Meowth

Meowth, known in Japanese as Nyarth, is a Pokémon from Nintendo and Game Freak. It evolves into Persian. Meowth first appeared in the games Pokémon Red and Blue and has been in many games, like Pokémon Go and the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

Meowth has special forms. In Pokémon Sun and Moon, there is Alolan Meowth. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, there is Galarian Meowth. These look different from regular Meowth. Sword and Shield also has a giant version called Gigantamax Meowth.

In the Pokémon TV series, Meowth is a main character. It works with Jessie and James as part of the Team Rocket group. They often try to take Pikachu from Ash Ketchum. This Meowth can talk like a person, which is rare for Pokémon. Meowth is very popular, especially in the anime.

Conception and development

Meowth is a type of fictional creature called a Pokémon. It was created for the Pokémon games and shows. It first appeared in the games Pokémon Red and Blue, made by Game Freak and published by Nintendo. In these games, players catch and train Pokémon to battle others. Meowth is a Normal-type Pokémon and can evolve into Persian through training. Its Japanese name, Nyarth, comes from a saying about a cat with money on its head, teaching the value of money.

Meowth has had several special forms. In Pokémon Sun and Moon, it got an Alolan form, turning into a Dark-type Pokémon. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Meowth received two new forms: a Gigantamax form that makes it grow very big, and a Galarian form, which is a Steel-type that evolves into a new Pokémon called Perrserker.

Voice

In the Pokémon TV series, Meowth has been voiced by different actors. In Japan, Inuko Inuyama voices Meowth. The English voice actor was originally Matthew Sussman. Later, Maddie Blaustein and then James Carter Cathcart took over the role.

Design

Meowth looks like a two-legged, sandy-colored cat with a gold coin on its head. The Alolan form has bigger ears, blue-grey fur, and a calmer personality. The Galarian form has grey iron fur, a beard, and sharp teeth.

Appearances

Meowth first appeared in the games Pokémon Red and Blue, and it has been in most Pokémon games since then. In Pokémon Yellow, Meowth appears as an enemy with characters Jessie and James from Team Rocket, but you can only get it by trading. In Pokémon Sun and Moon, the regular Meowth isn’t available except through trading, but you can find its special Alolan form. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, you can find Galarian Meowth in the wild, and you can trade it for the regular Meowth. The regular Meowth can also change into a special form called Gigantamax Meowth in these games.

Meowth also appears in many other Pokémon games, such as Pokémon Snap, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, and Pokémon Pinball. In the Pokémon Channel, Meowth works as a TV news reporter with Psyduck. All three types of Meowth can be found in the mobile game Pokémon Go and in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. In the Pokémon TV series, Meowth is part of Team Rocket with Jessie and James. They travel in a Meowth-shaped balloon and often try to catch Pikachu, the main character Ash Ketchum's Pokémon. Meowth can talk to humans, which helps Team Rocket with their plans. In the Galar region, Meowth can change into its Gigantamax form. Even after many tries to catch Pikachu, Team Rocket stays together and keeps following Ash and Pikachu.

Promotion and merchandise

Meowth has been made into many toys, such as figures and soft plush toys. Because it is very popular in the Pokémon world, Meowth has been part of many special events and collectibles. It was one of eleven Pokémon chosen to be Japan’s mascot for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. A Meowth balloon was shown to promote the movie Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! in Tokyo. In 2022, Meowth and other cat-like Pokémon appeared on a special electronic billboard in Japan to celebrate International Cat Day in August.

Critical reception

Meowth is very popular with fans and critics. Many like its greedy personality and unique design. Some writers think Meowth is one of the best Pokémon, especially because it shows parts of Japanese culture, like collecting items and liking round objects.

In the anime, Meowth is also well liked. Its funny and clever personality has made it a favorite. Some fans enjoy having Meowth in their games because of its role in the TV show. While some think Meowth isn't special compared to newer Pokémon, many appreciate its humor and backstory, especially its ability to speak English.