Gotta catch 'em all!
Credit: Pokemon/Nintendo
Happy 30th anniversary, Pokémon!
Pokémon is celebrating 30 years of inspiring players to go on a journey to be the best. The adventure-based role-playing game (RPG) first was introduced to the world in 1996 with Pokémon Red and Green's release in Japan. In the United States, players would play Red and Blue version as they got to know the wonderful world of Pokémon, which is all about taking care of your battle buddies as you try to become a Pokémon champion.
In the years since, the franchise has come to include anime, video games, and so much more. There are fans of all ages who love getting lost in their favorite Pokémon region.
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What are Pokémon?
Credit: Pikachu Projects 98/Kobal/Shutterstock
Pokémon, short for Pocket Monsters, are creatures found in different areas around the Pokémon world. Many are inspired by real-life creatures, though inspiration has included different objects as well in recent years.
Why are young characters allowed to roam around alone? Where are their parents?
Credit: Nintendo
In the game and on the show, trainers who are interested in the Pokémon league often get their first Pokémon around the age of 10. There have been younger and older trainers who have had success starting in their own time. Pokémon may not be very parent-centric, but in the games, moms play the important role of helping their traveling youngsters save their money.
How many Pokémon are there?
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There are currently over 1,000 documented species of Pokémon throughout the nine generations of games.
Who was the first Pokémon?
Credit: Pokemon/Nintendo
While most probably think of Pikachu, Rhydon was the first Pokémon to be fully fleshed out.
What came first, the games or the TV shows?
 Credit: Shogakukan/Tomy/Kobal/Shutterstock |
 Credit: Nintendo |
The TV show was originally conceived of as an anime series to promote the games, which were first released on this day in 1996.
How many Pokémon games are there?
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The main Pokémon series has over 30 games. Including spin-offs, remakes, and more, the Pokémon universe has over 100 games.
What about Pokémon cards?
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Pokémon cards were also first introduced in 1996. The Trading Card game was popular throughout the late 1990s, but experienced a lull in the mid-2000s. Whatever ground may have been briefly lost was regained in the pandemic, where extra time at home and a heightened feeling of nostalgia led many to take a second look at their collections and inspired new collectors. Since 2020, Pokémon cards have seen a huge resurgence and let to Pokémon TCG Pocket, which brings the trading card game experience mobile.
Do people still play Pokémon Go?
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If you have fond memories of Pokémon Go taking over your summer about a decade ago, you're not alone. While many fell off once the weather cooled off, there are still many active Pokémon Go players. The game continues to rake in millions as augmented reality (AR) elements help players feel immersed in the Pokémon world in their everyday lives.
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