The pitifully weak Pokémon has been showing up in some embarrassing places, including one that shows a preference for a rival company’s video games.
Despite being based on a Japanese franchise and designed by an American software developer, Pokémon GO, the first mobile game in Nintendo’s beloved monster rearing series, launched first in Australia and New Zealand. While the rest of the world is finally just getting or still waiting for its turn to play the augmented-reality title, lucky gamers in the two southern-hemisphere countries are already living the dream of searching for Pocket Monsters in the real world.
While it’s not yet known just how many of the hundreds of pre-existing Pokémon will show up in Pokémon GO, we do know that the fish-like Magikarp has made the cut. The creature occupies a unique position in the series, in that while trainers patient enough to nurture it into its evolved form will be rewarded with a powerful ally, in its normal form, Magikarp is so weak as to be practically useless.
Because of this, Pokemon GO players can’t help but laugh at some of the less-than-dignified places they’ve been finding Magikarp specimens.
▼ Some say eating a beast gives you its power, but Magikarp hardly has any power to give.
dad was cooking fish tonight and my phone buzzed and pic.twitter.com/4WbeF45d6z
— ✦ rhonnie ✦ 🔜 melbnova #248 !! (@ryonello) July 6, 2016
▼ Cleanup on Aisle 4!
▼ Wait a second, does Nintendo know Magikarp is browsing the PlayStation corner of this game shop?
▼ Well, it is a water-type Pokémon, after all.
▼ Having a conference room that’s also a Pokémon habitat is a surefire way to make sure employees show up for meetings.
▼ Magikarp? More like Magikrotch.
This feels a bit weird, however I obviously want to catch a Magicarp #PokemonGO pic.twitter.com/RQZaT4HjPD
— Joel Jarman (@joeljarman) July 6, 2016
But remember, as amazing as it is to see Magikarp appear against actual backdrops, Pokémon GO is still a video game. The Pokémon that show up on your screen aren’t really there, so there’s no need to actually reach out and grab the physical environment to catch your quarry.
Source: Yurukuyaru via Jin
Follow Casey on Twitter, where all this talk of Magikarp has him feeling nostalgic for Baseball Star’s SNK Crushers, that Shining Force gopher, and other video game characters that suddenly spike in power.

Pokémon Magikarp Jump Game Launches for iOS, Android Devices
How to hatch your Pokémon GO eggs without taking a single step
Pokémon Go players discover unusual gym locations around Japan
Pokémon finally comes to iPhone and Android as the augmented reality game Pokémon GO 【Video】
Starbucks branch gives blended ice welcome to Pokémon GO players with cool Pokémon Frappuccinos
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
We almost cried on our first visit to this under-the-radar budget Italian restaurant in Japan
Does the maxixe live up to its promise of being a whole new flavor for our Japanese reporter?
National Geographic names Yamagata Prefecture on its “Best of the World 2026” travel destinations
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Studio Ghibli unveils new fluffy purses from films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away
This beautiful Nara inn was once home to a Living National Treasure
7-Eleven opens “next generation” SIP convenience store in Japan
Sailor Moon Sanrio partnership adds pairings for Sailor Starlights in new crossover merch line【Pics】
Kirby mochi arrives at Family Mart, but is it as sweet to eat as it is to look at?【Taste test】
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Real takoyaki is almost impossible to find in Tokyo, but this place has it, our hardliner says
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
Studio Ghibli releases new Ursula’s blanket from Kiki’s Delivery Service
Never forget that Mister Donut’s super-simple ramen is actually very hard to beat
Tokyo all-you-can-eat senbei deal is perfect for newbies to the world of beloved Japanese snacks
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
JR Hokkaido train driver in trouble for reading book about trains on stopped train
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli releases new anime tea and mugs in Japan
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
New Pokémon mobile game, Pokémon Sleep, promises to turn sleeping into entertainment【Video】
Volunteers being sought for field test of Pokémon Go mobile game
Here’s how the awesome new Pokémon GO mobile game will look on your smartphone
Kyoto temple becomes Pokémon Go gym in Japan, provides special phone chargers for players
Insane Japanese Twitter user does the unthinkable: beats Pokémon Sun/Moon only using Magikarp
Creators of Pokémon Go apologise for game’s late arrival in video address to players in Japan
Mini stampedes in Tokyo’s Ueno Park as it becomes a nest for rare Pokémon GO character【Video】
Updates on Nintendo’s revolutionary Pokémon Go: Gyms, teams, location-specific Pokémon and more
Pokémon GO players in Japan discover strange new hybrid species of monsters in the game
Pokémon Go released in Japan? We spot a rare “Glasses Pikachu” at Tokyo’s Nintendo headquarters
Exercise-hating Pokémon GO player discovers another way to find and hatch Pokémon without walking
Pokémon GO Plus Accessory Launches on September 16
Leave a Reply