Pokédex: Difference between revisions

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Like the Kalos Pokédex, the Alola Pokédex is divided into several categories, with a section for each of the four main islands of the region. Unlike the Kalos Pokédex, Pokémon in Alola can be found in more than one section of the Pokédex. In addition to the number of Pokémon seen and owned, it also displays the total percentage of Pokédex completion. Event-exclusive [[List of Pokémon with form differences|forms]], [[regional variant]]s and [[Mega Evolution]]s have separate entries from the rest of their species. Unlike previous generations, a Pokémon's gender is only shown separately under the Forms section if there is a [[List of Pokémon with gender differences|visible gender difference]]. The player can also scan QR codes to add Pokémon they haven't encountered yet to the Pokédex, allowing them to check the Pokémon's location in Alola.
Like the Kalos Pokédex, the Alola Pokédex is divided into several categories, with a section for each of the four main islands of the region. Unlike the Kalos Pokédex, Pokémon in Alola can be found in more than one section of the Pokédex. In addition to the number of Pokémon seen and owned, it also displays the total percentage of Pokédex completion. Event-exclusive [[List of Pokémon with form differences|forms]], [[regional variant]]s and [[Mega Evolution]]s have separate entries from the rest of their species. Unlike previous generations, a Pokémon's gender is only shown separately under the Forms section if there is a [[List of Pokémon with gender differences|visible gender difference]]. The player can also scan QR codes to add Pokémon they haven't encountered yet to the Pokédex, allowing them to check the Pokémon's location in Alola.
====Generation VIII====
The [[Generation VIII]] Pokedex is the [[Rotom Phone]]


===Search and order===
===Search and order===

Revision as of 17:14, 6 June 2019

Zukan redirects here. For Japanese figures named after the Pokédex, see Pokémon Zukan figures.
DEX redirects here. For Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion abbreviated as DEX, see Dark Explorers (TCG).
Pokédex logo
Rotom Pokédex in Pokémon Sun and Moon

The Pokédex (Japanese: ポケモン図鑑 illustrated Pokémon encyclopedia) is a digital encyclopedia created by Professor Oak as an invaluable tool to Trainers in the Pokémon world. It gives information about all Pokémon in the world that are contained in its database, although it differs in how it acquires and presents information over the different media. However, they are also only given to a few Trainers at a time, generally to the ones that are felt to have exceptional potential and skill. There are different types of Pokédexes and each Pokédex is special to a specific region.

Pokédex entries typically describe a Pokémon in only two or three sentences. They may give background information on the habitat or activities of a Pokémon in the wild or other information on the Pokémon's history or anatomy. Pokédex entries also include height, weight, cry, footprint (prior to Generation VI), location, other forms, and a picture of the Pokémon.

Functions

The Pokédex is a handheld electronic encyclopedia device; one which is capable of recording and retaining information of the various Pokémon of the world. In order to accomplish Professor Oak's goal of a complete Pokémon database, the Pokédex is designed to find and record data on each Pokémon the Trainer meets. Pokémon are added to the Pokédex simply by encountering them in battle or, sometimes, by seeing a picture of the Pokémon. However, detailed entries are not recorded until the player catches the Pokémon, receives it as a prize/gift or acquires it in a trade.

Entries

The main feature of any Pokédex are the entries on each individual Pokémon, which provide details that would otherwise be unexplored in the games. Complete entries can only be seen for captured Pokémon, while uncaptured Pokémon only have limited information.

Generation I

In Generation I's Pokédex (model HANDY505), the entries are simple and each individual section can be accessed directly from the listing. The first, and main option—"Data"—includes an image of the Pokémon, its number, name, category, height, weight, and a short blurb. The second option—"Cry"—does not open a new screen; selecting it simply plays the Pokémon's cry. The last option—"Area"—displays the map, along with flashing indicators at each location where the selected Pokémon can be found; in cases where the Pokémon is not available in the wild, is only available once, or can only be found by fishing or in the Unknown Dungeon, the message "Area Unknown" will be displayed over the center of the map instead. Pokémon Yellow allows players to print entries using the Game Boy Printer.

Generation II

Generation II's Pokédex (model HANDY808) retains the same elements as its predecessor, while adding the Pokémon's footprint to the information and, like Yellow, allows players to print entries. Unlike Generation I, selecting a Pokémon displays the entry in a new screen from which the other sections can be selected. This became the norm for subsequent generations. International versions also have a "Page" button for long Pokédex entries (in Generation I player simply had to press A button instead); Japanese versions did not have multi-page Pokédex entries.

In these games, entries that would normally display "Area Unknown" on the map simply display an unmarked map.

Generation III

Generation III's Pokédex did not add anything to the main entry; however, Cry was given its own page, which displays the sound wave as it played. In addition, the Area section was changed to highlight locations instead of just marking them and can now display the locations of Pokémon obtainable by fishing. A Size section was added, which displays silhouettes of the Pokémon and the player character side by side. In Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire only, there is a Page button to switch between pages of multi-page Pokédex entries.

FireRed and LeafGreen's Pokédex (model HANDY909) displays entries in a much different format from Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald. It was the first Pokédex to actually display a Pokémon's type in its entry, as well as its menu sprite. However, the Cry visuals were removed. Entries for Kanto Pokémon were taken from Red/Green for FireRed and Red/Blue for LeafGreen. Johto Pokémon entries were taken from Silver for FireRed and Gold for LeafGreen. Additionally, in the international versions, it is the first Pokédex to show long Pokédex entries in full, instead of splitting them into two pages. This was carried over to later games, including Emerald.

Generation IV

Generation IV's Pokédex (model HANDY910) added numerous features, but of FireRed and LeafGreen's changes, it kept only type. Area now changes its highlight color depending on whether a Pokémon is found normally or exclusively using Honey, and the player can view the differences between morning, day and night, with the default being the current time. Cry's display returned, with a bar display in addition to the wave display, and the ability to modify the cry via Chorus/Pan, Reverb/Filter and Loop. Weight was added to the Size section, which puts the Pokémon and the player character on either side of a balance scale. A new Forms section allows players to see gender and form differences within species, but only for forms they have already seen. Males and females of all Pokémon with differing gender are shown separately under in the Forms section even if there is no visible gender difference. For a small list of Pokémon, if the player obtains a Pokémon from another country, they can change the language of that Pokémon's entry after meeting Meister. In Platinum, this function was expanded to all Pokémon, although it still requires Meister to update the Pokédex.

HeartGold and SoulSilver changed the formatting again, now displaying the list on the lower screen and the actual entry on the top screen. Cry's page was again removed. By selecting "view details", players can view Area, Size and Forms. Area no longer defaults to the current time or differentiated for Honey due to it no longer being a mechanic, Size now utilized both screens to display both Height and Weight at the same time, and Forms added a Compare option to see different forms side by side instead of having to scroll between them. Entries for Johto and Kanto Pokémon were taken from Gold for HeartGold and Silver for SoulSilver. Players can collect foreign Pokédex entries without the need to update their Pokédex. Also, while artwork shows a pink Pokédex for females, the in-game interface does not reflect this.

Generation V

Male Unova Pokédex sprite when obtaining it
Female Unova Pokédex sprite when obtaining it

The Generation V Pokédex is similar to the Pokédex from Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. It is displayed as a list on the right side of the lower screen with the selected Pokémon's sprite occupying the left side. Most of its functions are also similar to Generation IV's. Instead of showing the time of day that a Pokémon can be caught, as in Generation IV, the Pokédex shows the seasons in which it can be found. Areas in which the Pokémon can be found flash red, and touching an area will show the methods by which it can be caught (walking in tall grass, surfing, or fishing). The height and weight comparison feature has been removed, but a section showing form differences and a search feature are added by Cedric Juniper when the player visits Mistralton City. The form difference section will now show Shiny Pokémon as well as form differences. The last sprite selected will become the one displayed in the main entry. The ability to collect foreign Pokédex entries now only applies to the first 493 Pokémon, but the player can now also collect Korean Pokédex entries. The cry page has been added again as well.

In Black 2 and White 2, after defeating Cheren for the first time, Bianca will upgrade the player's Pokédex with the Habitat List, showing which Pokémon the player has already seen in the selected location, either normally, by finding in the water or via fishing rod (the latter two available later). If all Pokémon available in that place that are available via one of these three ways are seen (such as Purrloin and Patrat for tall grass on Route 19), the reference to the location in such way is marked with a Poké Ball-like stamp; after catching all Pokémon that are found via one of these three ways in current place, it gets marked with a colored Poké Ball-like stamp.

In all four games, extra Pokédex skins can also be downloaded through the Pokémon Global Link.

Generation VI

The Generation VI Pokédex is card-shaped and has a holographic center that is visible when the two ends are separated. It is also separated into three categories: Central Kalos, Coastal Kalos, and Mountain Kalos, and each category has a different icon in the Pokédex menu. The Coastal Pokédex is represented by a blue stripe on the left side of a pentagon, the Central Pokédex is represented by a white stripe down the middle of a pentagon, and the Mountain Pokédex is represented by a red stripe on the right side of a pentagon. The symbol for the National Pokédex is a Poké Ball.

If the player obtains a Pokémon that was created in Generation VI, the symbol in the Pokédex indicating it has been caught is a combination of the three Kalos Pokédex symbols: a pentagon with vertical blue, white, and red stripes. This resembles the flag of France, the region on which Kalos is based. If a Pokémon is transferred from a previous generation, the symbol will instead be a Poké Ball. The latter symbol can be updated to the former symbol if the player obtains a Pokémon of that species originating from Generation VI. If all Pokémon are obtained from Generation VI games, the Pokédex will be marked with a crown on the selection screen.

In the National Pokédex, there are color codes used to represent Pokémon introduced in each generation: red for Generation I, yellow for II, green for III, blue for IV, pink for V, and silver for VI. Like in Generation V, players may choose the default entry image for each Pokémon species, as long as they have seen that gender, coloration, or form of that species before. Like in previous games, acquiring Pokémon from foreign-language games will unlock the ability to view entries in those languages, so long as the player owns or has owned a Pokémon from that language. This time, all Pokémon entries can be obtained, allowing for both Generation V and VI entries for the first time.

Rotom Pokédex sprite when obtaining it

Generation VII

The Generation VII Pokédex consists of a device specially-designed to be inhabited by a Rotom, an innovation that gives the Pokédex its own personality and is intended as a new way for humans and Pokémon to communicate. In addition to a standard Pokédex function, the Rotom Pokédex includes a detailed map that can point out nearby locations of interest, and remind the player of the next objective based on recent conversations with NPCs. The Rotom Pokédex is a rare model even in the Alola region where it was created.

Like the Kalos Pokédex, the Alola Pokédex is divided into several categories, with a section for each of the four main islands of the region. Unlike the Kalos Pokédex, Pokémon in Alola can be found in more than one section of the Pokédex. In addition to the number of Pokémon seen and owned, it also displays the total percentage of Pokédex completion. Event-exclusive forms, regional variants and Mega Evolutions have separate entries from the rest of their species. Unlike previous generations, a Pokémon's gender is only shown separately under the Forms section if there is a visible gender difference. The player can also scan QR codes to add Pokémon they haven't encountered yet to the Pokédex, allowing them to check the Pokémon's location in Alola.

Generation VIII

The Generation VIII Pokedex is the Rotom Phone

Search and order

The original Pokédex had no search function.

In Generation II, the ability to search for Pokémon by type was added, as well as the ability to sort by New Pokédex mode, Old Pokédex mode, A to Z mode and Unown Mode.

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

However, in FireRed and LeafGreen, the search function was dropped altogether, instead choosing to expand the sort functions by adding lists of Pokémon by type and habitat. Heaviest and Tallest orders were also removed. National Mode was unlocked by having obtained 60 Pokémon in the Pokédex, beating the Elite Four and completing the Sevii Island's sidequest.

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

HeartGold and SoulSilver added the ability to search by Height and Weight (instead of simply sorting by them), and also allowed search by Area (Johto, Kanto, or Unknown). National Mode was added by talking with Professor Oak in the S.S. Aqua port in Olivine City after defeating the Elite Four.

In Generation V, the Pokédex for Black, White, Black 2, and White 2 allows the player to search for Pokémon with the following criteria: Order (Number, A to Z, Heavy to Light, Light to Heavy, Tall to Short, and Short to Tall), Name (All letters of the alphabet), Type, Color, which was returned to the search after being dropped in Generation IV, and Form. Unlike in HeartGold and SoulSilver, the ability to search for Pokémon by area was dropped. By changing the Pokédex type, the player can search for Pokémon native to the Unova Region or from other regions, but in order to search for other Pokémon, the player must have first been obtained the National Pokédex upgrade from Cedric Juniper after the defeat of GhetsisBW/IrisB2W2. After obtaining the upgrade, the player can switch the Pokédex type from the National Pokédex to the Unova Pokédex at will by simply tapping "SELECT" in the lower portion of the touch screen or by pressing the SELECT button on the DS System. In Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, it is not possible to use the Search Function in the Habitat List mode of the Pokédex.

In Pokémon X and Y, the ability to search for Pokémon that are not caught was added. Furthermore, only the currently set form of a Pokémon will be considered by the Pokédex when sorting and searching. All other forms will be ignored, and the form setting will not change to make the Pokémon match the search criteria. If the form is changed in the entry and the Pokémon either no longer matches the search criteria or belongs in a different place in the list, its entry will vanish or move according to its new form. The regional Pokédex is divided into three categories, each with separate Pokémon and search functions: Central Kalos (the first one unlocked), Coastal Kalos (unlocked by Sina and Dexio upon entering Route 8), and Mountain Kalos (unlocked by Sina and Dexio in the gate between Coumarine City and Route 13, after beating Ramos). The National Pokédex upgrade is obtained from Dexio after entering the Hall of Fame, upon entering Lumiose Station.

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire kept all the search features from X and Y, with some new additions. This time, all forms of a Pokémon registered will be taken in account when sorting and searching, even if they aren't the currently set form. There is also an option to search for Pokémon whose Mega Evolution form or Shiny appearance have been registered.

In Pokémon Sun and Moon, the Pokédex is divided into 4 Island Pokédexes, which feature the Pokémon found in each island of Alola (thus sharing species). Combined, they form the Alola Pokédex, which gathers all the Pokémon present in the Island Pokédexes, plus some others, like Legendary Pokémon and Ultra Beasts. The search/sorting function is only present in the Alola Pokédex proper. In addition to the features available in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, a new option is present, that allows to search for Pokémon whose Alola Form has been seen. There is no National Pokédex mode in these games.

Evaluation

There are various mechanisms to evaluate the number of Pokémon in the Pokédex. These mechanisms will display a quote relating to the number of Pokémon seen or caught, often including a hint to the player of how to progress.

In all games in which Professor Oak appears, he will evaluate the player's Pokédex according to the number of Pokémon they have caught. In games which feature the National Pokédex, Oak's evaluation takes this into account, but in a different way according to the game:

  • In Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, Oak gives specific quotes according to the number of Pokémon caught in the regional Pokédex, and a general quote according to whether they have completed the National Pokédex or not
  • In Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, Oak will only comment on the National Pokédex, according to the number of Pokémon caught
  • In Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, Oak will comment on both the regional and National Pokédexes, according to the number of Pokémon caught

In Hoenn-based games, Professor Birch will evaluate the player's Pokédex:

In Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, as well as Oak evaluating the National dex as noted above, Professor Rowan will also evaluate the regional dex according to the number seen.

In Pokémon Black and White, Pokémon Black 2, and Pokémon White 2, Professor Juniper will evaluate the regional Pokédex according to both seen and caught Pokémon.

In Pokémon X and Y, Professor Sycamore will evaluate all three regional Pokédexes according to seen Pokémon, and the National Pokédex according to caught Pokémon.

In Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, the Rotom Pokédex itself will evaluate according to the number of Pokémon seen in each of the four islands as well as in Alola as a whole.

Completion

Diploma awarded in Red and Blue
See also: Diploma

Completing the Pokédex is a common goal of Trainers and carries with it much esteem due to its difficulty, which has gradually escalated due to the fact that around 100 new Pokémon are introduced with each new generation. However, this is mitigated to a degree by new features added to the games, such as Wi-Fi and the Global Trade System in Generation IV, and a less restrictive trading system (between PC boxes instead of only active teams) in Generation V. The exclusion of event Pokémon as a requirement for completing the Pokédex also makes it possible for people with no access to event distributions to complete the Pokédex.

The diploma awarded for the completion of the National Pokédex in X and Y

The in-game rewards are usually a congratulations from the director's avatar and a diploma, usually one for completing the regional Pokédex and one for the National Pokédex. In Emerald, the player could choose from one of the Johto starter Pokémon for completing the Hoenn Dex. The completion of the Pokédex also usually allows the player to upgrade his/her Trainer Card. Also, in Pokémon Black and White, the diploma will appear on the shelf in the player's bedroom.

In Generations I to III, the completion of the regional Pokédex is tracked by how many Pokémon the player has caught. However, in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl and Platinum, the regional Pokédex is tracked simply by how many Pokémon the player has seen. In Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, though, it again registers only Pokémon that have been caught. In Generation V, though Professor Juniper originally evaluates the player's regional Pokédex based on the Pokémon the player has seen, they may still only receive a diploma after having caught all regional Pokémon. Completion of the National Pokédex is always based only on the number of Pokémon caught.

In Pokémon Black and White 2, the system is revised to give the player more in-game recognition of their achievements. Once all the Pokémon in the Unova Pokédex have been seen, Professor Juniper presents the player a Permit, allowing access to the Nature Preserve. Once the player has caught all of the Pokémon in the Unova Pokédex, Professor Juniper will give the player an Oval Charm which increases the chances of finding Pokémon Eggs at the Pokémon Day Care. When the player completes the National Pokédex, Professor Juniper gives the player a Shiny Charm, which increases the chances of encountering and hatching Shiny Pokémon.

In Pokémon X and Y, Professor Sycamore will reward the player with an Oval Charm upon seeing all Pokémon in the Kalos Pokédex, except for Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, and Mewtwo. Upon completing the National Pokédex, the player will receive a Shiny Charm from Sycamore.

In Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Professor Birch will reward the player with an Oval Charm upon seeing all Pokémon in the Hoenn Pokédex, except for Jirachi. Should the player complete the National Pokédex, Birch will also reward the player with a Shiny Charm. Also in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, the diplomas given by the director can be displayed in the player's Secret Base and can be viewed in the same way when obtaining it from the director. Other players visiting the secret base cannot see the full image on the diplomas, but instead will view it as an "impressive certificate".

Acquisition

Pokédex

Games Method
RBY/RGBY Professor Oak's Laboratory (from Professor Oak after delivering him his Parcel)
GSC Route 30 (from Professor Oak after obtaining the Mystery Egg from Mr. Pokémon)
RSE Littleroot Town (from Professor Birch after defeating Brendan/May for the first time)
FRLG Professor Oak's Laboratory (from Professor Oak after delivering him his Parcel)
DPPt Sandgem Town (from Professor Rowan after obtaining a starter Pokémon)
HGSS Route 30 (from Professor Oak after obtaining the Mystery Egg from Mr. Pokémon)
BW Nuvema Town (from Professor Juniper after battling Bianca and Cheren for the first time)
B2W2 Aspertia City (from Bianca after obtaining a starter Pokémon)
XY Aquacorde Town (from Trevor after obtaining a starter Pokémon)
ORAS Littleroot Town (from Professor Birch after defeating Brendan/May for the first time)
SMUSUM Iki Town (from Professor Kukui after saving Nebby at Mahalo Trail)
PE Professor Oak's Laboratory (from Professor Oak after obtaining a partner Pokémon)

Upgrades

For the National Pokédex upgrade locations, see National Pokédex
Games Method
DPPt Form comparison: Canalave City (from Professor Rowan's assistant in the gate)
Foreign Pokédex entries: Route 226 (from the Meister)
BW Form comparison: Mistralton City (from Cedric Juniper upon exiting Chargestone Cave)
B2W2 Habitat List: Floccesy Town (from Bianca after earning the Basic Badge)
XY Coastal Kalos Pokédex: Route 8 (from Sina and Dexio upon first entering the route)
Mountain Kalos Pokédex: Coumarine City (from Sina and Dexio in the gate after earning the Plant Badge)
SMUSUM Rotom Pokédex: Route 1 (from Professor Kukui at the Pokémon Research Lab on the player's first visit)
Akala Pokédex: Heahea CitySM/Heahea BeachUSUM (automatically updated by Rotom upon arrival)
Ula'ula Pokédex: Malie City (automatically updated by Rotom upon arrival)
Poni Pokédex: Seafolk Village (automatically updated by Rotom upon arrival)

In spin-off series

In the Pokémon Ranger series

The Pokémon Ranger series don't have Pokédexes but have regional Browsers that also lists Pokémon and give them their own Browser number unique for each region.

All Browsers can search for Pokémon by name, Poké Assist, Field Move, the Almia Browser can also search by Browser Number.

The Fiore Browser can list Pokémon by Browser Number, letter, weight, and height.

Gallery of images

Interface

Pokédex RBY.png Pokédex interface GSC.png Pokédex RS.png Pokédex E.png Pokédex FRLG list.png
RBY GSC RS E FRLG
Pokédex DP.png Pokédex Pt.png Pokédex HGSS.png Pokédex BW.png Pokédex B2W2.png
DP Pt HGSS BW B2W2
Pokédex XY.png Pokédex ORAS.png Pokédex SM.png
XY ORAS SMUSUM

Entry

Pokédex entry RBY.png Pokédex entry GSC.png Pokédex entry RS.png Pokédex entry E.png Pokédex entry FRLG.png
RBY GSC RS E FRLG
Pokédex entry DP.png Pokédex entry Pt.png Pokédex entry HGSS.png Pokédex entry BW.png Pokédex entry B2W2.png
DP Pt HGSS BW B2W2
Pokédex entry XY.png Pokédex entry ORAS.png Pokédex entry SM.png Pokédex entry PE.png
XY ORAS SMUSUM PE

Artwork

In the anime

A Pokédex scanning a Glameow

In the main series

When a young Sam, who later turned out to be Professor Oak's younger self, was accidentally warped to a future of his own time, Ash explained to him how the Pokédex works, unknowingly giving him an idea. This is an example of a causal loop, meaning the idea for the Pokédex came out of nowhere.

In Pokémon - I Choose You!, Ash receives his first Pokédex, apparently nicknamed "Dexter". Throughout the series, Ash uses it to either identify Pokémon he is not familiar with, check a Pokémon's moves, or identify Pokémon on request. Occasionally, though, Ash will scan Pokémon he has already seen, likely to either refresh his memory or out of curiosity.

In Pokémon Emergency, Officer Jenny tells Ash that the Pokédex can be used as an ID card. Since then, Ash has used his Pokédex to register for the various Pokémon Leagues he has participated in. As shown in Mounting a Coordinator Assault!, the Pokédex can also be used by Coordinators registering to obtain a Contest Pass for entering Pokémon Contests.

In Mystery at the Lighthouse, Brock tells Ash that a Pokémon Trainer can use their Pokédex to exchange their Pokémon.

Ash and Dawn using the Pokédex

In The Evolution Solution it was mentioned that the Pokédex entries were written by Professor Westwood V of the Seafoam Islands. Unlike the games, entries in the anime are pre-programmed into the database and do not require catching to give full information. In this way, they act more as a true encyclopedia than a data recording device. However, it should be noted that information relayed to the user may vary from time to time. This may happen even if the Pokédex remains unchanged in any way.

To look up information on a particular species, Trainers may simply point the Pokédex at an individual or manually enter it in. The Pokédex will then display a picture and read the entry out loud. The image displayed will be Ken Sugimori's official artwork. In The Legend of Thunder!, however, a stylized art of Raikou was shown when Jimmy looked it up.

In the Diamond & Pearl series, it was revealed that it can identify the Pokémon's level and learned moves, even for wild Pokémon. Apparently, a picture or video recording of sufficient quality can also be scanned for information.

A Pokédex displaying the "no data" message

Attempting to identify an unknown Pokémon, usually one not native to the region the Pokédex was designed for, yields the message "no data". This message may also appear when scanning a Mythical or Legendary Pokémon.

In Kanto, Johto, and Unova, the Pokédex has a male voice, while in Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Kalos it has a female voice. The upgraded Pokédex Ash and Serena received at the end of All Eyes on the Future! also has a male voice in the Japanese version. The gender of the voice may vary in some international dubs.

Like in the games, the Pokédex has gone through various designs. This includes its shape and way of opening, display, as well as the aforementioned voice. The Unova Pokédex redesign in the anime is significant, as it shows all the viewing angles from the Pokémon, with the exception of the back.

Trainers without the luxury of a Pokédex may have access to other means of finding information. Some use high-tech computers, like Giovanni in The Thief That Keeps On Thieving! or Shingo in Wired for Battle!. In several episodes, James used a deck of cards, which slightly resemble TCG cards. In the XY series, the deck of cards was replaced with a hologram laptop, and in the Sun & Moon series with a book.

Pokédex entries

Episode Subject Source Entry
EP002 Dexter (purpose) Ash's Pokédex I'm Dexter, a Pokédex programmed by Professor Oak for Pokémon Trainer Ash Ketchum of the town of Pallet. My function is to provide Ash with information and advice regarding Pokémon and their training. If lost or stolen, I cannot be replaced.

Gallery

Voice actors

Language Voice actor
Japanese Kanto / Johto: 三木眞一郎 Shin'ichirō Miki
Hoenn: 林原めぐみ Megumi Hayashibara
Sinnoh: 川上とも子 Tomoko Kawakami (DP001-DP101) / 雪野五月 Satsuki Yukino (DP102-DP191, SS024)
Unova: 石塚運昇 Unshō Ishizuka
Kalos: 伊瀬茉莉也 Mariya Ise (XY003-XY086) / かないみか Mika Kanai (XY087-XY093) / 石塚運昇 Unshō Ishizuka (XY094-XY140)
Alola/Rotom: 浪川大輔 Daisuke Namikawa
English Kanto / Johto: Nicholas James Tate (EP001-EP049) / Eric Stuart (EP050-EP271, AG134-AG145) / Bill Rogers (AG147-AG192)
Hoenn: Rachael Lillis
Sinnoh: Michele Knotz
Unova: Marc Thompson
Kalos: Suzy Myers
Alola/Rotom: Roger Callagy
Finnish Kanto / Johto: Juha Paananen (EP001-EP271) / Kari Tamminen (AG134-AG145) / Petri Hanttu (AG147-AG155, AG174-AG192) / Unknown (AG156, AG161) / Pasi Ruohonen (AG170, AG173)
Hoenn: Juha Paananen (AG002-AG026) / Elise Langenoja (AG041-AG132)
Sinnoh: Jenni Sivonen (DP002-DP130, DP158-DP190) / Petri Hanttu (DP071 only) / Susa Saukko (DP132-DP156)
Unova: Pasi Ruohonen
Kalos: Pasi Ruohonen (XY003-XY022, XY025-XY049) / Markus Bäckman (XY024, XY050-XY140)
Alola/Rotom: Markus Niemi
Hindi Rajesh Kava *
Hungarian Kanto / Johto: István Imre
Hoenn: Gyula Balázsi
Indonesian Sinnoh: Dewi Arifiani
Unova: Frenddy J.H. Pangkey
Kalos: Srilan Wulan / Ika Zidane (temporary)
Norwegian Kanto / Johto: Even Rasmussen (EP001-EP013, EP016-EP054, (EP060-EP271) / Trond Teigen (EP003) / Unknown voice actor (EP014) / Erik Skøld (EP058)
Polish Kanto / Johto: Mikołaj Klimek (EP106-EP271) / Mieczysław Morański (PK01)
Sinnoh: Joanna Pach
Unova: Artur Kaczmarski
Kalos: Marta Dobecka
Brazilian Portuguese Kanto/Johto/Hoenn: Wellington Lima (EP001-AG033, AG126-AG192)
José Parisi Jr. (AG034-AG038)
Alex Minei (AG039-AG090, AG104-AG124)
Márcio Marconatto (AG094-AG095)
Sinnoh: Leila Di Castro (DP002-DP104)
Luciana Baroli (DP105-DP191)
Unova: Gabriel Noya
Kalos: Mônica Toniolo (XY001-XY093)
Raphael Rosatto (XY094-present)
Russian Sinnoh: Дарья Фролова Darja Frolova
Unova: Евгений Вальц Evgeni Waltz
Kalos: Ольга Шорохова Olga Shorohova (XY001-XY008), Татьяна Веселкина Tatyana Veselkina (XY009-present)
Spanish Latin America Kanto / Johto: Rubén León / Gabriel Gama (TLoT, SS018, AG147-AG161) / Rossy Aguirre (AG134-AG135) / Hugo Núñez (DP143-DP147) / Eduardo Garza (EP007*)
Hoenn: Rossy Aguirre
Sinnoh: Rubén León (DP002-DP104) / Mayra Arellano (DP105-DP156) / Rossy Aguirre (DP158-DP190)
Unova: Eduardo Garza
Kalos: Rossy Aguirre (XY003-XY093) / Eduardo Garza (XY094-present)
Spain Kanto / Johto / Unova: Eduardo del Hoyo
Hoenn / Sinnoh: Amparo Valencia
Kalos: Desirée Álvarez (XY003-XY049) / Elena Palacios (XY050-XY140)
Alola/Rotom: Javier Balas
Swedish Kanto: Andreas Nilsson
Turkish Alola/Rotom: Gökhan Şimşek
Vietnamese Unova: Hồ Tiến Đạt (S14-S16)
Kalos: Cao Thụy Thanh Hồng (S17-S18)
Hồ Tiến Đạt (S19)


In Pokémon Origins

Kanto Pokédex in Pokémon Origins

The Kanto Pokédex appeared during the Pokémon Origins miniseries, where they served the same purpose as in the original Pokémon Red and Blue games. They recorded basic info of any Pokémon encountered, and detailed info of any Pokémon caught. Much like in the games, one was given to both Red and Blue by Professor Oak. By the end of the last episode of the miniseries, Red had managed to capture all 150 Generation I Pokémon, excluding only Mew. Blue's Pokédex was later crushed when his Blastoise accidentally crashed onto it while he was battling Mewtwo in the Cerulean Cave.

Besides listing all the caught Pokémon in numerical order, the Pokédex was also able to sort the recorded Pokémon data by other factors, such as the type, as seen when Professor Oak tried to identify the Pokémon Blue had fought by going through the list of Psychic-type Pokémon in Red's Pokédex.

In the manga

In the Be the Best! Pokémon B+W manga

A Pokédex in Be the Best! Pokémon B+W
050Diglett.png This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: details on its use

A Pokédex appeared in Pokédex Complete!.


In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga

A Pokédex in The Electric Tale of Pikachu

In the manga series The Electric Tale of Pikachu, Pokémon Trainers receive their Pokédexes when their application to become a Pokémon Trainer is accepted. A Pokédex contains information on a Pokémon's moves and abilities, as well as general information (such as how some Pokémon, like Pikachu, dislike Poké Balls) and the ability to tell if a Pokémon has critically low HP. In addition, all Pokédexes contain a copy of the Trainer's license.

Updated versions of the Pokédex are released from time to time: in Clefairy Tale, Professor Oak gives Ash a beta version of the latest model of the Pokédex.


In the Pocket Monsters BW Good Partners manga

A Pokédex in Pocket Monsters BW Good Partners
050Diglett.png This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: details on its use

A Pokédex appeared in BWGP02.

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

The Pokédexes of the holders from the Emerald arc

In Pokémon Adventures, only a select group of people have Pokédexes and they are highly respected as a result. The Pokédexes come in groups of three per region, and are generally given out along with a starter Pokémon from the region's Professor. The only exceptions to this rule are the second set of Unova Pokédexes and the Alola Pokédexes, both of which only have two. Each Pokédex has a holder registration system, meaning when it is assigned, the holder must register his or her name and fingerprints, which means each of the Pokédexes is only allowed to have one rightful owner. However, it is possible to transfer data from one Pokédex to an upgraded version, leaving the Pokédex that had its data transferred with no rightful owner, and thus, the Pokédex would be able to be reassigned to a new owner. It is shown that when the three Pokédexes from the same region are put together, a Pokédex will make a beeping sound as a signal to indicate that another Pokédex is nearby. This only works when held by their rightful owner, as seen in Gimme Shellder. This signal seems to apply for all models of the Pokédex, and the Sinnoh Pokédex holder trio refers to it as the "morning sound" (Japanese: 朝の音), due to it being used to wake the trio up every morning while they were together.

Much as in the anime, the Pokédex in Pokémon Adventures displays the known moves of an individual Pokémon, as well as its current health, its cry, its current moves, and can even track them. Unlike in the anime, the Pokédex entries are usually taken directly from the games and as such contains readable text rather than having the information spoken out loud. The Pikachu interaction feature from Pokémon Yellow was added to Red's Pokédex, allowing him to see its mood (though he never is seen making much use of it, as Yellow was in possession of his Pokédex for most of the Yellow arc, and could tell Pika's mood on her own anyway). The Pokédex's function takes over much of the control the games give to the player, being able to prevent a Pokémon's evolution, whereas Trainers without a Pokédex have no choice in the matter. As seen in Wanted: Pikachu!, the Pokédex can discover where a Pokémon was first met by its Trainer, much as the feature added in Pokémon Crystal allows one to view a Pokémon's origin. In addition to these functions, the Pokédex is able to record and project hologram images and can serve as a portable transporter with the assistance of a Pokégear and Mobile Adapter cable.

In the FireRed & LeafGreen arc, Professor Oak asks Red, Blue, and Green to return their Pokédexes to him, so that he could upgrade them to National Dex. Though in the process, they get stolen by Orm and used by Carr to create a "black Pokédex" (Japanese: 黒い図鑑). Later in the story, the new Pokédexes are received by the trio, and Red's old one is given to Yellow, while Blue and Green's old Pokédexes are destroyed by Deoxys. In the HeartGold & SoulSilver arc, the Johto Pokédex holders get new Pokédexes as well, though it is unknown what happened to their original Pokédexes. In the Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire arc, the Hoenn Pokédex holders get new Pokédexes as well, though it is unknown what happened to their original Pokédexes. In addition, the Pokédex formerly held by Cheren was later given back to Cedric Juniper, and eventually destroyed. The third Kalos Pokédex was found by Malva along with Fennekin, but it was destroyed after she deemed it worthless.

There are currently 21 Pokédexes in operation, 4 Pokédexes destroyed, and 6 Pokédexes that have their statuses unknown, coming in ten models based on region and mode. In addition, there is Team Rocket's black Pokédex, which is also currently missing.

While most of the holders have red Pokédexes, the Pokédex can also come in a variety of colors. Crystal, White, and Whitley have pink Pokédexes, while Diamond and Pearl carry a blue Pokédex and an orange Pokédex, respectively.

Gallery of images


In the Pokémon Diamond and Pearl manga

The Pokédex in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl

The Pokédex appeared in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl.



In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga

The Pokédex given to Red and Green by Professor Oak in Pokémon Pocket Monsters
050Diglett.png This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.

In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga series, the Pokédex is given the same way as in the Generation I games, by Professor Oak. In contrast to the Pokédex in other canons, the ones in this manga uses an antenna.

In the TCG

Pokédex HANDY910is

This listing is of cards mentioning or featuring the Pokédex in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. The Hoenn region's model did not receive a TCG card, and the Generation I and Generation II Pokédexes, which featured model numbers on the Japanese cards (HANDY505 and HANDY808 respectively), did not show these model numbers on the English card. The Generation V Pokédex has no model number even in the Japanese card; it also has the same effect and English name as the Generation I Pokédex. Every card has allowed the player to look at a certain number of cards from the top of their deck and then either arrange them as they like, or in the case of Pokédex HANDY910is, choose one to put in their hand.

Related cards
Cards listed with a blue background are only legal to use in the current Expanded format.
Cards listed with a green background are legal to use in both the current Standard and Expanded formats.
Card Type English
Expansion
Rarity # Japanese
Expansion
Rarity #
Pokédex I Base Set Uncommon 87/102 Expansion Pack Uncommon  
Base Set 2 Uncommon 115/130      
      Nivi City Gym    
      Guren Town Gym    
Black & White Uncommon 98/114 Beginning Set   036/037
      BW-P Promotional cards   023/BW-P
New Pokédex T Neo Genesis Uncommon 95/111 Gold, Silver, to a New World... Uncommon  
      Pokémon Web Common 016/048
PokéDex HANDY909 T EX FireRed & LeafGreen Uncommon 96/112 Flight of Legends Uncommon 077/082
Pokédex HANDY910is T Diamond & Pearl Uncommon 111/130 Space-Time Creation Uncommon  
      Torterra Half Deck    
      Infernape Half Deck    
      Empoleon Half Deck    
      Raichu Half Deck    
      Bastiodon the Defender    
      Rampardos the Attacker    
Platinum Uncommon 114/127 Dialga Half Deck   011/013
      Giratina Half Deck   012/013
      Palkia Half Deck   012/013
      Garchomp Half Deck   012/016
      Charizard Half Deck   012/016
 


Trivia

  • Professor Oak has written senryū about the Pokédex in two of his lectures:
  • Many Pokédexes appear similar to one of Nintendo's handhelds.
  • In most canons, the Pokédex is evidently encased in material that is invulnerable to almost anything within reason. It has been soaked in water and (in the anime) electrocuted and exposed to high-temperature flames, all with no ill effect. It is also voice-sensitive. There are some limitations to its ability; certain circumstances can prevent the Pokédex from accurately identifying its target:
    • A Pokédex which has not received a National Mode upgrade will not display any information on Pokémon not usually found in its home region, even if those Pokémon have been caught, and if captured, its number will be listed as "???" (or not listed at all in the case of Sun and Moon) in the summary screen.
    • Similarly, Gary's Pokédex failed to identify Mewtwo at the Viridian Gym, displaying only static interference.
  • All of Ash's Pokédexes have been red, as are all of the Pokédexes for male player characters in the games, while other characters have had other colors. May had a yellow one in Kanto, Paul has a dark blue Pokédex, Dawn has a pink Pokédex, Rhyanna has an ice blue Pokédex, Narissa has an orange Pokédex, and Mamie has a lavender Pokédex.
  • The only Pokédex Ash has never owned is the Pokédex introduced in HeartGold and SoulSilver, but such has been owned by Lyra and Khoury.
  • The Kanto regional Pokédex and the Sinnoh regional Pokédex (Diamond and Pearl) have 151 members, the smallest of all regional Pokédexes. The largest regional Pokédex is the Kalos regional Pokédex, with 454 members.
  • The Pokédex models of Generations I and II rounded the weights of all Pokémon to full pounds except for Gastly and Haunter, despite the Japanese games' use of tenths of kilograms since the start. From Generation III onward, all weights have been given to the nearest tenth of a pound.
  • The Pokédex has usually lost several buttons with every new model, due to various upgrades: Kanto's first model has twenty-two buttons; Kanto's third model has nine; Johto's original model has five; Kanto's second model, both of Hoenn's models, and Sinnoh's only have three; and Johto's second model, both of Unova's models, the Kalos model, and the Alola model all apparently have no buttons whatsoever, solely using the touch-screen interface.
  • Numerous toy Pokédexes have been manufactured by companies like Tiger Electronics and Jakks Pacific.
  • In HeartGold and SoulSilver, the Pokégear's map displays the hat of Ethan's icon in its updated Generation IV design; however, the Pokédex map displays the icon's hat in its Generation II design.
  • The Pokédex entries in Pokémon Black and White Versions for Pokémon not native to Unova are the same as those from Pokémon Platinum Version.

In other languages

Language Title
Chinese Cantonese 寶可夢圖鑑 Pokémon Tòuhgaam *
寵物小精靈圖鑑 Chúngmaht Síujīnglìhng Tòuhgaam *
小精靈圖鑑 Síujīnglìhng Tòuhgaam *
精靈圖鑑 Jīnglìhng Tòuhgaam *
Mandarin 寶可夢圖鑑 / 宝可梦图鉴 Pokémon Tújiàn *
神奇寶貝圖鑑 / 神奇宝贝图鉴 Shénqí Bǎobèi Tújiàn *
宠物小精灵图鉴 Chǒngwù Xiǎojīnglíng Tújiàn *
Denmark Flag.png Danish Pokédex
Finland Flag.png Finnish Pokédex
France Flag.png French Pokédex
Germany Flag.png German Pokédex
Israel Flag.png Hebrew פוקידע Pokéda
פוקדע Pokeda*
India Flag.png Hindi पोकेदेक्स् Pokédex*
पोकेटैब Pokétab*
Indonesia Flag.png Indonesian Pokédex
Italy Flag.png Italian Pokédex
South Korea Flag.png Korean 포켓몬 도감 Pokémon Dogam
포켓컴 Pocket Comp*
Malaysia Flag.png Malaysian Pokédeks
Pokédex
Norway Flag.png Norwegian Pokédex
Poland Flag.png Polish Pokédex
Portuguese Brazil Flag.png Brazil Pokédex
Pokéagenda (S01, EToP, Pokémon Club)
Poké Agenda (The Official Pokémon Handbook)
Portugal Flag.png Portugal Pokédex
Russia Flag.png Russian Покедекс Pokédeks
Spain Flag.png Spanish Pokédex
Sweden Flag.png Swedish Pokédex
Tamil Flag.png Tamil போகிடெக்ஸ் Pokédex
India Flag.png Telugu పోకెడెక్స్ Pokédex
Thailand Flag.png Thai โปเกเด็กซ์ Pokédex
Vietnam Flag.png Vietnamese Từ điển Pokémon



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