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
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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'?Frigibax Can Be Difficult to Get Without These Tips in 'Pokémon GO'
During the ongoing Ultra Unlock: Paldea event, Trainers can catch a Frigibax in 'Pokémon GO.' Although, it can be challenging to get without a sound strategy.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'
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'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
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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'
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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
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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'
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A Pokémon filter created for TikTok allegedly showed users an explicit image of the popular character Gardevoir. It has since been taken down.Keep Snorlax Happy With These Salad Recipes in 'Pokémon Sleep'
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Getting a Shiny Snorlax in 'Pokémon Sleep' is largely left to chance, although there are a few other ways you can change its color.You Can Follow a Local Trainer's Route or Make Your Own in 'Pokémon GO' — Here's How
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While the 'Pokémon Sleep' roster isn’t quite as comprehensive as 'Pokémon GO,' there are still tons of monsters for you to collect.There Are a Few Easy Ways to Get Revives in 'Pokémon Go' — Here's How
Sometimes battles in 'Pokémon Go' become more difficult than expected and your Pokémon have fainted. Here's how to get Revives and Potions.
