Localization

This article contains fan speculation.
There is no solid evidence for or against some parts of this article.

This is a list of regional differences in the Pokémon games.

Main lists

Pokémon

The Pokémon species names were introduced in Japanese. Most Pokémon had their names changed in English, French, German, Chinese, Korean, and Thai. The English names are used in the Spanish and Italian games for all Pokémon with the exceptions of Type: Null and the Paradox Pokémon (aside from Koraidon and Miraidon) Several other languages also use English Pokémon names in their anime dubs.

Pokémon types

Some Pokémon types changed between languages.

Psychic is エスパー Esper in Japanese.
Dark is あく Evil in Japanese.
Fire is ほのお Flame in Japanese.

Pokémon categories

Some Pokémon categories changed between languages.

Blastoise, Kabuto, and Kabutops (Japanese category: こうらポケモン Shell Pokémon; English category: Shellfish Pokémon)
- The "Shellfish" word was a translation mistake. The Japanese version indicates that these Pokémon were originally intended to be "Shell Pokémon".
Meowth (Japanese category: ばけねこポケモン Bakeneko Pokémon; English category: Scratch Cat Pokémon)
- The Japanese category refers to bakeneko, a supernatural cat in Japanese folklore, but this was lost in the English translation.
Persian (Japanese category: シャムネコポケモン Siamese Cat Pokémon; English category: Classy Cat Pokémon)
- The Japanese category refers to a real-life cat breed, the siamese cat.
Kangaskhan (Japanese category: おやこポケモン Parent and Child Pokémon; English category: Parent Pokémon)
- The Japanese category refers to both parent and child, but the child is not mentioned in the English translation, most likely because of character limits.
The Japanese word ねずみ generally can be equally translated as "mouse" or "rat". In Pokémon categories, this is usually translated as "mouse":
- Rattata and Raticate (Japanese category: ねずみポケモン; English category initially was "Rat Pokémon", but then changed to "Mouse Pokémon" in Generation III)
- Pikachu, Raichu, Sandshrew, and Sandslash (Japanese category: ねずみポケモン; English category: "Mouse Pokémon")
- Cyndaquil (Japanese category: ひねずみポケモン; English category: Fire Mouse Pokémon)
- Pichu (Japanese category: こねずみポケモン; English category: Tiny Mouse Pokémon)
- Marill (Japanese category: みずねずみポケモン; English category: Aqua Mouse Pokémon)
- Bidoof (Japanese category: まるねずみポケモン; English category: Plump Mouse Pokémon)

Pokémon forms

Some Pokémon form differences changed between languages.

Dynamax and Gigantamax are ダイマックス Daimax and キョダイマックス Kyodaimax in Japanese, respectively.
Furfrou's trims use the word "Trim" in English but カット Cut in Japanese. However, these words don't apply to Furfrou's default state, the Natural Form.
- Natural Form (Japanese: やせいのすがた Wild Form)
  - The Japanese word やせい Wild also refers to wild Pokémon.
- Debutante Trim (Japanese: レディカット Lady Cut)
- Dandy Trim (Japanese: ジェントルカット Gentleman Cut)
- Matron Trim (Japanese: マダムカット Madame Cut)
- La Reine Trim (Japanese: クイーンカット Queen Cut)
  - This trim uses an English name in the Japanese games, but a French name in the English games.
- Pharaoh Trim (Japanese: キングダムカット Kingdom Cut)

Characters

Main article: List of characters in other languages

Locations

Main article: List of locations in other languages

Miracle Cycle is not named in any of the localized versions besides the French one, where it is known as "Cycles à Gogo". In all other localized versions, it is simply named Bike Shop.

Moves

Main article: List of moves in other languages

Moves introduced in Generation I

Acid Armor (Japanese: とける Liquefy). The Japanese name indicates that the user itself is melting. This is lost in the English translation, but is referenced in the move descriptions from Generation II onwards.
- The Japanese name does not include the words "Acid" or "Armor" in any way. "Acid" may have been added in the localization because this is a Poison-type move, even though several non-Poison Pokémon are able to learn it. "Armor" may have been added in the localization because this move raises the user's Defense.
Cut (Japanese: いあいぎり Iai Cut). The Japanese name refers to iaido, a Japanese martial art. Specifically, it refers to the technique of drawing a blade from its scabbard, cutting down the opponent, then re-sheathing the blade.
Guillotine (Japanese: ハサミギロチン Pincer Guillotine). Several Pokémon that use this move have pincers, such as Kingler and Gliscor.
Lovely Kiss (Japanese: あくまのキッス Demon's Kiss). In some games, a small demon appears in the move animation. This is related to Generation II move Sweet Kiss (Japanese: てんしのキッス Angel's Kiss).
Metronome (Japanese: ゆびをふる Wag Finger). The Japanese name refers to the wagging finger associated with the move, implying the user is randomly deciding a move from a list. The move's English name refers to the regular ticks associated with the move, which sound like the device it is named after.
Mirror Move (Japanese: オウムがえし Parrot Mimicry). The reference to a parrot (a real-life bird) may be related to the fact that several Pokémon that can learn this move are birds, such as Pidgey and Chatot. However, this is lost in the English translation.
Pay Day (Japanese: ネコにこばん Coin for a Cat). The Japanese name of the move is an idiom equivalent to "to cast pearls before swine." The coins depicted in the move's animation are koban, gold coins used in the Edo period of feudal Japan, the same type of coin as the one on Meowth's head.
Rest (Japanese: ねむる Sleep).
Swift (Japanese: スピードスター Speed Star). The move's animation includes stars being thrown at the target.
Tail Whip (Japanese: しっぽをふる Tail Wag). The move's description mentions that the user "wags its tail cutely, making opposing Pokémon less wary".
- The English name "Tail Whip" may incorrectly imply that the user strikes the foe with its tail like a whip, which is not the case in the games. However, in the manga Pokémon Adventures, the Tail Whip user sometimes actually strikes its opponent with the tail, which may be consistent with the English name.
Thunderbolt (Japanese: １０まんボルト 100,000 Volts). The number "100,000 volts" is mentioned in the Japanese name, but this is lost in the English translation.
Waterfall (Japanese: たきのぼり Waterfall Climb). The English name is simply the word "Waterfall", without mentioning the act of climbing waterfalls. Some move descriptions in the games further clarify that the user is actually charging with enough force to climb waterfalls.
- When this move debuted in Generation I, the moves didn't have in-game descriptions in the core series yet. As a result, in the English version of the Generation I core series games, there is no indication that this move is related to climbing waterfalls.
- The description about "charging with enough force to climb waterfalls" debuted in the Japanese Pokémon Stadium (which was not released in English). This is also mentioned in the later games Pokémon Stadium and Pokémon Stadium 2, not only in Japanese but in English as well.
- In Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, the Japanese move description also mentions "charging with enough force to climb waterfalls". However, the English version was shortened to simply "An aquatic charge attack." The only reference to climbing waterfalls in the English text is when Clair says only once after being defeated: "RisingBadge will enable your Pokémon to use the move for climbing waterfalls." From Generation III onwards, the English move description is closer to the Japanese version, indicating that the user is charging with enough force to climb waterfalls.
- In several games, a waterfall appears when this move is used in-battle. This may incorrectly suggest that the user is summoning a waterfall, which would be inconsistent with the move description.

Moves introduced in Generation II

False Swipe (Japanese: みねうち Strike with the Back of the Sword). False Swipe's Japanese name is a reference to katanas, which are designed to have a single cutting edge on one side, while the other side is mostly flat. Thus, striking the opponent with the flat side of the katana would not be fatal.
Rain Dance (Japanese: あまごい Rain Prayer). This is the amagoi, a Shinto prayer and rituals for rain.
- The Japanese name of this move is unrelated to dancing, therefore this is not a dance move. As such, Rain Dance is unaffected by Dancer, and Tierno does not request to see a Pokémon with this move in Pokémon X and Y. In several anime and manga depictions, the user is not seen dancing at all.
Sweet Kiss (Japanese: てんしのキッス Angel's Kiss). In some games, a small angel appears in the move animation. This is related to Generation I move Lovely Kiss (Japanese: あくまのキッス Demon's Kiss).

Moves introduced in Generation III

Aerial Ace (Japanese: つばめがえし Swallow Return). The Japanese name references Sasaki Kojirō's "Turning Swallow Cut" sword technique, so named due to its resemblance to the motion of a swallow's tail in flight. The cut is usually construed as a quick upward slash followed by a second one down the same direction, same as the move's animation. As such, it is learned by many Pokémon that are not Flying-type.
Assist (Japanese: ねこのて Cat's Paw). The Japanese name is likely a reference to the saying 猫の手も借りたい neko no te mo karitai, which translates to "I would even like to borrow a cat's hands" ("I would even like a cat to assist me"), which means "I need all the help I can get". This is reflected by the way the move works, and that many feline Pokémon are capable of learning it. In some games, a cat's paw appears in the move animation.

Moves introduced in Generation IV

Sucker Punch (Japanese: ふいうち Surprise Attack). The Japanese name is unrelated to punching. This move can be learned by some Pokémon without arms, such as Arbok, Gastly, and Electrode. It is also unaffected by the Ability Iron Fist, which raises the power of punching moves.

Moves introduced in Generation VI

Nuzzle (Japanese: ほっぺすりすり Cheek Rub). Most electric rodent Pokémon, who have electric cheeks, can learn this move.
Oblivion Wing (Japanese: デスウイング Death Wing). Most likely changed to remove explicit references to death.

Moves introduced in Generation VII

Baneful Bunker (Japanese: トーチカ Pillbox). The Japanese name is a military term referring to a guarded fort.
Smart Strike (Japanese: スマートホーン Smart Horn). Most Pokémon that learn this move have horns.
Double Iron Bash (Japanese: ダブルパンツァー Double Panzer). Panzer is a German word that means "armor", often used in other languages as a loanword in the context of the German military.

Moves introduced in Generation VIII

No Retreat (Japanese: はいすいのじん Last Stand). The Japanese name of this move literally means "to fight with one's back to the river," an idiom for a desperate last stand. The idiom originated from the historical Battle of Jingxing, where the now-renowned Chinese general Han Xin ordered his army to fight with a river at their backs and no way to cross, successfully routing an enemy ten times their number. The move's animation is a reference to this.
Octolock (Japanese: たこがため Octopus Hold). The Japanese name refers to a wrestling hold of the same name.

Abilities

Main article: List of Abilities in other languages

Abilities introduced in Generation III

Battle Armor (Japanese: カブトアーマー Kabuto Armor). The Japanese name of this ability refers to Kabuto helmets.
Shield Dust (Japanese: りんぷん Scales). The Japanese name of this ability refers to insect scales.
Serene Grace (Japanese: てんのめぐみ Heavenly Blessing). Most likely changed to avoid references to heaven.
Arena Trap (Japanese: ありじごく Antlion). The Japanese name refers to the burrowing habits of Antlions, used to trap prey.

Abilities introduced in Generation IV

Aftermath (Japanese: ゆうばく Induced Explosion). Most Pokémon with this ability can also learn self-destructive moves like Explosion, and the ability is similarly prevented by Damp.
Forewarn (Japanese: よちむ Prophetic Dream). All Pokémon with this ability are Psychic-type.
Storm Drain (Japanese: よびみず Pump Priming). The Japanese name is a plumbing term that refers to the introduction of fluid into a pump to prepare it for operation.

Abilities introduced in Generation V

Big Pecks (Japanese: はとむね Pigeon Breast). The Japanese name, Hatomune, is a pun, as it can also be taken to mean "a proud heart". The name "Big Pecks" itself is also a pun, referring to both pecking with a beak and the pectoralis major.
Zen Mode (Japanese: ダルマモード Daruma Mode). The Japanese name refers to Darmanitan's basis on a Daruma doll.

Abilities introduced in Generation VI

Primordial Sea and Desolate Land's Japanese names match; (Japanese: はじまりのうみ Sea of the Beginning) and (Japanese: おわりのだいち Land of the End) respectively.

Abilities introduced in Generation VIII

Gorilla Tactics (Japanese: ごりむちゅう Obsessed Gorilla). The Japanese name of this Ability is a pun, combining 五里霧中 gorimuchū (a saying meaning lost in a fog) with ゴリラ gorira (gorilla) and 夢中 muchū (obsessed). The English name is a play on guerilla tactics.

Items

Main article: List of items in other languages

Items introduced in Generation I

Three Poké Balls introduced in Generation I had their names changed in the English localization. Only the Master Ball kept its Japanese name.
- Poké Ball (Japanese: モンスターボール Monster Ball)
- Great Ball (Japanese: スーパーボール Super Ball)
- Ultra Ball (Japanese: ハイパーボール Hyper Ball)
  - The Ultra Ball retains a letter H on its design, referencing its Japanese name.
The Potion and its improved variants introduced in Generation I use the Japanese word ぐすり Medicine, which does not specify the type of medicine. The word "Potion" would indicate a form of liquid substance; it was introduced in the English translation. With the introduction of item sprites in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, these items are depicted in-game as bottles designed to spray liquid substances, which may be compatible with both the Japanese and English names. Some of these items have also been depicted in official art and TCG cards as spray bottles since Generation I as well, including the Potion and Super Potion cards.
- Potion (Japanese: キズぐすり Wound Medicine)
- Super Potion (Japanese: いいキズぐすり Good Wound Medicine)
- Hyper Potion (Japanese: すごいキズぐすり Amazing Wound Medicine)
- Max Potion (Japanese: まんたんのくすり Tank-Filling Medicine)
- Full Restore (Japanese: かいふくのくすり Recovery Medicine)
The drinks introduced in Generation I had their names changed in the localization:
- Fresh Water (Japanese: おいしいみず Delicious Water)
  - Fresh Water is collected from Mt. Silver, according to the Japanese item description in Pokémon Gold, Silver, Crystal, and Stadium. This is also mentioned in the Korean item description from Pokémon Gold and Silver. The reference to Mt. Silver is not found in the English item description.
- Soda Pop (Japanese: サイコソーダ Psycho Soda)
- Lemonade (Japanese: ミックスオレ Mix au Lait)
  - The Lemonade's Japanese name means "Mix au Lait" instead, meaning a mixture with milk. It's implied in several places that this is flavored milk rather than Lemonade.
The Ether, Elixir, and their improved versions have Japanese names unrelated to their English names. The Japanese names all include the word "PP" (specifically in the form of katakana "ピーピー"), and don't involve the words "Ether" or "Elixir" in any way.
- Ether (Japanese: ピーピーエイド PP Aid)
- Max Ether (Japanese: ピーピーリカバー PP Recover)
- Elixir (Japanese: ピーピーエイダー PP Aider)
- Max Elixir (Japanese: ピーピーマックス PP Max)
The Repel's Japanese name refers refers to insect repellents; it includes the term むし Insect. The Repel and its improved variants include the word スプレ Spray in Japanese, indicating their design; however, this word is absent in the English names. Additionally, むしよけ Repellent is not found in the Japanese names of Super Repel and Max Repel. The Super Repel and Max Repel are ranked as "Silver" and "Gold" in Japanese; these words were replaced by "Super" and "Max" in English.
- Repel (Japanese: むしよけスプレー Repellent Spray)
- Super Repel (Japanese: シルバースプレー Silver Spray)
- Max Repel (Japanese: ゴールドスプレー Gold Spray)
Poké Doll (Japanese: ピッピにんぎょう Pippi Doll) The Japanese name indicates that it's a Clefairy doll. However, the English item name does not mention Clefairy.
- The species of Poké Doll has always been clear in the Japanese games since its introduction in Generation I. However, it was only revealed years later in English games, once the Clefairy doll sprite debuted in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen.
Vitamins all have different names in Japanese. Most reference specific compounds:
- Protein (Japanese: タウリン Taurine)
- Iron (Japanese: ブロムヘキシン Bromhexine)
- Calcium (Japanese: リゾチウム Lysozyme)
- Zinc (Japanese: キトサン Chitosan)
- Carbos (Japanese: インドメタシン {{wp|Indometacin)
Nugget (Japanese: きんのたま Gold Orb). The Japanese name for literally means "golden ball", which is also a slang term for testicles.

Items introduced in Generation II

Secret Medicine (Japanese: ひでんのくすり Secret Medicine). This item is a pouch of pills. Prior to Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, it was known as Secret Potion, like the spray-type medicines, despite not being a liquid medicine.
- Much like the Potion and its improved variants introduced in Generation I, the Secret Potion includes the Japanese word くすり Medicine (which does not indicate exactly what kind of medicine), but was converted to the word "Potion" (which would indicate a form of liquid substance). When the Secret Potion debuted in Generation II, items did not have in-game sprites, so its appearance had not been established yet. Secret Potion's depiction as a pouch of pills was introduced years later as the item sprite in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, but its English name remained until Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.
- However, in the anime episode Machoke, Machoke Man!, Secret Medicine is depicted as a bottle of medicine, which is consistent with both the Japanese and English names. This predates the introduction of the pouch of pills sprite.
Rage Candy Bar (Japanese: いかりまんじゅう Rage Manjū). Manjū is a Japanese sweet made with red bean paste.
The Slowpoke Tail's Japanese name (Japanese: おいしいシッポ Delicious Tail) does not specify it as Slowpoke, though dialogue and graphics still refer to it as such.
The Amulet Coin (Japanese: おまもりこばん Amulet Koban) is originally a Koban, a type of gold coin from the Edo period.
Cleanse Tag (Japanese: きよめのおふだ Purification Ofuda) and Spell Tag (Japanese: のろいのおふだ Cursed Ofuda). An ofuda is a type of traditional Japanese talisman.
Focus Band (Japanese: きあいのハチマキ Fighting Spirit Headband). The Japanese name refers to a Kiai, a short shout uttered when performing an attacking move in Japanese martial arts.
Leek (Japanese: ながねぎ Scallion). Scallions are a close relative of the leek, but they aren't the same species.
Rainbow Wing and Silver Wing are single feathers in Japanese, but their English names changed to wings instead. In particular, there is no indication in the English Generation II games that these items were originally supposed to be feathers, because these games don't have item sprites. Their item sprites (depicting them as single feathers) debuted in the Generation IV remakes, but their names remained as before, with the word "Wing".
- Rainbow Wing (Japanese: 虹色の羽根 Rainbow Feather)
- Silver Wing (Japanese: ぎんいろのはね Silver Feather)

Items introduced in Generation III

The five condition-related Scarves are Bandannas in Japanese. The English name "Scarf" implies they are worn around the neck, but the Japanese name "Bandanna" implies they are worn at the top of the head.
Fluffy Tail (Japanese: エネコのシッポ Eneco's Tail). The Japanese name indicates that it's a Skitty's tail. However, the English item name does not mention Skitty.
- In particular, the species of Fluffy Tail is not revealed in the English version of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, because this game doesn't have item sprites. The item sprite depicting a Skitty's tail debuted in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen (however, this item is unavailable in this game outside of trades).
Lava Cookie (Japanese: フエンせんべい Huen Rice Cracker). The Lava Cookie's sprite appears to be a Senbei, a type of rice cracker.
Acro Bike (Japanese: ダートじてんしゃ Dirt Bike).

Items introduced in Generation IV

The three evolution stones introduced in this generation have different names in English and Japanese, although their meanings are related to some extent.
- Shiny Stone (Japanese: ひかりのいし Light Stone)
- Dusk Stone (Japanese: やみのいし Darkness Stone)
- Dawn Stone (Japanese: めざめいし Awakening Stone)
Old Gateau (Japanese: もりのヨウカン Forest Yōkan). Much like the English localized pun on the Old Chateau, it is a pun on the location it is found in. In Japanese, the Chateau's name is "Forest Manor" (Japanese: もりのようかん) while the Gateau's name is "Forest Yōkan" (Japanese: もりのヨウカン); the two terms are homophones and are pronounced as mori no yōkan.
Like the Focus Band, the Focus Sash's (Japanese: きあいのタスキ Fighting Spirit Sash) Japanese name refers to a Kiai.
Lunar Feather (Japanese: みかづきのはね Crescent Moon Feather). Much like the Generation II items Rainbow Wing and Silver Wing, this item is a single feather in Japanese, but is named "Wing" in English from Generation IV to Pokémon Sword and Shield. Additionally, the Japanese name is exactly about the crescent moon, while the English name simply references the moon. It was renamed to Lunar Feather in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, more closely reflecting its Japanese name.

Items introduced in Generation V

Float Stone (Japanese: かるいし Pumice Stone). Pumice is a type of volcanic rock known for being light and porous.
All Feather items are a single feather in Japanese, but are named "Wing" from Generation V to VII. They were renamed to Feathers in Generation VIII, which is closer to the Japanese name. This is similar to some earlier Japanese feathers that were converted to wings in the English translation: the Generation II items Rainbow Wing and Silver Wing, and the Generation IV item Lunar Wing.

Items introduced in Generation VII

The Bottle Cap's Japanese name includes the fact that it's silver. This is similar to the Gold Bottle Cap, which kept the reference to gold in English.
- Bottle Cap (Japanese: ぎんのおうかん Silver Bottle Cap)
- Gold Bottle Cap (Japanese: きんのおうかん Gold Bottle Cap)
Beast Ball (Japanese: ウルトラボール Ultra Ball). Both the Japanese and English names reference the fact that it was developed to catch Ultra Beasts. Its name changed in the English localization because the Japanese name was already taken by another Poké Ball variant introduced in Generation I, the Ultra Ball.
The Lure's Japanese name is similar to repel, but むしよけ Repellent is replaced by むしよせ Attractant; both terms involve むし Insect. The Lure and its improved variants include the word コロン Cologne in Japanese, indicating their design; however, this word is absent in the English names, being replaced by "Lure". Additionally, むしよせ Attractant is not found in the Japanese names of Super Lure and Max Lure. Much like the Repel variants, the Super Lure and Max Lure are ranked as "Silver" and "Gold" in Japanese; these words were replaced by "Super" and "Max" in English.
- Lure (Japanese: むしよせコロン Attractant Cologne)
- Super Lure (Japanese: シルバーコロン Silver Cologne)
- Max Lure (Japanese: ゴールドコロン Gold Cologne)
Pewter Crunchies (Japanese: ニビあられ Nibi Arare). Arare is a type of Japanese rice cracker.
Surge Badge (Japanese: だいだいバッジ Orange Badge). Shares its Japanese name with the Thunder Badge, but a distinction is made in English.

Items introduced in Generation VIII

All the seven Sweets that cause Milcery to evolve into Alcremie are amezaiku (a form of Japanese candy craft artistry) according to their Japanese names.
- The Love Sweet's name is changed further (Japanese: ハートアメざいく Heart Amezaiku) The word "Heart" is a more literal description of its shape, while "Love" is an abstract concept.

Badges

In the Japanese version, the Kanto Badges are named after colors. In the English version, most Kanto Badges were renamed. For instance, "グレーバッジ" (Gray Badge) was translated as "Boulder Badge". The only Kanto Badge that kept its Japanese name in the English Localization (only written with English letters instead of Japanese katakana) was Erika's Rainbow Badge.

In the core series

This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: Add more regional differences

In all core series games, the player writes a report (Japanese: レポート report) when saving the game. This "report" option is found at the Japanese version main menu. The references to writing a report were simply translated as saving the game.
The units of measurement used for the Pokémon's height and weight (as seen in the Pokédex) depend on the game language.
- Japanese games: height in meters, weight in kilograms
- American games: height in feet and inches, weight in pounds
In the core series, from Generation II onwards (as well as all games in the Pokémon Stadium series since Generation I), the Pokédex is able to sort Pokémon by their katakana name in the Japanese version, or alphabetically in the localized versions.
Some Pokémon games have multiple optional names for the player character and/or rival. These names are often different on each language version. For instance, a character may have different optional names in Japanese, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Korean.
- The player characters with optional names in the core series are: Red, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Brendan, May, Lucas, and Dawn.
- The rivals with optional names in the core series are: Blue and Barry

Generation I

Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow

The first pair of games in Japan was Pokémon Red and Green, followed by Blue as the third core series game, which included a graphics and sound upgrade, as well as the removal of several known glitches that had been found in the original pair. In the localizations, the first pair of games was Pokémon Red and Blue, which had the same version-exclusive Pokémon available as Pokémon Red and Green, and also kept the improvements from the Japanese Pokémon Blue.
The English and other international versions of Pokémon Yellow are colorized when played on either the Game Boy Color or the Virtual Console. However, the Japanese version of this game is black and white in both game systems.
- For comparison, the earlier games Pokémon Red and Blue are black and white in both Game Boy Color and Virtual Console as well, while all the Generation I core series games can be played with color on the Super Game Boy (an accessory released for the SNES), regardless of their language.
In the Japanese version of the Trainer Card, the names of all Gym Leaders are written above their faces (each Japanese name consisting of exactly three katakana characters), except Giovanni's name is written as "---". In the international versions, the Gym Leader names are not written on the Trainer Card, possibly owing to the longer English names.
In the Japanese version, the Kanto Badges are named after colors. In the English version, most Kanto Badges were renamed. For instance, "グレーバッジ" (Gray Badge) was translated as "Boulder Badge". The only Kanto Badge that kept its Japanese name in the English Localization (only written with English letters instead of Japanese katakana) was Erika's Rainbow Badge.
In the Japanese version, the Pokémon's level is repeated in the first and second stats screens. In other language versions, the level is only shown in the first screen.
In the player's bedroom, the video game console depends on the game and language:
- Famicom (in the Japanese version of all Generation I games, except for Pokémon Yellow)
- Super Famicom (in the Japanese version of Pokémon Yellow)
- SNES (in the international versions of all Generation I games)
The film on TV at the player's living room depends on the game's language.
- In all languages except French, a movie involving four boys walking on railroad tracks, possibly a reference to Stand by Me.
- In the French version of the Generation I games, an animated cartoon featuring a boy with a monkey tail (French: "Un dessin animé! Un petit garçon avec une queue de singe."), possibly a reference to young Son Goku from Dragon Ball, or alternatively, young Son Gohan from the sequel Dragon Ball Z.
In the Japanese version, the Town Map has a border around the map, and the place name is displayed on a short blank space at the top-left corner outside that border. In the international versions, that border was removed, and the place name is displayed on a blank line above the map, leaving more space for longer place names.
In the Japanese version, the Kanto region is mentioned if the player interacts with the Town Map in Daisy's house (if the map has not been obtained yet). However, Kanto is not mentioned in the international versions.
- This is the only in-game mention of the Kanto region in the Japanese version of these games. Therefore, Kanto is not mentioned at all in the international versions.

The Game Boy Color mode's yellow palette

In Japanese Yellow on Game Boy Color mode, the game uses a yellow palette similarly to how Red, Green, and Blue use their respective red, green, and blue palettes. In Western Yellow, Game Boy Color mode instead uses the Super Game Boy palettes but with more saturated colors. The yellow palette from Japanese Yellow is used by Western Yellow in certain situations like Pikachu's Beach hi-score screen and it can be reinstated completely by modifying the ROM
In the Japanese version of all Kanto-based games, the old man passed out drunk at the start of the game, hence why he blocks the way out of Viridian City at the start of the game. In the English version, he is grumpy due to not having had his coffee yet.
Because Pokémon Red and Blue's script is based on a translation of the script of Pokémon Blue but use the in-game trades from Pokémon Red and Green, two translation errors related to these trades occur.
- The man who trades the player an Electrode on Cinnabar Island claims that the Raichu he received "went and evolved". As Raichu does not have an evolved form, this is not possible. In the context of Japanese Pokémon Blue, it makes sense as the player trades away a Kadabra, which evolves through trade, for a Graveler.
- The old man who trades the player a Jynx in Cerulean City claims that the Poliwhirl he received "went and evolved". As Poliwhirl cannot evolve via trade in Generation I, this is not possible. In the context of Japanese Pokémon Blue, the old man trades away a Haunter for a Machoke, which does evolve through trade.
When encountering a Pokémon using a fishing rod, the game says "The hooked <POKÈMON> attacked!" In the Spanish localization, this was erroneously translated to "¡El malvado <POKéMON> atacó!". The word "malvado" translates roughly to "wicked" or "evil."
The acronym for TM in the French localization of the games is CT. It is used incorrectly in one area of the game. When the player exchanged Lemonade for CT49, the text reads "TM49... TRIPLATTAQUE!".
In the Spanish and Italian localizations of the games, both versions erroneously refer to Squirtle's shell as "concha" and "conchiglia" which translates to "seashell" in Spanish and Italian respectively.
In the Japanese versions of Generation I games (as well as in all versions of Generation II games and Pokémon Stadium series games), the moves Absorb, Mega Drain, Leech Life, and Dream Eater always fail if the target is behind a substitute. In the localized versions of Generation I games, these moves always hit if the target is behind a substitute (except Dream Eater, which will fail if the target is not sleeping).^[1]^[2]
- Both the original effect (always miss when behind a substitute) and the localized Generation I effect (always hit behind a substitute) were likely unintended. The change in effect for localized games likely is a side-effect from a fix that was meant to prevent Swift to always hit a target behind a substitute (even if the target is in the semi-invulnerable turn of Fly or Dig).
In the Japanese Pokémon Red and Green, Nidoqueen's weight is listed as 6.0 kg. This was corrected in the Japanese Pokémon Blue to 60.0 kg. Geodude is also affected as its weight in the Japanese Pokémon Red and Green is listed as 2.0 kg, this was also corrected in the Japanese Pokémon Blue to 20.0 kg.
In the Japanese version, there are butsudan (Buddhist shrines) in some Celadon City buildings, but they were changed to sculptures of Diglett in the English version. They return the text "ぶつだんだ……" (It's a butsudan...) in Japanese, but "It's a sculpture of DIGLETT." in English.
In the Japanese version of all Kanto-based games, the characters Erik (Japanese: コージ Kōji) and Sara (Japanese: アツコ Atsuko) may be cameos of Kōji Nishino and Atsuko Nishida. They failed to meet each other due to a misunderstanding on the word "とり" (tori), which is also a pun. Erik used a bird Pokémon to arrive at Fuchsia City ("tori Pokémon" means "bird Pokémon"), while Sara is waiting for him inside the Safari Zone^RBY/GO Park^PE ("Pokémon tori" means "obtain Pokémon"). This pun was lost in the English localizations. Additionally, in the English version of the Generation I and III games, Sara says that Erik is her boyfriend (which is not the case in the Japanese version of all games, and is also not said in the English version of the Generation VII games).


Jynx's original sprite (GBC mode)	Jynx's recolored Virtual Console sprite

The Japanese version of the Pokémon Mansion journals use a singular "わたし" (watashi, "I" pronoun), implying that only one person was involved in discovering Mew and creating Mewtwo. The English localization changed this pronoun to "we"; this happens to be consistent with the events of Pokémon: The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back, in which a group of scientists created Mewtwo.
The Cerulean Cave has a different layout in the Japanese Pokémon Red and Green and international Pokémon Red and Blue (in addition to further layout changes in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver).
In the Japanese versions, the PC storage system has 8 boxes with 30 Pokémon each instead of 12 boxes with 20 Pokémon each.
In the Japanese versions of the handheld games, Blizzard has 30% chance to freeze. The chance was lowered to 10% for Pokémon Yellow's Colosseum 2, the Stadium games, and all international Generation I games.
In the Japanese versions of the Generation I handheld games, Swift functions as a 100% accuracy move due to a glitch, unless the opponent is behind a substitute. In all international games, Swift bypasses accuracy checks to always hit.
In the Western language releases of Pokémon Yellow on the Virtual Console, which are emulated in Game Boy Color mode, Jynx's battle sprites have been recolored to align with its modern design, recoloring Jynx's black skin to purple. Jynx's original design had previously been subject to controversy due to its resemblance to racial stereotypes of African-Americans. The Japanese release is emulated in Game Boy mode—which is monochromatic—so no change was made.
In the localized versions of Generation I games, a Bird Keeper in Route 14 states: "The 3 legendary Pokémon are all birds of prey." However, in the Japanese dialogue, he simply says that they are three birds.
In the Japanese version of Generation I games, there are two boys trading a Haunter for a Kangaskhan at the Celadon Department Store 3F, and it is implied that Haunter evolves by trade into Gengar. In the international versions, they trade Graveler for Kangaskhan instead. (in the Generation III and VII remakes, they trade Haunter for Kangaskhan in all languages)
- In the Japanese version of Generation I games, and their Generation III and VII remakes, the boy who receives Haunter calls himself Haunter Maniac (Japanese: ゴーストマニア Ghost Maniac). This name is not mentioned in the English versions.

Generation II

Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal

In the Japanese and Korean versions, the stats and trade screens are vertically divided in two parts; in all other languages, they are divided horizontally.
In the Japanese and Korean versions, the Pokémon in the Pokémon Storage System's layout is enclosed in a text-box frame and the Pokémon list appears in the background. In the Western localizations, there is no frame surrounding the Pokémon but the Pokémon list appears in a text-box frame.
In the Japanese and Korean versions, the sign of Pokémon Centers in Johto have a Poké Ball drawing with the letters PC next to it. In the Western localizations, the sign was changed back to the one used in the Generation I games. The Pokémon Center signs in Kanto use the old design in all versions.
In the Japanese and Korean versions of the Trainer Card, the names of all Johto Gym Leaders are written above their faces (each Japanese name consisting of exactly three katakana characters). In the international versions of these games, the Gym Leader names are not written on the Trainer Card, possibly owing to the longer English names.
In the Japanese and Korean versions, SonicBoom's animation is a shock wave hitting the opponent. In the Western localizations, Sonic Boom uses the Gust animation (a tornado hitting the opponent).
In the Japanese version, the butsudan (Buddhist shrines) return in some Celadon City buildings, and now there are butsudan in Violet City, Azalea Town, Ecruteak City, Mahogany Town, and the Mt. Moon Gift Shop as well. This time, they return the text "ぶつだんだ…… うーんおせんこうのにおい" (It's a butsudan... Hmm, the smell of incense.) in Japanese and "What is this? Oh, it's an incense burner!" in English.
- Kurt's house has butsudan with a different text, mentioning the "god" (kami-sama) of the forest, which was changed to "protector" in the localization; in either case, this is a reference to Celebi. This butsudan returns "もりのかみさまをまつってある" (This is to worship the god of the forest.) in Japanese and "It's a statue of the forest's protector." in English. In the Generation IV remakes, this shrine remains in Kurt's house, but the player cannot interact with it.
In the Japanese and Korean versions, Pokéfan Alex in Route 13 has three Pokémon with "king" in their names: Nidoking, Slowking, and Magikarp (Koiking). In the localized versions, Magikarp was changed to Seaking to keep this theme. However, this change was not replicated in the Generation IV remakes, in which Magikarp is kept in all versions.
Miracle Cycle is not named in the localized versions.
In the Japanese version, the PC storage system has 9 boxes with 30 Pokémon each instead of 14 boxes with 20 Pokémon each.
The Japanese Super Game Boy border of Pokémon Gold (labeled POCKET MONSTERS GOLD VERSION), but not of Pokémon Silver, is present but unused in all releases of Pokémon Crystal. Similarly, in the Korean releases of Gold and Silver, the English Super Game Boy borders (respectively labeled POKéMON GOLD VERSION and POKéMON SILVER VERSION) are present but unused, since they only support the Game Boy Color.
In the Korean versions, the credits are presented in English. The Japanese games would later replicate this in Generation V but only when character mode is set to kanji.
Due to a possible oversight in the international versions, the Japanese quotation marks are used in certain parts of the dialogue, like in radio stations. This was corrected in Crystal.
During battles in Pokémon Crystal, Japanese midline horizontal ellipses ("⋯") are used in the English versions instead of regular ellipses ("…") due to an oversight.
As the Mobile Game Boy Adapter was not released outside of Japan, all related features were removed in localized versions of Pokémon Crystal, with the exception of the Odd Egg. The Virtual Console release finally allowed international players to have a chance to receive the GS Ball after entering the Hall of Fame.
In the Japanese version of Pokémon Crystal, a researcher at the Ruins of Alph claims that the Pokémon Communication Center in Goldenrod City influences the Unown. His unused English text is: According to my research... Those mysterious patterns appeared when the Pokécom Center was built. It must mean that radio waves have some sort of a link...
Pokémon Crystal version is the last localized core series game to use the slogan Gotta catch 'em all!.
The Japanese version of Pokémon Crystal has an emblem of Suicune's crest on the back of the Game Pak's circuit board.
In the Western releases, un-nicknamed Nidoran has the gender symbol shown twice, once by the name and once by the level indicator. This is not case in the Japanese and Korean versions, where all Pokémon have the gender symbol placed after their name, rather than by the level indicator.
Pokémon Gold and Silver can be played either on the Game Boy or the Game Boy Color in all languages except Korean. However, the Korean version of these games is only compatible with the Game Boy Color.
In the Japanese and Korean versions, Phanpy and Donphan are found in the wild in Pokémon Gold while Teddiursa and Ursaring are found in the wild in Pokémon Silver. In the Western localizations, these were switched. This change was not replicated in the international versions of Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver.
The Korean versions of the games can only be played on the Game Boy Color, due to the need for more memory in order to properly render the Korean characters.
Nineteen Pokémon, including Jynx, as well as five Trainers, had their sprites changed between the Japanese and Western versions. The Korean versions use the same sprites as the Japanese versions. The changes made for Western versions were also taken into account for the Japanese and Western versions of Pokémon Crystal, although they were instead incorporated in the new sprites.


Beauty - Japan / South Korea Sprite	International - Longer shorts, no longer winks	Sage - Japan / South Korea Sprite	International - No longer prays	Medium - Japan / South Korea Sprite	International - No longer carries beads

Swimmer♀ - Japan / South Korea Sprite	International - No longer winks	Fisher - Japan / South Korea Sprite	International - No longer smokes	Silver (Japan) - Striped belly	Silver (Japan) - Shiny back

Silver (international) - Stripes on belly removed	Silver (international) - Shiny back color change	Gold (Japan)	Silver (Japan)	Crystal (Japan)	Gold/Silver (Japan)

Crystal (Japan)	Gold (international) - skin color change	Silver (international) - skin color change	Crystal (international) - skin color change	Gold/Silver (international) - skin color change	Crystal (international) - skin color change

Gold/Silver (Japan) - Pinsir's back has a stripe	Gold/Silver (international) - Pinsir's back has a round mark	Gold (Japan)	Silver (Japan)	Gold (international) - Feraligatr's extra stripe has been removed	Silver (international) - Feraligatr's extra stripe has been removed

Gold (Japan)	Silver (Japan)	Back sprites (Japan)	Gold (international) - Lanturn's yellow face marks have been removed	Silver (international) - Lanturn's yellow face marks have been removed	Back sprites (international) - Lanturn's yellow face marks have been removed

Gold (Japan)	Silver (Japan)	Back sprites (Japan)	Gold (international) - Pichu's neck pattern was altered	Silver (international) - Pichu's neck pattern was altered	Back sprites (international) - Pichu's neck pattern was altered

Gold/Silver back sprite (Japan)	Gold/Silver back sprite (international) - Flaaffy's hair was merged	Gold/Silver back sprite (Japan)	Gold/Silver back sprite (international) - Politoed's extra spots were removed	Gold (Japan)	Silver (Japan)

Gold (international) - Aipom's belly was altered	Silver (international) - Aipom's belly was altered	Gold/Silver back sprite (Japan)	Gold/Silver back sprite (international) - Sunkern's back pattern was altered	Gold/Silver back sprite (Japan)	Gold/Silver back sprite (international) - Wooper's back stripe was removed

Gold/Silver back sprite (Japan)	Gold/Silver back sprite (international) - Girafarig's neck stripes were moved slightly	Gold/Silver back sprite (Japan)	Gold/Silver back sprite (international) - Qwilfish's tail fin pattern was altered	Gold/Silver (Japan)	Gold/Silver back sprite (Japan)

Gold/Silver (international) - Sneasel's eye was altered	Gold/Silver back sprite (international) - Sneasel's ear had a detail added	Silver sprite (Japan)	Silver (international) - Teddiursa had white spots added to their feet	Gold/Silver (Japan)	Gold/Silver back sprite (international) - Slugma's back bumps were removed

Silver (Japan)	Silver (international) - Donphan's trunk was altered, along with their eyes and mouth	Gold (Japan)	Silver (Japan)	Gold (international) - Stantler had spots added to their back	Silver (international) - Stantler had spots added to their back

Silver (Japan)	Silver (international) - Blissey's wing pattern extends a little over her arm	Gold/Silver back sprite (Japan)	Gold/Silver back sprite (international) - Pupitar has one less stripe

Generation III

Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald

The ledge in southwestern section of Victory Road B1F in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire was made one tile shorter in non-English European versions of the game, making that part of the floor two-way instead of one-way.
A portion of the fourth room in Trick House in Pokémon Emerald has been altered in international versions, to make it harder for player to trap themselves and be forced to start the puzzle from the beginning.
In Japanese, the map seen at the wall in some buildings is said to be a Town Map of the Hoenn region. However, the name "Town Map" is not seen in English, as this is simply called a "Hoenn region map".
- In the Generation VI remakes, the map at the wall is once more called a Town Map, this time both in Japanese and English.
In Sidney's room at the Pokémon League, the lights at the background flash quickly in the Japanese version. These lights slowly turn on and off in the localized versions.
Several glitches were fixed in the international releases.
The VU Meter in the Pokédex was altered depending on which international version was being played.
Pokémon Battle-e Trainer cards request screen was changed in international releases.
Some of the Trainer sprites are different in Japanese and international versions.


Hex Maniac sprite from Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald (JP)	Hex Maniac sprite from Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald	Female Psychic sprite from Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald (JP)	Female Psychic sprite from Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald

Male Cooltrainer sprite from Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald (JP)	Male Cooltrainer sprite from Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald	Sailor sprite from Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald (JP)	Sailor sprite from Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen

In the original Japanese version, the blue and pink font color is used only for the Continue button on title screen, with NPC's gender changing the font style instead.
On the title screens, the Japanese versions say PRESS START BUTTON while international releases just say PRESS START.
The name entry screen in Japanese versions only allows for five characters in a name, the international releases changed the character limit from five to seven.
In the player's bedroom, the Japanese version contains a Famicon, while international releases contain a NES instead.
The film on TV at the player's living room depends on the player's gender and game's language.
- In all languages except French:
  - If the player is male, a movie involving four boys walking on railroad tracks, possibly a reference to Stand by Me.
  - If the player is female, a movie featuring a girl in pigtails walking down a brick road, possibly a reference to The Wizard of Oz.
- In French:
  - If the player is male, a movie featuring a "cool guy in a taxi" (French: "Y'a un gars cool dans un taxi."), possibly a reference to the 1998 French movie Taxi.
  - If the player is female, The Lord of the Rings is mentioned by name.
In international releases, the Lv icon on battle screens was moved to the right corner and the level number was made normal instead of bold. ♂ and ♀ symbols were also given a slight alteration.
Poké Center and Poké Mart signs were altered between regional releases.
In Trainer Tower, the international releases had e-Reader battle card compatibilities removed as those cards were never released outside of Japan due to the poor sales of the e-Reader in the US.
In European versions of the Pokémon Firered and LeafGreen, the Nugget Bridge Rocket Grunt glitch was patched. This prevents the player from getting unlimited Nuggets.
If one presses ↑ + SELECT + B on the title screen to delete all save data, in the Japanese versions, the screen is teal in FireRed and blue in LeafGreen. In the localizations, the screen in both versions is bright green.

Generation IV

Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum

In the Japanese version of the Sinnoh myths, the Sinnoh Folk Story 3 refers to Pokémon and people marrying each other. In the English version, the marriage is not mentioned; instead, it says Pokémon and people would eat together at the same table.
In the Japanese version of Pokémon Platinum, a glitch can occur on Route 225 where the player is stuck in a loop of battling Ace Trainer Deanna until the Player is no longer able to battle. This was fixed in the international version.
The dialogue at the Veilstone Game Corner was altered in the European and Korean versions of Pokémon Platinum to comply with PEGI's then new standards regarding gambling in video games.
In the non-English European versions of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, Registeel's sprite was edited because of its arm. The arm's original position is reminiscent of the Nazi salute. This change was retained in all releases of Pokémon Platinum and Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver.


Original Diamond and Pearl sprite	Non-English European Diamond and Pearl sprite

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver

In all international versions, the slot machines were replaced with a Minesweeper style game called Voltorb Flip.
In the Korean versions of Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, Sage's sprite was altered to remove the prayer beads in his hands and gave him a sash.


Sprite from HeartGold and SoulSilver (JP/INTL)	Sprite from HeartGold and SoulSilver (KR)

Generation V

In all Generation V core games, Pokémon such as Cofagrigus, Froslass, Nosepass, and Probopass that originate from English-language games cannot be traded through the GTS unless they are given a nickname due to the word filter in the games. This was fixed from Generation VI onwards so that they did not need a name change to be traded.

Pokémon Black and White

The Online Battle name differs between regions.
The chance that Poison Touch will poison the target was changed from 20% to 30% in international versions.
The symbol used in the move Imprison was changed in the international versions.
The amount of C-Gear skins distributed differed between regions; Japanese versions had 31 skins, North American versions had 22 skins, and European versions had 25 skins.
As Victini is a Shiny Locked Pokémon, its shiny form can never be obtained. In Japanese versions if the game generated a value that would cause Victini to be shiny, the battle would never begin, this was fixed in international versions.

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2

The lyrics for the Virbank Gym music differ between the Japanese and international releases. In Japanese versions, she spells out "Dogars" which is Koffing's Japanese name. In the international versions she spells out "Pokémon" and does not start the song by saying "1, 2, 3, 4!"
After entering the Hall of Fame, there is a post-game story section where the player follows N's Zoroark to N's Castle. In Japanese versions, if the player exits out of the cave that Zoroark just went into instead of following them, it causes the game to softlock. This was fixed in international versions.

In the side series

Pokémon Stadium series

In Japan, there were three games in the Pokémon Stadium series.
- Pokémon Stadium (Japanese: ポケモンスタジアム Pokémon Stadium), with only 40 Generation I Pokémon available. This game was not released in English.
- Pokémon Stadium (Japanese: ポケモンスタジアム２ Pokémon Stadium 2), with the Generation I Pokémon available. This was the first game of the series released in English.
- Pokémon Stadium 2 (Japanese: ポケモンスタジアム金銀 Pokémon Stadium Gold and Silver), with the Generation I and II Pokémon available. This was the second game of the series released in English.
The player may connect up to four core series games to any of the three Pokémon Stadium games using the Transfer Pak (Generation I core series games are compatible with all three Stadium games; Generation II core series games are only compatible with Pokémon Stadium 2). However, the compatibility also depends on the language of the games.
- The American and European versions are compatible with each other. For instance, the player may connect the French version of Pokémon Stadium to the German version of Pokémon Red.
- The Japanese games in the Pokémon Stadium series are only compatible with Japanese core series games.
- The Korean versions of Pokémon Gold and Silver are not compatible with any game in the Pokémon Stadium series.
The Pikachu's voice heard upon launch was instead people's voices in the Japanese version.

Pokémon Stadium

The Japanese version has six Stadium Cups. In addition to the Pika, Petit, and Prime Cups, there are three cups based upon official tournaments: the Nintendo Cup '97, Nintendo Cup '98, and Nintendo Cup '99. In the international versions, the Nintendo Cups were replaced with the Poké Cup from Pokémon Yellow's Colosseum 2.
Several rental Pokémon had their movesets changed between the Japanese and localized versions.
A gallery mode was added, but only in the American version (it is absent in Japanese and European versions).
- In the Japanese and European versions, the main menu has the "options" button in the middle, below the "Pokémon Stadium" option. In the American version, the "gallery" button was added where the "options" would be in other games, and the "options" button was moved to the right side.
Pikachu can be taught Surf under special conditions. Japanese players could teach a Pikachu Surf in the original Pokémon Stadium.
The number of teams that could be registered was decreased from 12 to 10.
In Clefairy Says, the Clefairy sing rather than repeat the same sound effect.

Pokémon Colosseum

In Europe, a GameCube Bundle could be purchased which included Pokémon Colosseum, a memory card, Pokémon Box Ruby & Sapphire as a bonus disc, and a GameCube-Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable.
In the international localizations of Pokémon Colosseum, Rui's shirt and skirt were lengthened.
Due to the e-Reader room being dummied out in the international releases, three more Shadow Pokémon are not normally obtainable. Encounters with the Trainers that would have had Mareep, Togepi, and Scizor are not possible in the international releases without hacking the game.

In spin-off games

Pokémon Trading Card Game

Booster pack images were changed between localizations to reflect the art style used for booster packs by region.
The title screen was changed between the Japanese and international releases.
The Super Game Boy border in international releases removes the writing of Pokémon • Trading • Card • Game • on the Poké Balls.
The back of Pokémon cards was changed in international releases to the design used on the back of cards outside of Japan.
In the Japanese version, the symbol for a paralyzed Pokémon are two vertical jagged lines (). In the American and European versions, the symbol is a horizontal jagged line ().
The artwork for Jynx Lv. 23's face was changed from black to purple in international releases to avoid further controversy. The background of the card was also changed from dark purple to light purple in the Virtual Console release.
When the player tries to save an unnamed deck in the Japanese version, the player name is included in the default deck name. In all other languages, the player name is not included. For instance, if the player is named "パーク" (Park) in the Japanese version, the first default name used for an unnamed deck is "パークの００１デッキ" (Park's 001 Deck). In the English version, the first default name is simply "001 Deck"
In the Japanese version of Pokémon Trading Card Game, Imakuni? says that he sings the Can You Name All the Pokémon?, which is a true statement in real life. However, in the English localization, Imakuni? mentions that he sings the Pokérap instead. Both Can You Name All the Pokémon? and the Kanto Pokérap are songs listing the Generation I Pokémon.

Hey You, Pikachu!

Certain items have been changed:
- The rice ball (an item that Pikachu can eat) was changed to a cupcake.
- In Japanese version, the corn in garden is eggplants instead. Due to this, popcorn is not present in these versions.
- In Viridan Forest, the player finds cattails instead of horsetails.
- In Springleaf Field, the Morning glory flower is recolored to resemble a Bluebell instead.
In the US release, the shoes outside the player's room are missing. In Japan, it is customary to take off shoes before walking into a building or home. In the US it is common to walk into buildings or homes with shoes still on.
The Pokémon cries have been changed to localized ones.
In the English release, when the player is speaking, a bubble is shown to indicate that the player's voice is being detected by the microphone. In the Japanese release, the bubble only appears if the player is directly addressing Pikachu.
The Suikawari minigame in Cobalt Coast was changed to a piñata smashing game. When Pikachu loses in the Japanese version, he receives a soda can pull tab, in the English version he receives a bottle cap ring instead.
The Nintendo 64 in the Japanese version contains a Super Nintendo game, this was fixed in the English release to be a Nintendo 64 game instead.

Pokémon Channel

The language that plays in the Pichu Brothers channel changes depending on the regional version of the game.

Pokémon Pinball

The European release features a menu when starting up the game that lets the player select which language they want to play the game in.
On the Copyright screen in the English and European versions, the games list Creatures Inc. and HAL Laboratory, Inc. instead of Creatures and HAL Laboratory. The European release was further edited to show it was released later than the Japanese and English releases.
On the Title screen, Pikachu is smiling in the international releases. The European release corrects Poké Dex to POKéDEX.
The European release gives two options for how strong the Rumble feature is in the Options menu with the options of Mild and Strong. The English and Japanese releases only have an Off and On setting. Additionally, the M in RUMBLE is slightly wider in the European release.
The control scheme options were simplified to three predefined options in the European release.
The Super Game Boy border is different between releases. The Japanese release lacks a ("TM") symbol. The European release features a large vibrant blue font of Pokémon Pinball.
The four lights in the out lanes and return lanes spell out CAVE in the international release and HOLE in the Japanese release.
The Japanese version of the game spells out "GET" instead of "CATCH!" while capturing a Pokémon.

Pokémon Puzzle League

The hidden developer love message depends on if the game is the Japanese or international version.

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team

In Japanese and Korean versions of the game, the recruit list has species name alongside the nickname. In the localization, only the nickname (if any) is displayed.
The Japanese version of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team had a game breaking bug which would erase all the save data of any game in the Gameboy Advance slot. This bug was fixed in international releases.

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity

When first meeting Swanna in the English version of the game, she makes a statement that references Carly Rae Jepsen's song, "Call Me Maybe".
In the Japanese version, players are able to select the gender for their partner Pokémon. In the international versions, there is no gender selection.
- Because of the lack of gender selection and the fact that some languages have no gender-neutral pronoun, these languages use male pronouns.

References

This game-related article is part of Project Games, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon games.

[1] Swift (Speed Star) in Japanese 1st Gen - Glitch City Laboratories Forums

[2] Pokemon Red substitute/swift/drain bugs - Pastebin

[1]

[2]