Few franchises in history have had the impact of Pokémon.

What began as a simple video game concept inspired by childhood insect collecting has grown into one of the largest entertainment brands ever created. Video games, trading cards, television series, films, collectables and merchandise have turned Pokémon into a global phenomenon.

For almost thirty years, Pokémon has entertained millions of people around the world.

The question is:

How much do you really know about it?

Many people consider themselves Pokémon fans. Some watched the cartoons. Some played the games. Some collected the cards. Others still buy, sell and trade Pokémon collectables today.

However, there is a huge difference between recognising Pikachu and understanding the history, collecting knowledge and hidden facts behind the franchise.

A casual fan may know the mascot.

A dedicated trainer may know the games.

An elite collector may understand rarity, grading and values.

A Pokémon Professor understands the entire hobby.

This quiz is designed to test your knowledge across Pokémon history, games, characters, trading cards, collecting, grading and rare cards.

Some questions are easy.

Some are designed to catch people out.

Some every fan should know.

Others separate casual fans from genuine experts.

The goal is not to embarrass anyone.

The goal is to discover where you currently stand on your Pokémon journey.

Before You Start

Do not Google the answers.

Do not ask AI.

Do not ask your friends.

Write your answers down honestly.

This quiz only works if you answer from your own knowledge.

The Rules

Each question is worth 1 point.

Choose the answer you believe is correct.

Write down the number of your chosen answer.

Example:

1 = 2

2 = 4

3 = 1

Once you reach the answer section at the end, award yourself:

1 point for every correct answer.

0 points for every incorrect answer.

40 points available.

Most people will score lower than they expect.

That is completely normal.

Pokémon has existed for almost thirty years and spans games, cards, television, films and collecting.

Even dedicated fans have knowledge gaps.

Ready?

Let’s begin.

Section 1 – Pokémon Origins & History

Question 1

Who created Pokémon?

1. Shigeru Miyamoto
2. Satoshi Tajiri
3. Ken Sugimori
4. Junichi Masuda

Question 2

In what year were the first Pokémon games released in Japan?

1. 1994
2. 1995
3. 1996
4. 1998

Question 3

What were the first Pokémon games called in Japan?

1. Red and Blue
2. Red and Yellow
3. Red and Green
4. Green and Yellow

Question 4

What does the word Pokémon originally come from?

1. Pocket Monsters
2. Power Monsters
3. Popular Monsters
4. Pocket Animals

Question 5

Which company originally developed Pokémon?

1. Nintendo
2. Sega
3. Game Freak
4. Creatures

Question 6

Who illustrated many of the original Pokémon designs?

1. Ken Sugimori
2. Akira Toriyama
3. Junichi Masuda
4. Mitsuhiro Arita

Question 7

How many Pokémon were in the original Pokédex?

1. 100
2. 151
3. 200
4. 251

Question 8

Which Pokémon is number 151 in the original Pokédex?

1. Mewtwo
2. Celebi
3. Mew
4. Ditto

Question 9

Which three companies jointly own The Pokémon Company?

1. Nintendo, Sega and Bandai
2. Nintendo, Game Freak and Creatures
3. Nintendo, Sony and Game Freak
4. Game Freak, Capcom and Nintendo

Question 10

In what year was The Pokémon Company founded?

1. 1998
2. 1999
3. 2000
4. 2001

Section 2 – Games & Characters

Question 11

Which Pokémon does Charmander evolve into first?

1. Charizard
2. Charmeleon
3. Flareon
4. Magmar

Question 12

What type is Pikachu?

1. Fire
2. Electric
3. Water
4. Flying

Question 13

Which Pokémon is known as the Electric Mouse Pokémon?

1. Raichu
2. Plusle
3. Pikachu
4. Pichu

Question 14

Which region is featured in Pokémon Red and Blue?

1. Johto
2. Hoenn
3. Sinnoh
4. Kanto

Question 15

Who is Ash Ketchum’s most famous companion Pokémon?

1. Bulbasaur
2. Squirtle
3. Pikachu
4. Charizard

Question 16

Which Pokémon evolves into Gyarados?

1. Goldeen
2. Magikarp
3. Feebas
4. Seaking

Question 17

Which Pokémon is known as the Genetic Pokémon?

1. Ditto
2. Mew
3. Mewtwo
4. Deoxys

Question 18

Which game introduced the Johto region?

1. Ruby & Sapphire
2. Gold & Silver
3. Diamond & Pearl
4. Black & White

Question 19

How does Pikachu normally evolve into Raichu?

1. Friendship
2. Trade
3. Thunder Stone
4. Fire Stone

Question 20

Which Pokémon is famous for having multiple evolutionary forms?

1. Snorlax
2. Eevee
3. Dragonite
4. Lapras

Section 3 – Trading Cards & Collecting

Question 21

What does TCG stand for?

1. Trading Card Game
2. Trainer Card Group
3. Tournament Card Game
4. Trading Collectors Guild

Question 22

What does a holographic Pokémon card feature?

1. Gold border
2. Reflective foil artwork
3. Double thickness
4. Numbered serial

Question 23

What does a First Edition stamp indicate?

1. The card’s first print run
2. First owner
3. First design
4. First sale

Question 24

What is a Shadowless Pokémon card?

1. A card without artwork
2. A card lacking the shadow beside the image frame
3. A damaged card
4. A fake card

Question 25

Which grading company is most famous in Pokémon collecting?

1. PSA
2. UPS
3. BBC
4. MGM

Question 26

What is the highest standard PSA grade?

1. PSA 8
2. PSA 9
3. PSA 10
4. PSA 11

Question 27

What does PSA stand for?

1. Professional Sports Authenticator
2. Premium Sports Authority
3. Professional Sales Authentication
4. Premium Service Agency

Question 28

Which Pokémon card is often considered the hobby’s holy grail?

1. Base Set Charizard
2. Ancient Mew
3. Pikachu Illustrator
4. Base Set Blastoise

Question 29

What generally affects a card’s value the most?

1. Weight
2. Condition
3. Thickness
4. Colour

Question 30

What does “Mint Condition” usually mean?

1. Repaired
2. Near-perfect condition
3. Rare
4. Old

Section 4 – Expert Knowledge

Question 31

What was Pokémon originally inspired by?

1. Football
2. Insect collecting
3. Model trains
4. Comics

Question 32

What was the first Pokémon ever designed?

1. Pikachu
2. Mew
3. Rhydon
4. Bulbasaur

Question 33

Which company developed the original Pokémon Trading Card Game?

1. Nintendo
2. Game Freak
3. Creatures Inc.
4. Bandai

Question 34

What secondary type does Charizard have?

1. Dragon
2. Flying
3. Steel
4. Psychic

Question 35

How many original starter Pokémon could players choose from in Pokémon Red and Green?

1. Two
2. Three
3. Four
4. Five

Question 36

Which Pokémon was originally considered as the franchise mascot before Pikachu?

1. Clefairy
2. Jigglypuff
3. Chansey
4. Meowth

Question 37

Which Pokémon card set was released first in English?

1. Jungle
2. Fossil
3. Base Set
4. Team Rocket

Question 38

Which Pokémon is known as the Seed Pokémon?

1. Oddish
2. Bellsprout
3. Bulbasaur
4. Chikorita

Question 39

Which rarity symbol commonly represents a rare Pokémon card?

1. Circle
2. Triangle
3. Diamond
4. Star

Question 40

Which Pokémon was obtainable through the famous MissingNo glitch in Pokémon Red and Blue?

1. Mew
2. Celebi
3. Lugia
4. Ho-Oh

Answer Key

1 = 2
2 = 3
3 = 3
4 = 1
5 = 3
6 = 1
7 = 2
8 = 3
9 = 2
10 = 3
11 = 2
12 = 2
13 = 3
14 = 4
15 = 3
16 = 2
17 = 3
18 = 2
19 = 3
20 = 2
21 = 1
22 = 2
23 = 1
24 = 2
25 = 1
26 = 3
27 = 1
28 = 3
29 = 2
30 = 2
31 = 2
32 = 3
33 = 3
34 = 2
35 = 2
36 = 1
37 = 3
38 = 3
39 = 4
40 = 1

Your Results

0–8 Points – New Trainer

You are just beginning your Pokémon journey.

You recognise some of the famous characters, but there is still a huge world left to discover.

Every Pokémon Professor started somewhere.

This is your starting point.

9–16 Points – Casual Fan

You know more than the average person.

You have likely watched the series, played some of the games or collected a few cards over the years.

You have a solid foundation to build upon.

17–24 Points – Dedicated Trainer

You possess strong Pokémon knowledge across several areas of the hobby.

You are clearly more than a casual fan and have spent time learning about the franchise.

25–32 Points – Elite Trainer

You know more than most Pokémon fans.

You understand not only the games but also the history, characters and collecting side of the hobby.

Your knowledge gives you a real advantage.

33–37 Points – Pokémon Master

You possess serious Pokémon knowledge.

You have likely spent years playing, collecting, trading or studying Pokémon.

Most fans will never reach this level.

38–40 Points – Pokémon Professor

Exceptional.

Very few people will achieve this score honestly.

You possess extensive knowledge across Pokémon history, games, characters, trading cards and collecting.

You are the person others ask when they need answers.

One Final Truth

Pokémon started as a simple idea inspired by collecting insects.

For some people it became a game.

For others it became a television series.

For millions it became a hobby.

For collectors it became a lifelong passion.

Knowledge works the same way.

A casual fan recognises Pikachu.

A collector recognises rarity.

An expert understands history, condition, scarcity and significance.

The difference is not luck.

The difference is knowledge.

Every Pokémon expert started by learning one fact.

Then another.

Then another.

Knowledge compounds.

One day you realise you know things most people never noticed.

That is when a hobby becomes genuine expertise.

Trainer’s Honour

Post your score honestly.

Then answer one final question:

If you could own any Pokémon card in the world, which one would it be and why?

Further Reading: More Collector & Knowledge Quizzes

If you enjoyed testing your Pokémon knowledge, why not challenge yourself with some of our other collector, dealer and knowledge-based quizzes?

These quizzes explore everything from antiques and collectables to dealer psychology, business instincts and specialist knowledge.

1. What Is Your Antique Knowledge Level? The Ultimate Antique Quiz

Think your knowledge extends beyond Pokémon? Test your understanding of silver, ceramics, glass, furniture and art in one of our most comprehensive knowledge challenges.

https://antiquesarena.com/dealer-quizzes/

2. What Is Your Antique Dealer Superpower?

Discover whether your natural strength is spotting quality, negotiation, research, systems or pure commercial instinct in the antique trade.

https://antiquesarena.com/what-is-your-antique-dealer-superpower/

3. Which Antique Niche Fits Your Personality Best?

Find out whether your instincts naturally suit silver, porcelain, militaria, collectables, specialist research or fast-moving trading stock.

https://antiquesarena.com/which-antique-niche-fits-your-personality-best/

4. Are You A Hunter Or A Builder?

Some people live for the thrill of the chase. Others focus on creating long-term systems and businesses. Which one are you?

https://antiquesarena.com/are-you-a-hunter-or-a-builder/

5. What Type Of Antique Dealer Are You?

A popular dealer psychology quiz exploring whether you are a flipper, builder, specialist, hoarder or long-term operator.

https://antiquesarena.com/what-type-of-antique-dealer-are-you/

6. Are You Actually Cut Out To Be An Antique Dealer?

One of our most talked-about dealer psychology quizzes. Discover whether you genuinely possess the mindset, discipline and resilience required to survive in the trade.

https://antiquesarena.com/are-you-actually-cut-out-to-be-an-antique-dealer/

7. Are You Addicted To The Hunt?

A fascinating psychology quiz exploring dopamine, sourcing obsession, buying behaviour and the thrill of the chase.

https://antiquesarena.com/are-you-addicted-to-the-hunt/

8. Is Your Antique Business A Business Or A Buying Addiction?

A brutally honest look at emotional buying, stock pressure and the dangerous overlap between business and addiction.

https://antiquesarena.com/is-your-antique-business-a-business-or-a-buying-addiction/

9. Are You Productive Or Just Busy?

Many dealers work constantly but still fail to move forward. This quiz explores the difference between genuine progress and emotional movement disguised as work.

https://antiquesarena.com/are-you-productive-or-just-busy/

10. The Confidence Trap: Antique Dealer Confidence Quiz

Confidence can help build a business. Overconfidence can quietly destroy one. Test whether confidence is helping or hurting your decision-making.

https://antiquesarena.com/confidence-trap-antique-dealer-confidence-quiz/

STOP ASKING FOR PERMISSION TO BE WEALTHY

Most people treat this trade like a hobby, and it pays them like a hobby. If you are tired of watching your hard-earned savings decay in a bank account and want to learn the art of tangible wealth, join us.

At the Antiques Arena Media Academy, we do not do “theory” or digital IOUs. I show you exactly how to source, identify, and own physical assets that the taxman and the banks cannot touch.

[Click Here to Join the Academy and Start Your Journey Today]

Written by Walter O’Neill

Walter O’Neill is the founder of AntiquesArena.com, a specialist antiques and collectibles website dedicated to identifying, valuing, and understanding antiques from around the world. With decades of hands-on experience buying, selling, and researching antiques, Walter shares practical knowledge drawn from real-world expertise rather than theory alone. His articles are written to help collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts make informed decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and better appreciate the history behind the objects they own.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Pokémon are there today?

There are now more than 1,000 Pokémon across all generations. The original games featured 151 Pokémon, but new generations have continually expanded the Pokédex with new species, regions and forms.

Who created Pokémon?

Pokémon was created by Satoshi Tajiri, a Japanese game designer and founder of Game Freak. The idea was inspired by his childhood hobby of collecting insects.

What does Pokémon mean?

Pokémon is short for “Pocket Monsters”. The name comes from the original Japanese title of the franchise and reflects the concept of collecting and carrying creatures.

What was the first Pokémon game?

The first Pokémon games were Pokémon Red and Green, released in Japan in 1996 for the Nintendo Game Boy. Pokémon Red and Blue were later released internationally.

Who is the most famous Pokémon?

Pikachu is the most famous Pokémon in the world. As the franchise mascot, Pikachu has appeared in games, television shows, films, trading cards and merchandise for nearly three decades.

What is the rarest Pokémon card?

The Pikachu Illustrator card is widely considered the rarest and most valuable Pokémon card ever released. Only a small number were awarded through illustration contests in Japan.

What does PSA 10 mean on a Pokémon card?

PSA 10 is the highest standard grade awarded by Professional Sports Authenticator. It indicates a card is in gem mint condition with exceptional centering, corners, edges and surface quality.

What is a First Edition Pokémon card?

A First Edition Pokémon card comes from the first print run of a card set. These cards carry a First Edition stamp and are often more desirable to collectors than later printings.

What is a Shadowless Pokémon card?

A Shadowless Pokémon card is an early English Base Set card printed without the shadow effect beside the artwork box. These cards are highly sought after by collectors due to their limited production.

What is the most valuable factor when grading Pokémon cards?

Condition is usually the most important factor affecting Pokémon card value. Cards with sharp corners, clean surfaces, strong centering and minimal wear generally achieve higher grades and prices.

Which Pokémon card grading company is the most popular?

PSA is currently the most recognised Pokémon card grading company worldwide. Many collectors and investors prefer PSA due to its reputation, consistency and strong market demand.

Why are Pokémon cards worth money?

Pokémon cards gain value through rarity, condition, demand and historical importance. Limited print runs, high grades and strong collector interest can make certain cards extremely valuable.

Are Pokémon cards considered collectables?

Yes. Pokémon cards are one of the world’s largest collectable markets. Many collectors buy cards for nostalgia, investment, competitive play and the enjoyment of building complete sets.

How can I learn more about Pokémon collecting?

The best way to learn about Pokémon collecting is to study card sets, grading standards, rarity symbols, print variations and market trends. Regularly handling cards and researching sales results will build knowledge over time.

What score is considered good on the Ultimate Pokémon Quiz?

A score above 25 demonstrates strong Pokémon knowledge. Scores above 33 indicate advanced knowledge across games, history, trading cards and collecting, while scores above 38 place readers in the Pokémon Professor category.