It has been a good year for Pokemon fans, not only because of the release of Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Gamers can also look forward to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, the latest mainline entry in the series. In a first for the franchise, the debut trailer also revealed the three starter Pokemon: for fire-type fans, there is the big-jawed Fuecoco, grass-type appreciators will likely gravitate towards Sprigatito, and for gamers who need a water-type starter, there is the duckling named Quaxly.

The duckling has white feathers, blue feet, a yellow beak, as well as a blue tuft of feathers on its head that makes it look like it has a fancy hairdo. Traditionally, Water-Type starters have been a cute yet reliable choice, so Quaxly faces some pretty stiff competition from past generations. Fortunately, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's water starter's design packs plenty of personality.

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Generation One

pokemon squirtle anime pokemon

Pokemon Red and Blue, released in 1996, began what has become a multibillion-dollar global phenomenon. The idea for the franchise came from Satoshi Tajiri, who was inspired by his childhood insect collecting hobby. Upon release, the games were a success, and gamers fell in love with the idea of catching Pokemon and trading them with friends. The first three starters introduced were Charizard the fire-type Pokemon, Bulbasaur the grass-type Pokemon, and Squirtle the water-type Pokemon.

Squirtle's name is a blend of the word "squirrel" and "turtle," and the reason for this is apparent in its design. The Pokemon resembles a turtle, and it has a hard shell that it can retract into. However, it also has a curly tail like a squirrel. Quaxly is a well-designed Pokemon, but it is pretty hard to compete against Squirtle's blend of cuteness and grit. Although Quaxly is cute in its own right, it gets edged out by Squirtle and its adorably huge eyes.

Generation Two

Pokemon Journeys Ash's Totodile Water Type Johto

Pokemon Red and Blue were followed by Pokemon Gold and Silver, which take place in the Johto region. Plenty of new Pokemon were introduced, and the games also added the dark-type and the steel-type. Some things stayed the same, however, including the starter Pokemon formula. For Pokemon's second generation, gamers could choose from Cyndaquil the fire-type, Chikorita the grass-type, and Totodile the water-type.

Totodile is an energetic, blue crocodile with a huge jaw and pink spikes running down its back. It looks happy yet ready for battle, which makes it an attractive pick. In comparison, Quaxly seems like a much calmer and less dangerous Pokemon, although, as the saying goes, still waters run deep. Players who prefer more aggressive designs will probably favor Totodile while those who want something calmer will likely think Quaxly has the better design.

Generation Three

pokemon mudkip

Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire take gamers to Hoenn, which is based on the Japanese island Kyushu. Many new changes were introduced with this generation, including double battles, abilities, and natures. Once again, players can pick between three starters: a Fire-Starter named Torchic, a Grass-Starter named Treecko, and a Water-Starter named Mudkip.

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Mudkip looks a little silly, but that is because the animal it is based on, the axolotl, is also a unique-looking creature. Mudkip is blue, quadrupedal, and has large, orange gills on its cheeks. For the most part, Quaxly seems to be the better designed Pokemon, being both more adorable and memorable, although anyone with a taste for eccentric designs may prefer Mudkip.

Generation Four

dawn with piplup pokemon

Released in 2006, Pokemon Diamond and Pearl takes place in Sinnoh, and they introduce 107 new Pokemon to the franchise. The games have since become fan favorites, and in 2021 they received remakes titled Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. The three starters available are Chimchar the fire-type, Turtwig the grass-type, and Piplup the water-type.

Once again, Quaxly is up against some tough competition with Piplup. The penguin Pokemon is blue with yellow feet and darker feathers on its back. It enjoys popularity thanks to the Pokemon anime series where Dawn has an adorable Piplup cute enough to rival Pikachu. Both Quaxly and Piplup's designs are equally as great, and whichever design players prefer will come down to personal preference.

Generation Five

pokemon oshawott

Pokemon Black and White break tradition by setting the games in a region which is not inspired by Japan. The games also introduced triple battles, allowing players to send out three players to battle at once. When players start their adventure in the Unova region, they pick between the grass-type Pokemon Snivy, the fire-type Pokemon Tepig, or Oshawott the water-type Pokemon. Oshawott looks a little like a sea-otter, and it has a shell on its front. Like Mudkip, it can look a little silly, which makes Quaxly's simpler design a little more attractive. However, Oshawott is certainly not a bad-looking Pokemon.

Generation Six

Top 10 Starter Pokemon - Froakie in Pokemon X & Y anime

Pokemon X and Y were released in 2013 on the Nintendo 3DS. The Kalos region, which is inspired by France, introduced 72 new Pokemon as well as fairy-type Pokemon. The games are also the first to use Mega Evolutions, which allow certain Pokemon to Mega Evolve into more powerful forms The three starter Pokemon available are Fennekin the fire-type Pokemon, Chespin the grass-type Pokemon, and Froakie the water-type Pokemon.

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Froakie is a cute frog with foam around its neck, and its final evolution is Greninja, one of the most popular Pokemon to come out of generation six. Quaxly and Froakie stand as equals, with both of them sporting satisfyingly simple designs that are cute yet still make the Pokemon look tough.

Generation Seven

The last Pokemon games to release on the Nintendo 3DS were Pokemon Sun and Moon along with their enhanced versions, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. Taking place in the tropical region of Alola, the games are notable for ditching gym battles in favor of island trials. As usual, gamers can pick from three starters, and this time around they are Rowlet the Grass/Flying Pokemon, Litten the fire-type starter, and Popplio the water-type starter.

Popplio is a cheery Pokemon that looks like a circus seal. It has a bright pink nose and frills around its neck, and like most water-type starters, it is blue. It is hard to go wrong with either Quaxly or Popplio, although Popplio is the bubblier choice. Popplio more easily brings a smile to one's face, which perhaps makes it a slightly better design.

Generation Eight

The latest entry in the Pokemon series is Pokemon Sword and Shield, which takes place in the grand region of Galar. It returns to the franchise's roots by featuring gym battles once again, although plenty of new features are introduced. Starters from Galar include Scorbunny the fire-type Pokemon, Grookey the grass-type Pokemon, and Sobble the water-type Pokemon.

Sobble is a small, blue, lizard-like Pokemon that always looks like it is on the verge of tears. Its constant sad expression can make it a bit of a distressing Pokemon to look at, which may make Quaxly more appealing to some. This, combined with Quaxly's simpler design, makes it the better-looking Pokemon.

Quaxly manages to stand out by being a water-type starter without a blue body, though like previous starters, it is very cute. Compared to prior starters, Quaxly fares pretty well which is good news for fans of water-type starters. Hopefully, Quaxly's evolutions only cause the Pokemon to grow more enchanting.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet releases in 2022 on the Nintendo Switch.

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