From Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia.
Nincada
Trainee Pokémon |
ツチニン
Tutinin |
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#290 |
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Images on the Bulbagarden Archives |
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Type
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Abilities
Compound Eyes |
Run Away
Hidden Ability |
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Gender ratio
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Catch rate
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Breeding
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Height
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Weight
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Base experience yield
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Leveling rate
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EV yield
Total: 1 |
0
HP |
0
Atk |
1
Def |
0
Sp.Atk |
0
Sp.Def |
0
Speed |
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Shape
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Footprint
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Pokédex color
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Base friendship
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External Links
- On Smogon Pokédex:
- Generation III
- Generation IV
- Generation V
- Generation VI
- Generation VII
- Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives
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Nincada (Japanese: ツチニン Tutinin) is a dual-type Bug/Ground Pokémon introduced in Generation III.
It evolves into Ninjask starting at level 20. Additionally, if the player has a spare slot in the party and an extra Poké Ball, a Shedinja will appear in the player's party when Nincada evolves. An extra Poké Ball is not necessary to obtain Shedinja in Generation III.
Biology
Nincada is a small, whitish, insectoid Pokémon. It has a pointed snout, a thin stripe that dips in a V-shaped pattern between its eyes, and two whisker-like antennae on its face. Its eyes are black with green iris-like rings inside. As it is virtually blind, it uses its antennae to sense its surroundings. On its back is a pair of small, green wings. Its hind legs are white, but the forelegs are brown and have sharp claws.
The claws are used to carve into the roots of trees and absorb moisture and nutrients. Nincada builds underground nests at the roots of trees in tropical and temperate forests. It can occasionally live up to 10 years underground. It does not like sunlight, so it avoids it. Nincada is nearly blind due to living almost entirely underground, as such, it uses its antennae to see instead.
In the anime
Major appearances
Nincada debuted in A Three Team Scheme. It belonged to a boy named Keanu, who lived in his Secret Base in solitude. It later became a target for one of Team Rocket's schemes.
Minor appearances
In Pokémon Ranger and the Kidnapped Riolu! (Part 1), Kellyn used his Capture Styler on a Nincada and had it Dig a pit trap for J's henchmen to fall in.
Pokédex entries
Entry |
AG027 |
Nincada |
Ash's Pokédex |
Nincada, the Trainee Pokémon. Nincada lives most of its life inside the earth and uses its sharp claws to tap into tree roots, extracting nutrients and moisture. |
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In the manga
Nincada in
Pokémon Adventures
Ash & Pikachu
A Nincada appeared in a flashback in A Pokémon Battle Against An Entire Family?!, under the ownership of the Winstrate family.
Pokémon Adventures
In Can I Ninjask You a Question?, Aqua Admin Shelly gave a Nincada to fellow admin Amber. Amber's new Pokémon soon evolved into Ninjask, leaving behind a Shedinja as well.
In the TCG
- Main article: Nincada (TCG)
Game data
Pokédex entries
This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation III. |
Generation III |
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Hoenn
#042 |
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Kanto
#— |
Ruby |
Nincada lives underground for many years in complete darkness. This Pokémon absorbs nutrients from the roots of trees. It stays motionless as it waits for evolution. |
Sapphire |
Nincada lives underground. It uses its sharp claws to carve the roots of trees and absorb moisture and nutrients. This Pokémon can't withstand bright sunlight so avoids it. |
Emerald |
It makes its nest at the roots of a mighty tree. Using its whiskerlike antennae, it probes its surroundings in the pitch-black darkness of soil. |
FireRed |
Because it lived almost entirely underground, it is nearly blind. It uses its antennae instead. |
LeafGreen |
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Generation IV |
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Sinnoh
#— |
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Johto
#— |
Diamond |
It grows underground, sensing its surroundings using antennae instead of its virtually blind eyes. |
Pearl |
Platinum |
HeartGold |
It can sometimes live underground for more than 10 years. It absorbs nutrients from the roots of trees. |
SoulSilver |
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Generation V |
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Unova
#— |
Black |
It grows underground, sensing its surroundings using antennae instead of its virtually blind eyes. |
White |
Black 2 |
It grows underground, sensing its surroundings using antennae instead of its virtually blind eyes. |
White 2 |
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Generation VI |
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Kalos
Central #111 |
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Hoenn
#043 |
X |
Because it lived almost entirely underground, it is nearly blind. It uses its antennae instead. |
Y |
It can sometimes live underground for more than 10 years. It absorbs nutrients from the roots of trees. |
Omega Ruby |
Nincada lives underground for many years in complete darkness. This Pokémon absorbs nutrients from the roots of trees. It stays motionless as it waits for evolution. |
Alpha Sapphire |
Nincada lives underground. It uses its sharp claws to carve the roots of trees and absorb moisture and nutrients. This Pokémon can't withstand bright sunlight so avoids it. |
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Generation VII |
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Alola
#— |
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Kanto
#— |
This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Generation VII. |
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Generation VIII |
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Galar
#104 |
Sword |
Because it lived almost entirely underground, it is nearly blind. It uses its antennae instead. |
Shield |
It can sometimes live underground for more than 10 years. It absorbs nutrients from the roots of trees. |
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Game locations
This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation III. |
Generation III |
|
Ruby |
Sapphire |
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Emerald |
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FireRed |
LeafGreen |
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Colosseum |
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XD |
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Generation IV |
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Diamond |
Pearl |
Eterna Forest (Poké Radar) |
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Platinum |
Eterna Forest (Poké Radar) |
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HeartGold |
SoulSilver |
National Park (Bug-Catching Contest)ThSa |
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Pal Park |
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Generation V |
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Black |
White |
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Black 2 |
White 2 |
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Dream World |
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Generation VI |
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X |
Y |
Route 6, Friend Safari (Ground) |
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Omega Ruby |
Alpha Sapphire |
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Generation VII |
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Sun |
Moon |
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Ultra Sun |
Ultra Moon |
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Let's Go Pikachu |
Let's Go Eevee |
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Generation VIII |
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Sword |
Shield |
Route 5, West Lake Axewell, South Lake Miloch
Bridge Field, Dappled Grove, Rolling Fields (Max Raid Battle) |
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In side games
This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation III. |
Generation III |
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Pinball: R&S |
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Trozei! |
Secret Storage 13, Endless Level 20, Forever Level 6, Mr. Who's Den |
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MD Red |
MD Blue |
Lapis Cave (1F-4F), Wish Cave (44F-49F), Joyous Tower (45F-49F) |
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Ranger |
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Generation IV |
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MD Time |
MD Darkness |
Quicksand Cave (B1F-B7F), Midnight Forest (B1F-B21F) |
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MD Sky |
Quicksand Cave (B1F-B7F), Midnight Forest (B1F-B21F) |
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Generation V |
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Rumble Blast |
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Rumble U |
Flower Garden: Guardians of the Flower Patch |
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Generation VI |
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Battle Trozei |
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Shuffle |
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Rumble World |
Gold Plateau: Verdant Grove (All Areas), White Ruins: Everspring Valley (All Areas) |
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Generation VII |
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Rumble Rush |
Mewtwo Sea, Butterfree Sea, Rayquaza Sea, Mewtwo SeaFinal |
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Held items
Game |
Held Item(s) |
Omega Ruby |
Alpha Sapphire |
Soft Sand (5%) |
Sword |
Shield |
Soft Sand (5%) |
Stats
Base stats
Stat |
Range |
At Lv. 50 |
At Lv. 100 |
HP:
31
|
|
91 - 138 |
172 - 266 |
Attack:
45
|
|
45 - 106 |
85 - 207 |
Defense:
90
|
|
85 - 156 |
166 - 306 |
Sp. Atk:
30
|
|
31 - 90 |
58 - 174 |
Sp. Def:
30
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|
31 - 90 |
58 - 174 |
Speed:
40
|
|
40 - 101 |
76 - 196 |
Total:
266
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Other Pokémon with this total |
- Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
- Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
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Pokéathlon stats
Type effectiveness
Under normal battle conditions in Generation VIII, this Pokémon is: |
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Notes: |
- If this Pokémon is given a Ring Target, the effectiveness of Electric-type moves is 1×.
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Learnset
By leveling up
|
Move |
1 |
Sand Attack |
Ground |
Status |
— |
100% |
15 |
1 |
Scratch |
Normal |
Physical |
40 |
100% |
35 |
5 |
Harden |
Normal |
Status |
— |
—% |
30 |
10 |
False Swipe |
Normal |
Physical |
40 |
100% |
40 |
15 |
Mud-Slap |
Ground |
Special |
20 |
100% |
10 |
21 |
Absorb |
Grass |
Special |
20 |
100% |
25 |
25 |
Metal Claw |
Steel |
Physical |
50 |
95% |
35 |
30 |
Fury Swipes |
Normal |
Physical |
18 |
80% |
15 |
35 |
Mind Reader |
Normal |
Status |
— |
—% |
5 |
40 |
Dig |
Ground |
Physical |
80 |
100% |
10 |
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Nincada
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Nincada
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations
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By TM/TR
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|
Move |
|
TM11 |
Solar Beam |
Grass |
Special |
120 |
100% |
10 |
|
TM15 |
Dig |
Ground |
Physical |
80 |
100% |
10 |
|
TM21 |
Rest |
Psychic |
Status |
— |
—% |
10 |
|
TM24 |
Snore |
Normal |
Special |
50 |
100% |
15 |
|
TM25 |
Protect |
Normal |
Status |
— |
—% |
10 |
|
TM28 |
Giga Drain |
Grass |
Special |
75 |
100% |
10 |
|
TM32 |
Sandstorm |
Rock |
Status |
— |
—% |
10 |
|
TM34 |
Sunny Day |
Fire |
Status |
— |
—% |
5 |
|
TM39 |
Facade |
Normal |
Physical |
70 |
100% |
20 |
|
TM76 |
Round |
Normal |
Special |
60 |
100% |
15 |
|
TM94 |
False Swipe |
Normal |
Physical |
40 |
100% |
40 |
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TR18 |
Leech Life |
Bug |
Physical |
80 |
100% |
10 |
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TR20 |
Substitute |
Normal |
Status |
— |
—% |
10 |
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TR26 |
Endure |
Normal |
Status |
— |
—% |
10 |
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TR27 |
Sleep Talk |
Normal |
Status |
— |
—% |
10 |
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TR33 |
Shadow Ball |
Ghost |
Special |
80 |
100% |
15 |
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TR60 |
X-Scissor |
Bug |
Physical |
80 |
100% |
15 |
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TR61 |
Bug Buzz |
Bug |
Special |
90 |
100% |
10 |
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Nincada
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Nincada
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations
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By breeding
|
Move |
|
Bug Bite |
Bug |
Physical |
60 |
100% |
20 |
|
Final Gambit |
Fighting |
Special |
— |
100% |
5 |
|
Flail |
Normal |
Physical |
— |
100% |
15 |
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Gust |
Flying |
Special |
40 |
100% |
35 |
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Night Slash |
Dark |
Physical |
70 |
100% |
15 |
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- Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Nincada in Generation VIII
- Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation.
- Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Nincada in that game.
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Nincada
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Nincada
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations
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By tutoring
|
Move |
Sw |
Sh |
EP |
Skitter Smack |
Bug |
Physical |
70 |
90% |
10 |
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Nincada
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Nincada
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations
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By transfer from another generation
|
Gen. |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Aerial Ace |
Flying |
Physical |
60 |
—% |
20 |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Bide × |
Normal |
Physical |
— |
—% |
10 |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Confide |
Normal |
Status |
— |
—% |
20 |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Cut |
Normal |
Physical |
50 |
95% |
30 |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Double Team |
Normal |
Status |
— |
—% |
15 |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Double-Edge |
Normal |
Physical |
120 |
100% |
15 |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Feint Attack × |
Dark |
Physical |
60 |
—% |
20 |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Flash × |
Normal |
Status |
— |
100% |
20 |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Frustration × |
Normal |
Physical |
— |
100% |
20 |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Fury Cutter |
Bug |
Physical |
40 |
95% |
20 |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Hidden Power × |
Normal |
Special |
60 |
100% |
15 |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Hone Claws |
Dark |
Status |
— |
—% |
15 |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Mimic |
Normal |
Status |
— |
—% |
10 |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Natural Gift × |
Normal |
Physical |
— |
100% |
15 |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Return × |
Normal |
Physical |
— |
100% |
20 |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Secret Power × |
Normal |
Physical |
70 |
100% |
20 |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Silver Wind × |
Bug |
Special |
60 |
100% |
5 |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Spite |
Ghost |
Status |
— |
100% |
10 |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
String Shot |
Bug |
Status |
— |
95% |
40 |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Struggle Bug |
Bug |
Special |
50 |
100% |
20 |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Swagger |
Normal |
Status |
— |
85% |
15 |
III |
IV |
V |
VI |
VII |
Toxic |
Poison |
Status |
— |
90% |
10 |
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- A striped background indicates a generation in which the move can only be obtained via event or as a special move
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Nincada
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution of Nincada
- × indicates a move that cannot be used in Generation VIII
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see transfer-only moves for other generations
|
TCG-only moves
Move |
Card |
Bite |
Nincada (EX Dragon 67) |
Side game data
Evolution
|
Level 20
→ |
|
If...
Poké Ball in bag* |
Space in party
→ |
|
Note: The Poké Ball has to be a regular Poké Ball.
Note: In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness, Shedinja will not be mentioned when evolving Nincada, but will subsequently appear in Chimecho's Assembly.
Sprites
This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation III. |
Generation III |
|
Ruby |
Sapphire |
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Emerald |
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FireRed |
LeafGreen |
|
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Front |
Back |
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Front |
Back |
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Front |
Back |
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Generation IV |
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Diamond |
Pearl |
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Platinum |
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HeartGold |
SoulSilver |
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Front |
Back |
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Front |
Back |
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Front |
Back |
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Generation V |
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Black |
White |
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Black 2 |
White 2 |
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Front |
Back |
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Front |
Back |
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Generation VI |
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X |
Y |
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Omega Ruby |
Alpha Sapphire |
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Front |
Back |
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Front |
Back |
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Generation VII |
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Sun |
Moon |
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Ultra Sun |
Ultra Moon |
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Front |
Back |
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Front |
Back |
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For other sprites and images, please see
Nincada images on the Bulbagarden Archives.
Trivia
- Nincada is the only Pokémon that evolves into two Pokémon at once.
- Nincada is the only Pokémon with a base stat total of 266.
- Nincada is the only Pokémon to have a higher base stat total than its evolved form, as it has 30 more base stat points than Shedinja.
Origin
Bulbanews has an article related to this subject:
On the Origin of Species: Nincada, Ninjask and Shedinja
Nincada appears to be based on a cicada nymph.
Name origin
Nincada is a combination of ninja and cicada. Its association with ninjas may be inspired by stories of ninjas using cicadas to mask their own sounds, or a reference to the utsusemi no jutsu (cicada skin technique), a technique using decoys to misdirect opponents.
Tutinin is a combination of 土に埋める tsuchiniumeru (to bury in the ground) and ninja.
In other languages
Language |
Title |
Meaning |
Japanese |
ツチニン Tutinin |
From 土に埋める tsuchiniumeru and ninja |
French |
Ningale |
From ninja and cigale |
Spanish |
Nincada |
Same as English name |
German |
Nincada |
Same as English name |
Italian |
Nincada |
Same as English name |
Korean |
토중몬 Tojungmon |
From 토중(土中) tojung and monster |
Cantonese Chinese |
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Mandarin Chinese |
土居忍士 Tǔjūrěnshì |
Literally "Earth-residing ninja" |
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[hide]More languages |
Hindi |
निनकडा Nincada |
Transcription of English name |
Russian |
Нинкада Ninkada |
Transcription of English name |
Thai |
ซึชินิน Suechinin |
Transcription of Japanese name |
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External links
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This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon as a species. |