Pokémon Trainer's Choice

Pokémon Trainer's Choice is a feature from the English dub of the Pokémon anime. Starting from What You Seed is What You Get, Trainer's Choice was the lead-in to the mid-show advertisement break. It replaced the original series' "Who's That Pokémon?" segment. It was not used in the original Japanese version of the anime; instead, a simple eyecatch was shown. The final Trainer's Choice aired with Pasta La Vista!. It was not replaced with a similar feature, nor has it ever been reintroduced.

The feature's logo

Trainer's Choice follows a simple concept. Rather than recognizing the silhouette of a Pokémon, viewers are asked a question about a Pokémon and instructed to choose the best of three possible answers, usually over a commercial break when watched on TV. Generally, the viewer is asked to determine which Pokémon has a type advantage over another; though other kinds of questions have been asked. The feature is narrated by Ash Ketchum.

When Pokémon USA and TAJ Productions began dubbing the series, Trainer's Choice production ceased.

Criticisms

 
Seviper evolves from Arbok?

As the successor to the long-running "Who's That Pokémon?" segment, Trainer's Choice was initially met with criticism from some of the fandom, especially considering the change was in the middle of a newly started saga. The segment frequently made Pokémon type match-up errors, resulting in incorrect answers given to at least nine questions, questions with multiple correct answers, questions with no possible correct answer, and questions with no right or wrong answer at all. The company also occasionally misspelled the names of Pokémon or gave them the wrong name altogether. These constant mistakes were seen by many as an indication that 4Kids actually knew very little about the franchise. The most infamous example is their erroneous claim that Seviper evolves from Arbok, featured in the Trainer's Choice of A Fan with a Plan; this Trainer's Choice in particular is a source of ridicule by many fans.

In Pokémon: Advanced Battle, the creation of questions for Trainer's Choice was credited to Lawrence Neves and the accuracy rate greatly improved. During this season, the variety in the types of questions being asked expanded beyond simply type match-ups and evolutionary lines, as well as featuring more difficult questions where some questions factor in more than just type matchups and evolution Trivia. The newer questions also include abilities such as Levitate with one question being trivia related to Ash Ketchum.

List of questions

Answers deemed correct are in bold, while misnomers and misspelled names have [sic] to the right of them.

Advanced Challenge

Episode Question Choices Image Notes
AG041 Trainers, which Pokémon is the best choice to battle Poliwrath?  
Combusken
 
Mudkip
 
Taillow
 
AG042 Trainers, which Pokémon would be most effective against Mudkip?  
Roselia
 
Plusle
 
Torchic
  Roselia would be also be effective since it has an advantage over Water and resists it.
AG043 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon evolves into Grovyle?  
Nincada
 
Lotad
 
Treecko
 
AG044 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon is the best choice to battle Carvanha?  
Diglett
 
Slugma
 
Minun
 
AG045 Trainers, which Pokémon evolves into Marshtomp?  
Mudkip
 
Surskit
 
Marill
 
AG046 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon is the best choice to battle Camerupt?  
Beedrill
 
Nuzleaf
 
Magcargo
  None of the choices would be effective against Camerupt, as they all have a weakness to it.
AG047 Trainers, which Pokémon would be the best choice to battle against Silcoon?  
Sableye
 
Marill
 
Weezing
  At the time, this was correct. However, starting in Generation VI, Marill and Weezing are equally good choices, due to Marill also resisting Bug.
AG048 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon is the best choice to battle against Ninjask?  
Torkoal
 
Dewgong
 
Nosepass
  While Dewgong does have an advantage against the Bug/Flying Ninjask, Torkoal and Nosepass would also be good choices. Though Nosepass is the best choice since it resists Flying and is effective against both Bug and Flying.
AG049 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon evolves into Lombre?  
Lotad
 
Electrike
 
Oddish
 
AG050 Trainers, which of these is the best to battle Magneton?  
Crobat
 
Lanturn
 
Geodude
 
AG051 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon evolves into Shelgon?  
Bagon
 
Aron
 
Zangoose
 
AG052 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon is the best choice to battle Shiftry?  
Swampert
 
Taillow
 
Torkoal
  Taillow would also have an advantage over Grass.
AG053 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon is the best choice to battle Kirlia?  
Togetic
 
Combusken
 
Graveler
  This is incorrect because Combusken is weak to Psychic. Both Togetic and Graveler would be equal type matchups against Kirlia.
AG054 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon evolves into Medicham?  
Magnemite
 
Machop
 
Meditite
 
AG055 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon is the best choice to battle Tyrogue?  
Dustox
 
Togetic
 
Suicune
 
AG056 Trainers, which Pokémon is the best choice to battle Foretress[sic]?  
Minun
 
Swellow
 
Seviper
  This is incorrect because Forretress is immune to Poison. Both Minun and Swellow would be equal type matchups against Forretress.
Also, Forretress was misspelled as Foretress.
AG057 Trainers, which Pokémon is the best choice to battle Seedot?  
Surskit
 
Delibird
 
Seel
  Delibird is the best choice since it has two advantages and a resistance to Grass.
AG058 Trainers, which Pokémon evolves into Camerupt?  
Torkoal
 
Slugma
 
Numel
 
AG059 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon is the best choice to battle Manectric?  
Swampert
 
Larvitar
 
Torkoal
  Swampert is also immune to Electric.
AG060 Trainers, which of these evolves into Wobbuffet?  
Wynaut
 
Horsea
 
Wailmer
 
AG061 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon is the best choice to battle Crawdaunt?  
Volbeat
 
Chinchou
 
Houndour
  Volbeat also has an advantage over Crawdaunt.
AG062 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon is the best choice to battle Wooper?  
Spheal
 
Delcatty
 
Zubat
  Spheal does resist Wooper's Water attacks, but Zubat is immune to its Ground ones.
AG063 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon is the best choice to battle Roselia?  
Electabuzz
 
Grovyle
 
Camerupt
 
AG064 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon evolves into Delcatty?  
Spinda
 
Poochyena
 
Skitty
 
AG065 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon is the best choice to battle Larvitar?  
Treecko
 
Shedinja
 
Carvanha
  Treecko is the best choice because it has a resistance and double effectiveness against Larvitar, although Carvanha has a double effectiveness as well.
AG066 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon is the best choice to battle Numel?  
Heracross
 
Pichu
 
Medicham
 
AG067 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon evolves into Altaria?  
Roselia
 
Swablu
 
Surskit
 
AG068 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon is the best choice to battle Corphish?  
Minun
 
Marowak
 
Nincada
 
AG069 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon is the best choice to battle Combusken?  
Nuzleaf
 
Togetic
 
Flareon
 
AG070 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon evolves into Magcargo?  
Torkoal
 
Corphish
 
Slugma
 
AG071 Trainers, which of one these Pokémon is the best choice to battle Slowking?  
Nidoqueen
 
Jolteon
 
Makuhita
 
AG072 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon is the best choice to battle Ariados?  
Raichu
 
Onyx
[sic]
 
Blaziken
  Onix was misspelled Onyx. Blaziken also has an advantage over Ariados.
AG073 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon evolves into Manectric?  
Electrike
 
Mantine
 
Electrode
 
AG074 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon is the best choice to battle Meditite?  
Nuzleaf[sic]
 
Combusken
 
Heracross
  This is incorrect because Combusken is weak to Psychic. Beautifly would be the best choice since it has an advantage and a double resistance to Fighting.
Also, Nuzleaf's name appears under Beautifly's image.
AG075 Trainers, which of these Pokémon evolve into Vigoroth?  
Machop
 
Slakoth
 
Zangoose
 
AG076 Trainers, which of these is the best to beat Illumise?  
Crobat
 
Lotad
 
Togetic
  While Crobat would be the best choice at the time, Togetic would also be a good choice due to it being part Flying.
From Generation VI onwards, both Crobat and Togetic would be equally good choices as Togetic's Fairy-typing would also give it a double resistance to Bug-type attacks.
AG077 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon evolves into Seviper?  
Sableye
 
Arbok
 
Suicune
  This is incorrect. Seviper is not known to evolve into or from any other Pokémon.
AG078 Trainers, which of these Pokémon is the best choice to battle Ludicolo?  
Mightyena
 
Camerupt
 
Duskull
  This is incorrect due to Camerupt's double weakness to Water. Both Mightyena and Duskull would be equal type matchups against Ludicolo.
AG079 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon is the best choice to battle Electabuzz?  
Steelix
 
Cacnea
 
Shiftry
 
AG080 Trainers, which of these Pokémon evolves into Swampert?  
Spheal
 
Marshtomp
 
Golduck
 
AG081 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon is the best choice to battle Tyrogue?  
Nuzleaf[sic]
 
Exploud
 
Dustox
  This is incorrect because Exploud is weak to Fighting. Dustox would be the best choice for its double resistance to Fighting.
Also, Nuzleaf's name appears under Sealeo's image.
AG082 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon is the best choice to battle Sunflora?  
Venomoth
 
Wailmer
 
Gastly
  While Venomoth is the better choice because it has two advantages and a double resistance to Sunflora, Gastly also has an advantage and a resistance over Sunflora.
AG083 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon evolves into Weezing?  
Cascoon
 
Koffing
 
Muk
 
AG084 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon is the best choice to battle Magby?  
Solrock
 
Lombre
 
Ponyta
  Solrock is a better choice since it has an advantage over Fire and resists it.
AG085 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon is the best choice to battle Baltoy?  
Lapras
 
Meganium
 
Ledian
  Although each choice has an advantage over the Ground/Psychic-type Baltoy, this is incorrect because Ledian is immune to Ground, whereas Meganium only resists it and Lapras takes neutral damage.
AG086 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon evolves into Sandslash?  
Kadabra
 
Sandshrew
 
Kecleon
 
AG087 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon is the best choice to battle Illumise?  
Parasect
 
Gulpin
 
Lanturn
 
AG088 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon is the best choice to battle Whiscash?  
Cacnea
 
Charizard
 
Delibird
 
AG089 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon evolves into Raichu?  
Pichu
 
Pikachu
 
Torchic
 
AG090 Trainers, which of these Pokémon is the best choice to battle Spoink?  
Makuhita
 
Swampert
 
Qwilfish
  This is incorrect because Makuhita is weak to Psychic, as is Qwilfish.
AG091 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon is the best choice to battle Flaafy[sic]?  
Swinub
 
Shroomish
 
Misdreavus
  Flaaffy was misspelled as Flaafy.
AG092 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon evolves into Nuzleaf?  
Surskit
 
Seedot
 
Doduo
 

Advanced Battle

Episode Question Choices Image Notes
AG093 Trainers, which Pokémon would be most affected by Ember?  
Seedot
 
Lapras
 
Ludicolo
 
AG094 Trainers, which Pokémon does Remoraid evolve into?  
Octillery
 
Carvanha
 
Mantine
 
AG095 Trainers, which Pokémon would be most effective against Mudkip?  
Treecko
 
Torchic
 
Mudkip
 
AG096 Trainers, which Pokémon comes first?  
Poliwhirl
 
Poliwag
 
Poliwrath
 
AG097 Trainers, which Pokémon would be most effective against Plusle and Minun?  
Mudkip
 
Torchic
 
Treecko
  Mudkip is actually the only choice that is weak to Electric, though it does evolve into Marshtomp, which is immune to Electric. Treecko is the best choice because it resists Electric.
AG098 Trainers, which is the final evolution of Totodile?  
Scyther
 
Feraligatr
 
Gyarados
 
AG099 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon does not evolve?  
Lileep
 
Tangela
 
Houndour
  This was correct at the time, for Tangrowth was not introduced until Generation IV.
AG100 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon isn't a pure Fighting type?  
Makuhita
 
Blaziken
 
Machamp
 
AG101 Trainers, which Pokémon is Pikachu most effective against?  
Wingull
 
Magcargo
 
Manectric
 
AG102 Trainers, which Pokémon was my original choice as a starter?  
Squirtle
 
Bulbasaur
 
Charmander
 
AG103 Trainers, which Pokémon is Larvitar's final evolution?  
Armaldo
 
Tyranitar
 
Dragonite
 
AG104 Trainers, which one of these Pokémon is not a Normal type?  
Flaafy
[sic]
 
Togepi
 
Cleffa
  Flaaffy was the only correct choice at the time, as Cleffa and Togepi were Normal types until Generation VI.
Flaaffy was misspelled as Flaafy again.
AG105 Trainers, what humble Pokémon is the first evolution of Flygon?  
Altaria
 
Trapinch
 
Cacnea
 
AG106 Trainers, which Pokémon would last the longest against a Psychic attack?  
Misdreavus
 
Teddiursa
 
Poochyena
  This is incorrect because Poochyena is immune to Psychic.
AG107 Trainers, which of these Pokémon does not evolve?  
Remoraid
 
Relicanth
 
Goldeen
 
AG108 Trainers, which Pokémon is the pre-evolved form of Pikachu?  
Plusle
 
Pichu
 
Raichu
 
AG109 Trainers, which Pokémon is not a dual-type Pokémon?  
Medicham
 
Linoone
 
Lunatone
 
AG110 Trainers, which Pokémon is the final evolution of Caterpie?  
Venomoth
 
Butterfree
 
Beautifly
 
AG111 Trainers, which of these is not a Water-type Pokémon?  
Golduck
 
Castform
 
Milotic
  While this is correct, Castform can turn into a Water type under rainy conditions.
AG112 Trainers, which of these Pokémon comes first?  
Flaafy[sic]
 
Mareep
 
Ampharos
  Flaaffy was misspelled as Flaafy for the third time.
AG113 Trainers, which Pokémon is the final evolution of Bellsprout?  
Gardevoir
 
Victreebel
 
Sunflora
 
AG114 Trainers, which Pokémon would not be affected by Earthquake?  
Sandshrew
 
Lunatone
 
Whiscash
 
AG115 Trainers, which Pokémon comes first?  
Jumpluff
 
Skiploom
 
Hoppip
 
AG116 Trainers, which Pokémon is super effective against its own type?  
Salamence
 
Mudkip
 
Graveler
  While this is correct, Graveler is weak to Ground attacks.
AG117 Trainers, which of these Pokémon is not an evolution of Eevee?  
Bagon
 
Vaporeon
 
Espeon
 
AG118 Trainers, which Pokémon goes from land to sky in one evolution?  
Noctowl
 
Trapinch
 
Loudred
 
AG119 Trainers, which Pokémon is your best choice to battle Flygon?  
Walrein
 
Espeon
 
Blaziken
 
AG120 This episode was not dubbed, so there is no Trainer's Choice for it.
AG121 Trainers, which of these Pokémon comes first?  
Slakoth
 
Slaking
 
Vigoroth
 
AG122 Trainers, which of these Pokémon is a Flying type?  
Combusken
 
Flygon
 
Tropius
 
AG123 Trainers, what is the final evolution of Geodude?  
Dugtrio
 
Regirock
 
Golem
 
AG124 Trainers, which Pokémon remains the same type throughout its evolutions?  
Torchic
 
Ralts
 
Horsea
  This was correct at the time, for Gallade was not introduced until Generation IV.
AG125 Trainers, what humble Pokémon does Kingdra begin as?  
Misdreavus
 
Marill
 
Horsea
 
AG126 Trainers, which Pokémon does Tentacool evolve into?  
Tentacruel
 
Octillery
 
Remoraid
 
AG127 Trainers, which of these Pokémon would be considered legendary?  
Salamence
 
Entei
 
Milotic
 
AG128 Trainers, which of these Pokémon has at least two evolutions?  
Gulpin
 
Spheal
 
Wailmer
 
AG129 Trainers, which of these Pokémon is not a Ground type?  
Nosepass
 
Phanpy
 
Groudon
 
AG130 Trainers, which of these Pokémon would you catch by fishing?  
Lickitung
 
Feebas
 
Wobbuffet
 
AG131 Trainers, which of these Pokémon does not evolve?  
Baltoy
 
Aron
 
Mawile
 
AG132 Trainers, if Arcanine fought Kirlia, who would have the advantage?  
Arcanine
 
Kirlia
  At the time, neither choice was correct based on type match-ups because neither Fire nor Psychic has an advantage over the other. Starting in Generation VI, however, this is correct because Arcanine resists Kirlia's Fairy typing.
Also, this is the only Trainer's Choice with two choices instead of three.
AG133 Trainers, which of these Pokémon does not change during battle?  
Kecleon
 
Castform
 
Swalot
 
AG134 Trainers, which of these Pokémon does not evolve?  
Feebas
 
Luvdisc
 
Barboach
 
AG135 Trainers, which Pokémon is most effective against Machoke?  
Sudowoodo
 
Gardevoir
 
Poochyena
 
AG136 Trainers, which of these Pokémon has only one evolution?  
Spoink
 
Whismur
 
Beldum
 
AG137 Trainers, which Pokémon would be most affected by Earthquake?  
Whiscash
 
Altaria
 
Flygon
 
AG138 Trainers, which of these Pokémon does not evolve?  
Ralts
 
Machop
 
Ursaring
  This was correct at the time, for Ursaluna was not introduced until Generation VIII.
AG139 Trainers, which Pokémon would not be affected by Psychic?  
Shuppet
 
Mightyena
 
Dusclops
 
AG140 Trainers, which species is the "Time Travel Pokémon"?  
Mewtwo
 
Celebi
 
Deoxys
 
AG141 Trainers, which Pokémon is not a Flying type?  
Dustox
 
Swellow
 
Masquerain
 
AG142 Trainers, which of these Pokémon does not evolve?  
Skitty
 
Sableye
 
Nincada
 
AG143 Trainers, which of these Pokémon is the tallest?  
Registeel
 
Regice
 
Regirock
 
AG144 Trainers, which of these Pokémon is the heaviest?  
Snorlax
 
Wailord
 
Groudon
 
AG145 Trainers, which of these Pokémon does not evolve?  
Wynaut
 
Absol
 
Snorunt
 

See also


Original series Japanese version: Professor Oak's Pokémon LecturePokémon de English
English dub: Kanto PokérapPikachu's JukeboxPokémon Karaokémon
Both: Who's That Pokémon?
Ruby and Sapphire Japanese version: Professor Oak's Pokémon LecturePokémon Trivia Quiz
English dub: Who's That Pokémon?Pokémon Trainer's Choice
Diamond and Pearl Japanese version: Professor Oak's Big Pokémon EncyclopediaPikachu the Movie Memorial
Professor Oak's Big Pokémon Examination
Black & White Japanese version: Professor Oak's Pokémon Live CasterTeam Rocket Live Caster
Both: Who's That Pokémon?
XY Japanese version: Professor Oak's Pokémon Holo CasterPoké TVPokémon Quiz
English dub: Who's That Pokémon?
Both: Mega Evolution Pokédex
Sun & Moon Japanese version: Poké Problem
Both: Who's That Pokémon?Where Are You Going, Eevee?
Journeys Japanese version: Get Inspired! Let's Solve a Poké Riddle!!
Team Rocket Expedition which stands by the evils of love and truth
Both: Who's That Pokémon?
Horizons Japanese version: Professor Friede's Pokémon Seminar
The Brilliant Terapagos Expedition


  This episode article is part of Project Anime, a Bulbapedia project that covers all aspects of the Pokémon anime.