After nearly 30 years of development, Pokémon has become one of the most successful game franchises worldwide, featuring over 1,000 official Pokémon species in the Pokédex. However, not every idea from Game Freak made it into the final games.
Here are 16 notable designs that fans still regret never seeing come to life.
1. Gorochu – Pikachu’s Final Evolution
One of the most famous cut Pokémon is Gorochu, originally planned as the evolution after Raichu in Generation 1. Compared to Raichu, Gorochu had a fiercer look with large horns and a muscular build. However, due to the limited cartridge space on the Game Boy, Game Freak had to scrap this idea.
2. Kōnya – Meowth’s Pre-evolution
Few know that Meowth was once planned to have a pre-evolution called Kōnya. This Normal-type Pokémon was meant to evolve into Meowth at a low level. Interestingly, Kōnya was cut twice during development, both in Generation 1 and Generation 2.
3. Rinrin and Berurun
This pair of Dark-type cat Pokémon had a design that was both cute and mysterious. Rinrin appeared only as a female and would evolve into Berurun. With their striking looks, many believe they could have become the new iconic cat Pokémon if released.
4. Kurusu
Before Totodile was chosen as the Generation 2 Water-type starter, Game Freak developed the Kurusu – Akua – Akueria line, inspired by the ancient marine reptile Plesiosaur. Despite their unique design, they were ultimately replaced by Totodile.
5. Kotora and Raitora
Kotora and Raitora were Electric-type tiger Pokémon developed as early as Generation 1. Their names mean “tiger cub” and “thunder tiger.” They were considered for a return in Generation 2 but were ultimately cut.
6. Wolfman and Warwolf
Inspired by werewolf legends, Wolfman and Warwolf were Ice-type Pokémon with a rather intimidating appearance. Some fans believe design elements from them were later reused in creating Swinub and Piloswine.
7. Honooguma
If things had gone differently, Cyndaquil might never have existed. Initially, Honooguma and its two evolutions Borubeaa and Dainabea were candidates for the Generation 2 Fire-type starter. This fire bear line was highly regarded but lost out to Cyndaquil.
8. Guardia
Cubone was once planned to have a final evolution called Guardia. This Pokémon was larger and stronger than Marowak, but the idea was scrapped, leaving Cubone’s family with only two forms.
9. Gyaoon
This is one of the oldest discovered Pokémon designs. The name Gyaoon comes from Godzilla’s roar in Japanese. Documents suggest it was created even before many well-known Pokémon today.
10. Turban
Turban was originally designed as a standalone Pokémon related to the creature attached to Slowbro’s tail. Fans still debate whether Turban was meant to be an evolution of Slowpoke or a completely separate Pokémon.
11. Madame
Long before Sirfetch’d appeared, Game Freak planned an evolution for Farfetch’d called Madame. This Pokémon resembled a swan or goose more than a duck, giving it an elegant and distinct look compared to Farfetch’d.
12. Pudi
Generation 2 was planned to include many baby Pokémon, including Pudi, a baby form of Growlithe. Initially, Pudi would evolve into Growlithe before becoming Arcanine, completing a three-stage evolution line.
13. Puchikoon
Puchikoon was conceived as a baby form of Ponyta. Its name roughly means “little unicorn.” Unlike Ponyta and Rapidash, which are Fire-type, Puchikoon was designed as a Normal-type, making it the most unique member of the evolution line.
14. Norowara and Kyonpan
Norowara and Kyonpan were Ghost-type Pokémon inspired by straw talismans and zombies from Chinese folklore. Their eerie designs are still considered some of the most regrettable cut ideas.
15. Monja
Monja was planned as a pre-evolution of Tangela. The evolution line also had another final form that was scrapped. It wasn’t until Generation 4 that Tangela officially gained Tangrowth, completing its family.
16. Omega
Omega is one of the strangest Pokémon designs ever revealed. It looks like a mechanical monster inspired by classic Japanese kaiju films. When the design surfaced years after Generation 1, many fans noted its strong resemblance to Mechagodzilla, with bulky armor and a sci-fi style.
Although these designs never appeared in official games, they showcase Game Freak’s ambitious creative process. Some ideas were later reused to create familiar Pokémon, while others like Gorochu, Kotora, Puchikoon, and Omega remain as lost concepts that fans continue to discuss and cherish.