Wobbuffet

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Wobbuffet (ソーナンス Sōnansu in Japanese, Woingenau in German and Qulbutoke in French) is a fictional character from the Pokémon series. It is Pokémon #202 in the National Pokédex and #161 in the Hoenn Pokédex.

The name 'Wobbuffet' probably comes from the words 'wobble' and 'buffet' (to strike with repeated blows).

The origins of the name 'Soonansu' (also spelled Sōnans) 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", Yakov Smirnoff's "in Soviet Russia", or Jeff Foxworthy's "You might be a redneck...) 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!"

Its German name, Woingenau, means "In where exactly?"

Contents

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Appearance/Biology

Wobbuffet is a stiff Pokémon shaped like a blue balloon of sorts. Its face is in a constant grimace, and it has a short flat black tail with eyes on it. It is unknown if the eyes on this tail actually see.

Wobbuffet hates light and shock, so it lives in the quiet darkness of caves and would only come out at night. If attacked, it inflates its body to bolster its amazing ability to counter-attack using the moves Counter and Mirror Coat, rather than offensive battling like most other Pokémon, for it won’t attack on its own. It does nothing but endure attacks in this fashion, suggesting that Wobbuffet either has an inability to tolerate aggressive behavior on its part, or that it is simply built to withstand attacks. However, it will not endure an attack on its valued, sensitive tail. When that happens, the Pokémon will try to take the foe with it using Destiny Bond. To keep its pitch-black tail hidden from the sight of potential attackers, it lives in black caves and atmospheres as described above.

If two or more Wobbuffet meet, they will turn competitive and try to outdo each other's endurance in what may appear to be a standing, staring contest. However, they may try to see which one can endure the longest without food. Trainers need to be aware of this habit.

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In the video games

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, Sapphire and Emerald, you can catch it in the Safari Zone. In Fire Red and Leaf Green, high-level Wobbuffet can be found in the Unknown Dungeon.

Wobbuffet is a peculiar, considerable Pokémon in battle. It has a tremendous amount of hit points, and its Shadow Tag ability prevents its opponents from retreating from battle. 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. However, starting with the Ruby and Sapphire versions, Wobbuffet’s new pre-evolved form Wynaut had access to three additional moves: Splash, Encore, and Charm. None of these attacks do damage in themselves. Their true values are outlined below.

Mirror Coat and Counter reflect back damage inflicted by an opponent's attack, which is where Wobbuffet owns its "Patient" characterization; it is never the first to attack in a battle. Safeguard protects Wobbuffet from ailments. Destiny Bond will cause the enemy to faint if Wobbuffet itself faints, provided Wobbuffet is able to use it before the enemy deals the finishing blow. Splash, of course, is useless, Encore causes the opponent to use the same move several turns in a row whether or not the opponent wants to, and Charm decreases the opponent’s attack down by two levels. Of the three moves Wynaut can learn additionally, Encore is arguably the most potentially disruptive, so most Wobbuffet are trained with Counter, Mirror Coat, Encore, and Destiny Bond.

Due to Wobbuffet’s extreme nature, it is disallowed from competitive play, because Wobbuffet will almost always give the player an easy advantage in battle, even against higher-level foes. That is not to mention a particularly unsavory battle scenario: If a trainer battle pits two Wobbuffet against each other, it would be nearly impossible for either side to ever win a battle without one player resigning (due to the Wobbuffet not having any frontal offensive moves as well as their Shadow Tag abilities preventing each other from escape).

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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!

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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.

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Anime appearances

In the cartoon, Jessie of Team Rocket acquires a Wobbuffet after it is accidentally exchanged with Jessie's Lickitung and has appeared in almost every episode since then. 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. As they interrogated the Sudowoodo regarding its type (Rock, although it appears to be a Grass-type), both Pokémon 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.

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In the trading card game

Wobbuffet has made five appearances, Basic and Psychic-type cards unless otherwise designated:

  • Neo Discovery
  • Skyridge
  • EX Sandstorm
  • EX Team Rocket Returns (as Rocket's Wobbuffet, as a Dark-type)
  • EX Legend Maker
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References

Books
  • Barbo, Maria. The Official Pokémon Handbook. Scholastic Publishing, 1999. ISBN 0439154049.
  • Loe, Casey, ed. Pokémon Special Pikachu Edition Official Perfect Guide. Sunnydale, CA: Empire 21 Publishing, 1999. ISBN 130206151.
  • Nintendo Power. Official Nintendo Pokémon FireRed Version & Pokémon LeafGreen Version Player’s Guide. Nintendo of America Inc., August 2004. ISBN 193020650X
  • Nintendo Power. Official Nintendo Pokémon Emerald Player’s Guide. Nintendo of America Inc., April 2005. ISBN 1930206585
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External links

it:Wobbuffet

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