Who's That Pokémon

Who's That Pokémon? - A Popular Question-and-Answer Segment in the Pokémon Anime

"Who's That Pokémon?" (Japanese: だれだ？ Who is it?) is a popular question-and-answer segment featured in numerous episodes of the Pokémon anime. It has also been shared on The Pokémon Company International's official Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as on Niantic's Pokémon GO Twitter account. Additionally, it appeared as a puzzle in the Lumiose Gym in Pokémon X and Y.

The English Dub of "Who's That Pokémon?"

In the English version, "Who's That Pokémon?" was initially used from the episode "Pokémon - I Choose You!" until "Watt's with Wattson?". After an absence of almost seven years, the segment returned in "In the Shadow of Zekrom!". It takes place before and after the main commercial break of an episode. A silhouette of a Pokémon is shown, and the audience is encouraged to guess the Pokémon based on the outline. After the commercial break, the name of the Pokémon is revealed, usually accompanied by the main characters shouting its name and the Pokémon's cry. The segment was retired at the end of the sixth season of the anime and was replaced by "Pokémon Trainer's Choice", which was later dropped after two seasons. Initially, in Pokémon the Series: Black & White, the Pokémon's cry was not featured when it was revealed, but it was reintroduced in "Triple Leaders, Team Threats!". Interestingly, "Who's That Pokémon?" was omitted from the CITV broadcast of the first two episodes of Pokémon the Series: Black & White. In subsequent episodes, a slightly modified version was used, showing the Pokémon silhouette midway through the episode and revealing the Pokémon just before the end credits.

In the earlier episodes, "Who's That Pokémon?" would often feature a Pokémon that played a significant role in that particular episode. However, in later episodes during the Johto League Champions season, the featured Pokémon became random and did not necessarily appear in the episode or indicate its prominence in a subsequent episode. Starting with Pokémon the Series: Black & White, the segment initially showcased a Pokémon that would play a significant role in the following episode, but later switched to featuring a Pokémon with a prominent role in the current episode, beginning with "A Sandile Gusher of Change!".

"Who's That Pokémon?" in the Original Japanese Version - Featuring Pokémon of Significance

In the original Japanese version, "Who's That Pokémon?" was used from EP001 to EP274 and made a comeback in BW061. This version predominantly featured a Pokémon that played a major role in the corresponding episode. From EP192, the segment was renamed "Pocket Monster TV" (written in English from EP211). While there were no functional differences, the kids' voices were replaced with a computerized voice, the background was altered, and the Pokémon's National Pokédex number was displayed. From EP211 onwards, the segment transitioned to widescreen format. EP192 to EP210 were later updated to the revised version of "Pocket Monster TV" when released on VHS.

Pocket Monster TV - The Japanese Version of "Who's That Pokémon?"

The segment was retired at the end of the original series and was replaced by a generic eyecatch showing the main characters in Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire . This continued into Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl and well into Pokémon the Series: Black & White. However, "Who's That Pokémon?" returned to Japanese television in BW061. In this version, the Pokémon's name is accompanied by a list of the types it is weak against. Pikachu would use Thunderbolt to illuminate parts of the silhouetted Pokémon as a hint, similar to "Pocket Monster TV".

"Who's That Pokémon?" Returns in Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon and Pokémon Journeys: The Series

In Pokémon the Series: X & Y , the segment underwent slight modifications and was renamed "Pokémon Quiz". Viewers were presented with four flashcards displaying different silhouettes and were asked to identify the correct Pokémon, with one card usually featuring Team Rocket as a decoy choice. However, the segment reverted to the traditional "Who's That Pokémon?" format in Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon and continued until the end of Pokémon Journeys: The Series.

Additionally, fans can enjoy playing a free online game inspired by this segment on https://pokemoninfinitefusion.io/.