Do All Pokémon Games Take Place in the Same Universe?

When it comes to the Pokémon universe, many fans are curious whether all the games take place in the same overarching world. While there is no official statement confirming or denying this, many theories have been circulating. In this article, we'll explore the logic behind the idea that each Pokémon game takes place in its own universe, allowing for a rich and diverse experience.

Why Do We Think They Are in the Same Universe?

First things first, there is a common belief that all Pokémon games take place in the same universe. This is largely due to the fact that you can travel between different regions such as Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Alola, and the Pokémon found in these regions are consistent across games.

Official Confirmations and Pinpoints

There is, however, no actual statement from The Pokémon Company itself regarding the continuity of the universe. Fans have coined the term headcannon to refer to these theories. Here, we will explore why the idea of different universes might be more plausible.

Remakes and Universal Discrepancies

One of the strongest arguments against a single overarching universe is the fact that remakes of the games do not align perfectly with the original versions. For example, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, remakes of the original Ruby and Sapphire games, introduce new features such as Mega Evolution, Primal Groudon, and Primal Kyogre. These features do not exist in the original games, indicating that they take place in a different timeline or universe.

Additionally, the presence of characters such as Maxie or "the other dude from Team Aqua" also poses a challenge to the idea of a single universe. In Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, these characters are pivotal in the story, while in the original Ruby and Sapphire, they have a more minimal presence. This inconsistency further supports the notion that each game takes place in its own separate universe.

Replaying the Pokémon World

A common explanation for the necessity of refilling the Pokédex in each game is that the player is re-experiencing the world as a new trainer. Even though the majority of Pokémon are already known, each game requires the player to capture and encounter these Pokémon again, filling in gaps in their knowledge and training.

This perspective further reinforces the idea that each Pokémon game takes place in a distinct, parallel universe. In this universe, the player's experiences are unique and new, just as if they were encountering the Pokémon for the first time.

Introducing Other Dimensions and the Multiverse Theory

Another aspect that adds to the complexity of the Pokémon universe is the concept of dimensionality. In Generation 7, the introduction of new regions and new categories of Pokémon, such as Mythical Pokémon, further suggests that the different games may be set in alternate dimensions.

The multiverse theory is a popular headcannon among fans. This theory posits that each Pokémon game takes place in a different dimension or universe within the broader Pokémon world. This explanation allows for the existence of different timelines, versions of characters, and unique Pokémon that might not be present in other dimensions. For example, the presence of Mega Evolutions in some games but not in others can be explained as these being exclusive to a particular dimension.

This theory also addresses the continuity issues that arise when traveling between different regions. If each game takes place in a different universe, it becomes more plausible to have different versions of the same region or different versions of the same Pokémon.

Conclusion

While the idea of a single, consistent Pokémon universe is appealing, the evidence from remakes, the necessity of refilling the Pokédex, and the existence of different dimensions in Generation 7 strongly suggests that each Pokémon game takes place in its own unique universe. This perspective not only enhances the immersive experience for players but also leaves room for endless speculation and theories among fans.

So, the next time you play a Pokémon game, remember that you are entering a new and unique universe, each one a story waiting to be explored and experienced anew.