What is Pokémon?
Pokémon are mysterious creatures filled with many secrets. Some live alongside humans, while others live in the wild in grassy fields, caves, or by the sea, but much about their ecology remains unknown.
Since the release of Pokémon Red and Green for the GameBoy in Japan in 1996, Pokémon have been in all kinds of media, such as video games, trading card games, smartphone apps, television, and various merchandise. But no matter the form, the core themes of Pokémon - collection, training, battle, and trading - have always remained the same.
Learn more about Pokémon here!
Since the release of Pokémon Red and Green for the GameBoy in Japan in 1996, Pokémon have been in all kinds of media, such as video games, trading card games, smartphone apps, television, and various merchandise. But no matter the form, the core themes of Pokémon - collection, training, battle, and trading - have always remained the same.
Learn more about Pokémon here!
Pokémon in Games
Collection, training, battle, and trading are the core themes of Pokémon and have remained the same throughout all mainline Pokémon games.
Collection
Did you know that over 1000 different types of Pokémon have been discovered so far? Wild Pokémon can be caught and carried around using special items called Poké Balls.
Training
When some Pokémon train and grow stronger, they evolve into different Pokémon!
Battle
People who catch and train Pokémon are called Pokémon trainers. Trainers can battle wild Pokémon, or even other trainers, to help their Pokémon grow stronger.
Trading
Catching Pokémon in the wild isn’t the only way to befriend them - you can also trade Pokémon with other trainers!
Pokémon in the Real World
Pokémon has appeared not just in video games, but in all kinds of media worldwide.
Video Games
Since the first Pokémon video games, Pokémon Red and Green, were released for the GameBoy in Japan in 1996, the world of Pokémon has been developed into a variety of content. The video games, where it all began, are currently available in 9 languages, and over 480 million units of Pokémon-related software have been shipped worldwide!
Trading Cards
The Pokémon Trading Card Game, which brought Pokémon from the virtual into the real world, was also first released in Japan in 1996, and has since been printed in 15 languages, in 96 countries and regions worldwide.
Film and Animation
In film and television, not only has the Pokémon TV anime series been airing in Japan since 1997, but it has also since been aired in over 190 countries and regions, and there have also been multiple animated films, live-action films, and web series.
Apps
There have also been many apps released for smartphones and tablets that bring people and Pokémon even closer. With gaming apps, apps for children, and even lifestyle apps for improving your quality of life, these apps appeal to a wide range of fans!
Merchandise and Licensing
Pokémon has been successful not just in the virtual world, but in the real world too. Not only are there official shops, or Pokémon Centers, selling original merchandise in multiple countries, but Pokémon has also collaborated with various partners to develop new products and services!
...and more!
Along with the content mentioned above, Pokémon continues to expand its horizons and develop new content, doing things like holding events overseas and taking to the sky in collaborations with airline companies! Keep an eye on future projects as The Pokémon Company ventures into new territory and enriches the world with its beloved Pokémon.
