Today, we’re going to reveal five, super fun, Pokémon coding projects for young coders to try in Scratch, Python, and Javascript.
Since its creation in 1996, Pokémon (a Japanese portmanteau for “Pocket Monster'') has become a cultural icon, beloved by several generations of kids around the world, and has produced many popular video games, toys, TV series, and feature films. Pikachu and other iconic characters have come a long way since Pokémon Gold, Red, and Blue on the black-and-white screen of the original Gameboy.
Aside from the 20+ Pokémon games and appearances across the Nintendo universe in amazing games like Super Smash Bros, Pokémon has long been part of innovations in gaming such as the mobile hit, Pokémon Go. Now via Scratch, Roblox, and other platforms, young developers can make their own Pokémon animations and games. So let's take a look at some of the coolest projects for you and your child to build, inspired by characters they love.
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Discover Cool Pokémon Coding Projects
These projects are a great way to learn about coding. Unlike some other subjects, most kids love learning how computer programming works, and adding Pokémon to the mix just makes it that much more fun.
1. Code a Pokémon Evolution Animation in Scratch
Level: Beginner
Follow CodeSpeakLabs, as they use Scratch to build a Pokémon Evolution game. Start by opening Scratch and following this link to download some Pokémon sprites. Make sure you choose Pokémon from the same evolution tree like Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, and Venusaur. You will then use movement blocks, variables, and event blocks to create a program where the base Pokemon evolves higher and higher to its most powerful form. This project is a great way for a Pokémon fan to learn more about Scratch, and contains several in-depth videos to help your child design their own animation.
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Once your child progresses to the Intermediate Game Building class using Scratch coding, they'll be able to customize their projects to create a Pokémon virtual pet and keep it healthy and happy, or even make and conquer a Catch the Pokémon Game.
2. Pokémon Fighting Game in Scratch
Level: Intermediate
For more of a challenge, this video guide on Youtube can help your child develop a game where they program two Pokémon to fight, just like a real Pokémon Arena battle! You will learn how to animate your Pokémon sprites, set them up with unique attacks, and create variables to track health and score. It’s a super fun project where you can learn the basics of developing a fighting game, though it might not be the easiest project to tackle without some previous experience using Scratch.
3. Pokémon Halloween Game in Scratch
Level: Intermediate
It’s never too early to start preparing for the Spooky Season. With this Halloween-themed game, developers can build their own Pokémon combat game. This advanced project will guide you and your child through building a selection screen to choose your fighter and your enemy from some of the scarier looking Pokémon. You will learn how to design backdrops and program spooky music into your Pokémon game through this Youtube tutorial. Check for a link in the comments to try out the game and see the workings of the code inside.
4. Build Your Own Pokedex
Level: Advanced
Scratch is a brilliant programming language for all ages. But for older kids and teenagers looking to learn other programming languages, there are some great projects out there. Considering that Pokemon has been around for almost thirty years and has spawned dozens of games, it’s not surprising that lots of teenagers and grownups love the franchise, too. If you are looking for a more advanced project, consider using Python to build your own Pokedex, the tool from the Pokémon universe that allows you to keep track of all the Pokémon you might encounter in the games, mangas, and TV series (as of 2024, there are over 1025 Pokémon).
5. Code Your Own 2D Pokémon Game
Level: Advanced
For an even more advanced project, consider designing your own 2D replica of the original as a web-based game using HTML, CSS, and Javascript. In this game you'll use the arrow keys to control your player, and collect Pokéballs.
These are definitely projects for experienced coders, using the same programming languages that professional data scientists and web developers use to do their jobs.
Enjoy Pokémon Coding Projects
You don’t need to be Pikachu to get that creative spark. Pokémon coding projects are a great way to inspire young coders to develop problem solving and STEM skills that will make them great storytellers, engineers, and game designers in the future. Get started today with one of the projects listed above, or read more about fun coding activities for kids to fuel your child’s passion for learning. See you next time!
Written by Bryan Gordon, a Create & Learn instructor. After ten years of working as an English teacher, Bryan began studying Math and Computer Science over the past few years. Aside from writing and teaching, he likes cooking, gardening, playing guitar, and hanging out with his cats, Baguette and Wally.
