Wobbuffet
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 Unown (#201) - Wobbuffet - Girafarig (#203) | |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Name (Japanese), Number | Wobbuffet (Sonans), 202 |
| Stage | Basic |
| Evolves from | 'Wynaut³ |
| Evolves to | (none) |
| Battle¹ | |
| Hit points | 190 |
| Attack | 33 |
| Defense | 58 |
| Speed | 33 |
| Special attack | 33 |
| Special defense | 58 |
| Biological | |
| Species | Patient Pokémon |
| Types | Template:PokemonTypePsychic |
| Height | 1.3 m (4 ft 3 in) |
| Weight | 29 kg (63 lb) |
| Pokédex Color | Blue |
| Shiny color | Its body becomes purple. |
| Ability | Shadow Tag |
| Gender distribution | 50.0% male, 50.0% female |
| ¹ Stats for trading card versions may vary. ² Pokémon Gold/Silver/Crystal | |
Wobbuffet, known as Sonans (ソーナンス Sōnansu) in Japan, a fictional character, is a creature from the Pokémon series. It is Pokémon #202 in the National Pokédex and #161 in the Hoenn Pokédex.
| Contents |
Name origin
The name 'Wobbuffet' probably comes from the words 'wobble' and 'buffet' (to strike with repeated blows).
The origins of the name 'Soonansu' (also spelled Sonans) and this creature's mannerisms are rather obscure compared to most Pokémon. The character is based on the late Japanese comedian Sanpei Hayashiya (林家三平) (1925-1980). Hayashiya's trademark routine (similar to Rodney Dangerfield's "I get no respect" or Yakov Smirnoff's "in Soviet Russia") involved him putting one hand to his forehead and saying "Sô nansu, okusan" (そうなんす、奥さん) ("So it seems, madam"). This is why, in the Japanese Pokémon anime and movies, this Pokémon is often seen putting a hand to its forehead and shouting "Soooooonansu!"
Availability
Wobbuffet is available in every Pokémon game from Gold and Silver onward, with the exception of Pokémon Colosseum.
In Gold, Silver, and Crystal, it is available in Dark Cave, and as a prize at the Goldenrod Game Corner for 1500 coins. In Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, you can catch it in the Safari Zone. In Fire Red and Leaf Green, high-level Wobbuffet can be found in the Unknown Dungeon.
Information
Wobbuffet hates light and shock. If attacked, it inflates its body to pump up its counter strike. To keep its pitch-black tail hidden, it lives quietly in the darkness in a dark cave and only comes out at night. It is never first to attack. If two or more Wobbuffet meet, they will turn competitive and try to outdo each other's endurance. However, they may try to see which one can endure the longest without food. Trainers need to beware of this habit. It does nothing but endure attacks - it won't attack on its own. However, it won't endure an attack on its tail. When that happens, the Pokémon will try to take the foe with it using Destiny Bond.
It is shaped like a balloon, coloured blue and having a short flat black tail. Wobbuffet prefer to live in dark places to hide their mismatched tail.
Unlike most Pokémon, Wobbuffet can not learn any new attacks except the four they know when they are captured. They are Mirror Coat, Counter, Safeguard and Destiny Bond. These attacks do not do damage in themselves. Mirror Coat and Counter reflect back damage inflicted by an opponent's attack, which is where Wobbuffet owns its "Patient" characterisation; it is never the first to attack in a battle. Safeguard protects Wobbuffet from ailments. If its tail is hit by an attack, however, it will use Destiny Bond, which will cause the enemy to faint if Wobbuffet itself faints. It can also know Splash, Encore, and Charm if evolved from a Wynaut
Anime appearances
In the cartoon, Jessie of Team Rocket acquires a Wobbuffet after it is accidentally exchanged with Jessie's Lickitung. Wobbuffet is her equivalent of Misty's Psyduck — it has a habit of popping out of its Pokéball at inopportune times without being called. In the original version, owing to its name, Sonans' appearance is usually to agree with a sentiment recently uttered. This is not always the case; in one episode, Team Rocket stole a Sudowoodo (original name: ウソッキ usokki false wood). As they interrogated the Sudowoodo regarding its type (Rock, although it appears to be a Grass-type), both Pokemon chimed in, Sudowoodo disagreeing ("uso" meaning "lie") and Wobbuffet agreeing ("sou nan 'su" meaning "correct") constantly, much to the chagrin and annoyance of Team Rocket.
Super Smash Bros. Melee
In the popular GameCube game Super Smash Bros. Melee, Wobbuffet can be summoned out randomly by use of the Pokéball item. Wobbuffet cannot directly attack players, but will hurt them when struck directly. Throwing an item into Wobbuffet will also cause it to wobble with its Counter attack, striking anyone close enough to it. Beware: even the player who summoned Wobbuffet can be hurt by its Counter!
Pokémon Channel
In the Nintendo GameCube game Pokémon Channel, Wobbuffet is one of the few Pokémon to host his own show, which is in the form of a simple trivia game show. Wobbuffet quizzes three random Pokémon contestants, who descend from the ceiling in large Pokéballs as they answer questions correctly. All the questions involve identifying a Pokémon, based on its silhouette, voice, or a brief glimpse. Wobbuffet also appears as one of the virtual plush dolls which players can "purchase" in-game using the shopping channel.