Since 1996, the Pokemon franchise has grown over 30 years from 151 pocket monsters into one of gaming's biggest rosters. But the answer to how many Pokemon are there depends on what you count — species, forms, or every last variation. The clean number is 1,025 unique species. Here's the full breakdown, generation by generation, so you know exactly where that number comes from.
Shop The Pokemon Collection Now
Key Takeaways
-
There are 1,025 unique Pokemon species in the National Pokedex, from #001 Bulbasaur to #1025 Pecharunt.
-
The count has been stable since 2025 — 2026 is a "gap year" with no new Pokemon until the next generation arrives.
-
Counting every form — regional variants, Mega Evolutions, and Gigantamax — pushes the total past 1,160, and beyond 1,500 if you tally every alternate form.
-
Generation X, Pokemon Winds and Pokemon Waves, was announced for 2027, with three new starters already revealed.
What Is the Total Number of Pokemon?
There were originally 151 monsters in Pokedex taking place in the games Pokemon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow in the Kanto region. But how many Pokemon exist today? The Pokemon Company officially recognizes 1,025 unique species across nine generations, from #001 Bulbasaur all the way to #1025 Pecharunt. The 1,000th Pokemon, Gholdengo, was introduced back in Generation IX.
That 1,025 figure counts only distinct Pokémon. Depending on how you count, the answer shifts:
-
1,025 — core unique species in the National Pokedex
-
1,028 — counting the three revealed Generation X starters (more on those below)
-
Around 1,164 — including regional variants, Mega Evolutions, and Gigantamax forms
-
More than 1,500 — counting every alternate form and variation
Kanto classics like Charmander and Squirtle still anchor plenty of collectibles today, from our Squirtle 16oz carnival cup and Squirtle 3D figural keychain to a set of Squirtle Poke Ball stud earrings for everyday fandom flair.
Pokemon Breakdown
National Pokedex (as of Generation VIII)
The National Dex now officially contains 1,025 unique Pokémon as of 2025, with Generation IX adding 120 new Pokémon to the roster. Here's how many Pokemon each generation has contributed to the total count across all mainline games:
Generation I (Kanto): 151 Pokémon
Generation II (Johto): 100 new Pokémon (total: 251)
Generation III (Hoenn): 135 new Pokémon (total: 386)
Generation IV (Sinnoh): 107 new Pokémon (total: 493)
Generation V (Unova): 156 new Pokémon (total: 649)
Generation VI (Kalos): 72 new Pokémon (total: 721)
Generation VII (Alola): 88 new Pokémon (total: 809)
Generation VIII (Galar): 96 new Pokémon (total: 905)
Generation IX (Paldea): 120 new Pokémon (total: 1,025)
Read: When is Pokemon Day?
Pokedex (With Forms)
There are various forms of Pokémon, differing in appearance, statistics, type combinations, and availability. Regional variants represent Pokémon species that have adapted to specific environments, resulting in altered appearances and abilities:
Alolan Forms: 19 regional variants introduced in Sun and Moon
Galarian Forms: 20 regional variants from Sword and Shield
Hisuian Forms: 17 regional forms from Pokémon Arceus (Legends: Arceus)
Paldean Forms: 3 regional variants from Scarlet and Violet
Other alternate forms include Unown with 28 different letter and symbol variations, Spinda with unique spot patterns, Deoxys with four distinct forms, including the Sunshine Form, and Alcremie with over 60 different flavors and decorations obtainable through pre-evolution methods. Gender differences also create additional visual variations for many Pokémon.
In total, there are approximately 400 Pokédex entries when including all forms and variations.
Special Categories
Special Pokémon categories include those that cannot be easily encountered in regular gameplay. Special Pokemon are referred to as those with QR codes that you cannot check in the Rotom Pokedex, including:
Legendary Pokémon: Powerful, unique creatures often tied to regional lore, including lake guardians
Mythical Pokémon: Extremely rare creatures typically distributed through special events
Ultra Beasts: Extradimensional creatures introduced in Generation VII
Paradox Pokémon: Ancient and futuristic forms like Slither Wing Sandy shocks, introduced in Generation IX
In total, there are approximately 81 legendary Pokemon and Mythical Pokémon across all Pokémon generations.
“Video games foster the mindset that allows creativity to grow.” -Nolan Bushnell, American Businessman
By Game
Base Game
When the sequel games were released, the total number of Pokemon in the Galar region Pokedex raised to 400. The base game comes with 319 older Pokemon, and 81 was released for Gen VIII. The entire game also features the most Galarian forms, with a total of 13, including Meowth, Zigzagoon, Rapidash, and Darmanitan.
Shop The Pokemon Collection Now
Sword & Shield (Generation VIII)
The Dexit controversy refers to the decision to limit the Galar Pokedex, drawing criticism from fans of Sword and Shield. Since then, no single game has included the full National Pokedex — which is why not every Pokémon appears in the newer generations. Sword and Shield introduced two rounds of returning Pokémon through their expansions, and a soft plush like our Pokemon Sword and Shield 8-inch collectible Pikachu plush makes a cozy nod to the era. But what's the proper way to watch Pokemon in order?
Isle of Armor
In the Isle of Armor Pokémon game, old and new Pokemon are introduced, including Zarude, Urshifu, and Kubfu, reaching the total count of Gen VIII to 84. Furthermore, Galarian forms are added to the game, including Galarian Slowpoke and Galarian Slowbro. There are 211 monsters in this game, with 102 old Pokemon.
Crown Tundra
In the southern Galar mainland, the Crown Tundra introduced 5 new Pokemon, including Calyrex, Glastrier, Regieleki, Regidrago, and Spectrier. It also reactivated 119 older Pokemon, bringing the total to 540 old generations.
Overall, the Crown Tundra has 210 Pokemon with new Legendaries and Pokemon that are old generation inhabiting Galar and Isle of Armor.
Related Posts:
Side Games
New Pokemon Snap
In the New Pokemon Snap game, the Pokémon availability will vary based on the game stages, and some Pokémon types are unique to each level. For example, the Florio Nature Park has 33 Pokemon in total, and 26 of them are unique to that stage. But overall, there are 234 Pokemon found in this game.
Pokemon GO
Pokemon GO remains one of the most popular mobile games in the world, and it now features Pokémon from all nine generations, added steadily over the years. New species, regional forms, and event Pokémon continue to roll out regularly. A classic like our 8-inch Pikachu starter plush is a fitting companion for any trainer logging miles on the app.
Check out our list of Alola Pokémon here.
Pokemon Masters
In the Pokémon Masters side game, you have to recruit a Sync Pair that trains a specific Pokémon. As the game starts, you play with Pikachu and Sync Pair Misty and Starmie, and Brock and Onix are recruited. There are over 200 Sync Pairs you can recruit in this game, featuring many Pokémon from various generations.
Read: Pokemon & Digimon Compared
Cafe Mix Jump
The Cafe Mix Jump is not like a traditional Pokemon game. Instead, you have to make friends with Pokemon before they ask to join your staff. This game features Pokemon in varying outfits, with 60 Pokemon you can recruit as your staff, and 2 Pokemon are non-recruitable, including Timburr and Pelipper.
Mystery Dungeon
There are 418 Pokémon available in Mystery Dungeon, including first through third generations and 45 Mega forms. The game also features Primal forms and includes Lucario and Riolu. Unlike other titles, you play by recruiting Pokémon to join your team as you meet them in dungeons. A collectible like our Lucario Funko Pop vinyl figure celebrates one of the series' most beloved dungeon companions.
Pokemon Unite
The Pokemon Unite is the newest game in the online world, featuring playable monsters with varying roles and styles. It comes with 29 characters, starting with just the base stats, and evolves when the Pokémon levels up in a match. However, Pikachu is an exception, and only other characters will evolve, such as Charizard, Venusaur, Garchomp, and Dragonite. So, who's the greatest Pokemon player ever?
How Many Mega Evolutions and Gigantamax Forms Are There?
Mega Evolutions debuted in Pokemon X and Y with 48 forms across 46 species. They returned in a big way with Pokemon Legends: Z-A, released in October 2025, which added 26 brand-new Megas — followed by the Mega Dimension DLC in December 2025 with 22 more. That brings the franchise total to roughly 96 Mega Evolutions, nearly double the original count. These forms temporarily transform Pokémon, boosting stats and sometimes changing typing during battle. Notable examples include Mega Charizard X and Y and Mega Mewtwo.
Those dual Mega Charizard forms remain fan favorites, and they anchor plenty of collectible gear for trading card fans:
- Mega Charizard X and Y 9-pocket Ultra Pro binder
- Mega Charizard X and Y 4-pocket portfolio
- Mega Charizard Y 100-count deck box
- Mega Charizard Y deck protector sleeves
- Mega Charizard X and Y storage album
Stocking up on card supplies? You can always buy more and save more when you grab a few pieces at once.
Gigantamax Forms round out the battle transformations, with 32 special forms that not only increase size but also change appearance and provide access to exclusive G-Max moves, offering unique mechanics beyond standard Dynamaxing.
How Do Pokemon Vary Across Nintendo Systems?
The Pokémon introduced across different systems have varied significantly. Games on the Nintendo DS, such as Pokemon Black, featured unique mechanics, while later games on the Nintendo Switch introduced new species and forms. From Pokemon Gold's Generation II additions to Pokemon Ruby's Generation III contributions, each system brought new elements to the franchise.
Some games featured partner Pokémon, such as partner Pikachu and partner Eevee — whose evolutions like the Dark-type Umbreon are fan favorites — while others leaned on classic evolution chains including Caterpie, Metapod, Butterfree, and the Johto starters Totodile and Croconaw. Those Johto favorites still headline collectibles today, like our Chikorita and Pikachu battle figure 2-pack and Cyndaquil and Larvitar battle figure 2-pack, while a quirky pick like our Wobbuffet plush captures the era's charm. Later games even added regional twists, like the Combat, Blaze, and Aqua Breed forms of Paldean Tauros.
What New Pokemon Are Coming Next?
The franchise's next chapter is officially on the way. Pokemon Winds and Pokemon Waves — Generation X — was announced on February 27, 2026, during the series' 30th anniversary Pokemon Presents. Launching in 2027 on Nintendo Switch 2, the games are set across an open world of windswept islands, with three new starters already revealed: Browt (Grass), Pombon (Fire), and Gecqua (Water). Once these new Pokémon are officially numbered, the National Pokedex will climb beyond 1,025 species, and future game releases will keep the total growing as newer generations arrive.
In the meantime, Pokemon Legends: Z-A brought Mega Evolution roaring back in late 2025, and its Mega Dimension DLC keeps adding new forms and battle mechanics for fans to explore.
What Are Shiny Pokemon and Other Variants?
Shiny Pokémon represent alternate color variations of existing species, with each of the 1,025 species having a shiny variant. These rare color variations are not considered separate entries in the National Pokedex, but they remain highly sought after by collectors.
FAQs
How many Gen 1 Pokemon are there?
There are 151 Gen 1 Pokemon in total. The list starts with #001 Bulbasaur and ends with #151 Mew.
How many Pokemon can you actually catch in the newest games?
Not all of them. Since Generation VIII, no single game has included the full National Pokedex — a shift fans call "Dexit." Scarlet and Violet, for example, feature around 400 Pokémon in-game, with more accessible by transferring through Pokemon HOME. So while 1,025 Pokemon exist, the number you can catch in any one game is much smaller.
What counts as a separate Pokemon?
Only distinct species receive unique National Pokedex numbers. Regional forms, Mega Evolutions, and Gigantamax forms are considered variations of existing species rather than separate entries in the National Pokedex.
What is the next Pokemon generation?
Generation X, Pokemon Winds and Pokemon Waves, is set for a 2027 release on Switch 2. Three starters — Browt, Pombon, and Gecqua — have already been revealed, with more Pokemon to be confirmed as the release nears.
So, How Many Pokemon Are There?
Whether you're a fan of the Pokemon anime, games, or collecting, the ever-expanding roster offers endless opportunities for discovery. Here's the quick recap:
-
1,025 unique species make up the official National Pokedex today
-
Over 1,160 when you fold in regional variants, Mega Evolutions, and Gigantamax forms
-
Generation X is on the horizon for 2027, so the count will keep climbing
At Toynk, we're passionate about celebrating your fandom across every generation. Sip your morning brew from a Pikachu silhouette 16oz carnival cup or Pikachu 16oz travel mug, stay cozy with a Pikachu youth laplander or Pikachu and Friends throw blanket, and build something special with the Mega Construx Pokemon Ferris Wheel building set. Ready to cosplay your favorite trainer or Pokémon? Gear up with a Pikachu deluxe adult costume, a Pikachu headband and tail costume kit, a Poke Ball pop-out costume, or a pair of Eevee costume ears. And since fandom is better in bulk, you can always buy more and save more when you stock up.
Also, if you're looking for Pokemon toys, check our website out!
Shop The Pokemon Collection Now
Sources:
