<P> The Pokémon franchise revolves around 807 fictional species of collectible monsters, each having unique designs and skills . Conceived by Satoshi Tajiri in early 1989, Pokémon are creatures that inhabit the fictional Pokémon World . The designs for the multitude of species can draw inspiration from anything, such as inanimate objects, real - world animals, or mythology . Many Pokémon are capable of evolving into more powerful species, while others can undergo form changes and achieve similar results . Originally, only a handful of artists led by Ken Sugimori designed Pokémon . However, by 2013 a team of 20 artists worked together to create new species designs . Sugimori and Hironobu Yoshida lead the team and determine the final designs . Each iteration of the series has brought about praise and criticism over the numerous creatures . </P> <P> The vast array of creatures is commonly divided into "Generations", with each division encompassing new titles in the main video game series and often a change of handheld platform . Generation I refers to Red, Green, Blue and Yellow; Generation II refers to Gold, Silver, and Crystal; Generation III refers to Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald; Generation IV refers to Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum; Generation V refers to Black, White, Black 2, and White 2, Generation VI refers to X and Y; and Generation VII refers to Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon . Each Generation is also marked by the addition of new Pokémon: 151 in Generation I, 100 in Generation II, 135 in Generation III, 107 in Generation IV, 156 in Generation V, 72 in Generation VI, and 86 in Generation VII . </P> <P> Due to the large number of Pokémon, listing of each species is divided into articles by generation . All 807 Pokémon are organized by their number in the National Pokédex--an in - game electronic encyclopedia that provides various information on Pokémon . The National Pokédex is subdivided into regional Pokédex series, each revolving around species introduced at the time of their respective generations along with older generations . For example, the Johto Pokédex, Generation II, covers the 100 species introduced in Gold and Silver in addition to the original 151 species . The encyclopedias follow a general ordering: starter Pokémon are listed first, followed by species obtainable early in the respective games, and are concluded with Legendary and Mythical Pokémon . Generation V is a notable exception, as Victini is the first Pokémon in the Unova Pokedex and is also uniquely numbered as number 0 . </P> <P> The premise of Pokémon in general was conceived by Satoshi Tajiri--who later founded Game Freak--in 1989, when the Game Boy was released . The creatures that inhabit the world of Pokémon are also called Pokémon . The word "Pokémon" is a romanized contraction of the Japanese brand Pocket Monsters (ポケットモンスター, Poketto Monsutā). The concept of the Pokémon universe, in both the video games and the general fictional world of Pokémon, stems most notably from Tajiri's childhood hobby of insect collecting . Other influences on the concept include Ultraman, anime, and playing video games in general . Throughout his early life, Tajiri saw his rural, nature - filled hometown (Machida, Tokyo) transform into an urban center . The urbanization of his town drove away wildlife and he and others living in the area were eventually unable to collect insects . Through Pokémon, Tajiri sought to bring back this outdoor pastime and share it with the world . The first games in the franchise, Red and Green, were released on 27 February 1996 in Japan for the Game Boy; the games saw an international release as Red and Blue in September 1998 . The ability to capture, battle, trade, and care for numerous creatures catapulted Pokémon to international popularity and it has become a multibillion - dollar franchise and the second - best selling video game series, only behind the Mario franchise . </P>

How many pokemon are in the national pokedex