowspan="2" style="background: #{{green color}}" width="33%" | {{ani|003}}<br>{{color2|{{green color dark}}|Pokémon Red and Green Versions|Green}}
| style="background: #{{blue color}}" | {{ani|009}}<br>{{color2|{{blue color dark}}|Pokémon Blue Version (Japanese)|Blue}}
|- align="center"
| style="background: #{{yellow color}}; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 5px;" | {{ani|025}}<br>{{color2|{{yellow color dark}}|Pokémon Yellow Version|Yellow}}
|- style="background: #{{kanto color light}}; -moz-border-radius-topleft: 5px; -moz-border-radius-topright: 5px;"
! colspan="3" | {{color|{{kanto color dark}}|United States, Europe and Australia}}
|- align="center"
| style="background: #{{red color}}; -moz-border-radius-bottomleft: 5px;" | {{ani|006}}<br>{{color2|{{red color dark}}|Pokémon Red and Blue Versions|Red}}
| style="background: #{{blue color}}" | {{ani|009}}<br>{{color2|{{blue color dark}}|Pokémon Red and Blue Versions|Blue}}
| style="background: #{{yellow color}}; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 5px;" | {{ani|025}}<br>{{color2|{{yellow color dark}}|Pokémon Yellow Version|Yellow}}
|- style="background: #{{johto color light}}; -moz-border-radius-topleft: 5px; -moz-border-radius-topright: 5px;"
! colspan="3" | {{color2|{{johto color dark}}|Generation II}}
|- align="center"
| style="background: #{{gold color}}; -moz-border-radius-bottomleft: 5px;" | {{ani|250}}<br>{{color2|{{gold color dark}}|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Gold}}
| style="background: #{{silver color}}" | {{ani|249}}<br>{{color2|{{silver color dark}}|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Silver}}
| style="background: #{{crystal color}}; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 5px;" | {{ani|245}}<br>{{color2|{{crystal color dark}}|Pokémon Crystal Version|Crystal}}
|- style="background: #{{hoenn color light}}; -moz-border-radius-topleft: 5px; -moz-border-radius-topright: 5px;"
! colspan="3" | {{color2|{{hoenn color dark}}|Generation III}}
|- align="center"
| style="background: #{{ruby color}}" | {{ani|383}}<br>{{color2|{{ruby color dark}}|Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Versions|Ruby}}
| style="background: #{{sapphire color}}" | {{ani|382}}<br>{{color2|000|Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Versions|Sapphire}}
| style="background: #{{emerald color}}; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 5px;" | {{ani|384}}<br>{{color2|{{emerald color dark}}|Pokémon Emerald Version|Emerald}}
|- align="center"
| style="background: #{{firered color}}; -moz-border-radius-bottomleft: 5px;" | {{ani|006}}<br>{{color2|{{firered color dark}}|Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions|FireRed}}
| style="background: #{{leafgreen color}}; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 5px;" | {{ani|003}}<br>{{color2|{{leafgreen color dark}}|Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions|LeafGreen}}
| style="background: transparent;" | &nbsp;
|- style="background: #{{sinnoh color light}}; -moz-border-radius-topleft: 5px; -moz-border-radius-topright: 5px;"
! colspan="3" | {{color2|{{sinnoh color dark}}|Generation IV}}
|- align="center"
| style="background: #{{diamond color}}" | {{ani|483}}<br>{{color2|{{diamond color dark}}|Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Versions|Diamond}}
| style="background: #{{pearl color}}" | {{ani|484}}<br>{{color2|{{pearl color dark}}|Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Versions|Pearl}}
| style="background: #{{platinum color}}; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 5px;" | {{ani|487O}}<br>{{color2|{{platinum color dark}}|Pokémon Platinum Version|Platinum}}
|- align="center"
| style="background: #{{heartgold color}}; -moz-border-radius-bottomleft: 5px;" | {{ani|250}}<br>{{color2|{{heartgold color dark}}|Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions|HeartGold}}
| style="background: #{{soulsilver color}}; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 5px;" | {{ani|249}}<br>{{color2|{{soulsilver color dark}}|Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions|SoulSilver}}
| style="background: transparent;" | &nbsp;
|}
 
==Trivia==
*Each generation's third version does not use its mascot's official [[Ken Sugimori]] artwork. [[Pokémon Blue Version (Japanese)|Blastoise]] (Japanese), [[Pokémon Yellow Version|Pikachu]] (Japanese and English), [[Pokémon Crystal Version|Suicune]], [[Pokémon Emerald Version|Rayquaza]], and [[Pokémon Platinum Version|Giratina]] use specially made artwork.
**[[Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions|FireRed and LeafGreen]], [[Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Gold and Silver]] and [[Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions|their remakes]] also use specially made artwork.
* Generation II was the only generation which only had two main versions and one third version worldwide. Generation I had Blue as a third version and Yellow as an added fourth in Japan, Generation III had the remakes of Red and Blue, and Generation IV has HeartGold and SoulSilver.
{{Main series}}
[[Category:Pokémon meta]]
[[Category:Games]]
[[Category:Games]]

Revision as of 05:08, 18 September 2009

175Togepi.png This article contains fan speculation.
There is no solid evidence for or against some parts of this article.

It is not yet known if there will be future generations of the Pokémon franchise. However, it has been indicated in the past, that not every Pokémon in the world has been discovered yet, and regions to which unknown Pokémon are native are likely to be revealed gradually. The Pokémon franchise remains very profitable for Nintendo and is currently the second best selling video-game franchise, second only to the Mario franchise (which also belongs to Nintendo), meaning that the end of the series is likely still far away.

Currently, there are four generations of Pokémon games, each with their own set of then-new Pokémon, moves and several other things that have become the pattern of the main series so far. Although nothing is known at this time about a possible Generation V or beyond, the patterns which have applied to all four current generations are expected to continue to hold true in the future.

What is so far assumed from the patterns that have run from Generation I to the present about Generation V and beyond is as follows:

See Also

Project Fandom logo.png This article is a part of Project Fandom, a Bulbapedia Project that aims to write comprehensive articles on every aspect of the Pokémon Fandom.
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