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Move-of-the-Week Discussion #74: Disable

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In Pokémon, there are lots of different moves used by different Pokémon. Every week, we shall focus the discussion on a different move, and there will be some base questions that would help you start this off. This week, Disable is chosen.

Introduced in Generation 1, this move had gone a long way. Initially, its accuracy meant it will miss quite often. It became somewhat more accurate, though still quite likely to miss. Now, this move is great because you can't miss now! The ability to inhibit the opponent from using one of their moves is a useful effect, so don't underestimate what it can do. It is said to "bind" the opponent from using the move they last used, which would create some interesting results if they cannot switch moves.

Here's the in-game description for this move:

In-game Description (XY) said:
Type: Normal (Other)
Base Power: --
Accuracy: 100%
PP: 20

For four turns, this move prevents the target from using the move it last used.

Here are the usual possible questions about this move:
  • How does certain Pokémon (who knows it) use this move? What kind of purpose would this move have for them (in the Pokémon World)?
  • How could this move be used to aid a profession in the Pokémon World?
  • Could this move realistically be used by any Pokémon who doesn't learn it normally? If yes, please explain your choices.
  • How would this move be used in battling, realistically or video game-wise?

Other questions (You could ask other critical questions beyond the listed):
  • Why could this move only disable if the opponent last used this move?
  • Quite a number of these users have some form of psychic power, which would explain how they disable the opponent. What about those who don't exhibit some form of mindpower: how do they disable?
  • Could this move be used to bind other actions, such as those that are used by humans or machines?

Here are the current users of this move (put in Spoiler tag due to the large list):
(Level-up)
  • Jigglypuff & Wigglytuff
  • Kadabra & Alakazam
  • Slowpoke, Slowbro & Slowking
  • Grimer & Muk
  • Drowzee & Hypno
  • Licktung & Lickilicky
  • Mewtwo
  • Duskull, Dusclops & Dusknoir
  • Darkrai
  • Yamask & Cofagrigus
  • Yveltal

    (Breeding)
  • Ekans & Arbok
  • Nidoran, Nidorina, Nidoqueen, Nidorino, Nidoking
  • Vulpix & Ninetales
  • Seel & Dewgong
  • Gastly, Haunter & Gengar
  • Kangaskhan
  • Horsea, Seadra & Kingdra
  • Spinarak & Ariados
  • Stantler
  • Ralts, Kirlia, Gardevoir & Gallade
  • Spinda
  • Cacnea & Cacturne
  • Zangoose
  • Castform
  • Kecleon
  • Shuppet & Banette
  • Chingling & Chimecho
  • Snorunt, Glalie & Froslass
  • Drifloon & Drifblim
  • Joltik & Galvantula
  • Elgyem & Beheeyem
  • Spritzee & Aromatisse
  • Pumpkaboo & Gourgeist

Thanks for reading, and happy discussing!

~ The General Pokémon Forum Staff


Previous Move-of-the-Weeks:

Next Move-of-the-Week: The sound of confusion.
 
It seems like in most cases the user is psychologically shutting down the opponent from using their last attack, or maybe putting some kind of curse on them to keep them from doing it. The reason it's the last move they used is likely because that is the move they are still thinking about using. Also it is the last move the Disable user experienced so it would be easier to remember how the opponent used it, so it would be easier to keep the opponent from repeating that action. There may be other ways of disabling the opponent though, since Pokemon such as Muk and Zangoose learn it yet have no connection to psychic or cursed powers.
 
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