The Pokémon franchise was created in 1996 and has evolved significantly over the years. It began with the release of the first two video games, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green, in Japan. The franchise gained popularity outside of Japan with the release of Pokémon Red and Blue in North America in 1998. The Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokémon movies were also released, and the franchise continued to evolve with the introduction of Pokémon Go and the latest games in the series, Pokémon Sword and Shield. With over 800 different Pokémon, the franchise has brought joy and excitement to generations of fans.

The Evolution of Pokémon: A Look Back at the Best Selling Franchise

The Pokémon franchise has been a household name since its introduction in 1996. Created by Satoshi Tajiri and Junichi Masuda, the series has brought joy and excitement to millions of people around the world. As the years have gone by, the franchise has seen significant changes, both in the way that the game is played and in the number of Pokémon that have been introduced. In this article, we will take a look back at the history of the Pokémon franchise and discuss its evolution.

Origins

The Pokémon franchise began with the release of the first two video games, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green, in Japan in 1996. The games were developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy. The aim of the game was to capture and train small creatures called Pokémon, and then use them to battle other trainers. The series quickly gained popularity in Japan, and Nintendo decided to release the games in other countries as well.

Introduction to the West

The first Pokémon games to be released in the West were Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue, which were released in North America in September 1998. The games were an instant hit, and the series began to gain popularity outside of Japan. One of the main reasons for the success of the Pokémon games was the fact that they were designed with both children and adults in mind. The gameplay was simple enough for children to understand, but there was also enough depth to keep adults engaged.

Expansion of the Franchise

The success of the Pokémon games led to the creation of a television series, which premiered in Japan in April 1997. The series followed the adventures of a young trainer named Ash Ketchum and his Pokémon, Pikachu. The show quickly became popular, and it was eventually translated into many different languages and shown in countries around the world.

The Pokémon Trading Card Game

In 1998, the Pokémon Trading Card Game was released in Japan, and it was subsequently released in other countries as well. The game was based on the Pokémon video games and allowed players to collect and trade cards featuring different Pokémon. The popularity of the trading card game grew quickly, and it eventually became one of the most popular trading card games in the world.

Pokémon Movies

The first Pokémon movie, Pokémon: The First Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back, was released in Japan in 1998. The movie was a huge success, and it was later released in other countries as well. In total, there have been 23 Pokémon movies released to date.

The Modern Era

In recent years, the Pokémon franchise has continued to evolve. New video games have been released, the television series has continued, and new merchandise has been developed. One of the most significant developments in the franchise in recent years has been the introduction of Pokémon Go.

Pokémon Go

Pokémon Go was released in July 2016 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The game allowed players to catch Pokémon in the real world using their smartphones. It was the first mainstream game to use augmented reality technology, and it quickly became one of the most popular mobile games in history.

Pokémon Sword and Shield

In November 2019, the latest games in the Pokémon series, Pokémon Sword and Shield, were released. The games were set in a new region called Galar, and they introduced many new Pokémon to the series. The games were well-received by critics and fans alike and were praised for their new features and improved graphics.

Conclusion

The Pokémon franchise has come a long way since its inception in 1996. With over 800 different Pokémon now in existence, it’s clear that the franchise has evolved significantly. Whether playing the original games on the Game Boy or catching Pokémon in the real world with Pokémon Go, the series has brought joy and excitement to generations of fans. With new games and movies on the horizon, the future of the Pokémon franchise looks bright.