Skitty is considered rare primarily due to its limited availability in the Pokémon game series and its overall perceived weakness, which has prevented it from gaining widespread visibility and a large fanbase.
Upon its debut, Skitty and its evolution, Delcatty, were recognized as some of the weakest Pokémon of their generation. This inherent lack of power meant they weren't often utilized by players in battles or for competitive play. Beyond their initial appearance, very few subsequent games in the series offered players the opportunity to catch Skitty.
Key factors contributing to Skitty's rarity include:
- Infrequent Game Appearances: Outside of remakes, Skitty has not been catchable in the main series Pokémon games since those set in the Kalos region. This significantly restricts the number of titles where players can encounter and acquire it, making it less accessible compared to Pokémon that appear in multiple generations and regions.
- Low Competitive Viability: Its status as one of the weakest Pokémon has meant it hasn't been a popular choice for trainers, further reducing its overall presence and demand within the community.
- Limited Fan Engagement Opportunities: The combination of its general weakness and scarcity in games has meant that Skitty hasn't had many chances to build a substantial following or become a memorable Pokémon for a broad audience. This cycle perpetuates its rarity and prevents it from achieving more widespread recognition.
Ultimately, Skitty's rarity is a result of a design choice that limited its strength and its subsequent infrequent inclusion in the vast majority of Pokémon titles.
