The Pokémon Effect. What is it?

The Pokémon Effect refers to instances where groups of people, large or small, collectively remember specific Pokémon characters existing differently than how they currently appear. These differences can include design variations, alternate spellings of their names, placement in different generations, changes in abilities or types, evolution discrepancies, or other altered characteristics.

We coined this term as a playful twist on the larger phenomenon known as the Mandela Effect. Below, you’ll find a curated list of these Pokémon Effects, compiled after extensive research. Some of these examples might resonate with you, while others might not. Remember, not everyone experiences this phenomenon the same way.

To provide additional context, we’ve included links to the official Pokédex entries for some of the Pokémon on this list.

The list begins with some of the most widely discussed examples online. Take a look, share your thoughts in the comments, and keep in mind that this list will be updated as new information comes to light!



1) Pikachu

This is one of the most famous Mandela Effects in Pokémon and a frequent topic of discussion among fans. Many people vividly remember Pikachu’s tail having a black tip, but this has never been the case. Pikachu’s tail has always been solid yellow, leaving fans puzzled about why so many share this false memory. The above image is a photoshopped version of Pikachu, created to reflect the way people remember this detail. You can view Pikachu’s official entry in the Pokédex.

2) Onix

Yes, this Pokémon’s name is spelled with an “i.” Did you think it was spelled “Onyx”? You’re not alone. Many people remember it that way, but it’s always been “Onix” in every official Pokémon material. You can view Onix’s official entry in the Pokédex.

3) Psyduck and Golduck

Many people recall Psyduck and its evolution, Golduck, as Psychic/Water types, but they have always been pure Water types with no Psychic classification. The official Pokédex for Psyduck states: “It is constantly wracked by a headache. When the headache turns intense, it begins using mysterious powers.” Doesn’t that sound like a psychic ability? So why would the name Psyduck suggest psychic powers, when the Pokémon never had that classification?

4) Magnemite, Magneton and Magnezone

Did you ever think Magnemite had Levitate as an ability? Well, its entire evolution—Magneton and Magnezone—have never had Levitate, although many people remember that they did. The official Pokédex for Magnemite states, “The electromagnetic waves emitted by the units at the sides of its head expel antigravity, which allows it to float.” So, it can float but doesn’t have Levitate as an ability? Hmm, interesting, right?

5) Skarmory

Some fans mistakenly place this Pokémon in Generation 3, but Skarmory has always been part of Generation 2. For context, Pokémon “generations” are sets of games released in distinct eras, each introducing new Pokémon, regions, and gameplay features. Skarmory debuted in Pokémon Gold and Silver, which belong to Gen 2, not the Gen 3 games like Ruby and Sapphire.

6) Slugma and Magcargo

Many fans remember Slugma as a Gen 3 Pokémon, but it’s actually part of Gen 2. Since Slugma evolves into Magcargo, some mistakenly believe both Pokémon belong to Gen 3.

7) Miltank

Got milk? Actually, this Pokémon is called Miltank, not Milktank, despite what many people remember. The official Pokédex for Miltank states: “Miltank produces highly nutritious milk, so it’s been supporting the lives of people and other Pokémon since ancient times.” So why would it not make sense for Miltank to be called Milktank, just like many fans recall?

8) Unown

Did you ever think this Pokémon was called “Unknown”? Many people remember it that way. However, the official Pokédex for Unown states: “This Pokémon is shaped like ancient writing. It is a mystery as to which came first, the ancient writings or the various Unown. Research into this topic is ongoing but nothing is known.” If nothing is known, it seems logical that this Pokémon would have been called “Unknown,” doesn’t it?

9) Ninetales

Ninetales comes in at number 9, adding another chapter to the tale of how this Pokémon never had “tails” in its name. Many people remember it being spelled Ninetails, not “tales”. As the official Pokédex for Ninetales states, “Some legends claim that each of its nine tails has its own unique type of special mystical power.” So, which do you think makes more sense—the name Ninetales or Ninetails?

There are many who also seem to recall Ninetales being a Psychic/Fire-type Pokémon rather than just a Fire type. What makes this intriguing is that Ninetales can learn several Psychic-type moves, such as Psychic and Hypnosis, and its abilities are often described as mystical or supernatural. Despite this, Ninetales has never been officially classified as a Psychic type. This phenomenon is somewhat reminiscent of Psyduck, a Water-type Pokémon with psychic-themed abilities and moves, but without the Psychic typing. What do you remember?

10) Gastly

Many people remember this Pokémon being spelled Ghastly with an “H,” but it’s always been Gastly. According to the official Pokédex for Gastly, it has a “gas-like body” and is classified as a Ghost-type, just like its evolutions, Haunter and Gengar. Why would it not have been ghostly enough to call it Ghastly, like so many fans remember?

11) Lucario

Did you ever think Lucario was a Legendary Pokémon? Turns out, he’s just another ordinary Pokémon. What’s even stranger is that many believe he was a Legendary due to his starring role in Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, a movie that released an entire year before Gen 4. Some fans even swear that Lucario was a Gen 3 Pokémon.

Legendary Pokémon are unique and rare creatures in the Pokémon world, often tied to special events or lore. These Pokémon are typically harder to obtain in the games and have unique abilities or lore surrounding them.

12) Electabuzz

Many people swear that this Pokémon was spelled and pronounced Electrabuzz with an “R.” But does the “buzz” come from electrocuting or electacuting? The official Pokédex for Electabuzz states, “Its body constantly discharges electricity. Getting close to it will make your hair stand on end.” As an Electric-type Pokémon, which name makes more sense to you?

13) Vespiquen

What’s a “quen” to a queen bee? It’s Vespiquen, not “Vespiqueen”! Many people swear that this Pokémon was spelled with a double “e” like the word “queen,” but it has never bee-n spelled that way. You can view Vespiquen’s official entry in the Pokédex.

14) Zapdos

Many remember this Electric/Flying-type Pokémon being called Zapados, with an extra “A” in the middle. However, it has always been simply Zapdos, without the additional letter. You can view Zapdos’s official entry in the Pokédex.

15) Weepinbell

Many seem to remember Weepinbell being a G—sorry, I meant having a G in its name and being spelled Weepingbell—but that has never been the case. You can view Weepinbell’s official entry in the Pokédex.

16) Victreebel

Many people remember this Pokémon being spelled Victorybell, as in a bell that rings after a victory, but that has never been the case. You can view Victreebel’s official entry in the Pokédex.

17) Legendary Beasts

Many people remember these Pokémon being called Legendary dogs, but they’ve always been referred to as Legendary beasts. What do you remember?

18) Togepi

Many people seem to remember Togepi as a Gen 1 Pokémon, but it has always been a Gen 2 Pokémon. What’s strange is that Togepi makes an appearance in Gen 1 of the anime, when Misty receives it as an egg, which later hatches during the anime’s first season. However, it wasn’t introduced in the games until Gen 2, leaving many fans confused.

19) Lugia

Maybe Lugia stole Psyduck’s psychic ability? Many people recall Lugia as a Water/Flying type Pokémon, but that has never been the case. Lugia has always been a Psychic/Flying type, not Water. The official Pokédex for Lugia states: “Lugia’s wings pack devastating power—a light fluttering of its wings can blow apart regular houses. As a result, this Pokémon chooses to live out of sight deep under the sea.” It’s not a Water type, but it lives under the sea? Hmm… Does that make sense to you? What do you remember?

20) Volcarona

Did you ever think Volcarona was a Legendary Pokémon? Well, you’re mistaken. Volcarona, introduced in Pokémon Black and White (Gen 5), has never been classified as Legendary. Despite its late-game appearance, unique role in the Relic Castle as a rare encounter, and powerful stats, it’s still considered a standard Pokémon. This common misconception has left many fans scratching their heads. What do you recall?

21) Brock

Many fans seem to remember Brock as being blind, likely due to his perpetually closed eyes and serious demeanor. However, this has never been the case—Brock has always been able to see. His signature squinty eyes give him a distinct and memorable appearance. Though his eyes are always depicted as closed, it seems now that this is merely a stylistic choice rather than an indication of blindness. What do you remember?

22) Azurill

Did you know Azurill is a Normal/Fairy type? Many fans seem to recall Azurill being a Water/Fairy type, just like its evolutions Marill and Azumarill. However, this has never been the case. Do you share this memory? You can view Azurill’s official entry in the Pokédex.

23) Chinchou and Lanturn

Many fans seem to remember Chinchou and its evolution, Lanturn, as being part of Gen 3. However, they have always been Gen 2 Pokémon. What do you remember?

24) Roselia

Did you ever think Roselia was a Gen 4 Pokémon? It turns out that Roselia has actually always been part of Gen 3. Many fans recall Roselia being in Gen 4, along with its first stage, Budew, and its evolution, Roserade. Does this match what you remember? You can view Roselia’s official entry in the Pokédex.

25) Meditite, Medicham and Mega Medicham

Many also seem to remember the entire Meditite evolution line being part of Gen 4, but they have actually always been part of Gen 3.

26) Charizard

There seems to be a significant number of people who recall Ash’s Charizard as a Fire/Dragon-type, but this has never been the case. Charizard has always been a Fire/Flying-type Pokémon. It might seem more logical for Charizard to be a Dragon-type, especially since in the anime, Charizard is occasionally shown struggling with flight. Early on, Charizard faced challenges, particularly when it was undertrained or rebellious, and it struggled with tasks like carrying weight. Despite this, Charizard has always been classified as a Flying-type. Do you remember Charizard as being a Dragon-type? You can view Charizard’s official entry in the Pokédex.

27) Groudon

Did you ever think Groudon was a Ground/Fire-type? In fact, it has always been solely a Ground-type. However, when Groudon undergoes Primal Reversion via the Red Orb, only then does it gain Fire as a secondary type, becoming Primal Groudon. Still, Groudon’s base form type seems at odds with its role in Team Magma, since this villainous team is heavily associated with Ground- and Fire-type Pokémon. Something feels a bit off here. What do you remember? You can view Groudon’s official entry in the Pokédex.

28) Munchlax

There are some who seem to recall Munchlax being a Gen 3 Pokémon, but it was actually introduced in Generation 4. Do you share this memory, or has Munchlax always been part of Gen 4 for you?

29) Brendan

Did you ever think Brendan had white hair? Well, it turns out he has always worn a white hat. Many people seem to remember thinking the hat was actually white hair, but that has never been the case.

30) Venonat and Butterfree

Did it ever occur to you that Venonat and Butterfree look almost identical, yet are completely different Pokémon? It’s almost as if Venomoth and Butterfree belong to the wrong evolution line. This has been a topic of discussion within the Pokémon community. After seeing all these Pokémon Effects, it really makes one wonder: what if? While this may not strictly be a Pokémon Effect, we just had to add it to the list. You can view Venonat’s official entry in the Pokédex and Butterfree’s official entry in the Pokédex.

31) Keldeo

There are many Pokémon fans who seem to believe Keldeo is spelled ‘Keledo,’ with the ‘D’ coming after the ‘E’ instead of the other way around. Has it always been Keldeo for you? You can view Keldeo’s official entry in the Pokédex.

32) Krookodile

Did you think it was ‘Krookidile’? Or has this Pokémon always been spelled ‘Krookodile,’ with an ‘O’ instead of an ‘I’? Many seem to believe it is spelled with an ‘I’. You can view Krookodile’s official entry in the Pokédex.

33) Hitmonlee

This next one involving Hitmonlee has left many fans in complete shock. Tell us, did Hitmonlee always have arms for you? A significant number of people vividly recall Hitmonlee as being completely armless, relying solely on its powerful legs to fight. For them, Hitmonlee was a Pokémon that only used kicks, as legs were the only limbs it had.

What makes this even stranger? The official Pokédex entry for Hitmonlee states: ‘At the exact moment it lands a kick on its target, Hitmonlee hardens the muscles on the sole of its foot, maximizing the power of the kick.’ This description perfectly aligns with the memories of those who recall Hitmonlee without arms. It raises the question—if Hitmonlee has arms, why doesn’t the description mention punching, especially since it can now be seen using its arms in battles?

We conducted some research online to uncover visual evidence of people depicting Hitmonlee without arms and relying solely on its legs. Surprisingly, we found several examples. To explore this case further, we compiled our findings in a separate blog post, which you can read HERE. You can view Hitmonlee’s official entry in the Pokédex.

34) Farfetch’d and Doduo

Did you ever think Farfetch’d evolved into Doduo? Countless people seem to believe this, only to discover that Farfetch’d does not evolve into Doduo—nor has it ever. Farfetch’d and Doduo are two entirely separate Pokémon species with no evolutionary connection. Farfetch’d was introduced in Generation 1 and stayed a standalone Pokémon until Generation 8, where it gained a regional evolution in the form of Sirfetch’d. Meanwhile, Doduo evolves into Dodrio and has no ties to Farfetch’d in any official lore or mechanics.

What’s odd? Farfetch’d is listed as number 83 and Doduo as number 84 in the official Pokédex. If you look more closely, the majority of the surrounding Pokémon in this number range all have evolutions. Why place these two birds right next to each other on the list if they aren’t related? This numbering choice adds to the curiosity and may fuel the belief that Farfetch’d was somehow connected to Doduo.

How could so many people confuse these two? They’re different species and look nothing alike. You can view Farfetch’d’s official entry in the Pokédex.

35) Glalie

There’s a notable number of people who believe Glalie is a Dark/Ice-type Pokémon, but this has never been the case. Glalie has always been a pure Ice-type Pokémon. Its menacing, skull-like appearance and eerie demeanor might make it seem like a great fit for the Dark type, but officially, it isn’t. What do you remember? You can view Glalie’s official entry in the Pokédex.

36) Ash Ketchum and Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket

Did you think Ash’s father was Giovanni? The claim that Giovanni is Ash’s father is a popular theory among Pokémon fans, but it has never been officially confirmed in the main series or any official Pokémon material. However, the script of Pokémon Live!—a stage musical adaptation that premiered in September 2000 at Radio City Music Hall and later toured the United States and Canada—seems to provide intriguing implications regarding this theory.

In the musical, Mrs. Ketchum reveals to Ash that she was once involved with Giovanni before meeting Ash’s father, implying a connection between them. Here’s the relevant snippet from the script:

Mrs. Ketchum: “A long time ago… before you were born… I was friends with Giovanni when he was starting Team Rocket.”
Ash: “What?! No way!”
Mrs. Ketchum: “It wasn’t for long. When I met your father, I left…”

To explore this case further, we compiled our findings in a separate blog post, which you can read HERE.



37) Rotom

Did you ever think Rotom was a Legendary Pokémon? Many seem to recall Rotom being one, but it has never been classified as such. While it is a special or rare Pokémon with unique characteristics—like its ability to possess household appliances and change forms—it does not meet the criteria for Legendary status. Legendary Pokémon are typically one-of-a-kind and tied to significant lore, events, or creation myths, while Rotom is an Electric/Ghost-type Pokémon available in regular gameplay and able to be caught and used by players. What do you remember?

38) Koffing

Do you notice anything different about Koffing? Many people recall the white circle, which represents a skull, having two dots inside it to resemble eyes. However, this has never been the case. The skull on Koffing has always been a plain circle, without eyes. Is this what you remember? You can view Koffing’s official entry in the Pokédex.

39) Shiny Delibird

Do you notice anything unusual about the shiny version of Delibird? Many fans recall the shiny variant being blue, but that has never been the case. The regular Delibird starts off as red with white accents. However, its shiny form changes its red coloration to the light purple you see above.

What’s interesting is that some people are adamant in their belief that shiny variant of Delibird was once blue, swearing by memories of encountering or seeing a blue version. Is that how you remembered it, or has shiny Delibird always been purple for you?

40) Slowpoke, Slowbro and Slowking

Does Slowking evolve from Slowbro or Slowpoke? If you thought it evolved from Slowbro, you’re mistaken. Slowking has never evolved from Slowbro. Instead, it has always evolved directly from Slowpoke. Many people vividly recall a single evolutionary line where Slowpoke evolves into Slowbro and then into Slowking, but this has never been the case. Slowpoke evolves into Slowbro when a Shellder clamps onto its tail. Alternatively, Slowpoke evolves into Slowking when it is traded while holding a King’s Rock. These two forms are parallel evolutions, not sequential. Does this match your memory, or do you recall Slowbro transforming into Slowking at some point? You can view Slowpoke’s official entry in the Pokédex.

41) Electric and Rock

Did you ever think Rock-types were immune to Electric attacks? If so, you’re mistaken—that has never been the case. Rock-types have never been immune to Electric moves, though many people seem to remember otherwise. Rock-types have always taken normal, neutral damage from Electric moves. Does this align with what you remember?

42) Shiny Zubat

Did you ever think the shiny variant of Zubat was black? It never has been. The shiny version of Zubat has always been green, and there has never been an official black shiny Zubat. Yet, some people insist they remember encountering or seeing a black shiny Zubat instead of green. What about you? Has it always been green in your memory, or do you recall seeing a black shiny Zubat?

43) Poliwag

Take a close look at Poliwag. Does anything seem off to you? Here’s a question to consider: does Poliwag have a nose or a mouth? If you thought it has a nose, you’re mistaken. Poliwag has always had a mouth—the pink feature on its face is its lips. Yet, countless people remember it as a nose, leading to some confusion. What about you? Does this align with your memory, or do you recall Poliwag having a nose instead? You can view Poliwag’s official entry in the Pokédex.

44) Rapidash

Take a close look at Rapidash. Does anything seem different to you? Many people don’t recall Rapidash having a horn on its head, much less resembling a unicorn, and some dedicated fans of the Pokémon even swear it never did. However, Rapidash has always had a single spiral horn, much like a classic depiction of a unicorn, along with its fiery mane and tail. What about you? Do you remember Rapidash always having a unicorn-like horn, or does this detail feel unfamiliar? You can view Rapidash’s official entry in the Pokédex.

45) Exeggutor

Take a closer look at Exeggutor. Notice anything unusual? This is less about its appearance but rather the way its name is spelled. Many people seem to recall it being spelled Eggexutor instead of the official spelling, Exeggutor. If you search online, you’ll find countless examples of people spelling it incorrectly this way.

Additionally, here’s something curious from our own faint memories—does anyone else remember Exeggutor having a wrapped, twisted neck? It’s an odd detail that doesn’t exist in its current design, but we’d love to know if anyone shares this recollection. Let us know your thoughts below! You can view Exeggutor’s official entry in the Pokédex.

46) Pinsir and Heracross

This next one might catch you off guard. Does Pinsir evolve into Heracross, or are they two separate Pokémon species? Many people vividly recall Pinsir evolving into Heracross at level 42 through trading with a Metal Coat. However, this has never been true. Pinsir and Heracross have always been entirely separate Pokémon species with no evolutionary connection. This evolution has never existed in any official Pokémon games or lore. Do you share this memory of Pinsir evolving into Heracross, or has it always been the way it is now for you? You can view Pinsir’s official entry in the Pokédex. You can view Heracross’s official entry in the Pokédex.

47) Gyarados

The question is: what type is Gyarados? Is it a Water/Flying type, or is it a Water/Dragon type? Many fans vividly remember Gyarados being a Water/Dragon type, but that has never been the case—it has always been classified as a Water/Flying type Pokémon.

Some may argue that this perception likely stems from Gyarados’ design. Its fearsome, serpentine appearance and dragon-like characteristics make it feel as though it should belong to the Dragon type. However, what makes this even stranger is that Gyarados can learn several Dragon-type moves, such as Dragon Rage, Dragon Dance, and Outrage, which only deepens the association.

Yet, despite its dragon-like aesthetics and moveset, Gyarados is not, and has never been, a Water/Dragon type. What do you remember—has Gyarados always been a Water/Flying type for you, or do you recall it differently? You can view Gyarados’s official entry in the Pokédex.

48) Umbreon

Umbreon, a Dark-type evolution of Eevee, known for its sleek black fur and glowing yellow rings, which appear to have mystical significance, often associated with the moon and nighttime. The question is, has it always been spelled Umbreon for you? Many seem to remember it being spelled Embreon with an E instead of a U. What do you remember? You can view Umbreon’s official entry in the Pokédex.

49) Ralts

Ralts, a Psychic/Fairy-type Pokémon, is known for its ability to sense emotions through the horns on its head, often drawing close to those with positive auras and exuding a shy yet endearing demeanor. But has it always been spelled Ralts for you? Some fans recall the name as being spelled Raltz, with a ‘z’ at the end instead of an ‘s.’ What does your memory say? You can view Ralts’s official entry in the Pokédex.

50) Gardevoir

Gardevoir, a Pokémon celebrated for its graceful, humanoid appearance and steadfast loyalty, is renowned for using its immense psychic powers to create protective barriers and even distort dimensions to safeguard its Trainer. But here’s the question: is Gardevoir a Psychic/Fairy-type, or is it a Psychic/Grass-type?

Many people seem to recall Gardevoir being a Psychic/Grass-type Pokémon. It’s green in color, its name evokes a ‘garden,’ and it can learn Grass-type moves such as Magical Leaf and Energy Ball. Despite these associations, Gardevoir has never been a Psychic/Grass-type—it has always been Psychic/Fairy. What do you remember? You can view Gardevoir’s official entry in the Pokédex.

51) Shiny Luvdisc

Shiny Luvdisc, a rare, alternate-colored version of the Water-type Pokémon Luvdisc, is distinguished by its striking yellow body compared to the usual pink, while still maintaining its signature heart-shaped form and connection to love and affection. The question is: has the shiny version always been yellow for you? Many people seem to remember the shiny version being blue, but that has never been the case. What do you remember?

52) Huntail

Huntail, a Water-type Pokémon known for its eel-like, serpentine body and predatory behavior, evolving from Clamperl when exposed to a Deep Sea Tooth. The question is, has Huntail always been simply a Water-type Pokémon for you? Many seem to remember it being a Water/Dark-type Pokémon, but that has never been the case. What do you remember? You can view Huntail’s official entry in the Pokédex.

53) Gorebyss

Gorebyss, a Water-type Pokémon known for its elegant, pink, fish-like appearance and long, slender body, often resembling a deep-sea creature. The question is: has Gorebyss always been purely a Water-type Pokémon for you? Many fans recall it being a Water/Psychic type instead. Interestingly, Gorebyss can learn Psychic-type moves like Psychic and Confusion. However, it has never been classified as anything other than a Water type. What do you remember? You can view Gorebyss’s official entry in the Pokédex.

54) Tropius

Tropius, a dual-type Grass/Flying Pokémon resembling a sauropod dinosaur with leafy wings and a fruit-bearing neck. But here’s a question: do you notice anything missing from Tropius’s design? Do you ever recall Tropius having a tail? Many people seem to remember Tropius with a tail, but it has never actually had one.

What makes this even more peculiar is that Tropius can learn the move Dragon Tail, yet it doesn’t possess a tail. A quick look at PokémonDB’s list of Pokémon that can learn Dragon Tail reveals that all others have tails—except for Tropius. Does this seem odd to you? Do you remember Tropius with a tail, or has it always been tailless in your memory? You can view Tropius’s official entry in the Pokédex.