Changes

The series focuses on capturing, training, battling, collecting and trading various monster species, known as Pokémon. While the mechanics vary from incarnation to incarnation, the player generally takes on the role of a Pokémon trainer, seeking to capture wild monsters, raise them, and defeat other trainers in duels using the captured monsters in order to become a champion.

The series focuses on capturing, training, battling, collecting and trading various monster species, known as Pokémon. While the mechanics vary from incarnation to incarnation, the player generally takes on the role of a Pokémon trainer, seeking to capture wild monsters, raise them, and defeat other trainers in duels using the captured monsters in order to become a champion.

In Japan, Pokémon is referred to as Pocket Monster. The name was changed in North America due to another franchise called  Monster In My Pocket.  Pokémon is a romanization of Pocket Monster.

In Japan, Pokémon is referred to as Pocket Monsters. The name was changed in North America due to another franchise called  Monster In My Pocket.  Pokémon is a romanization of Pocket Monster.

==Video Games==

==Video Games==

Originally, Pokemon could  be classified in one or two of 15 types.  This number was expanded to 17 in Generation II. This is later increased in Generation VI to 18 with the introduction of the fairy type. Pokémon moves are further subdivided into physical and special moves each of which is controlled by a specialized attack and defense stat. Prior to the introduction of Generation IV, this split was originally based upon the moves type; however in Generation IV it became based upon developer designation. Most moves are mono-type; however, Generation VI introduced a dual type move, which deals different damage, than a move of its two constituent types.  

Originally, Pokemon could  be classified in one or two of 15 types.  This number was expanded to 17 in Generation II. This is later increased in Generation VI to 18 with the introduction of the fairy type. Pokémon moves are further subdivided into physical and special moves each of which is controlled by a specialized attack and defense stat. Prior to the introduction of Generation IV, this split was originally based upon the moves type; however in Generation IV it became based upon developer designation. Most moves are mono-type; however, Generation VI introduced a dual type move, which deals different damage, than a move of its two constituent types.  

Many Pokémon, with sufficient training, will spontaneously change form, developing into a larger, stronger species. This process is called "evolution", though it more closely resembles growing up and maturing, or the metamorphosis of insects, and has little to nothing to do with the [[Theory of Evolution]]. Many Pokémon species can evolve multiple times, and many species can only be obtained by evolving more basic ones. In addition, some Pokemon can evolve in more than one different path instead of the linear evolutionary path most Pokemon take, and a good number of Pokemon have gained the ability to evolve in a game after their introduction. Generation VI introduced a form of special form of evolution called "Mega Evolution". In order to "Mega evolve" a Pokemon must be holding its respective "Mega stone". This process typically results in the increase in all of the Pokemon's stats other than HP. Some stats may be lowered, such as in the case of Mega Garchomp, which suffers a drop in speed, in exchange for a large increase ,in most of its other stats. However,there are restriction on this, Players can only have a single Mega- volved Pokemon on their team at a time and the Pokemon also loses the ability to hold other items, which may be more useful due to certain effects such as healing. This restriction  , however, is not held by Mega Rayquaza, which only has to know a certain move to Mega Evolve. Players may also breed their Pokémon with each other by leaving them in a daycare, where the player can eventually obtain an egg. Eggs eventually hatch into Pokémon, giving the player another option for acquiring new Pokémon.

Many Pokémon, with sufficient training, will spontaneously change form, developing into a larger, stronger species. This process is called "evolution", though it more closely resembles growing up and maturing, or the metamorphosis of insects, and has little to nothing to do with the [[Theory of Evolution]]. Many Pokémon species can evolve multiple times, and many species can only be obtained by evolving more basic ones. In addition, some Pokemon can evolve in more than one different path instead of the linear evolutionary path most Pokemon take, and a good number of Pokemon have gained the ability to evolve in a game after their introduction. Generation VI introduced a special form of evolution called "Mega Evolution". In order to "Mega evolve" a Pokemon must be holding its respective "Mega stone". This process typically results in the increase in all of the Pokemon's stats other than HP. Some stats may be lowered, such as in the case of Mega Garchomp, which suffers a drop in speed, in exchange for a large increase ,in most of its other stats. However,there are restriction on this, Players can only have a single Mega- volved Pokemon on their team at a time and the Pokemon also loses the ability to hold other items, which may be more useful due to certain effects such as healing. This restriction  , however, is not held by Mega Rayquaza, which only has to know a certain move to Mega Evolve. Players may also breed their Pokémon with each other by leaving them in a daycare, where the player can eventually obtain an egg. Eggs eventually hatch into Pokémon, giving the player another option for acquiring new Pokémon.

Additionally, other video games featuring the Pokémon characters have been released, including ''Pokémon Pinball'' and the ''Pokémon Ranger'' series.<ref name="offwev">{{cite web|url=http://www.pokemon.com/#videogames_1|title=Pokemon.com|work=The Official Pokémon Website|format=HTML|language=English}}</ref>

Additionally, other video games featuring the Pokémon characters have been released, including ''Pokémon Pinball'' and the ''Pokémon Ranger'' series.<ref name="offwev">{{cite web|url=http://www.pokemon.com/#videogames_1|title=Pokemon.com|work=The Official Pokémon Website|format=HTML|language=English}}</ref>