Pokédex

The Pokédex (ポケモン図鑑, Pokemon Zukan), in the fictional world of Pokémon, is a portable electronic encyclopedia carried by Pokémon Trainers to automatically record the facts of all the various Pokémon species seen and captured during their journey as a trainer.

Originally, the Pokédex could only record information on the first 151 Pokémon in Pokémon Red and Blue. Its database has since been updated to expand its search options and its capacity to record all 1,025 Pokémon today.

This device can record information in two different ways: first, when the trainer only sees the Pokémon, the Pokédex performs a scan, and when it detects the Pokémon, it only stores its name, image, growl, and location in the region. The second is when a trainer captures a wild Pokémon. The Pokédex performs an intensive analysis of the Pokémon, displaying more detailed information such as its type, weight, height, and brief information about the creature.

Each trainer adds new information to their Pokédex by capturing, receiving, or trading new Pokémon that they have not yet registered.^[1]

In Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, a size option was integrated, allowing the player to compare the size of the Pokémon with that of the trainer. In Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, a weight option was integrated, allowing the player to compare the weight of the Pokémon with that of the trainer.

Unlike how it works in video games, the Pokédex in the anime series already comes with information about Pokémon that have been discovered. This device also has recorded voice messages, meaning that when the trainer wants information about a Pokémon, the device activates a system that explains the Pokémon's characteristics to the trainer using pre-recorded phrases.

Another difference is that in order to record information about a Pokémon, it is not necessary to capture it. The trainer simply has to expose their Pokédex to the Pokémon, and the system scans until it finds the Pokémon's information in its database. The scan is performed by visualizing it using a sensor.

In the episode "The Evolution Solution", the Pokédex was programmed by Professor Westwood V.^[2] As the seasons of the series progress, Ash Ketchum has received updates to his Pokédex, which, aside from having new information about recent Pokémon, have received different designs.

The Pokédex designs closely resemble Nintendo handheld consoles such as the Game Boy (Pokédex used in Seasons 1-2), Game Boy Color (Pokédex used in Seasons 3-5), Game Boy Advance (Pokédex used in Seasons 6-8), and Nintendo DS (Pokédex used in Seasons 9-11).

In the original Japanese anime, the Pokédex has been voiced by four different seiyū (voice actors). Shinichiro Miki voiced the character during the first generation (seasons 1-5), followed by Megumi Hayashibara for the second generation (seasons 6-8). The role was then passed to Tomoko Kawakami for seasons 10-11, and Satsuki Yukino has been the voice since the final episodes of season 11.

In the United States, the Pokédex has been voiced by several actors, depending on its in-show model. Eric Stuart voiced the Kanto, Johto, and second Kanto models. He also voiced the fourth model at the end of Season 8, before Bill Rogers took over the role for Season 9. The Hoenn model was voiced by Rachel Lillis, and the current model is voiced by Michelle Knotz.

Throughout the various video games, the Pokédex has taken different forms throughout the installments; and it is given out by different characters (usually researchers) at the beginning of the game as an introduction to the adventure.

In Pokémon Red and Blue as well as Pokémon Yellow, after going to the Poké Mart in Viridian City and picking up Professor Oak's order, they must return with it to Oak's lab in Pallet Town, where he gives them the Pokédex. This also applies in the remakes Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version.

In Pokémon Gold and Silver as well as Pokémon Crystal, it is delivered by Professor Oak at Mr. Pokémon's house. This also occurs in the remakes Pokémon HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version.

In Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire as well as Pokémon Emerald, the player receives their Pokédex from Professor Birch in his laboratory after the player defeats their rival in a Pokémon battle on Route 103. This also occurs in the remakes Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire.

In Pokémon Diamond and Pearl as well as Pokémon Platinum, the Pokédex is delivered by Professor Rowan in Sandgem Town. This also occurs in the remakes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl.

In Pokémon Black and White, it is received from Professor Juniper when the player visits her in her laboratory.

In Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, Bianca delivers it at the Aspertia City after the player chooses their first Pokémon.

In Pokémon X and Y, it is given by Trevor in Aquacorde Town.

In Pokémon Sun and Moon and their updated versions Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, the Pokédex is given by Professor Kukui in Iki Town, after rescuing Nebby on the Mahalo Trail.

In Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, the player receives it from Professor Oak after choosing their first Pokémon in his lab.

In Pokémon Sword and Shield, it is given by Sonia in the Pokémon Research Lab in Wedgehurst.

In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, it is delivered by Professor Laventon in Jubilife Village after completing the quest The Basics of Crafting.

Introduced in the third generation games for the Game Boy Advance is the National Pokédex, an update of the Regional Pokédex of Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald, with a complete list of all Pokémon, since the Regional Pokédex is only able to record information of the Pokémon of the regions through which the player can travel in that game. In order to register Pokémon from other regions, it must be updated to the National Pokédex:

In Pokémon Ruby Version and Pokémon Sapphire Version, the player needs to trade a Pokémon that doesn't exist in Hoenn to one of these two games.

In Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version, Professor Oak gives the player the National Pokédex once they have registered in the Hall of Fame and have caught at least 60 Pokémon in their Pokédex. In Pokémon Emerald Version, it is Professor Birch instead.

In Pokémon Diamond Version and Pokémon Pearl Version, the professor gives it to the player when the encounter the Pokémon in the Sinnoh region, and upon completing it, Professor Oak will give the player a Pokéradar to locate Pokémon from Kanto, Johto or Hoenn. By getting the National Pokédex, where two men had previously not allowed them to enter due to not finishing the Pokédex.

In 2011, along with the launch of Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS, they released a free digital Pokédex featuring Pokémon from the Black and White editions, which, thanks to AR (Augmented Reality) codes, allows the player to see them through the camera built into the Nintendo 3DS. However, Pokédex 3D Pro had to be bought.

1. ↑ NINTENDO OF AMERICA INC. Pokémon Platinum Version: Instruction Booklet. Redmond, WA. EEUU (2009) p. 05
2. ↑ "Episode 68 - The Evolution Solution". www.serebii.net. Retrieved 2020-11-22.