Highlights
Pokemon games have been implementing the concept of version exclusives since Pokemon Red and Blue, suggesting the existence of a Pokemon multiverse.
Remakes of previous Pokemon games, such as Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby, bring about notable alterations in both gameplay and storytelling, bolstering the concept of a Pokemon multiverse.
Though never officially confirmed, the concept of a Pokemon multiverse appears logical when considering the various iterations of the identical adventure and the franchise's extensive record of exclusive content for different versions.
The idea of multiverses has gained significant popularity in fiction recently, but Pokemon was actually ahead of the curve in introducing this concept to video games. Although the Pokemon series primarily focuses on the protagonist's journey to become stronger rather than interdimensional adventures, it still manages to include plenty of surprises. Despite not being as dramatic as other gaming franchises, Pokemon has paved the way in various ways. Interestingly enough, it has been incorporating one particularly popular theme for the past two decades.
As one of the most successful video game franchises of all time, Pokemon holds a prominent position in Nintendo's extensive library. Since the release of the original Pokemon Red and Blue, each installment of the series has consistently been among the best-selling titles for every Nintendo console. Its influence extends beyond the mainline games, encompassing spinoffs like Pokemon GO and reaching far and wide across Nintendo's gaming ecosystem. Although the games are accessible and easy to grasp, their strategic depth has fostered a thriving competitive scene. All these achievements trace back to the very first Pokemon titles and have only grown since then.
Pokemon Games Have Long-Held Evidence of a Multiverse Theory
One key aspect of the Pokemon franchise is the use of version exclusives in the games. Each main series Pokemon generation releases two titles simultaneously, with each game offering slight variations. The main difference lies in the availability of certain Pokemon, where some can only be found in one version but not the other. This concept was introduced in Pokemon Red and Blue, requiring players to trade between the games in order to complete their Pokedex with all the original Pokemon. As the series progressed, version exclusives became more distinct, as seen with the different professors, academy colors, and names in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Another example is Pokemon Sword and Shield, which featured version-exclusive gym leaders. These variations can be attributed to the idea of a Pokemon multiverse, where different versions exist within different timelines or versions of the world. This explanation accounts for why the same stories can occur in the same regions at the same time, yet still differ significantly depending on the game.
Pokemon's remakes of past games serve as additional evidence for the existence of a Pokemon multiverse. These remakes, whether released shortly after the originals or generations later, bring significant changes to the storyline. Some changes are related to the plot itself, such as the Suicune subplot in Pokemon Crystal. However, games like Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby introduce numerous new Pokemon and moves that were not present in the original games, resulting in a distinctly different gaming experience. The stark differences between these iterations of the same journey lend credence to the notion of a Pokemon multiverse.
While there has been no official confirmation of a Pokemon multiverse, it is a logical concept, especially considering the Gen 7 games and the upcoming Pokemon Legends: Arceus. The introduction of a new Pokemon game in Unova could potentially offer further evidence, depending on its placement in the timeline. Nonetheless, the series has already provided ample reason to believe in the existence of a multiverse. Multiverses are a common theme in fiction, whether it be the various timelines of the DC Universe or the recent inclusion in Mortal Kombat 1's storyline. Pokemon may not explicitly reference its own multiverse, but it had been creating one long before many other series delved into the concept.
