The Pokémon franchise has evolved far past the original Nintendo games. From those Gameboy and DS handheld video games to anime series, action figures, and collectible cards, there's so much more to the franchise than just Ash's endless quest to catch them all.
For fans of the video games though, there's plenty of easter eggs in various other properties for them to pick up on and enjoy. From different details about the Pokémon themselves to the inclusion of characters; those have made the jump from the game to the screen. Some may be a blink and you'll miss the moment, but others have become folklore for lovers of these battling creatures.
10 The Snorlax Barricade
Fans of the Pokémon game series will know that it's all too common to have a significant path blocked by some kind of obstacle. It may be tall plants, an over-enthusiastic rival, or perhaps a Pokémon trying to stop a player from progressing onwards.
The fan-favorite Snorlax is famous for blocking Route 11 in Fire Red and Leaf Green and players must find another way around if they are to continue on their journey. In Detective Pikachu another Snorlax can be found asleep in Ryme City blocking a different path.
9 Catching A Caterpie
Fans of the games will know that there's a bit of a hierarchy when it comes to catching a Pokémon. While players start off with a choice of a companion that they are given, they must then work to catch their own Pokémon and build their squad.
Usually, players will immediately enter some tall grass and have an encounter with a wild Pokémon. In the early days it would be Pokémon like the Caterpie which would turn up and be easy to catch; in true fashion Ash's first-ever effortless catch was in fact a Caterpie like so many other players before him.
8 Ho-Oh's Appearance
The original episode of the Ash anime series also had the first on-screen appearance of Ho-Oh, the legendary Pokémon. What's interesting about that is that the character had not actually appeared in the games yet.
Ho-Oh was supposed to be a part of Generation I, but when they ran out of room this legendary design was moved to Generation II. Fans got a sneak peek at this fantastical creature though, who has continued to appear to Ash throughout the show.
7 Misty's Dream
The original anime series has Misty as a companion to Ash. She has a big dream, to one day become one of the best water type trainers in the world. She has some great Pokémon on her roster, but so early into her career, she isn't quite ready for the big time yet.
Fans of the video games will be aware that Misty's ultimate dream actually comes true. She becomes the Gym Leader of Cerulean Gym in her home city and fights using water-type Pokémon. Players actually have to defeat her if they are to go on their victorious journey.
6 Cubone's Dark Secret
Cubone can quite often be found crying. In the anime, there's a number of times where the smaller Pokémon is in tears and in Detective Pikachu there are Cubone crying in a field, in a completely bizarre scenario for those who don't understand the games.
Pokémon game fans though will be aware of the dark secret that Cubone carries with them. When their mother dies, they actually wear the skulls on their head; they cry because they are in mourning. It's quite twisted and makes the series feel a little bit like a horror, but is a small detail for fans paying attention.
5 An Alternate Timeline
The Pokémon game series has introduced the idea of Mega Evolutions; something that has added an additional gameplay mechanic and sees Pokémon actually become even more powerful than they ever have been before.
The games make mention of a version of the Hoenn region which is now on a slightly different path in regards to those evolutions. The Omega Ruby and Sapphire series actually have a different approach to Mega Evolutions compared to the games and may be that alternate timeline that the original series refers to!
4 Dawn
It's not very often when a playable character gets introduced into the anime series, especially because some fans familiar with the show may not actually play the games. Ash for instance is pretty much an original character and fleshed out throughout the seasons.
But Dawn is a character that players can actually become in the Pearl and Diamond generation. She's also a key part of Ash's group of companions and goes on her own story arc, separate from that of the game in which she features. She becomes an incredible skilled trainer by the conclusion!
3 Getting His Steps In
Another reference in Detective Pikachu now and this one not only links back to the original video games but also the Pokémon Go mobile game that once took the world by storm. In an offhanded comment, Pikachu says he's walking around to try and get his steps in.
It's a small comment but fans of the games will recognise the task of walking around to try and hatch eggs in both the game itself and indeed in Pokémon Go. It's a minor reference but a fun one nonetheless.
2 A Wild Drifloon
Pokémon Sun and Moon is a series that fans have been greatly enjoying, but many noticed something quite disturbing in a previous episode, concerning the mythology of a Drifloon.
In the game, the Pokédex suggests that a child that touches a Drifloon will actually go missing. In the background of an episode, it's clear to see an unfortunate child playing with a Drifloon, in a very dark twist.
1 Iconic Gameboy Sound
The 2019 anime series, often referred to as Journey or Pocket Monsters, has an interesting addition to the opening credits. Pokémon theme tunes have become pretty iconic over the years.
Sometimes they even include the classic video game sounds. For the 2019 series, the opening credits would begin with the same sound that the old Gameboy used to make when it would turn on. It's a fun throwback reference for fans.