🎮 Fun Facts from Pokémon Red, Blue & Yellow

The Legendary Glitch: MissingNo.

One of the most famous glitches in gaming history, MissingNo. (short for "Missing Number") could be encountered in Pokémon Red and Blue. By performing a specific sequence involving the old man in Viridian City and surfing along Cinnabar Island's coast, players could encounter this glitch Pokémon. Interestingly, encountering MissingNo. would duplicate the item in the sixth slot of your inventory, leading to infinite Rare Candies or Master Balls.

Mew's Secret Inclusion

Mew, the 151st Pokémon, wasn't originally intended to be part of the game. Game Freak programmer Shigeki Morimoto added Mew to the game secretly just before its release, using leftover space after debugging. Initially meant as an internal prank, Mew's existence became a legendary secret among players.

Pikachu's Refusal to Evolve in Yellow

In Pokémon Yellow, your starter Pikachu mirrors Ash's Pikachu from the anime by refusing to evolve into Raichu, even if presented with a Thunder Stone. This unique feature was designed to strengthen the bond between the player and Pikachu, reflecting their relationship in the TV series.

Fishing in Gym Statues

In Pokémon Red and Blue, players discovered that using an Old Rod on the Rhydon statues inside Pokémon Gyms would yield encounters with Magikarp. While not particularly useful, this quirky feature showcased the game's hidden surprises.

The Legendary Birds' Numeric Names

The trio of Legendary Birds—Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres—have names that cleverly incorporate the Spanish words for one (uno), two (dos), and three (tres), respectively. This subtle detail hints at their intended order and connection.

Professor Oak's Nidorino Has the Wrong Cry

In the opening sequence of Pokémon Red and Blue, Professor Oak's Nidorino emits the cry of a Nidorina instead. This audio oversight is one of several minor quirks present in the original games. 

Aerodactyl's Real-World Namesake

The fossil Pokémon Aerodactyl inspired the name of a real-world prehistoric creature. In 2014, a newly identified species of pterosaur was named Aerodactylus scolopaciceps, directly referencing the Pokémon due to its similar features.

Shellder as the Original Mascot

Before Pikachu became the face of the franchise, Game Freak considered Shellder as the series' mascot. However, Pikachu's design and popularity ultimately secured its iconic status.

Instant Text Glitch

Speedrunners and impatient players found that by performing a specific action in the Cerulean City Bike Shop, they could trigger a glitch causing in-game text to display instantly, bypassing the usual scrolling effect.