A brief history of the Pokémon franchise

A look back at Pokémon

Pokémon may have been tough for parents to understand but kids had no problem picking up the card version or the video game. Here’s how it looked when WNYW tried to explain the game on May 17, 1999 and WJBK’s attempt on November 9, 1999.

"Gotta Catch 'Em All" isn't just a catchphrase—it's a cultural legacy.

Born from Satoshi Tajiri's childhood passion for insect collecting, Pokémon became a global phenomenon after debuting in 1996 as a Game Boy game.

The franchise quickly expanded with an anime television series, trading cards, and movies, all helping solidify its place in pop culture.

"The world of Pokémon connects people across the globe, beloved by kids, adults, and every Trainer in between," The Pokémon Company told FOX Television Stations. "These incredible Pokémon have crossed borders and language barriers to reach the hearts of millions for over 27 years, bringing people together through the joy of play and discovery."

The birth of Pokémon

The first games, "Pokémon Red and Green," were released in Japan on February 27, 1996, for the Game Boy. The games introduced players to the world of Pokémon, where they could catch, train, and battle Pokémon.

In 1997, The Pokémon anime series premiered in Japan in April 1997. It followed Ash Ketchum (Satoshi in Japan), a young Pokémon trainer and his partner Pikachu as they traveled the world, capturing new Pokémon and competing in battles.

Child holds Pokémon cards. (Credit: Yvonne Hemsey/Getty Images)

The anime helped propel Pokémon to worldwide popularity, reaching audiences beyond just gamers, and in 1998, the franchise made its international debut, with the release of "Pokémon Red and Blue" for the Game Boy in the U.S.

The anime also debuted in the U.S. in September 1998, and its catchphrase "Gotta Catch 'Em All!" became iconic, further cementing Pokémon's place in pop culture.

Pokémon card game released in 1999

The Pokémon Trading Card Game was introduced in 1999, igniting a worldwide craze. Players could collect, trade, and battle with Pokémon cards, adding another layer of engagement to the franchise.

The cards became a global sensation, with tournaments and leagues forming around the game. The card game has been shipped to 93 countries and regions in 15 languages.

A new expansion for the trading card game, "Scarlet & Violet—Prismatic Evolutions," will be available beginning in Jan. 2025, at participating retailers worldwide.

The first Pokémon movie, "Pokémon: The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back," was released in 1998 in Japan and 2000 in the U.S., further fueling the franchise’s popularity.

Throughout the 2000s, Pokémon continued to expand with new video game generations, including the release of games like Pokémon Gold and Silver (Gen II) and Ruby and Sapphire (Gen III).

The return of the franchise with Pokémon Go

In 2016, Pokémon Go, a mobile augmented reality (AR) game, became a global phenomenon.

The "Pikachu" balloon sponsored by The Pokémon Company floats down Broadway during the 75th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 22 November 2001 in New York. (Credit: STAN HONDA/AFP via Getty Images)

It allowed players to catch Pokémon in the real world using their smartphones, and it introduced a new generation to the franchise.

According to mobile game sensation has received more than one billion downloads globally since launching in July 2016.

The legacy of Pokémon lives on

The Pokémon brand was recently recognized by Toy of the Year Awards (T.O.T.Y.) as finalist for the License of the Year Award, representing its tremendous impact and success in the past year across retail and entertainment. This is an award won by the brand in the past in addition to multiple nominations, reflecting its evergreen popularity.

The Pokémon trading card game also made the list of 12 finalists being considered this year for the National Toy Hall of Fame. My Little Pony, the Phase 10 card game and Transformers action figures were inducted in November.

Despite its loss into the hall of fame, Pokémon is still considered one of the most successful and influential media franchises in the world, with a global fan base and over 480 million copies of Pokémon-releated software sold, making it the best-selling video game franchise of all time. Pokémon global retail sales totaled $10.8 billion in 2023.

The franchise's expansive world, memorable creatures and ongoing innovations ensure its continued success and cultural relevance.

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