Pokémon
The Pokémon franchise was created in 1995 by Japanese video game designer Satoshi Tajiri and centers around creatures known as Pokémon and their human trainers, who collect them and train them for battle. The slogan for the franchise is "Gotta Catch 'Em All."
The first Pokémon game, Pocket Monsters: Red and Green, was released by Nintendo's GameBoy in 1996 and has since gone on to be the highest-grossing media franchise of all time. Along with video games, there is a popular Pokémon cartoon series as well as movies, trading cards, books, and even a theme park.
In 2016, the popular mobile game Pokémon GO was released on iOS and Android devices and gave users the ability to catch Pokémon in real-world locations using GPS technology.
Today, there have been more than 368 million copies of Pokémon video games sold and over one billion mobile downloads. The Pokémon franchise is valued at $92 billion.
Are Pokémon animals?
Technically, Pokémon are not considered animals, but their own Kingdom of organisms. In fact, before they were called Pokémon, the original name of the series was Pocket Monsters. However, there has been some controversy from PETA, accusing the franchise of supporting cruelty to animals and comparing the game's concept to dogfighting and circuses.
The Pokémon video games are divided by generation.
Every several years, a new generation is released with new Pokémon and characters. As of 2020, there are eight generations and they have spanned Nintendo consoles from GameBoy to Nintendo DS to Nintendo Switch.
- Generation I (1996-1999) — Pokémon Red and Blue, Pokémon Yellow
- Generation II (1999-2002) — Pokémon Gold and Silver, Pokémon Crystal
- Generation III (2002-2006) — Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, Pokémon Emerald
- Generation IV (2006-2010) — Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, Pokémon Platinum, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
- Generation V (2010-2013) — Pokémon Black and White, Pokémon Black 2 and White 2
- Generation VI (2013-2016) — Pokémon X and Y, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
- Generation VII (2016-2019) — Pokémon Sun and Moon, Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, Pokémon Let's Go! Pikachu and Let's Go! Eevee
- Generation VIII (2019-present) — Pokémon Sword and Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022)
Pokémon movies:
There have been over 20 Pokémon movies and one live-action film, Detective Pikachu. Here are the highest-grossing movies:
- Detective Pikachu (2019)
- Pokémon: The First Movie (1998)
- Pokémon The Movie 2000 (1999)
- Pokémon 3 The Movie (2000)
- Pokémon: Giritina and The Sky Warrior (2008)
Is Pokémon an anime?
Yes, the Pokémon animated series is considered anime. More than 1,000 episodes of the show have aired and it is currently one of the longest-running anime series. The show follows Pokémon Master-in-Training Ash Ketchum as he travels with his friends and side-kick Pikachu around the world. Other notable characters include Misty, Brock, and their nemesis Team Rocket (Jessie, James, and Meowth).
What Pokémon cards are worth money?
Pokémon cards have been a hot commodity since their release in 1996, and there was even a Pokémon card shortage in 2020. However, when it comes to valuable Pokémon cards, a few stand out.
A Pokémon Pikachu Illustrator card sold for $224,250 in 2019, while a 1997 Trophy Pikachu Trainer card is valued anywhere between $75,000 to $100,000. Collectors should also keep their eye out for a 1999 First Edition Holographic Charizard card, which sold in 2017 for $55,000, or the 2010 Japan World Championship Master Key Trophy card (worth $21K).
Latest Pokémon News and Updates
You'll Have to Watch the Weather to Get all Four Forms of Castform in 'Pokémon GO'
Each form of Castform is available during different weather conditions, so you'll have to play across seasons.
Frigibax Can Be Difficult to Get Without These Tips in 'Pokémon GO'
Some Trainers have reported walking for hours and never finding a Frigibax. Perhaps our tips can help you!
It's Almost Time to Check In with 'Pokémon Concierge' — Netflix Announces Season 2
"Pack those swimsuits again because new episodes of Pokémon Concierge are now in production."
Sorry, There's No Pokémon Gen. II Remake in the Works
'Pokémon Gold' and 'Silver' took place in the Johto region, but could we be getting a remake for the Switch soon?
15 Gifts for the Pokémon Fan in Your Life
There are plenty of creative ideas for gifts for your favorite Pokémon fan, no matter your price range. Here are 15 items you can get now.
This Couple Popped the Question at the New York City Pokémon GO Fest (EXCLUSIVE)
Pokémon is a big part of many players' lives, but for one couple, it's become part of their big day after they popped the question at the NYC GO Fest.
"Snapshot Not Working" Bug in 'Pokémon GO' Has Been Around Since Launch — How to Fix It
'Pokémon GO' has had many issues since its release, one of which being the "Snapshot Not Working" error. Here's how to fix it if you're having trouble.
Video Released of LAPD Officers Fired for Ignoring Robbery to Play 'Pokémon GO'
The Los Angeles Police Department recently released a 2017 video exposing two of its officers ignoring a call for robbery to play 'Pokémon GO' while on duty.
Guzzlord Is Now Available in Five-Star 'Pokémon GO' Raids — Here’s How to Catch It
Fairy-type Pokémon will make quick work of Guzzlord, though you’ll still want to team up with a few other trainers to increase your odds of success.
The Best 'Pokémon GO' Team for Sunshine Cup Are Mostly Older Pokémon Outside the Meta
Sunshine Cup has returned to 'Pokémon GO.' Based on what creatures you have, it could be challenging. Here's the best team we found so you can come out on top.
New 'Pokémon Scarlet & Violet' Bug Can Crash the Game During the Final Boss Battle
A game-breaking bug has been spotted by players during the final boss battle in 'Pokémon Scarlet' and 'Violet.' If you don't avoid it, the game will crash.
'Pokémon' x Van Gogh Collab Was Ruined By a Crazed Mob of Scalpers And Fans Are Not Happy
The 'Pokémon' and Van Gogh collaboration event was supposed to be a great time for fans, but it devolved into a mob of scalpers fighting over rare merchandise.
Is Gardevoir or Gallade Better in 'Pokémon GO'? Some Trainers Can't Decide
In 'Pokémon GO,' Ralts is a unique Pokémon that can evolve into Gardevoir or Gallade. You can choose one or the other, but it can be hard a decision.
Genesect Is a "Pretty Good" Pokémon With One Major Flaw in 'Pokémon GO'
Genesect is a Bug and Steel-type Mythical creature in 'Pokémon GO' used in many Trainer lineups. But how good is it? Here's what to know.
You Can Score a Bloodmoon Ursaluna for Completing Perrin's Quest in the 'Teal Mask' DLC
Perrin is a traveling photographer who Trainers will meet in 'Teal Mask.' She brings a lot of life to the DLC, and also has a quest with a worthwhile reward.
The Legendary Ogerpon Is One of Several Rewards You Can Get for Completing 'Teal Mask'
The 'Teal Mask' DLC in 'Pokémon Scarlet & Violet' will reward players nicely with a new Legendary creature and more for completing the story in Kitakami.
Every Leveling Requirement You Need to Know to Reach Level 50 in 'Pokémon GO'
Trainers will eventually have requirements they must complete to improve their level in 'Pokémon GO' — some of which will take time and effort.
You'll Want to Know Bombardier's Weakness Before Attempting Its Raid in 'Pokémon GO'
Trainers can now battle Bombirdier in 'Pokémon GO' through a Three-Star Raid. Before heading in, here are details on its weakness and the best counters against it.
This 'Pokémon GO' Trick May Help You Get More Excellent Throws
Making an excellent throw in 'Pokemon GO' will greatly increase your catch rate. Here's how to make one and tips to better your throws.
You'll Need a Syrupy Apple to Evolve Applin Into Dipplin in 'Pokémon Scarlet & Violet'
Dipplin is now available in 'Pokémon Scarlet & Violet', but you’ll need a specific item to add them to your PokéDex.
The Master Ball in 'Pokémon GO' Has a Perfect Catch Rate — Here’s How to Get One
The Master Ball is finally available in 'Pokémon GO,' and it’s just as powerful as you’d expect. And yes, you can hold more than one Master Ball in the game.
Many Older Pokémon Have An Unknown Catch Location in 'Pokémon GO' For This Reason
Some older Pokémon will have "unknown" for its catch location, though most Pokémon list the city it was caught in. What does this mean in 'Pokémon GO'?
The Adorable Pawmi Is Now in 'Pokémon GO' — How to Evolve into Pawmo and Pawmot
Aside from feeding it Candy, there's another requirement to evolve Pawmo into Pawmot — just like in 'Pokémon Scarlet' and 'Violet.'
This 'Pokémon GO' Player Has Nearly 45 Million XP but Is Stuck at Level 41 — What’s Going On?
It takes more than just XP to increase your level in 'Pokémon GO,' and it seems one player is having a hard time getting to level 42.
Going Insane Because Your Phone Is Always Buzzing? 'Pokémon GO' May Be the Culprit
You're not going crazy. Many Trainers have reported that their phone is constantly buzzing because of 'Pokémon GO,' even when the app isn't active. Here's why.
'Pokémon GO' Player Shares a Smart Way to Earn a Lot of PokéCoins Without Spending Money
With PokéCoins, Trainers can buy items from the shop in 'Pokémon GO,' but they can be pricey. Luckily, there's a method to get free PokéCoins easily.
These Are the Best Charizard Movesets for PvE and PvP in 'Pokémon GO'
With its best movesets for PvE and PvP encounters, Charizard still remains a powerful Fire and Flying-type creature to have on your team in 'Pokémon GO.'
More Than 150 Familiar Pokémon Join Paldea in the 'Scarlet' and 'Violet' DLC — Full List
'Pokémon Scarlet' and 'Violet' has announced a two-part DLC sending players to new regions. Here's a breakdown of both new and returning Pokémon coming.
The 'Pokémon GO' Shiny Glitch Is a Clever Way to Find New Rare Pokémon
If you ever encounter a Shiny Pokémon you don't want during Spotlight Hour, there's a glitch you could use to encounter a different Shiny in 'Pokémon GO.'
It's That Time of the Month — Everything Happening in 'Pokémon GO' in September 2023
The September 2023 schedule for 'Pokémon GO' is now available, debuting special research questlines, shiny Pokémon, raids, and much more soon.
'Pokémon GO' Ultra Unlock Events Arrive in September — What We Know So Far
Two 'Pokémon GO' Ultra Unlock events will take place in September, thanks to community participation during GO Fest 2023, and offer decent rewards.
How to Make Sure You're Fully Prepared for Primal Kyogre Raids in 'Pokémon GO'
Primal Kyogre will be available in Primal Raids during the 2023 Pokémon GO Fest Global — but you'll have to prepare if you want to catch it.
Primal Groudon Is Coming to 'Pokémon GO' Primal Raids — Here’s How to Catch It
Primal Groudon will be available during raids throughout the 2023 Pokémon GO Fest Global. Here’s how to beat it and add it to your roster.
After My First Pokémon GO Fest, It's True — There's No Community Like the 'Pokémon GO' Community
As a first-time Pokémon GO Fest attendee, the sense of community felt at the event in NYC is unlike anything I've ever experienced in gaming.
Xerneas Will Often Change Colors in Your Storage in 'Pokémon GO' — Here's Why
Xerneas is a multi-colored Legendary you can catch in 'Pokémon GO.' But why does it suddenly change colors once inside your storage? Here's what to know.
Your Guide on the Best Counters to Defeat Yveltal in 'Pokémon GO'
Yveltal is a fearsome Dark and Flying-type returning to 5-star raids in 'Pokémon GO.' Here's a guide of how to beat it and the best counters to use.
Getting Ready to Battle Mega Rayquaza in 'Pokémon GO'? Here Are the Best Counters
The Mega Rayquaza raid will debut in New York City this weekend during the Pokémon GO Fest. Here's a guide to beat the serpent and the best counters.
Going to Pokémon GO Fest NYC? 'Pokémon GO' Product Director Shares His Tips for Trainers (EXCLUSIVE)
Before heading off to Pokémon GO Fest in NYC, you'll want to make sure you're prepared with all the best tips from 'Pokémon GO' Product Director Michael Steranka.
Every August 2023 Prime Gaming Reward for 'Pokémon GO' and How to Claim Them
'Pokémon GO' players across the globe can usually get a couple prizes each month through Prime Gaming. Here are the rewards for August 2023.
The Best Team to Use for the Fantasy Cup Ultra League in 'Pokémon GO'
Restricted to only Dragon, Fairy, and Steel-type Pokémon, the Fantasy Cup in 'Pokémon GO' is revving up soon. Here's the best team to dominate the league.
Feed Snorlax These Drink and Dessert Recipes to Maximize Their Power in 'Pokémon Sleep'
Here’s a look at all drink and dessert recipes in 'Pokémon Sleep' you can whip up to improve Snorlax’s strength and keep them happy.
There Are Several Ways to Build the Best Team in 'Pokémon Sleep' — What You Need to Know
The best Helper Team in 'Pokémon Sleep' makes it easy to level up your Snorlax and encounter rare Pokémon. Here’s how to pick your lineup.
Good Sleep Day in 'Pokémon Sleep' Will Boost Your Drowsy Power During the Next Full Moon
Good Sleep Day in 'Pokémon Sleep' arrives with the next full moon. But what does it entail? Here's what you need to know to get maximum Drowsy Power.
The Pokémon GO Fest 2023 Schedule You've Been Waiting For
Those who can't participate in Pokémon GO Fest in-person will still be able to do the global event in the app. Here's when you can participate.
Some Old Pokémon Games Have Been Added to Nintendo Switch Online
Pokémon fans have been dying to know if some of the old-school Pokémon games will come to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers — and some of the games have.
Here Are All of the 'Pokémon' Anime Series That Are Coming out in 2023
Two new Pokémon anime were announced for 2023, making a total of three shows coming out this year. Here's what we know about all of them.
Every Confirmed Pokémon You’ll See in 'Detective Pikachu Returns' on Nintendo Switch
Tons of Pokémon will make an appearance in 'Detective Pikachu Returns' on Nintendo Switch. Here’s every Pokémon confirmed for the game so far.
Mew Is Now Available in 'Pokémon Scarlet & Violet' — Here’s How to Get It
Getting Mew in 'Pokémon Scarlet' and 'Violet' is easy, but snagging Mewtwo is going to take a bit more work. Here's a look at the two new additions to Paldea.
Paldean Pokémon Are Finally Coming to 'Pokémon GO'
The Paldean Pokémon have yet to be added to the mobile AR game, but The Pokémon Company finally announced when trainers can catch them.
Dominate the Little Jungle Cup in 'Pokémon GO' With These Powerful Teams
The Little Jungle Cup in 'Pokémon GO' has several restrictions on how you can build your party. Here’s who you should bring into battle.