Luigi Pokémon
The Luigi Pokémon[1] was part of an April Fools' Day prank on the official Nintendo website that presumably took place in 1999. A page was published on the site, falsely stating that Luigi was the first Generation 2 Pokémon (being the first of the new "Plumber" type), as well as providing fictional instructions on how to "unlock" him. The beginnings of a "moveset" for Luigi were also listed on the site, though it was also stated on the site that "we believe there may be more". The sprite is a digitized version of his artwork from Super Smash Bros.
Website description
It seems unlikely, but the 160th Pokémon is one of Nintendo's most recognizable superstars. His name is Luigi. Luigi isn't a glitch monster like Missingno, and you don't have to win a contest to earn him (like Mew). He is a legitimate Pokémon, available in both the Red and Blue versions of the game.
Listed moveset
- Wrench
- Mustache Slap
- Gas (a poison ability)
- Cower (a defensive position)
- F. Reunion (Family Reunion: this attack summons Mario and Yoshi for a group attack)
Listed directions
Catching Luigi is not easy, but this exclusive strategy report should help. First you must capture a Lickitung (Pokémon # 108) using an Ultra Ball. If you use any other type of Poké Ball, you won't be able to own Luigi. Normally Lickitung does not evolve, but under the correct circumstances it will evolve into Luigi. Keep Lickitung in your active Pokémon list and position yourself exactly where Snorlax was blocking the bridge east of Vermillion City[sic]. Next -- and this is the crucial part - turn your Game Boy upside down. If the cartridge is not inverted, this trick won't work. With your Game Boy upside down, use a Rare Candy on Lickitung. If you're standing in the correct position on the bridge, Lickitung will evolve into Luigi. If the evolution doesn't take place, shake your Game Boy up and down (not left and right) and try again.
References
- ^ "Here is the first exclusive screen shot of the Luigi Pokémon. We wonder what other Nintendo classic characters could be in the game?" – April 1, 1999. Pokémon # 160. nintendo.com (American English). Archived March 7, 2000, 03:27:39 UTC from the original via Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
