Pokemon Stadium

About Pokemon Stadium (N64)

Pokemon Stadium is a battle and strategy game developed by Nintendo EAD and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64. It launched in Japan on August 1, 1998, as Pocket Monsters Stadium, and in North America on February 29, 2000, with the international version featuring all 151 original Pokemon. It was the first time most players saw Pokemon battle in full 3D.

Using the Transfer Pak, players could import their own teams from Pokemon Red, Blue and Yellow on Game Boy, or use rental Pokemon provided by the game. Battles took place in tournaments, gym leader challenges and the elite Stadium cups, while nine minigames offered a lighter break from serious battling.

Detailed Gameplay

Pokemon Stadium is built around turn-based 3D battles, with team building, tournaments and minigames around them.

Tournaments, cups and Gym Leader Castle

• The Stadium mode offers four cups: Pika Cup, Petit Cup, Poke Cup and Prime Cup, each with level rules.
• Gym Leader Castle recreates the gym leaders and Elite Four from Red, Blue and Yellow in order.
• Winning tournaments earns continues and unlocks harder rounds, with tougher opponents each time.

Transfer Pak and your own teams

• The Transfer Pak connects a Game Boy cartridge to the Nintendo 64 controller.
• You can import your trained Pokemon from Red, Blue and Yellow, with their moves and stats intact.
• Pokemon can also be stored, traded and organized through the Game Boy Tower feature.

Battle system and strategy

• Battles use the classic turn-based system, with type matchups, status effects and critical hits.
• Team composition matters, since a balanced team covers weaknesses across types.
• Moves like Thunder Wave, Sleep Powder and Toxic can turn a battle by crippling opponents.

Minigames and Kids Club

• Nine minigames feature Pokemon like Clefairy, Ekans and Magikarp in party challenges.
• Minigames include a sushi-eating race, a digging contest and a hurdle race for Lickitung.
• Kids Club mode lets up to four players compete in minigames for coins and prizes.

Game Highlights

• Pokemon in full 3D: Seeing 151 original Pokemon battle in 3D stadiums was a revelation in 2000.
• Your Game Boy team, on TV: The Transfer Pak let your own trained Pokemon fight on the big screen.
• Gym Leader Castle: Reliving the gyms and Elite Four in 3D gave Red, Blue and Yellow a new life.
• Nine party minigames: Clefairy and Magikarp made Stadium fun even between tournaments.

Controls

On the Nintendo 64 controller, Pokemon Stadium is menu-driven, so controls are simple and clear. - Analog Stick: Move through menus, select Pokemon and navigate the battle interface. - A Button: Confirm selections, choose moves and advance through battle text. - B Button: Cancel choices, go back in menus and return to previous screens. - C Buttons: View Pokemon stats, check move details and switch camera angles in battle. - Z Button: Open help screens and view detailed information about moves and Pokemon. - L and R Buttons: Scroll through Pokemon lists and switch pages in menus. - D-Pad: Navigate menus and select options in most screens. - Start Button: Pause the game and view tournament progress and options.

Tips and Strategies to Win

Pokemon Stadium rewards balanced teams and smart type matchups over raw power. - Build a team covering many types, so no single opponent type can sweep your whole roster. - Teach status moves like Thunder Wave and Sleep Powder to control faster opponents. - Use rental Pokemon wisely if you have no transferred team, and learn their preset moves. - Save your strongest Pokemon for late tournament rounds, when opponents get much harder.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need Pokemon Red, Blue or Yellow to play Pokemon Stadium? A: No, rental Pokemon are provided for every battle, but connecting Red, Blue or Yellow with the Transfer Pak lets you use your own trained team with its moves and stats.

Q: How many Pokemon are in Pokemon Stadium? A: The international version features all 151 original Pokemon from Red, Blue and Yellow, battling in full 3D across tournaments, Gym Leader Castle and minigames.

Q: Can I play Pokemon Stadium online for free? A: Yes, you can play Pokemon Stadium online for free in your browser here, with no download or installation needed - just open the game and enter your first tournament.