The Official Pronunciation of Rayquaza Confirmed by The Pokémon Company at World Championships

The Pokémon World Championships regularly bring fans and competitors together for an electrifying celebration of the beloved franchise.

This year, in addition to showcasing competitive talent and strategic innovation, The Pokémon Company captured attention by resolving a debate that has divided fans for years: the official pronunciation of Rayquaza, one of Generation III’s most iconic legendary Pokémon. Rayquaza first soared into the Pokémon world with its debut in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire for the Game Boy Advance, cementing itself as a fan favorite due to its imposing design and role within the series’ lore.

Its presence has since been felt across numerous titles, including appearances on Nintendo Switch titles such as Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, as well as in the extensive Pokémon anime series.

With such widespread exposure, the community has developed varying opinions on how to properly say the Sky High Pokémon's name. Historically, the fandom has been split between two main pronunciations: “Ray-KWAY-zuh” and “Ray-KWAH-zuh.” During the recent World Championships, The Pokémon Company opted to settle the matter publicly.

Referring back to the official sources, company representatives clarified, "The correct way to say the legendary Pokémon's name is 'Ray-KWAY-zuh,' following the emphasis and phonetics as established in the Pokémon anime series and reinforced by the Pokédex 3D Pro software on the Nintendo 3DS." This decision echoes the pronunciation heard consistently in international versions of the Pokémon anime and is matched by in-game references.

Nevertheless, variations have persisted within the community, spurring countless discussions across social media, forums, and fan gatherings.

For those who have been following the anime and utilizing Nintendo’s Pokédex 3D Pro app, The Pokémon Company’s statement provided confirmation of what they already believed.

However, fans who have long used alternate pronunciations might find it difficult to transition to the official version, illustrating the diversity and passion within the Pokémon community. Since its introduction, Rayquaza’s popularity has contributed to robust merchandise sales, continued appearance in spin-off titles, and its prominent role in special Nintendo Direct presentations and eShop events.

The Pokémon Company’s dedication to detail and community engagement remains a hallmark of the brand’s ongoing success. With this long-standing debate now officially settled, fans can unite in their celebration of Rayquaza—pronounced 'Ray-KWAY-zuh'—as it continues to soar across platforms, events, and generations within the Pokémon universe.

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