63 : The Battle Of The Badge May 2026

: An emergency forces Giovanni to leave the gym, and he leaves Jessie, James, and Meowth in charge as substitute Gym Leaders. They use Giovanni's Pokémon—including Rhydon, Kingler, and Machamp—to battle Ash.

" The Battle of the Badge " (Season 1, Episode 63) is a major milestone in the Pokémon series, marking the moment Ash Ketchum secures his eighth Kanto gym badge to qualify for the Indigo League. This episode is widely remembered for debuting the mysterious Mewtwo in the anime and featuring a rare battle where Team Rocket takes over as temporary Gym Leaders. 63 : The Battle of the Badge

: Gary reveals he already has ten badges, despite only eight being needed for the league, suggesting Kanto has more than eight total gyms. : An emergency forces Giovanni to leave the

: Ash, Misty, and Brock return to Viridian City after a full year of traveling. Ash is eager to win the Earth Badge, the final requirement for his entrance into the Pokémon League. This episode is widely remembered for debuting the

: The appearance of Mewtwo serves as a direct prelude to the first movie, Mewtwo Strikes Back .