List of unused Pokémon and character designs: Difference between revisions

These are Pokémon and characters that were just a few of many different designs that [[Game Freak]] created. Only a few were added, and even those often went through redesigns before making it into the final product. Additionally, some Pokémon had early designs that were changed or altered by the time of their release.

 

A few creatures that bear a striking resemblance to certain Pokémon appear in Volume 14 of ''Bimonthly Game Review'' (Japanese: 隔月刊ゲーム批評) magazine, though these are stated to not be Pokémon. Nonetheless, some of their designs may have been reworked into Pokémon later.  

{| class="roundtable" style="margin: auto; text-align: center; background: #{{unknown color}}; border: 3px solid #{{unknown color dark}}"

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! style="background: #{{unknown color light}}" width=700px | Description

 

|-

| [[File:Capsule Monsters Buhi.jpg|150px]]<br>'''Buhī'''{{anchor|Buhī}}

|class="l"| Nothing is known about this cat-like creature other than its number, #124, the same as {{p|Jynx}}. This number is also the [[index number]] of {{p|Metapod}}.

 

|class="l"| Nothing is known about this bug-like creature other than its number, #211, the same as {{p|Qwilfish}}.

 

|class="l"| [[File:HOMEEgg.png|100px|right]]In the artwork featuring an early version of {{ga|Red}} and Gyaōn inside a cave, an unidentified creature can be seen. It appears to be hatching from an {{pkmn|Egg}}.

|-

| [[File:Capsule Monsters Godzillante Gorillaimo.jpg|150px]]<br>'''Godzillante and Gorillaimo'''{{anchor|Godzillante & Gorillaimo}}

|class="l"| Nothing is known about ''Godzillante''. It is shown to be breathing fire. As its name implies, it may have been based on {{wp|Godzilla}}. Godzillante shares a resemblance to a [http://dogasu.bulbagarden.net/manga/pocket_monsters/pm_01/09_fake_pokemon.jpg fake Pokémon toy] shown in the [[Pokémon Pocket Monsters]] manga {{Vol|Pokémon Pocket Monsters|1}} (p. 107). Its placeholder number is #23 as shown in [https://helixchamber.com/media/capsule-monsters/capsulemonsters_03/capsule-monsters-battle-screens/ the storyboard] where it comes from.

Nothing is known about ''Gorillaimo''. Its hat could be a reference to the character {{wb|Ninten}} from the {{wb|Ape Inc.}} game, {{wb|Mother (video game)|Mother}}. It also resembles the [[Nintendo]] character {{dk|Donkey Kong}}. Gorillaimo could also be based on King Kong. Later generations have introduced many ape-based Pokémon.

|-

| [[File:Capsule Monsters Dragon4.jpg|150px]]<br>'''Dragon4'''{{anchor|Dragon4}}

|class="l"| Dragon4 (Japanese: '''ドラゴン4''') has the number #124 (coincidentally the same as Buhī). It knows a move called "Fire Breath" (Japanese: ファイアーブレス) that requires 70 TP.<ref name=HelixChamber/>

It has short arms, a long tail, two horns on the back of its head, and draconic wings. It bears some resemblance to an early version of Scyther,<ref name=OhayoNippon/> as well as {{p|Charizard}}.

|-

| [[File:Kabiin.jpg|150px]]<br>'''Kabīn'''{{anchor|Kabīn}}

|class="l"| Not much is known about this creature, though it appears to be an early design for {{p|Snorlax}}. It has a roughly humanoid head, but with a round body shape. Its name, ''Kabīn,'' is similar to ''Kabigon'', Snorlax's Japanese name. It also has similarly sleepy eyes and it somewhat resembles a simplified caricature of [[Kōji Nishino]]. Its appearance and name is also similar to the video game character {{wk|Kirby}} (Nishino's nickname, and Snorlax's Japanese namesake<ref name=Kirby/>).

|class="l"| An early drawing of a creature resembling {{p|Gengar}} and a creature with traits of {{p|Nidorino}}, {{p|Gyarados}}, and {{p|Feraligatr}}.

| [[File:Rokku Poké Ball.png|150px]]<br>'''Unnamed kaiju-esque creature'''{{anchor|Unnamed kaiju-esque creature}}

|class="l"| Not much is known about this Pokémon. It was shown being released from a [[Poké Ball|Monster Capsule]]. It seems to have features of a {{p|Rhydon}}, shrunken down to fit into the ball.

 

|-

| [[File:GYAON.png|150px]]<br>'''Gyaōn'''{{anchor|Gyaōn}}

|class="l"| This unused Generation I Pokémon was revealed in an episode of NHK featuring the Capsule Monsters pitch booklet. It looks like a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Nothing else is known about this Pokémon. Interestingly, its index number is "1" while Rhydon's is "0".

 

|}

{| class="roundtable" style="margin: auto; text-align: center; background: #{{unknown color}}; border: 3px solid #{{unknown color dark}}"

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! style="background: #{{unknown color light}}" width=200px | Pokémon

! style="background: #{{unknown color light}}" width=700px | Description

 

|-

| '''Gorochu'''{{anchor|Gorochu}}

|class="l"| Gorochu (Japanese: '''ゴロチュウ''' ''Gorochū'') was originally intended to be {{p|Raichu}}'s evolution. Pikachu's original illustrator, [[Atsuko Nishida]], and Pokémon designer Ken Sugimori revealed the lost evolution in an interview with Japanese newspaper Yomiuri on May 2, 2018.<ref name=SiliconEra/><ref name=Pokemon.com/><ref name=Yomiuri3/> The design was to include fangs and a pair of horns. Sugimori cited game balance issues, which led to the design being omitted from the games.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

|class="l"| The original {{type|Water}} [[first partner Pokémon]] present in the [[Pokémon Gold and Silver Spaceworld '97 demo|Pokémon Gold and Silver demo]] that was playable at [[Nintendo Space World#1997|Space World 1997]]. It knew the moves {{m|Growl}}, {{m|Water Gun}}, and {{m|Tackle}}.

 

|-

| [[File:Spr 2d 160.png]]<br>'''Aquaria'''{{anchor|Aquaria}}

|class="l"| The final evolution of Kurusu, present in the [[Pokémon Gold and Silver Spaceworld '97 demo|Spaceworld '97 demo]]. It resembles a plesiosaur and, like Aqua, has a gem on its neck.

|-

| [[File:Spr 2d 155.png]]<br>'''Honōguma'''{{anchor|Honōguma}}

|class="l"| The original {{type|Fire}} [[first partner Pokémon]] present in the [[Pokémon Gold and Silver Spaceworld '97 demo|Spaceworld '97 demo]]. Its name is a combination of 炎 ''honō'' (flame) and 熊 ''kuma'' (bear). It knew the moves {{m|Ember}}, {{m|Scratch}}, and {{m|Leer}}.

|-

| [[File:Spr 2d 156.png]]<br>'''Volbear'''{{anchor|Volbear}}

|class="l"| The first evolution of Honoguma, present in the [[Pokémon Gold and Silver Spaceworld '97 demo|Spaceworld '97 demo]]. Its hair and tail are flaming.

|-

| [[File:Spr 2d 157.png]]<br>'''Dynabear'''{{anchor|Dynabear}}

|class="l"| The final evolution of Honoguma, present in the [[Pokémon Gold and Silver Spaceworld '97 demo|Spaceworld '97 demo]]. It has long, flaming fur and strongly resembles {{p|Arcanine}}.

|-

| '''Unnamed sheep'''{{anchor|Unnamed sheep}}

|class="l"| {{Bulbanews|Unused Pokémon design revealed in magazine interview}}Nothing is known about this Pokémon, nor is there any artwork of it known to exist. [[Junichi Masuda]] and [[Ken Sugimori]] revealed in an interview with @Gamer magazine that there was a rejected Pokémon design based on the first cloned sheep, {{wp|Dolly (sheep)|Dolly}}. They removed it after deeming it "too controversial" for Pokémon. Since Dolly was born almost eight months after the Japanese release of Pokémon Red and Green, it is likely that this Pokémon would have been intended for [[Generation II]]. It is possible that the rejected design was reworked into {{p|Mareep}} or {{p|Flaaffy}}.

| [[File:Sawsbuck sketch.jpeg|150px]]<br>'''Nekkoyagi'''{{anchor|Nekkoyagi}}

|class="l"| Before the release of {{game|Black and White|s}}, concept art of this Pokémon, dated January 19, 2009, was exhibited during a festival at {{wp|Meiji University}} from October 31 to November 1, 2010.<ref name=LavaYT/> As noted in the concept art, Nekkoyagi (Japanese: '''ねっこやぎ''') is a {{2t|Grass|Ground}}-type, and has a pelt made out of roots. Its name is likely a combination of 根っ子 ''nekko'' (root) and やぎ ''yagi'' (goat). In an interview, it was said that {{p|Sawsbuck}} was created before the idea of seasons.<ref name=ND204/>

Additionally, it is possible that some aspects of Nekkoyagi's design, such as its apparent goat inspiration and root pelt, were reworked as {{p|Gogoat}}.

|-

| '''Unnamed rabbit'''{{anchor|Unnamed rabbit}}

|class="l"| A Pokémon based upon a rabbit with a flower on its nose was designed by [[Hironobu Yoshida]] for {{g|X and Y}}, but was scrapped due to it not making sense in its environment. It was revealed in [http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/09/interview_junichi_masuda_and_hironobu_yoshida_discuss_pokemon_x_and_y_mega_evolutions_and_the_2ds?page=2 an interview with Nintendo Life].

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| '''Mega Flygon'''{{anchor|Mega Flygon}}

|class="l"| Flygon has had the potential to have a Mega Evolution since {{g|X and Y}}, but [[Game Freak]] was unable to complete a design and so it was dropped from consideration.  It was revealed in an interview conducted by the magazine Nintendo Dream. [http://www.pokebeach.com/2015/04/mega-flygon-excluded-from-xyoras-because-of-artists-block An English translation was provided by PokéBeach].

|}

===''Bimonthly Game Review''===

Volume 14 of the ''Bimonthly Game Review'' (Japanese: 隔月刊ゲーム批評) magazine, which was published on April 1997 by MicroDesign Publishing (Japanese: {{jwp|マイクロマガジン社|マイクロデザイン出版局}}), included an interview with [[Ken Sugimori]]. For this piece, Sugimori drew several original characters in the style of Pokémon, but not from the Pokémon world.<ref name=MicroDesignApr1997/>

{| class="roundtable" style="margin: auto; text-align: center; background: #{{unknown color}}; border: 3px solid #{{unknown color dark}}"

! style="background: #{{unknown color light}}" width=200px | Pokémon

! style="background: #{{unknown color light}}" width=700px | Description

| [[File:Magazine top.png|150px]]<br>'''Unnamed creature'''{{anchor|Unnamed creature}}

|class="l"| This creature has an unusual appearance, sharing characteristics with both {{p|Clefairy}} and {{p|Hitmontop}}; in the case of the latter, a horned tail and multiple paws around its midsection suggest a similar top motif. However, this creature has its point located on its bottom, while Hitmontop has its point located atop its head. It's notable that at the time of the [[Pokémon Gold and Silver Spaceworld '97 demo|Spaceworld '97 demo]], Hitmontop had a drastically different design that would not be finalized for a significant period of time. This in addition to the magazine's context, means it is unlikely to be related to the {{p|Tyrogue}} family.

| [[File:Magazine turtle.png|150px]]<br>'''Unnamed turtle'''{{anchor|Unnamed turtle}}

|class="l"| This creature does not resemble any Pokémon from [[Generation II]], but does bear resemblance to {{p|Tirtouga}} from [[Generation V]].

 

|-

| [[File:Magazine Tyranitar.png|150px]]<br>'''Tyranitar'''{{anchor|Tyranitar}}

|class="l"| [[File:248Tyranitar.png|100px|right]]

This creature strongly resembles {{p|Tyranitar}}, being extremely similar to the design seen in the finalized Gold and Silver versions. It has very few differences compared to the final version. Of these differences, the early Tyranitar design is more heavy-set, has a tan, rather than indigo belly, arms more reminiscent of Nidoking, and dozens of short spikes upon its back rather than a few long ones. However, at the time of the magazine's release, Tyranitar was not present in the [[Pokémon Gold and Silver Spaceworld '97 demo|Spaceworld '97 demo]], and wouldn't appear in any revision for another two years. Thus, it is likely that this design, true to the interview in the magazine, was revisited and revised on its own merits.

 

|}

{| class="roundtable" style="margin: auto; text-align: center; background: #{{unknown color}}; border: 3px solid #{{unknown color dark}}"

! style="background: #{{unknown color light}}" width=200px | Pokémon

! style="background: #{{unknown color light}}" width=700px | Description

| [[File:Early Ivysaur.png|150px]]<br>'''{{p|Venusaur}}'''{{anchor|Venusaur}}

|class="l"| [[File:0003Venusaur.png|100px|right]]

This early design shows Venusaur, though with Ivysaur's final index number and name, '''フシギソウ'''. Though, this is indeed Venusaur, as this is also the case with {{p|Cloyster}} from this period which uses {{p|Shellder}}'s final index number and name. It maintains a blossomed flower on its back.

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| [[File:Early Blastoise and Staryu sketch.jpg|150px]]<br>'''Karabajio and Mimī'''{{anchor|Karabajio & Mimī}}

|class="l"| [[File:0009Blastoise.png|75px|right]]<br>[[File:120Staryu.png|75px|right]]

In this early depiction of a {{pkmn|battle}}, {{p|Blastoise}} is shown without its signature water cannons, and {{p|Staryu}} has a slightly different design. This picture is captioned "Karabajio VS. Mimī", which are not the names of any known Pokémon. Karabajio may be a reference to the Italian painter {{wp|Caravaggio}}, which in turn may reference how the {{wp|Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles}} are named after Italian artists. It also may include "carapace".

| [[File:Kokana.png|150px]]<br>'''Kokana'''{{anchor|Kokana}}

|class="l"| [[File:0013Weedle.png|100px|right]]

An early version of {{p|Weedle}}. This was one of several Pokémon sprites shown on [[Game Freak]]'s official Japanese website circa 1997.

|-

| [[File:Kasanagi.png|150px]]<br>'''Kasanagi'''{{anchor|Kasanagi}}

|class="l"| The evolution of Kokana. This was one of several Pokémon sprites shown on [[Game Freak]]'s official Japanese website circa 1997. It was replaced by {{p|Kakuna}}, although they share few similarities.

|-

| [[File:Kasanagi evolution.png|150px]]<br>'''Kasanagi evolution'''{{anchor|Kasanagi evolution}}

|class="l"| The evolution of Kasanagi. This was one of several Pokémon sprites shown on [[Game Freak]]'s official Japanese website circa 1997, labelled "undecided". Like its pre-evolution, it was replaced by {{p|Beedrill}}, but it somewhat resembles {{p|Ledian}} and a cockroach.

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| [[File:Early Spearow.png|150px]]<br>'''{{p|Spearow}}'''{{anchor|Spearow}}

|class="l"| [[File:0021Spearow.png|100px|right]]

This early version of Spearow, identified by its index number, was revealed on a sprite sheet for Pokémon Red and Green. Its design is different, with traits similar to both Farfetch'd and its final version.

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| '''{{p|Pikachu}}'''{{anchor|Pikachu}}

|class="l"| [[File:0025Pikachu.png|right|100px]]

In an interview with Japanese newspaper Yomiuri on May 2, 2018, Pikachu's original illustrator, [[Atsuko Nishida]], revealed the Pokémon's initial prototype resembled a {{wp|daifuku}} (a round dessert) with ears.<ref name=SiliconEra/><ref name=Pokemon.com/><ref name=Yomiuri1/> Its design basis changed to a squirrel to make it cuter overall, although the black tips on its ears are remnants of the initial concept.

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| [[File:Early Clefairy.png|150px]]<br>'''{{p|Clefairy}}'''{{anchor|Clefairy}}

|class="l"| [[File:0035Clefairy.png|100px|right]]

An early design for Clefairy, identified by its index number, that was shown on a sprite sheet for Pokemon Red and Green. Its round body is similar to its final design, although there are many differences, such as its horns and extremely enlarged eyes.

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| [[File:Prototype Poliwag.png|150px]]<br>'''{{p|Poliwag}}'''{{anchor|Poliwag}}

|class="l"| [[File:0060Poliwag.png|100px|right]]

An early version of Poliwag. This was one of several Pokémon sprites shown on [[Game Freak]]'s official Japanese website circa 1997.

|-

| [[File:Nyosuka.png|150px]]<br>'''Nyosuka'''{{anchor|Nyosuka}}

|class="l"|

An early version of an evolved form for Poliwag. This was one of several Pokémon sprites shown on [[Game Freak]]'s official Japanese website circa 1997. Notably it is wearing a crown, similar to the [[King's Rock]] necessary to evolve Poliwhirl into {{p|Politoed}}.

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| [[File:Man Who Created Pokémon manga unidentified 1.png|150px]]<br>'''{{p|Seel}}'''{{anchor|Seel}}

|class="l"| [[File:0086Seel.png|100px|right]]

A very early design for Seel, revealed in the 2018 educational manga "[[Satoshi Tajiri: The Man Who Created Pokémon]]". It was again part of the Popularity Poll entry sheets shown in the manga on a board. Although it does not resemble its final design, its name in Japanese, ''Pauwau'' ('''パウワウ''''), is identical.

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| [[File:Early Lapras sketch.png|150px]]<br>'''{{p|Lapras}}'''{{anchor|Lapras}}

|class="l"| [[File:0131Lapras.png|100px|right]]

This early version of Lapras is recognizably similar, but visually quite different. Lapras's curly ears are not present, and the underbelly coloration ends under the lower jaw instead of including it. There are also no visible appendages or tail, but that may be due to the water. However, it bears a striking resemblance to its [[Lapras (Pokémon)#Sprites|Generation I back sprite]]. Also in the sketch is an early design of {{ga|Red}}.

|-

| [[File:Prototype Dragonair.png|150px]]<br>'''{{p|Dragonair}}'''{{anchor|Dragonair}}

|class="l"| [[File:0148Dragonair.png|100px|right]]

An early version of Dragonair. This was one of several Pokémon sprites shown on [[Game Freak]]'s official Japanese website circa 1997.

| [[File:Spr 2d 153.png]]<br>'''Hanamogura'''{{anchor|Hanamogura}}

|class="l"| [[File:0153Bayleef.png|100px|right]]

{{p|Chikorita}}'s prototype evolution, present in the [[Pokémon Gold and Silver Spaceworld '97 demo|Spaceworld '97 demo]], looked drastically different from the final Bayleef, with an appearance resembling a blossom. Its name in the demo was (Japanese: '''ハナモグラ''' ''Hanamogura''). The final design, released a couple of years later in 1999, can be seen below.<br>[[File:Spr 2g 153.png|left]]

|-

| [[File:Spr 2d 161.png]]<br>'''Hōhō'''{{anchor|Hōhō}}

|class="l"| [[File:0163Hoothoot.png|100px|right]]

An early design of Hoothoot, present in the [[Pokémon Gold and Silver Spaceworld '97 demo|Spaceworld '97 demo]], had facial markings resembling freckles and a tail acting as a single, pendulum-like feather. Its name in the demo was (Japanese: ''' ''' ''Hōhō''). The final design, released a couple of years later in 1999, can be seen below.<br>[[File: Spr 2g 163.png|left]]

|-

| [[File:Spr 2d 162.png]]<br>'''Bobo'''{{anchor|Bobo}}

|class="l"| [[File:0164Noctowl.png|100px|right]]

An early design of {{p|Noctowl}}, with a design more reminiscent of Hoothoot, was present in the [[Pokémon Gold and Silver Spaceworld '97 demo|Spaceworld '97 demo]]. Its name in the demo was (Japanese: '''ボーボー''' ''Bobo''). The final design, released a couple of years later in 1999, can be seen below.<br>[[File: Spr 2g 164.png]]

|-

| [[File:Spr 2d 185.png]]<br>'''Kokumo'''{{anchor|Kokumo}}

|class="l"| [[File:0167Spinarak.png|100px|right]]

An early design of {{p|Spinarak}} with segmented legs was present in the [[Pokémon Gold and Silver Spaceworld '97 demo|Spaceworld '97 demo]]. Its name in the demo was (Japanese: '''コクモ''' ''Kokumo''). The final design, released a couple of years later in 1999, can be seen below.<br>[[File: Spr 2g 167.png|left]]

|-

| [[File:Spr 2d 186.png]]<br>'''Twohead'''{{anchor|Twohead}}

|class="l"| [[File:0168Ariados.png|100px|right]]

An early design of {{p|Ariados}} that strongly resembles Spinarak and has a face on its abdomen, was present in the [[Pokémon Gold and Silver Spaceworld '97 demo|Spaceworld '97 demo]]. Its name in the demo was (Japanese: '''ツーヘッド''' ''Twohead''). The final design, released a couple of years later in 1999, can be seen below.<br>[[File: Spr 2g 168.png|left]]

| [[File:Spr 2d 163.png]]<br>'''Pachime'''{{anchor|Pachime}}

|class="l"| [[File:0179Mareep.png|100px|right]]

An early design of {{p|Mareep}} was present in the [[Pokémon Gold and Silver Spaceworld '97 demo|Spaceworld '97 demo]]. Its name in the demo was  (Japanese: '''パチメエ''' ''Pachime''). The final design, released a couple of years later in 1999, can be seen below.<br>[[File:Spr 2g 179.png|left]]

 

|-

| [[File:Official Pokemon Fanbook 1997 Ampharos Sprite.png|150px]]<br>'''{{p|Ampharos}}'''{{anchor|Ampharos}}

|class="l"| [[File:0181Ampharos.png|100px|right]]

 

| [[File:182Bellossom GS.png|150px]]<br>'''{{p|Bellossom}}'''{{anchor|Bellossom}}

|class="l"| [[File:0182Bellossom.png|100px|right]]

The artwork of Bellossom used until {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}} shows that it was originally to be a similar color to its other evolutionary relatives. This might have been changed to avoid another [[Pokémon controversy#Racism|racial controversy]], as the original Bellossom design appears similar to traditional {{wp|Polynesia}}n dress.

 

| [[File:Spr 2d 179.png]]<br>'''Mariru'''{{anchor|Mariru}}

An early design of Marill was present in the [[Pokémon Gold and Silver Spaceworld '97 demo|Spaceworld '97 demo]]. While it is recognizably similar, it has several visual differences, most notably the pink color. It also does not sport Marill's erratic tail pattern. Its name in the demo was (Japanese: ''' ''' ''Mariru''). The final design, released a couple of years later in 1999, can be seen below.<br>[[File:Spr 2g 183.png|left]]

A drastically different early design of Politoed with a more frog-like appearance, no antenna, and the swirling pattern seen on the rest of the Poliwag line, was present in the [[Pokémon Gold and Silver Spaceworld '97 demo|Spaceworld '97 demo]]. Its name in the demo was (Japanese: ''' ''' ''Nyorotono''). The final design, released a couple of years later in 1999, can be seen below.<br>[[File: Spr 2g 186.png]]

|-

| [[File:Spr 2d 214.png]]<br>'''Haneko'''{{anchor|Haneko}}

|class="l"| [[File:0187Hoppip.png|100px|right]]

An early, darker version of {{p|Hoppip}} present in the [[Pokémon Gold and Silver Spaceworld '97 demo|Spaceworld '97 demo]], lacked limbs and had a long tail. Its name in the demo was  (Japanese: '''ハネコ''' ''Haneko''). The final design, released a couple of years later in 1999, can be seen below.<br>[[File:Spr 2g 187.png|left]]

|-

| [[File:Spr 2d 215.png]]<br>'''Poponeko'''{{anchor|Poponeko}}

|class="l"| [[File:0188Skiploom.png|100px|right]]

An early design of {{p|Skiploom}} with no limbs and a long tail was present in the [[Pokémon Gold and Silver Spaceworld '97 demo|Spaceworld '97 demo]]. Its name in the demo was  (Japanese: '''ポポネコ''' ''Poponeko''). The final design, released a couple of years later in 1999, can be seen below.<br>[[File: Spr 2g 188.png|left]]

| [[File:Spr 2d 216.png]]<br>'''Wataneko'''{{anchor|Wataneko}}

An early design of {{p|Jumpluff}} with no limbs and a long tail resembling a hot air balloon was present in the [[Pokémon Gold and Silver Spaceworld '97 demo|Spaceworld '97 demo]]. Its name in the demo was  (Japanese: '''ワタネコ''' ''Wataneko''). The final design, released a couple of years later in 1999, can be seen below. <br>[[File: Spr 2g 189.png|left]]

|-

| [[File:Spr 2d 250.png]]<br>'''Tail'''{{anchor|Tail}}

|class="l"| [[File:0190Aipom.png|100px|right]]

A drastically different design of {{p|Aipom}}, closer in design to a lemur, was present in the [[Pokémon Gold and Silver Spaceworld '97 demo|Spaceworld '97 demo]]. Its name in the demo was  (Japanese: '''テイル''' ''Tail''). The final design, released a couple years later in 1999, can be seen below.<br>[[File: Spr 2g 190.png|left]]

|-

| [[File:Spr 2d 175.png]]<br>'''Mizuuo'''{{anchor|Mizuuo}}

|class="l"| [[File:0195Quagsire.png|100px|right]]

An early design of {{p|Quagsire}}, with a chubbier body, no dorsal ridge, and a tail resembling {{p|Poliwag}}'s, was present in the [[Pokémon Gold and Silver Spaceworld '97 demo|Spaceworld '97 demo]]. Its name in the demo was (Japanese: '''ミズウオ''' ''Mizuuo''). The final design, released a couple of years later in 1999, can be seen below.<br>[[File: Spr 2g 195.png|left]]

| [[File:Spr 2d 194.png]]<br>'''Kirinriki'''{{anchor|Kirinriki}}

|class="l"| [[File:0203Girafarig.png|100px|right]]

This sprite of Girafarig from the Spaceworld 1997 demo shows the original design featured two full-sized giraffe heads. It is unknown why the design was changed, but overall it remains mostly similar outside of some coloring differences. This design might be a reference to Girafarig's name being a {{wp|palindrome}}. It also bears a resemblance to a {{wp|List of Doctor Dolittle characters#The Pushmi-pullyu|pushmi-pullyu}}. Its name in the demo was (Japanese: ''' ''' ''Kirinriki''). The final design, released a couple of years later in 1999, can be seen below.<br>[[File:Spr 2g 203.png|left]]

|-

| [[File:Treecko concept art.png|150px]]<br>'''{{p|Treecko}}'''{{anchor|Treecko}}

|class="l"| [[File:0252Treecko.png|100px|right]]

Concept art of Treecko shows numerous designs for the creature before the final one was decided. Many of these early sketches more closely resemble real geckos than the final product, which would later gain a more elongated head shape and a rounder nose.

|-

| [[File:Torchic Beta2.jpg|150px]]<br>[[File:Torchic Beta.jpg|150px]]<br>'''{{p|Torchic}}'''{{anchor|Torchic}}

|class="l"| [[File:0255Torchic.png|100px|right]]

This early version of Torchic shows its lower body covered by an eggshell, with the fluff going all around its neck and wing-shaped ears. The other early design is nearly identical to the current Torchic, aside from the large floppy ears, and a flame-shaped marking on the back of its head, rather than the final design's flame-shaped feathers on top of its head.

|-

| [[File:Latias Blaziken.jpg|150px]]<br>'''{{p|Blaziken}}'''{{anchor|Blaziken}}

|class="l"| [[File:0257Blaziken.png|100px|right]]

A design of Blaziken that featured wings.<ref name=May2020>[https://tcrf.net/Development:Pok%C3%A9mon_Ruby_and_Sapphire/Pok%C3%A9mon_Data TCRF showcases that this was always originally Blaziken as opposed to Latios/Latias, who existed separately at one point.]</ref> Sometimes referred to as Latiken or Latiaziken by fans, this early image from Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire also features many traits shared by {{p|Latias}} and {{p|Latios}}.

|-

| [[File:Groudon Beta.jpg|150px]]<br>'''{{p|Groudon}}'''{{anchor|Groudon}}

|class="l"| [[File:0383Groudon.png|100px|right]]

In its early design, its eyes were shaped differently, the positioning of the spikes on its body was slightly different, its overall shapes are much less sharp, its head details became much more elongated in the final version, and the Super-Ancient Pokemon's signature body patterns are not present.

|-

| [[File:Spr 4d 415b.png]]<br>'''{{p|Combee}}'''{{anchor|Combee}}

|class="l"| [[File:0415Combee.png|100px|right]]

The original design for Combee featured three larvae, instead of honey bees, wedged inside a honeycomb. [[Ken Sugimori]] noted that while the concept sounded "gross", it is nonetheless a distinctive and attention-grabbing idea, so the team decided to keep the design and tweak it slightly. In particular, Combee's three faces were simplified, based on simple faces found in old comic books, to make its overall appearance friendlier.<ref name=USUM/><br>[[File:Spr 4d 415 m.png|left]]

Prototype back sprites of Shellos and Gastrodon found in the release versions of Diamond and Pearl show another form for each. These forms are possibly leftovers from when Shellos and Gastrodon were planned to be in Generation III. Shellos's sprite is pink, like its West Sea form, and seems to combine the West Sea form's head with the East Sea form's body. Gastrodon's sprite is brown and looks like its West Sea form, but with more rock-like protrusions on its body.

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| [[File:BW Prerelease double battle.png|150px]]<br>'''{{p|Excadrill}}'''{{anchor|Excadrill}}

|class="l"| [[File:530Excadrill.png|100px|right]]

In Excadrill's first appearance in a promotional video, its body was violet and its markings were mirrored and a different shade of red. However, it was changed to its current appearance in the next video it appeared in.

| '''{{p|Throh}} and {{p|Sawk}}'''{{anchor|Throh & Sawk}}

|class="l"| [[File:538Throh.png|75px|right]][[File:539Sawk.png|75px|right]]

According to interviews with [[Ken Sugimori]] in ''Nintendo Dream'', during development, Sawk and Throh both had horns to look more like ''{{wp|oni}}''. However, these were replaced with eyebrows so as not to clash with {{p|Tornadus}} and {{p|Thundurus}}, who were originally designed to be red and blue, like Throh and Sawk.<ref name=ND205/>

|-

| '''{{p|Stunfisk}}'''{{anchor|Stunfisk}}

|class="l"| [[File:618Stunfisk.png|100px|right]]

Stunfisk's design was originally based on a {{wp|goosefish}}, but eventually became more like a {{wp|flounder}}. It was also a {{2t|Water|Electric}}-type, but was changed to {{t|Ground}}/Electric to balance out the type spread of Pokémon.<ref name=ND204/>

|-

| '''{{p|Deino}}, {{p|Zweilous}}, and {{p|Hydreigon}}'''{{anchor|Deino, Zweilous, Hydreigon}}

|class="l"| [[File:635Hydreigon.png|100px|right]]

Hydreigon's evolutionary line was originally designed with a tank motif, with the tread-like markings on Zweilous and Hydreigon being remnants of this design. The initial designs were scrapped after the designers felt that it didn't work. Later, a powerful, three stage Dragon-type evolution was needed and the design was brought back and revised.<ref name=ND205/>

Hydreigon's design was based on the eight-headed {{wp|Yamata no Orochi}}, although it is designed with fewer heads to appear less off-putting.<ref name=ND205/>

| '''{{p|Tornadus}} and {{p|Thundurus}}'''{{anchor|Tornadus & Thundurus}}

|class="l"| [[File:641Tornadus.png|75px|right]][[File:642Thundurus.png|75px|right]]

Initially, Tornadus and Thundurus were designed as red and blue demons. However, the designers felt that the colors made them too similar to {{p|Sawk}} and {{p|Throh}}, so the horns of Sawk and Throh were replaced with eyebrows.<ref name=ND205/>

|}

{| class="roundtable" style="margin: auto; text-align: center; background: #{{unknown color}}; border: 3px solid #{{unknown color dark}}"

|-

! style="background: #{{unknown color light}}" width=200px | Character

! style="background: #{{unknown color light}}" width=700px | Description

| [[File:Mart Sketch.jpg|150px]]<br>'''Shopkeeper'''{{anchor|Shopkeeper}}

|class="l"| Early [[Capsule Monsters]] artwork was shown in an episode of NHK featuring the Capsule Monsters pitch booklet, revealing an unnamed male character running a shop, or what would possibly become an early version of the [[Poké Mart]]. The character is almost bald, has long eyebrows and appears to be overweight. He is presented in a similar art style to the sumo enemies from [[Game Freak]]'s debut title, Quinty (localized as {{wp|Mendel Palace}}).

Revamped and enlarged versions of Mendel Palace's sumo sprites [https://tcrf.net/Pok%C3%A9mon_Ruby#Unused_Overworld_sprite also appear] in {{3v2|Ruby|Sapphire|Emerald}} as unused overworld sprites.

In the [[Pokémon Adventures]] manga, a similar artwork appeared at the end of {{PAV|3}} (right). The design of the character {{adv|Green}} seems to have drawn inspiration from this unknown female character. After the release of {{2v2|FireRed|LeafGreen}}, Green donned the same outfit as the female player character in the {{MangaArc|FireRed & LeafGreen|fifth chapter}} of the manga.

|-

| [[File:Magazine girltrainer.png|150px]]<br>'''Female Trainer'''{{anchor|Female Trainer}}

|class="l"| This unnamed female {{pkmn|Trainer}} art was revealed in [[Media:MicroGroup Game Review Volume 14.jpg|the cover of Volume 14]] of MicroDesign Publishing's ''Bimonthly Game Review'' magazine, published prior to Generation II.<ref name=MicroDesignApr1997/> This was a design imagined by [[Ken Sugimori]] specifically for the magazine, created only to accompany the ''Games That Stand Out Collection'' feature. Visually, she has similarities to multiple Trainer classes. Her appearance is similar to a {{tc|Beauty}} or {{tc|Ace Trainer|Cool Trainer}}, but her outfit is similar to a {{tc|Lass}} or {{tc|Picnicker}}. There is an object on her shirt that looks like what could have been a [[Badge|Cascade Badge]].

|-

| [[File:Magazine boytrainer.png|150px]]<br>'''Male Trainer'''{{anchor|Male Trainer}}

|class="l"| This unnamed male {{pkmn|Trainer}} art was revealed in [[Media:MicroGroup Game Review Volume 14.jpg|the cover of Volume 14]] of MicroDesign Publishing's ''Bimonthly Game Review'' magazine, published prior to Generation II.<ref name=MicroDesignApr1997/> This was a design imagined by [[Ken Sugimori]] specifically for the magazine, created only to accompany the ''Games That Stand Out Collection'' feature. He has hints of multiple classes, such as a {{tc|Tamer}}, {{tc|Psychic}}, {{tc|Juggler}}, {{tc|Burglar}}, {{tc|Poké Maniac|PokéManiac}}, {{tc|PI|Gambler}} and a male Rocket {{tc|Executive}}. There is an object on his bandanna that looks like what could have been a [[Badge|Gym Badge]]. This Badge has a red diamond on it.

|-

| [[File:Latias Blaziken.jpg|150px]]<br>'''Female Trainer'''{{anchor|Female Trainer}}

|class="l"| [[File:Latias_Latios.png|150px|right]]

There is an unused Trainer seen riding Blaziken<ref name=May2020></ref> in early concept art. It is difficult to tell whether she was intended to be a playable character, rival, or supporting character. This character has a strong resemblance to an unnamed character shown riding Latios in official artwork.

|}

<ref name=USUM>"What It Takes to Create a Pokémon." Interview with Ken Sugimori in ''[[Pokémon Ultra Sun & Pokémon Ultra Moon Edition: The Official National Pokédex]]'', p. xvi-xvii</ref>