The sixth generation of Pokemon games was able to revolutionize the franchise. Pokemon X and Y took steps in rethinking how Pokemon could be played at both the base level, and when it came to more competitive strategies. This required overhauls of the graphics and playstyles that Pokemon had used in the past, as well as the introduction of new Pokemon evolutions, the new Fairy type for Pokemon, and 72 new Pokemon for Pokemon X and Pokemon Y. While it's not the most new Pokemon the franchise has ever introduced at one time, the 72 new Pokemon in Pokemon X and Y played a significant role in pushing the latest games in the direction they’ve taken.

Pokemon X and Y’s thematic focus on beauty, bonds, and evolution reverberate throughout the generation’s Pokemon designs. This was done through alternate visual styles for certain Pokemon like Furfrou, leaning into the culinary culture of the Kalos region’s French inspiration, and making Mega Evolutions a significant part of the game. While only one of the new Pokemon introduced in Gen 6 is capable of Mega Evolution, a total of 28 Mega Evolutions, including the Mega Evolution of Garchomp, were introduced alongside Kalos’ 72 unique Pokemon.

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What Was Added in Pokemon X and Y

The Pokemon X and Y logos with a map of the Kalos region in the background.

Leading the way for Pokemon X and Y were the three starter Pokemon. While they each had their time in the spotlight, Greninja rapidly became a mainstay due to the Pokemon’s overall design and later interpretations that included Ash from the Pokemon anime series. In the anime, and later featured in the games, Ash-Greninja acts as a kind of pseudo-Mega Evolution for the Pokemon, but isn’t true to the mechanic.

The Ash-Greninja form of Greninja comes from its bond with its trainer, and highlights the bond and evolution aspects that Pokemon X and Y focused on. On top of this, the Mega Evolution Mechanic that featured in Gen 6 as a whole reappeared in Pokemon Sun and Moon, helping to push the Pokemon franchise towards more alternative mechanics for Pokemon. This has ultimately led to the Dynamax and Gigantamax mechanics that are featured in Pokemon Sword and Shield.

Even though the addition of Mega Evolution was influential, it has since been left behind, but Pokemon X and Y’s most impactful change has remained. Pokemon X and Y’s gameplay and design took advantage of the 3D capable hardware that the Nintendo 3DS had in two great ways. Not only were 3D visual effects capable of giving the games more depth, but the newly introduced 3D overworld and 3D models become a mainstay of the Pokemon franchise. Even in the newly released Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl remakes of Gen 4, 3D models are used over the 2D sprites of Gen 1 through 5, despite the games’ other stylistic choices.

Every New Pokemon in Gen 6

Delphox, Chesnaught, and Greninja from Pokemon X and Y with a map of the Kalos region in the background.

As a whole Pokemon X and Y helped to make the modern Pokemon games what they are. While the first five generations of games are great, the incredible change from 2D to 3D graphics, as well as new mechanics, has helped to make Gen 6 a defining point in the franchise. Alongside the remakes of Pokemon’s third generation of games, Pokemon X and Y made Gen 6 stand out in ways other generations don’t. This is also thanks to many of the unique Pokemon introduced in Gen 6 and its Kalos region:

  • Chespin
  • Quilladin
  • Chesnaught
  • Fennekin
  • Braixen
  • Delphox
  • Froakie
  • Frogadier
  • Greninja
  • Bunnelby
  • Diggersby
  • Fletchling
  • Fletchinder
  • Talonflame
  • Scatterbug
  • Spewpa
  • Vivillon
  • Litleo
  • Pyroar
  • Flabebe
  • Floette
  • Florges
  • Skiddo
  • Gogoat
  • Pancham
  • Pangoro
  • Furfrou
  • Espurr
  • Meowstic
  • Honedge
  • Doublade
  • Aegislash
  • Spritzee
  • Aromatisse
  • Swirlix
  • Slurpuff
  • Inkay
  • Malamar
  • Binacle
  • Barbaracle
  • Skrelp
  • Dragalge
  • Clauncher
  • Clawitzer
  • Helioptile
  • Heliolisk
  • Tyrunt
  • Tyrantrum
  • Amaura
  • Aurorus
  • Sylveon
  • Hawlucha
  • Dedenne
  • Carbink
  • Goomy
  • Sliggoo
  • Goodra
  • Klefki
  • Phantump
  • Trevenant
  • Pumpkaboo
  • Gourgeist
  • Bergmite
  • Avalugg
  • Noibat
  • Noivern
  • Xerneas
  • Yveltal
  • Zygarde
  • Diancie
  • Hoopa
  • Volcanion

As a whole Pokemon's Gen 6 did a lot of work when it comes to "firsts" for Pokemon. The gameplay changes are noticeable, but there were also special typings among these Pokemon that helped them stand out. Alongside the addition of Fairy-type, new dual-type Pokemon popped up with combinations that hadn't been seen before, like Volcanion being the first Fire and Water-type Pokemon. While some of the features of this generation have been left behind, many of these unique Pokemon continue to stand out thanks to their unique place in the Pokemon franchise.

Pokemon X and Pokemon Y are available now for the Nintendo 3DS.

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