Once upon a time on February 27, 1997, Pokemon released its first video game. Little did they know (or did they?), a Charizard sized wildfire swept across the globe and kicked off the global phenomenon. Everyone has their story. Mine starts at 8 years old with my mother taking me to Toys’R’Us to pick up Red Version for my Game Boy Pocket. From then on (like so many others) I was hooked. Fast forward 20 years, and here we are with our Pokedex’s much more full and excited to celebrate a milestone meaningful to so many people. Having been around and in the spotlight for two decades, Pokemon and its characters have become pop culture icons. We can still find Pikachu as a balloon in the Macy’s Day Parade and merchandise in most toy stores around the world. To this day, they have released 75 game titles, 18 films, and 19 television seasons. President and CEO of The Pokemon Company had this to say…
“Now, 20 years later, I see people from all around the world having fun playing the Pokemon video games and the trading card game.” – Tsunekazu Ishihara
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To celebrate how far Pokemon has come, look forward to the re-release of Red, Blue, and Yellow versions for the Nintendo 3DS. Also available is the Nintendo 3DS 20th anniversary edition that comes with Red and Blue version. If that isn’t enough nostalgia for you, they are also releasing the new Pokemon TCG: Generations set. Toys’R’Us and GameStop will have special posters, binders, and other merchandise for sale to celebrate. The company has also sent out a formal invitation to all Pokemon fans around the world to gather at Rockefeller Center in New York City on February 27 for the 20-year celebration. With fans spanning across multiple generations and the anticipation its new releases still receive, it is safe to say The Pokemon Company is ready for another twenty. Train on!
Do you have any memorable moments from the last 20 years? Share and comment below!
