Pokémon: Celebrating 30 Years!

It’s hard to believe that it has been thirty years since Pokémon was first released to the world. Can you remember your first encounter with Pokémon? Are you still a “die hard” trainer still trying to catch ’em all?

Gotta Catch ‘Em All!

When Pokémon debuted in 1996, I was instantly a fan! This was the brand that started my collector itch at a young age. The thrill of the hunt for your favorite Pokémon card(s), or the super rare cards at the time. Being overly excited to tag along with mom to the grocery store just hoping to get a new pack. But the trading cards were just the start to a fandom that would gradually grow at a record rate!

The need for more from the Pokémon brand grew to new heights resulting in toys, collectibles, video games, movies and tv shows. I can recall pestering my parents to get me every toy that was included inside of a Burger King Kids’ Meal. Especially the collector gold plated cards that were released as a promotion for the first Pokémon movie. You were one of the cool kids if you were able to collect the entire set, and I had the entire set!

I can think back on the video games that were released by Nintendo too! My first game was Pokémon Yellow on the Gameboy Color. I would play that game for hours running through AA batteries like crazy! You could even play with your friends via a link cable that you would connect to each other’s Gameboy in order to battle. And let’s not forget Pokémon Stadium for the Nintendo 64! This game allowed you to catch, train, evolve and battle your Pokémon. At a young age this was a must at sleep overs. Testing your skills as a Pokémon trainer amongst your friends into the wee hours of the morning.

Pokémon was monumental to me growing up. It provided an avenue for my friends and I to bond other than sports. This was my generations version of baseball trading cards. Only difference is that there was a game attached to them. Battles, using the cards you have worked so hard (rather your parents) to collect to use them in a fighting platform with no true violence. So many relationships were gained from Pokémon. I am truly thankful that I have gotten to experience the fandom!

Pokémon Today

As time would have it, I grew up. And I drifted away from Pokémon for some years. Missing out on multiple generations of cards and games. But then came Pokémon GO! A mobile app game that allowed you to wonder around your neighborhood catching Pokémon in the wild. Allowing you to have a whole new experience with the fandom like never before! I still to this day enjoy opening that app to see what Pokémon are nearby.

As for today, I still interact with the Pokémon fandom. There is another app that a coworker introduced me to that I have to play every day, Pokémon Pocket: Trading Card Game. This game allows you to open five card packs, giving you the ability to turn into a Pokémon Trainer again. Collecting, trading and battling cards on a digital platform the same way you would in real life. This is providing people to connect even more throughout the world!

In closing, Pokémon has a die-hard fandom that has made it to thirty years and is still going strong! Everything about this brand has evolved with the times proving that it is not just for one generation. Sure, you still have the original trainers from 1996. But you also have generations that follow that get new and different species of Pokémon and story dynamics. Pokémon was a big part of my childhood, and it’s made its way back to me now as an adult. Happy anniversary Pokémon! Here’s to another thirty years!

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