Magneton is the result of three Magnemite becoming linked together by a strong magnetic force, although a single Magnemite can evolve by itself when no other Magnemite are in the vicinity. Each individual Magnemite has a gray spherical body with a single eye, a gray and red-and-blue tipped horseshoe magnet on each side. The topmost Magnemite has three Phillips head screws on its body, while the others appear to have only two. The three Magnemite that Magneton consists of can be linked in several ways. Magneton is most commonly seen as one Magnemite on top, and two Magnemite linked by the screws on the bottom, forming a triangle. In some cases, commonly seen in 3D games such as Pokémon Snap, the Magnemite will not be connected at all, remain in a triangular formation at rest, and are able to freely move within each other's vicinity to form other patterns. In this case, all three Magnemite have three screws. The magnetic forces that hold the three Magnemite together are powerful enough to dry up all moisture and raise the temperature 3.6°F (2°C) within a 3,300 foot (1,000 meter) radius. It can also be disruptive to electronic devices. It uses powerful radio waves to help it study the surrounding area.
Being composed of three Magnemite, it is about three times as powerful electrically, though not three times as intelligent. Even though Magneton is a mechanical creature, it still has the need to eat. As seen in the anime, food for Magneton consists of electrical currents. It is usually found in rough terrain, often near power plants. When sunspots flare up, Magneton tends to appear more often, presumably due to the changes in the sun's magnetic field. When rain clouds form, it also gathers in high areas prone to lightning strikes. As seen in the manga, it possesses the ability to form its electricity into both platforms and barriers. Despite its modern, artificial appearance, carvings depicting Magneton have been discovered at the Ruins of Alph, and one was shown in a flashback to the great war of Kalos, indicating it has existed for at least 3000 years.
Clemont owns a Magneton, which he keeps at the Lumiose Gym so Clembot can use it for Gym Battles while Clemont is away. It first appeared in Clemont's Got a Secret!, where it was revealed to be able to separate itself into three Magnemite in order to dodge attacks.
In Current Events, a Magneton served as a security guard for an electric company's power station. Ash was attacked by the Magnemite assisting Magneton, but when he retaliated with Chikorita, Magneton attacked as well.
In Watt's with Wattson?, Wattson used a Magneton during his brief Gymbattle with Ash. It was easily defeated by Pikachu, who had become super-charged during an incident at the Mauville Gym. Three wild Magneton also appeared later in the same episode.
In Giratina and the Sky Warrior, an army of Magneton and Magnemite, led by a Magnezone, was owned by Zero. He mainly used them as a swarm to trap or capture targets by linking together around them.
In Confronting the Darkness!, Belmondo has a Magneton. It was first used by the Dark Clembot to destroy electric appliances in a storehouse using Discharge. It then battled Clemont's Heliolisk, which was being used by Clembot. After a hard-fought battle, it was recalled by Belmondo after the battle had been interrupted by Team Rocket.
Magneton, the Magnet Pokémon. The evolved form of Magnemite. Its anti-gravitational powers allow it to float, and it can emit powerful magnetic and electric fields.
In the Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 Animated Trailer
A soldier's Magneton appeared in The Redemption, during a fantasy of a story from the past. It was one of the many Pokémon fighting in the great war of Kalos 3,000 years previously.
In the Darkrai Mission Story: Pokémon Ranger Vatonage - the Comic manga
A Magneton appeared in Team Dim Sun as one of the Pokémon Heath controlled.
In the Pokémon Adventures manga
Magneton debuted aboard the S.S. Anne in Danger: High Voltorb as one of Lt. Surge's Pokémon ready to attack Red. However, later in Buzz Off, Electabuzz!, some of them tortured Red with Thunderbolt. Lt. Surge uses two on his shoulder pads in Go for the Golbat where they produced sonic booms that act as a defensive barrier. Lt. Surge has a squad of Magneton, capable of using electromagnetism to create a tetrahedral aura. This aura is able to ferry people as well as attack and trap anything within, as seen in Volumes 3, 7, 10, and 12.
A wild Magneton appeared in a flashback in Electro Magneton, where it and three Magnemite attacked Blue and Evan. Blue used his Machamp to defeat it.
Jasmine's two Magneton first appeared in Quilava Quandary. They were seen accompanying Jasmine through Ecruteak City. They, along with their Trainer, were caught in the earthquake the ravaged the entire area.
Magneton emits a powerful magnetic force that is fatal to mechanical devices. As a result, large cities sound sirens to warn citizens of large-scale outbreaks of this Pokémon.
Magneton emits a powerful magnetic force that is fatal to electronics and precision instruments. Because of this, it is said that some towns warn people to keep this Pokémon inside a Poké Ball.
It is actually three Magnemite linked by magnetism. It generates powerful radio waves that raise temperatures by 3.6 degrees F within a 3,300-foot radius.
Magneton emits a powerful magnetic force that is fatal to mechanical devices. As a result, large cities sound sirens to warn citizens of large-scale outbreaks of this Pokémon.
Magneton emits a powerful magnetic force that is fatal to electronics and precision instruments. Because of this, it is said that some towns warn people to keep this Pokémon inside a Poké Ball.
Magneton and its pre-evolved form were the first Pokémon to ever change typing with the progress of generations.
Although it is said that Magneton is made up of three Magnemite, there is contradictory evidence seen in various forms of media.
In the only anime episode to date showing a Magnemite evolution, Get Along, Little Pokémon, when Ethan's Magnemite #6 evolves into Magneton, it "creates" two Magnemite during evolution, instead of combining with two real Magnemite. Similarly, in the main series games, when Magnemite reaches level 30, it evolves without the aid of two additional Magnemite. This is unlike Mantyke which requires a Remoraid to evolve.
In Pokémon Snap, a Magneton is clearly shown to be created by three Magnemite. Also, when two Magnemite get stuck together halfway through evolution in the original Mystery Dungeon games, they mention how three Magnemite must come together to evolve.
After evolution, Magneton becomes exactly ten times heavier than Magnemite. Logically, it would be three times heavier if it were actually made of three Magnemite. Magnemite weighs 13.2 lbs. (6.0 kg) whereas Magneton weighs 132.3 lbs. (60.0 kg).
Magneton and Magnemite are two of few Pokémon that had their cry changed slightly in Generation III. This was due to Generation III utilizing a better sound effects game engine and newer game system.
Magneton has been used by more rival characters than any other Pokémon, being used by three: Blue, Silver, and Wally.
Despite most depictions of Magneton showing they are able to float through the air, Magneton does not have the Ability Levitate, so it is still affected by Ground-type moves. However, starting in Generation IV, Magneton can learn Magnet Rise, which simulates Levitate for five turns.
Origin
Magneton is a cluster of three Magnemite, which in turn seems to be based on the objectification of electromagnetism, one of the four fundamental interactions of nature, and it also seems to be inspired by an air drone. They are likely linked through strong electromagnetic force.
This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.