Happy National Pokémon Day!
This year marks the 24th anniversary of Nintendo’s release of Pokémon Red and Blue for the Game Boy in Japan. While Pokémon’s popularity remains consistent, the beloved show and video game continues to smash Guinness World Records titles. For example, the Guinness World Records title for most expensive Pokémon trading card (at auction) now belongs to the impressive Pikachu Illustrator, which went for a whopping $195,000!
To celebrate Pokémon Day, we’ve compiled a list of records below for you to enjoy!
First Pokémon character
Many would assume Pikachu was the first Pokémon to start the franchise. However, that honor goes to Rhydon. The rhino-like monster made its first appearance in the RPG series in 1996 and has appeared in the most games ever since.
Fastest Pokémon
The fastest Pokémon in the series goes to Deoxys, with a base speed stat of 180. It was first introduced with Pokémon Emerald in 2004 and designed by character artist Ken Sugimori. As with most Pokémon names, Deoxys name gives a clue to its speed, as it stems from the swift process of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
Slowest Pokémon
With only a base speed stat of 5, the world’s slowest Pokémon are Munchlax, Pyukumuku, and Shuckle. Surprisingly, even with the word ‘slow’ in its name, Slowpoke races past the top 3 with a speed stat of 15.
Shortest Pokémon
At only 4 inches in height, the parasitic bug-like Joltik is the runt of the litter. Since it isn’t able to generate its own electrical force, it must latch on to stronger Pokémon where it’ll store energy in its body pouch.
Heaviest Pokémon
On the heavier end of the spectrum, with a reported weight of 999.9 kg (2,204.4 lb) is Cosmoem, a psychic-type legendary Pokémon first introduced in Gen VII. Ironically, it’s the evolved form of Cosmog, one of the lightest Pokémon.
Lightest Pokémon
Weighing in at only 100 g (0.2 lb), the lightest Pokémon title is shared by Cosmog, Flabébé, Gastly, Haunter, and Kartana.
Least Popular Pokémon
According to the Pokémon General Election held in Japan last May, Simisear ranked last out of the 800 plus existing Pokémon characters. The Pokémon Company even gave away business cards to random visitors at Pokémon Centers in an effort to regain its social standing. We’ll see how if that will make a difference in the next election.
Most Popular Pokémon
If it wasn’t the first Pokémon, you’d think Pikachu would at the very least be the most popular being the face of the brand. But that honor goes to Greninja. Based on the same vote conducted at the Pokémon General Election in Japan in May 2019, the water-based monster beat out the likes of Mew, Arceus, and Sylveon, respectively. Though that title might change hands as the company will announce the newest most popular Pokémon in honor of National Pokémon Day. Stay tuned!
For more gaming-related titles, pick up the Guinness World Records 2020 Edition, available in stores and online.
Source: Guinness World Records
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