Most millennials had some experience with the first pokemon game with the original Pokémon games—Red, Blue, and Yellow—hold a special place in gaming history. Released in the late 1990s, these titles not only kicked off the massive Pokémon franchise but also became the source of countless hacks, glitches, and rumours that fascinated fans for years. Let’s explore some of the most iconic legends and secrets from these classic games.
1. The Mew Under the Truck
One of the most famous rumors from the original Pokémon games was the idea that a Mew could be found hidden under a truck near the S.S. Anne. To access the truck, players would need to avoid triggering the ship’s departure by using Surf. Despite being an elaborate hoax, this myth captured the imaginations of countless players, inspiring hours of fruitless exploration.
2. MissingNo. and the Item Duplication Glitch
The MissingNo. glitch was a legendary discovery that allowed players to encounter a strange, glitchy Pokémon. By following a specific sequence of events involving the Old Man in Viridian City and surfing along the coast of Cinnabar Island, players could encounter MissingNo. Not only was it a mysterious and bizarre find, but it also enabled a famous item duplication glitch, allowing trainers to multiply items like Rare Candies and Master Balls.
3. Pikablu and Marill Hype
Before the release of Pokémon Gold and Silver, rumors circulated about a mysterious blue version of Pikachu, dubbed “Pikablu.” Early promotional material for Marill—a Pokémon introduced in the second generation—led to wild speculation that Pikablu was a hidden creature in Red, Blue, and Yellow. While this turned out to be false, it fueled excitement for the upcoming games.
4. Glitch City Adventures
Glitch City was an unintended area that players could access by performing a series of specific steps, such as flying from the Safari Zone after a failed exit. Once in Glitch City, trainers found themselves in a strange, scrambled landscape filled with nonsensical graphics. While there wasn’t much to do there, exploring this bizarre area became a badge of honor for adventurous players.
5. Level 100 Pokémon Before Brock
Another infamous exploit allowed players to capture high-level Pokémon before even earning their first badge. By exploiting glitches related to trades or certain in-game sequences, trainers could face wild level 100 Pokémon early in the game. This hack made short work of the game’s usual progression system.
6. The “PokéGods” Rumor
Back in the day, playground rumors about “PokéGods”—mystical, ultra-powerful creatures—were rampant. Names like Charcolt, Rainer, and Sapusaur floated around as potential evolutions of existing Pokémon. While none of these PokéGods ever existed, they became a hallmark of the pre-internet era when misinformation and imagination ran wild.
7. The Lavender Town Syndrome Myth
The eerie Lavender Town music sparked an urban legend known as “Lavender Town Syndrome.” According to the myth, the high-pitched tones of the original game’s music caused headaches, nausea, and even more disturbing effects in young players. While this rumor was entirely unfounded, the unsettling atmosphere of Lavender Town continues to fuel creepypasta stories to this day.
8. Catching Togepi and Ho-Oh
Before Gold and Silver introduced Togepi and Ho-Oh, rumors claimed they could be found in Red and Blue. Players shared elaborate instructions, like using Strength on specific tiles or defeating the Elite Four a certain number of times. While these theories were mere fabrications, they highlighted fans’ anticipation for new Pokémon.
9. “The Secret Room” in Cerulean Cave
Another popular rumor involved a “secret room” in Cerulean Cave, supposedly containing rare items or legendary Pokémon. Players believed the room could be accessed by using Dig or Strength in certain spots. Despite no evidence of such a room existing, the rumor persisted for years.
10. Missing Trainers and Phantom Battles
Glitches in the original games sometimes led to encounters with unnamed or “phantom” trainers. These bizarre battles featured scrambled text, odd Pokémon, and sometimes caused the game to crash. Players who stumbled upon these glitches often shared their experiences as if they had discovered hidden secrets.
The legacy of the original Pokémon games is enriched by these hacks, glitches, and rumors. While many turned out to be false, they added a layer of mystery and excitement to an already beloved series. For many fans, these stories represent the joy of discovery and the thrill of the unknown that defined the early days of Pokémon.
What were your favorite hacks or rumors from the original games? Share your memories and experiences in the comments!