Pokémon fans are once again buzzing with excitement after rediscovering a strange fact hidden in the franchise’s history — a Pokémon with the official Pokédex number of #000. For a series built around clear numbering and accessibility, this unusual entry has stirred up plenty of curiosity and debates among long-time trainers.

Pokémon is often seen as a straightforward, kid-friendly franchise, but Nintendo and Game Freak have always sprinkled in unexpected twists that challenge even veteran players. The #000 mystery is one of those quirks that keeps discussions alive in fan communities. Much like the ongoing debate about who truly deserves the title of “first Pokémon,” the #000 slot has become another layer of intrigue in the Pokémon world.

The Debate Around the “First” Pokémon

Fans have argued for years over which Pokémon should officially be considered the very first. In terms of Pokédex order, Bulbasaur holds the #001 spot. However, lore credits Arceus with creating all life, while developers originally designed Rhydon before any others. With so many conflicting claims, the addition of a Pokémon marked #000 only added more fuel to the conversation.

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Who Holds the Title of Pokémon #000?

Interestingly, the #000 number isn’t a permanent designation across all games. It only appears in the Generation V titles — Pokémon Black and Pokémon White. These entries are among the most beloved in the franchise, praised for their deep storylines and bold changes to the Pokémon formula.

The Pokémon in question is Victini, a Mythical Pokémon introduced in Gen 5. What makes its placement unique is that it was revealed to the public before the official release of the games, appearing first in the movie Zoroark: Master of Illusions. Since Victini was already in the spotlight months before the games launched, Game Freak assigned it the special #000 slot in the Unova Pokédex.

The In-Game Explanation

While the real-world reason behind Victini’s #000 status seems fairly straightforward, the developers also provided an in-universe explanation. In Pokémon Black and White, Professor Juniper clarifies Victini’s unusual entry number, saying: “In the Unova Pokédex, Victini was assigned a special number: zero. It was given in hopes that Victini’s power to grant victory would be shared with the Trainer who carries this Pokédex.”

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This narrative detail added a symbolic meaning to Victini’s placement, turning what could have been a technical issue into part of the lore itself. Fans embraced the idea, making Victini’s #000 designation one of the most memorable quirks in Pokédex history.

But What About Today?

If you check Victini’s official Pokédex entry on the Pokémon website today, you won’t see #000 anymore. Instead, Victini is listed as #494. This shift has sparked its own set of questions: did Game Freak quietly rewrite history to avoid confusion, or was Bulbasaur’s position as the first Pokédex entry simply too iconic to challenge?

Whatever the reason, the #000 label remains a fascinating relic of Pokémon’s long history. It reminds fans that even in a game series designed to be accessible, there are always hidden layers of mystery waiting to be uncovered.

Final Thoughts

The existence of Pokémon #000 highlights how even the smallest design choices can create decades of discussion among fans. Victini’s special place in the Unova Pokédex continues to spark curiosity and theories, proving once again that Pokémon is more than just a game — it’s a world of stories, secrets, and surprises.