Yes, Porygon does appear in the Pokemon anime and its one appearance was a topic of much discussion. Porygon’s only major appearance within the Pokemon anime was in an episode titled Computer Warrior Porygon.  This episode would see Ash and the gang sucked into the Pokemon Transport System in Matcha City Pokecenter as they aimed to sort out a computer virus issue. This issue would turn out to be the work of Team Rocket. However, with the help of a Porygon lost within the system’s code, Ash and the gang saw to it that their plan was foiled once again. However, this episode would never air outside of Japan. The reason being that the episode would lead to over 700 Japanese viewers suffering from irritated eyes, vomiting, and epileptic seizures. This was due to the strobe lighting effects within the initial and only broadcast. This event would lead to the show going on a four-month hiatus. This would lead to the show dropping all strobe lighting effects from any of Pikachu’s thunderbolt attacks and a disclaimer would be placed on every episode moving forward. Despite this rather notorious debut from Porygon. The Pokemon was able to redeem themselves within the context of the show, popping up in several minor roles within the series. Here is a list of every other episode that Porygon featured in: • A Chansey Operation • Celebi: The Voice of the Forest • Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias • The Journey to be a Pokémon Master Begins!! • Partner Promises!