The questions below are the ones players ask most often about Pokémon Pinball. Each answer links to the guide page that covers the topic in more depth.
How many Pokémon are there in Pokémon Pinball?
All 151 first-generation Pokémon, from Bulbasaur to Mew. Of these, 79 can be caught directly in Catch’em Mode, Mew included, and 72 are obtained by evolving a captured Pokémon. See the full list.
Was Pokémon Pinball released in French?
Yes, in Europe on October 6, 2000. The European cartridge offers five languages for the on-screen text, French among them, and the manual comes in six languages. You choose the language the first time you switch the game on, and you can change it later in the options.
How do you change location?
On the Red Field, you have to hit the same Diglett three times; on the Blue Field, hit Poliwag or Psyduck three times. A 30-second Travel Mode then starts: go through the indicated loop or target, then enter the central hole. Details in the map and locations.
How do you evolve a Pokémon?
Light the three EVO arrows by sending the ball into the left loop three times, then go through the Evolution Mode entrance (Ditto’s hole on the Red Field, Slowpoke on the Blue Field). Choose the Pokémon, gather three evolution items and enter the central hole. See Evolution Mode.
Why won’t my Pokémon evolve?
Only Pokémon caught in the current game can evolve, and you have to find the three targets that hide an item: the others leave the Pokémon tired for about ten seconds. The two-minute time limit must also be respected. A Pokémon that is already fully evolved earns 10,000,000 points instead.
How do you get Mew?
Clear the Mewtwo bonus stage twice, go to Indigo Plateau, light three GET arrows and start Catch’em Mode: one time in sixteen, Mew may appear. Catching it takes 1,024 hits, but its Pokédex entry is registered as soon as it shows up. See the Mew page.
How many balls do you get in a game?
Three balls. The game can add up to ten more in reserve through extra balls: catching ten Pokémon, reaching certain bonus multiplier thresholds, activating Pikachu ten times, among other ways. See Extra Ball and Bonus Multiplier.
How do you reach the bonus stages?
You need to light the three Poké Balls below the central panel: a capture lights one, an evolution lights two. Then enter the central hole. The Slot Machine can also send you there directly. All the rules are in bonus stages.
How do you get the Master Ball?
Light the three indicators of the ball multiplier lanes, which upgrades the ball one level: Poké Ball, Great Ball, Ultra Ball, then Master Ball. An upgraded ball drops back one level after about a minute, and every lost ball takes you back to the Poké Ball. See Ball Upgrade.
How do you save your game?
Press Start during a game and choose SAVE: the game is saved and you return to the title screen, where the game will offer to resume it or start a new one. The Pokédex and high scores are saved without any action on your part.
How do you erase your save?
As soon as you switch the console on, hold up, right, Start and Select at the same time, before the copyright screen: an erase screen appears, with A to confirm and B to cancel. This deletes everything, Pokédex and high scores included.
What battery does the rumble feature need?
An AAA battery, originally supplied with the cartridge. If the rumble no longer responds, check this battery first before suspecting the cartridge. The rumble can be adjusted or turned off in the Options menu.
Is there a 3DS Virtual Console version?
No. Pokémon Pinball has never been re-released on the 3DS Virtual Console. Its sequel, Ruby & Sapphire, came to the Wii U Virtual Console in December 2014. See sequels and re-releases.
Can you exchange scores with a friend?
Yes, thanks to the Game Boy Color’s infrared port, which works between cartridges in different languages. The high score screen also lets you print the rankings with the Game Boy Printer.
What is the fastest way to earn points?
The Mewtwo bonus stage: every hit on Mewtwo earns 50,000,000 points. See scoring strategies.
Why do some Pokémon never appear on my table?
Because the two tables do not have the same list: Charmander exists only on the Red Field, Squirtle only on the Blue Field, for example. Some rare Pokémon also require three lit GET arrows. The full list specifies the table for each one.
