The Complicated World of Streaming the Pokémon Anime

The Scattered World of Pokémon Streaming

Streaming has revolutionized the way we consume entertainment, providing easy access to a wide range of content. However, when it comes to the Pokémon anime, the streaming landscape is far from straightforward. The series is currently scattered across several different platforms, making it a challenging task for fans to access the entire collection. This complex situation has left many fans puzzled and frustrated, especially those who wish to relive the nostalgia of the series or discover it for the first time.

Pokemon-Horizons: Liko and Roy respond to danger.

The rights and licensing issues surrounding the Pokémon anime have contributed to this fragmented streaming environment, creating a maze of availability that can be difficult to navigate. While some series are available on major streaming services, others are conspicuously absent, leaving fans with an incomplete viewing experience. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the current state of Pokémon streaming, shedding light on which series are available on which platforms and highlighting the challenges faced by fans seeking to immerse themselves in the Pokémon universe.

Pokemon-Opening-Theme-Ash-Misty-Brock

Pokémon on Netflix: A Partial Home for Ash and Pikachu

Netflix, a powerhouse in the streaming industry, offers a partial home for the Pokémon anime, hosting a selection of series and specials that cater to fans of various generations. For subscribers, Netflix provides access to the original series, known as 'Pok\u00e9mon: Indigo League,' which encompasses the first 52 episodes of Ash's journey. Additionally, the platform features newer seasons, including 'Pok\u00e9mon Journeys,' 'Pok\u00e9mon Master Journeys,' 'Pok\u00e9mon Ultimate Journeys,' and 'Pok\u00e9mon: To Be a Pok\u00e9mon Master.' The availability of the special miniseries 'The Arceus Chronicles' and the CGI remake movies 'Pok\u00e9mon: Secrets of the Jungle' and 'Pok\u00e9mon: Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution' further enriches the Netflix Pokémon experience.

Ash with Pikachu standing on his shoulder in Pokemon XY.

Furthermore, Netflix has announced plans to welcome 'Pok\u00e9mon Horizons' to its US streaming platform, scheduled for release in February 2024. While Netflix offers a substantial collection of Pokémon content, it's important to note that the series' complete library is not available on this platform, leaving fans eager for more.

Pokemon: Ash vs. Misty in Sun & Moon.

Pok\u00e9mon on Hulu and Amazon Prime: A Fragmented Experience

Hulu and Amazon Prime also contribute to the Pokémon streaming landscape, albeit in a fragmented manner. Hulu hosts the sixth generation anime, 'Pok\u00e9mon XY,' and its subsequent parts, 'Pok\u00e9mon XY: Kalos Quest' and 'Pok\u00e9mon XYZ.' This installment of the series is praised for its action-packed narrative and the introduction of Mega Evolution, offering fans a compelling viewing experience. However, the absence of related specials, known as the Mega Evolution specials, leaves a gap in the storytelling that may leave fans wanting more.

Ash and Pikachu as they appear in Pokemon Black and White.

Amazon Prime presents an eclectic mix of Pokémon series, with some available for free with a Prime subscription, while others require individual episode or season purchases. Notably, all three seasons of 'Pok\u00e9mon Gold and Silver' are accessible on Amazon Prime, along with the second installment of 'Pok\u00e9mon Ruby and Sapphire.' While 'Pok\u00e9mon XY' and 'Pok\u00e9mon XYZ' are available, the intermediate 'Kalos Quest' is notably absent. Additionally, various seasons, such as 'Sun & Moon' and 'Diamond & Pearl,' can be viewed through pay-per-episode/season options, providing fans with flexibility but also adding a layer of complexity to the streaming experience.

Pok\u00e9mon TV: The Pokémon Company's Streaming Sanctuary

In addition to major streaming platforms, the Pokémon Company offers its own sanctuary for Pokémon fans through Pokémon TV. This dedicated platform hosts a range of series, including 'Journeys,' 'Sun & Moon,' and the first two seasons, known as 'Pok\u00e9mon: The Beginning.' Notably, Pokémon TV provides a free and ad-free viewing experience, making it an attractive option for fans seeking uninterrupted Pokémon immersion. The platform also rotates two additional series on a monthly basis, offering fans the opportunity to explore different facets of the Pokémon universe.

One of the standout features of Pokémon TV is its inclusivity, as it caters to fans of all ages, with content for both seasoned viewers and young children. The platform's commitment to releasing themed episodes and providing text summaries and images of every episode, even those currently unavailable for streaming, demonstrates a dedication to the Pokémon community. While Pokémon TV may not have the complete series library, its free and accessible nature makes it a valuable resource for Pokémon enthusiasts.

Navigating the Pokémon Streaming Maze

Despite the availability of Pokémon series on major streaming platforms and Pokémon TV, fans face the challenge of incomplete access to the entire series. Notably, series such as 'Diamond & Pearl' and 'Black & White' are notably absent from these platforms, leaving fans with limited options to experience these installments of the Pokémon anime. While the more recent series, including 'XY,' 'Sun & Moon,' and 'Journeys,' are readily accessible, the absence of earlier series poses a hurdle for fans seeking a comprehensive Pokémon journey.

The complex web of rights and licensing surrounding the Pokémon anime has contributed to this fragmented streaming environment, leaving fans with a less-than-ideal viewing experience. The evolving availability of Pokémon series on different platforms adds to the complexity, with series shifting in and out of streaming libraries over time. As fans grapple with the challenges of navigating this streaming maze, the Pokémon Company's approach to distributing its content remains a point of curiosity and frustration for the Pokémon community.