When a Pokemon or move is "banned" what exactly does it mean?

Question

I have been hearing about Pokemon and moves being banned. What implications does that have? Does it mean I can't use that Pokemon or move in certain situations?

Answer 1

Based on your tags, you seem to be referring to in-game, so I will ignore simulators... and people who enforce Smogon metagames in forums.

OFFLINE:
The only place to see the word "BANNED" in the game, that I know of are the battle facilities like the Battle Maison or Battle Institute in X&Y.

It's most likely that you are attempting to use one of the following in those places:
Mythical Pokemon - Pokemon that are intentionally overpowered by the creators. Not simply legends. This includes all box cover legendaries (Lugia, Ho-oh, Kyogre, Groudon, Palkia, Dialga, Reshiram, Zekrom, Xerneas, Yveltal), the third legendary in a trio (Rayquaza, Giratina, Kyurem formes, Zygarde), and Mewtwo.
Event Pokemon - Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, Deoxys, Shaymin, Darkrai, Arceus, Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Diancie

ONLINE BATTLE SPOT:
In addition to Mythical and Event Pokemon, some special metagames/battles come with various restrictions, like either restricting to Kalos Bred only or Kalos Dex only or both. Or themed battles like the Eevee-only friendly.

ONLINE TRADING:
You can't trade Event Pokemon, or Pokemon with certain ribbons, on the GTS or Wonder Trade.

Comments

Thanks! That really cleared things up for me!. One other question: What is Smogon?

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ooh, that is a big question man, i think you can ask it as a seperate question. (never asked before)

Answer 2

That is exactly what it means!

You are probably hearing about Deoxys-Speed and Defense being banned or Mega-evolved Pokémon like Mega Lucario, Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Gengear, etc.

Being "banned" means that according to Smogon rulings these Pokémon can't properly compete in their current tier. All this means is that if you are playing on a Pokémon simulator such as Pokémon Showdown! or are planning to battle someone using Smogon tiers then these Pokémon can only be used in Ubers battle format.

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Hope I interpreted this question correctly and that my answer helps.

Comments

Well, that's true for Showdown and simulators, but look at the tags, it says "in-game-team". :)

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Just the same things in ingame wifi, just different rules. Banned can also means for other things than battle, like event pokemon are banned from trade.

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Ahh yeah you're probably right, Malachite.

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Yes, Malachite is right. I didn't know how to put what the tags say into words, so I just used them.