A Sneak Peek at Pokémon

A Sneak Peek at Pokémon is the name of an English-language promotional video issued in limited quantities in the United States during the summer of 1998, prior to the debut of the Pokémon franchise in the country.

The video tape's box

The video was basically a "teaser" for many elements of the franchise, most notably the anime. In addition to anime footage, the video also included live-action footage of exclusive characters said to be "friends and family" of the anime's main cast.

Due to the limited quantities, many people did not know the promotional video existed until it was leaked into two parts on YouTube and other video streaming sites, followed by people promoting it online.

Characters

Animated humans

Live-action humans

  • Hillary (Ash's aunt)
  • Trey (Ash's cousin)
  • Troy (Ash's cousin)
  • Mr. Carlson (Ash's science teacher)
  • Amy (Misty's best friend)

Pokémon

Does not include those shown only in Pokérap segments or Pokémon Theme clips or depicted in promotional materials.

Voice cast

The following recorded exclusive dialogue for this video:

Transcript

Main article: Appendix:A Sneak Peek at Pokémon

Trivia

 
The Poké Ball misspelling
  • An exclusive alternate cut of Pokémon (Dance Mix) as well as an alternate clip of the Pokérap are featured in the video.
    • While the Pokérap uses the final names of the Pokémon, featured in-game footage shows Pidgey using its original English name, Pidge.
    • The Pokérap displays the name of Rapidash correctly, but it is pronounced "Rapidos" in this version. This part of the song was re-recorded for the final version.
  • The video also contains a clip from Battle Aboard the St. Anne with a script created exclusively for promotional purposes. The alternate script is dubbed using James's original voice, who had been recast by the time the episode the clip was taken from aired with the normal script.
  • Pokémon Theme plays prior to the end credits.
  • "Poké Ball" is misspelled as "Pokéball" on the chalkboard.
  • Cards from the Japanese version of the Pokémon Trading Card Game are seen in the video.
  • Hillary's plug for the Pokémon Pikachu virtual pet referred to the device using its Japanese name, "Pocket Pikachu".
  • Hillary's breaking of the fourth wall asking viewers to "look at the video's mailing label for the Pokémon TV showtime and station" refers to the fact that the Pokémon anime would debut in first-run syndication.


  This article is part of Project Merchandise, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on all Pokémon toys, dolls, books, and collectible merchandise.