From playing cards, cartoons, films, television and many more iterations, Pokémon has soared since its first appearance in Japan 30 years ago and become a global cultural phenomenon.
Thirty years ago today Pokémon entered the world as an offering for the Nintendo Game Boy.
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Within a very short space of time, that pocket-sized pursuit of creatures outgrew its electronic platform and become a global empire. From mobile games to much sought-after trading cards, its popularity has never plummeted.
Just last month, floppy haired controversial influencer-turned professional wrestler, Logan Paul sold a rare Pokémon card for €16.5 million. But the game and all its paraphernalia isn't simply about nostalgia.
From young to old, the game and its numerous characters give fans an incredible feeling of satisfaction as they hit so many pleasure points.
More than a game
For starters, Pokémon offers a masterclass in character design, which has helped make it so enduring, according to Heather Cole, teaching assistant professor of game design and interactive media at West Virginia University.
“I think the longevity of it has to do with the characters and world-building it does with the characters,” she said.
Adam Corn, owner of card business Overdose Gaming Inc, said he was able to buy a house last year from his Pokémon cards.
“Pokémon almost always appreciates in value over time,” Corn said. “So it’s just a really good place to put your money in my opinion, better than a a lot of other assets.”
Companies like Beckett Grading Services and Professional Sports Authenticator authenticate and grade the quality of Pokémon cards on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being pristine mint condition and fetching the highest prices.
Pokémon creator Satoshi Tajiri has said he enjoyed catching insects and other small critters in the fields and forests outside the Tokyo suburb where he lived as a child and those creatures inspired him to make the colorful, fantastical Pokémon of which there are thousands of species today.
Happy Birthday Pokémon
To celebrate a year of festivities, Pokémon is coming up with all manner of ways for fans to share the fun and pick their favourite character.
Around the world 'Day Out' events will feature family-friendly activities and programming, while 'Night Out' events promise fun surprises for longtime fans who grew up with Pokémon.
For many, however, the highpoint of today's anniversary will be the chance to chase and recapture a sense of nostalgia by playing with Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version.
Both creatures are making a comeback after an absence of 20-years on the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo Switch systems.
