History of Pokémon in Timeline
Pokémon is a sprawling Japanese media franchise encompassing video games, animation, trading cards, and more. Set in a universe where humans and Pokémon coexist, the creatures possess diverse abilities. While primarily aimed at children aged 5-12, Pokémon boasts a broad appeal, attracting fans across various demographics. The core gameplay often revolves around catching, training, and battling Pokémon.
1932: Inspiration from the Film Freaks
In 1932, the film Freaks inspired Satoshi Tajiri to name his magazine Game Freak.
August 1965: Satoshi Tajiri's Birth
In August 1965, Satoshi Tajiri, the creator of Pokémon, was born in Machida, a suburb of Tokyo.
March 1983: First Issue of Game Freak Magazine
In March 1983, Satoshi Tajiri self-published the first issue of his doujinshi magazine titled Game Freak at the age of 17. At the time, there were no specialized video game magazines in Japan, allowing Game Freak to fill a gap in the market.
1983: Ishihara Joins Sedic
In 1983, Tsunekazu Ishihara joined Sedic, a company that created video graphics and software.
1985: Comparison to the Nintendo Entertainment System launch budget
The budget allocated to Pokémon's launch was approximately the same amount as the launch budget of the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985.
1986: Game Freak Development Team Formed
In 1986, Tajiri, Sugimori, and other enthusiasts started an informal development team called Game Freak, named after Tajiri's magazine.
1987: 4Kids Entertainment becomes NoA's licensing agent
In 1987, 4Kids Entertainment, led by Alfred R. Kahn, became Nintendo of America's licensing agent.
1987: Otocky Video Game
In 1987, Sedic, the company where Tsunekazu Ishihara worked, created a video game called Otocky.
1987: Inspiration from Dragon Quest II
In 1987, Tajiri's experience with Dragon Quest II, a role-playing game for the Famicom, gave him the idea that would eventually make it possible to transfer things from one cartridge to another through the Game Link Cable.
March 1989: Nintendo Co-founds Ape, Inc.
In March 1989, Nintendo co-founded Ape, Inc. with Itoi with the intent to give outside talent a chance to pitch new, innovative games.
April 1989: Game Freak Co., Ltd. Officially Incorporated
On April 26, 1989, Tajiri officially incorporated Game Freak Co., Ltd.
1989: Inspiration from the Final Fantasy Legend
In 1989, Final Fantasy Legend, the first RPG for the Game Boy, inspired Satoshi Tajiri to create Pokemon.
1990: Development Contract Signed
At the beginning of 1990, the development contract was signed, with a planned game delivery in October. Tajiri directed the project, working under Ishihara.
1990: Initial Development Phase
In 1990, the initial development phase of the game began.
1991: Stagnation of Japanese Economy
From 1991 onwards, Japan's economy stagnated, causing the country to lose its status as an economic superpower.
1991: Ishihara Becomes Vice President of Ape
In 1991, Ishihara became the vice-president of Ape.
1991: Initial Development Phase
In 1991, the initial development phase of the game continued.
October 1992: Pokémon Popularity Poll
By October 1992, a large number of Pokémon had been designed, and a poll was held among all staff members to gauge the popularity of the different species.
1993: Magic: The Gathering Gained Popularity
In 1993, Magic: The Gathering, the first collectible card game (CCG) in history, gained popularity in North America, Europe, and Asia, influencing the creation of the Pokemon Trading Card Game.
1994: Staff Members Work on EarthBound
In 1994, Akihiko Miura, Kōichi Ōyama, and Takumi Akabane, who would later design the Pokemon Trading Card Game, worked on EarthBound. Miura was the game's main designer, Ōyama was its art director, and Akabane was one of its chief debuggers.
1994: Resumption of Pocket Monsters Development
In the summer of 1994, after the release of Pulseman, Tajiri decided to make a serious effort towards finishing Pocket Monsters.
November 1995: Creatures, Inc. Founded
On November 8, 1995, Ishihara founded Creatures, Inc. to create video games. The company was initially located in the same office building as Nintendo in Tokyo. Creatures was assigned co-ownership of the Pokémon property, leading to a three-way ownership between Game Freak, Creatures, and Nintendo.
December 1995: Pocket Monsters Red and Green Nearing Completion
In December 1995, Pocket Monsters Red and Green were nearing completion, with an initial release date of December 21st announced, though ultimately missed.
1995: Ishihara Pitched the Pokemon Card Game
In 1995, Ishihara pitched the Pokemon card game to Nintendo, who agreed to manufacture the cards but declined to handle distribution. Later that year, Ishihara was contacted by Satoshi Kayama of Media Factory, who offered to distribute the card game and signed the contract near the end of 1995.
1995: Game Boy Revival in Japan
In 1995, the Game Boy experienced a small revival in Japan due to the success of Mario's Picross.
February 1996: Pokémon Games Released on Game Boy
In February 1996, the Pokémon franchise began with the release of a pair of role-playing games developed by Game Freak on the Game Boy. These games, from an original concept by Satoshi Tajiri, became sleeper hits.
February 1996: Pocket Monsters Red and Green Released
On February 27, 1996, Pocket Monsters Red and Green were published after delays in manufacturing cartridges, manuals and packages. The copyright "© 1995" is shown on the title screens and cartridges.
February 1996: Pocket Monsters Manga Adaptation Released
On February 28, 1996, the day after the release of Red and Green, the first chapter of the Pocket Monsters manga adaptation, written and illustrated by Kosaku Anakubo, was featured in the March/April issue of Bessatsu CoroCoro Comic.
April 1996: "Legendary Pokemon Offer" Announced
On April 15, 1996, the May issue of CoroCoro announced the "Legendary Pokemon Offer" centered around Mew, an unobtainable Pokemon in Red & Green through normal means. Readers had to send in a postcard to enter a lottery for a chance to have Mew uploaded onto their game cartridge.
August 1996: Shogakukan Proposed Anime Adaptation
By August 1996, Kubo had become convinced of Pokémon's potential and believed Shogakukan should create an anime adaptation.
October 1996: Pokemon Trading Card Game Released
On October 20, 1996, the first Pokémon Trading Card Game set was released in Japan, along with booster packs containing 10 random cards. The cards were an instant success despite being ignored by most media.
1996: Minoru Arakawa plays Pokemon and considers North American launch
In 1996, Minoru Arakawa, the founder and then-president of Nintendo of America, first played one of the three Pokemon titles during Shoshinkai. He thought the games were promising but faced internal skepticism about its potential success in the US market.
March 1997: 87 Million Pokémon Cards Shipped
By the end of March 1997, six months after its launch, 87 million Pokémon cards had been shipped in Japan. The upcoming Pokémon anime series further boosted the card's popularity.
April 1997: Copyright Council Formed
Beginning in April 1997, a copyright council headed by Ishihara met every Tuesday to discuss Pokémon-related events, Shogakukan publication plans, and merchandise proposals. Of the approximately 7,500 applications submitted in 1997, only about 5% were approved.
April 1997: Pocket Monsters Anime Premiered
On April 1, 1997, Pocket Monsters premiered on TV Tokyo, securing the 19:00 – 19:30 timeslot on Tuesdays. By November, it had become the highest-rated program on the network.
May 1997: Nagatanien began selling Pokemon-branded foods
In May 1997, Nagatanien, a food manufacturer, started selling Pokemon-branded curry, furikake, and baking mixes.
December 1997: Toshoku collapse
In December 1997, Nagatanien was significantly affected by the collapse of Toshoku, one of its primary sales channels and the third-largest bankruptcy in Japan's postwar history. Despite this, Nagatanien reported net profits in fiscal years '97 and '98 because of their Pokemon-licensed products.
December 1997: "Dennō Senshi Porygon" episode broadcast
On the evening of 16 December 1997, the 38th episode of the Pokémon anime, titled "Dennō Senshi Porygon" (Computer Warrior Porygon), was broadcast and watched by approximately 4.6 million households. The episode contained intense visual stimuli that led to a health crisis.
1997: Tamagotchi Fad
In 1997, the Tamagotchi fad, centered around a portable digital pet device, was said to have "paved the way for Pokémon".
1997: Yamauchi approved the overseas launch
In late November 1997, NoJ president Hiroshi Yamauchi officially approved the Pokémon overseas launch project, which was subsequently announced at Space World 1997.
March 1998: 499 Million Pokémon Cards Produced
By March 1998, a total of 499 million Pokémon cards had been produced in Japan due to the success of the TV series.
March 1998: Pokemon cards produced
By March 1998, half a year before Pokémon's overseas launch, 499 million Pokémon cards had been produced.
March 1998: Licensed Pokemon goods and products
In March 1998, the Pokemon franchise had expanded to include 35 companies offering licensed Pokemon goods, resulting in approximately 700 Pokemon products. Tomy, Bandai, and Meiji Seika were among the companies manufacturing Pokemon merchandise.
April 1998: Pokémon anime series returns
After a hiatus due to the "Dennō Senshi Porygon" incident, the Pokémon anime series returned on 16 April 1998.
April 1998: Pokemon presented at MIP TV
From 3–8 April 1998, the Pokémon series was presented at MIP TV in Cannes, France.
April 1998: Founding of Pokémon Center Co. Ltd.
On 23 April 1998, Pokémon Center Co. Ltd. was founded as a joint venture by Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak to manage specialized merchandise stores called Pokémon Centers.
July 1998: Premiere of 'Pocket Monsters the Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back'
On 18 July 1998, the film Pocket Monsters the Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back (Pokémon: The First Movie) premiered in Japan and became the fourth highest-grossing film of the year.
July 1998: First Pokémon Center Opening
On 18 July 1998, the first Pokémon Center location opened in Nihonbashi, Tokyo.
September 1998: Pokémon Red Version and Blue Version Release
On 28 September 1998, Pokémon Red Version and Blue Version were released.
September 1998: American version of Pokemon Anime in Australia and New Zealand
On 28 September 1998, the American version of the Pokémon anime started broadcasting in Australia and New Zealand.
September 1998: Release of Pocket Monsters Pikachu (Pokémon Yellow)
On September 12, 1998, Pocket Monsters Pikachu (Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition), an adaptation of Pokemon Blue resembling the TV series more, was released in Japan.
September 1998: Pokémon anime first broadcast
The Pokémon anime was first broadcast on 7 September 1998.
November 1998: Game Boy Color Release
On 23 November 1998, the Game Boy Color was released, coinciding with the North American launch of Pokémon.
December 1998: Pokemon anime highest-rated syndicated children's show
By December 1998, the Pokémon anime had become the highest-rated syndicated children's show during the weekdays.
1998: Establishment of the Pokémon Company (TPC)
In 1998, Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures established the Pokémon Company (TPC) to manage the Pokémon property within Asia.
1998: Pokémon Exported Globally
In 1998, Pokémon was exported to the rest of the world, resulting in a global phenomenon known as "Pokémania".
1998: NATPE and 4Kids' Localization of Pokemon Anime
In 1998, at NATPE, Norman J. Grossfeld of 4Kids sought carte blanche to Americanize the Pokémon anime. 4Kids self-financed the localization after failing to secure broadcaster interest, offering the show for free to local stations in exchange for ad revenue share, with NoA assisting by buying ad space.
1998: Dragon Warrior Monsters and Robopon Sun and Star Release
In 1998, following the success of the Pokémon series, Dragon Warrior Monsters and Robopon Sun and Star were released, marking early attempts to emulate Pokémon's monster-taming gameplay.
January 1999: Pokémon Trading Card Game Launch
On 9 January 1999, the Pokémon Trading Card Game was officially launched nationwide in North America, after pre-sales in select stores in December.
January 1999: Pokemon in Beijing
The anime series debuted in Beijing on 10 January 1999.
February 1999: Pokemon on Kids' WB
On 13 February 1999, Pokémon launched on the Kids' WB national television block and became the most-watched premiere in Kids' WB's history.
March 1999: Number of Pokemon cards shipped
By March 1999, the total number of Pokemon cards shipped reached 764 million.
April 1999: Pokémon Phenomenon and Scarcity of Goods
In April 1999, a general consensus formed in the US that Pokémon had become a phenomenon, often referred to as "Pokémania". Severe scarcity of Pokémon goods, especially Pokémon cards, led to missed profits for companies.
April 1999: Columbine High School Massacre
The Columbine High School massacre occurred during Pokémania on 20 April 1999, causing violent television, music, and games to be scrutinized.
July 1999: Pokemon in South Korea
On 14 July 1999, the anime series debuted in South Korea.
August 1999: Card Supply Shortage
In August 1999, a Toys "R" Us manager reported that a supply of 600 booster packs would last only 24 hours. A card distributor stated they were "thousands of boxes behind" on orders, leading Wizards to hire more employees and printers to increase card production.
September 1999: Class-Action Lawsuit Filed Against Nintendo and Others
In September 1999, a US-based law firm filed a class-action lawsuit against Nintendo of America, Wizards of the Coast, and 4Kids, claiming that the booster packs constitute a form of lottery and promote gambling in kids.
November 1999: "Pokémon: The First Movie" Premiere and Burger King Promotion
In November 1999, "Pokémon: The First Movie" premiered in North America. It became one of the most successful Japanese animated films, though negatively received by many Western critics. Burger King's promotional action resulted in supply issues, and on December 27th, Burger King recalled its Poké Ball toy after a 13-month-old girl died suffocating on one.
November 1999: Toy Production Increase and Continued Scarcity
In November 1999, factories making Hasbro's Pokémon toys had expanded production by 20 times, but demand still exceeded supply, highlighting the ongoing scarcity of Pokémon merchandise.
November 1999: Peak of Incidents in US
In the US, incidents of crime connected to Pokémon peaked in November 1999, including violence, burglaries, and robberies, mostly related to the trading cards.
November 1999: Pokémon: The First Movie Premieres in the United States
On 12 November 1999, Pokémon: The First Movie premiered in the United States, receiving negative reviews.
December 1999: Pokemon broadcasts in Scandinavia
In December 1999, the Pokémon anime started broadcasting in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
1999: Nintendo's Profit Increase Due to Pokémon
In 1999, Nintendo experienced a 250% increase in profits compared to the previous year due to the Pokémon craze, reaching a six-year high. The Pokémon franchise accounted for over 30% of Nintendo's revenue that year, boosting sales of the Game Boy line.
1999: Peak of Pokémania in North America
In 1999, Pokémania peaked in North America, slowing down throughout the next year.
1999: Pokémon Fad in the Western World
In 1999, Pokémon became an unprecedented and ubiquitous fad in the Western world, described by Time magazine as "a multimedia and interactive barrage like no other before it".
1999: Stock Surge and Investor Shorting
In the summer of 1999, publicly traded Pokémon licensees experienced a massive run on stocks, causing their value to increase dramatically. However, by November 1999, most investors were shorting their shares, anticipating a peak and fall in the Pokémon fad.
February 2000: Pokémon: The First Movie Premieres in European Countries
In February 2000, Pokémon: The First Movie premiered in European countries, receiving negative reviews.
February 2000: Anime debuted in Israel
In February 2000, the Pokémon anime debuted in Israel.
March 2000: Number of Pokemon cards shipped
By March 2000, 4.255 billion Pokémon cards had been manufactured in both Japanese and American factories.
April 2000: Pokémon-related Delinquency Reaches Head in England
In England, Pokémon-related delinquency reached a head in April 2000, linked to the high prices on the grey market for rare cards.
April 2000: Anime Loses No. 1 Spot on Kids' WB
On 29 April 2000, the Pokémon anime was bumped off Kids' WB's No. 1 spot after holding it for 54 weeks, and was surpassed at Fox Kids by Digimon.
September 2000: 4Kids Named Fastest-Growing Company
In September 2000, Fortune magazine named 4Kids, a company that expanded thirty times in revenues due to Pokémon licensing, the fastest-growing company in America.
October 2000: Reformatting of Pokémon Center Co. Ltd. into The Pokémon Company (TPC)
In October 2000, the Pokemon Center Co. Ltd. was reformatted into the Pokémon Company (TPC), and officially renamed. The goal of TPC is to centralize and streamline the global management of Pokémon.
October 2000: Release of Pokémon Gold and Silver in North America
On 15 October 2000, Pokémon Gold and Silver, the successors to Red/Green/Blue, were released in North America.
2000: Capsule Monsters trademark unavailable
According to Tomisawa in 2000, the phrase "Capsule Monsters" was already registered, so the Game Freak staff had to come up with several alternatives, eventually deciding on "Pocket Monsters".
2000: Pokémania Peak
By 2000, the global phenomenon of "Pokémania" was at its peak, marking a significant milestone in the Pokémon franchise's history.
2000: Development of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire
From 2000 to 2002, Game Freak developed Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, the successors to Gold and Silver, for the newly released Game Boy Advance.
2000: American Children
In 2000, Kamo interviewed various American children and found that kids who thought Pokémon was cool, were more likely to believe that Japan was a cool nation.
2000: Kenji Hatakeyama & Masakazu Kubo Wrote About Ishihara
In 2000, Kenji Hatakeyama & Masakazu Kubo wrote that Ishihara was probably the most well-connected man in the industry, with a knowledge of games "beyond comparison".
2000: Anime/Video Game Harmony
In 2000, it was written that the production council was careful to have the anime be in concordance with the video game, ensuring the overall worldview envisioned by Tajiri was not disturbed.
2000: Pokémon Fad Continues in the Western World
In 2000, the Pokémon fad continued its unprecedented success in the Western world.
January 2001: Collapse of Pokémon Trading Card Market in the US
On 20 January 2001, The New York Times reported that Pokémon's trading card market had collapsed in the US.
February 2001: Establishment of Pokémon USA (PUSA)
In February 2001, Pokémon USA (PUSA) was established as an affiliated firm of the Pokémon Company, with Tatsumi Kimishima as its first president.
April 2001: Release of Pokémon Gold and Silver in Europe
On 6 April 2001, Pokémon Gold and Silver were released in Europe.
June 2001: Waning Popularity in the United Kingdom
In June 2001, a survey in the United Kingdom confirmed that Pokémon's popularity was waning there.
October 2001: 4Kids Signs New Contract with PUSA
In October 2001, 4Kids Entertainment signed a new contract with PUSA, continuing as Pokémon's exclusive licensing agent and anime localizer.
2001: American Pokémon Center opening in New York City
In 2001, an American Pokémon Center opened in New York City.
2002: End of Pokémania Craze
By 2002, the initial craze of "Pokémania" had ended. However, Pokémon remained a fixture in popular culture, with new products continuing to be released.
2002: Deterioration of Relationship Between PUSA and Wizards of the Coast
By 2002, the relationship between Pokémon USA (PUSA) and Wizards of the Coast had deteriorated, leading to PUSA poaching several high-profile employees from Wizards.
2002: Game Freak Determined to Continue the Franchise
From 2000 to 2002, Game Freak developed Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, being determined to keep the franchise going.
2002: Akira Chiba Succeeds Tatsumi Kimishima as President of PUSA
In 2002, Akira Chiba succeeded Tatsumi Kimishima as president of Pokémon USA (PUSA).
2002: Weekly Pokémon Broadcasting Station Airs
In 2002, Weekly Pokémon Broadcasting Station (週刊ポケモン放送局, Shūkan Pokemon Hōsōkyoku), a variety show, started airing on TV Tokyo.
March 2003: PUSA Ends Contract with Wizards
In March 2003, PUSA informed Wizards that their contract would not be renewed, preventing Wizards from distributing the new Ruby & Sapphire card set.
March 2003: Establishment of Pokémon UK
In March 2003, Pokémon UK was established in London as a British representative of the Pokémon Company.
October 2003: Wizards Files Suit Against Pokémon USA
On 1 October 2003, Wizards filed suit against Pokémon USA, alleging seizure of intellectual property and trade secrets. The case was settled out of court.
2003: Children Developed an Interest in Japan
In 2003, many children said that, as a result of Pokémon and other 'cool' Japanese goods, they had developed an interest in Japan.
2004: Planning of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen
After the development of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, in 2004, Game Freak also began planning remakes of older installments, starting with FireRed and LeafGreen, remakes of the original Red and Green.
2004: Japanese are Proud of Pokémon
In 2004, Japanese were proud of Pokémon, the most successful export of Japanese popular culture ever.
2004: Commercialism Concerns
In 2004, Pokémon was considered "ruthlessly commercial", and that it "program[med] children to be consumers of anything and everything Pokémon".
2004: Weekly Pokémon Broadcasting Station Ends
In 2004, Weekly Pokémon Broadcasting Station (週刊ポケモン放送局, Shūkan Pokemon Hōsōkyoku) stopped airing on TV Tokyo.
2004: Cultural Differences
In 2004, Yano attributed less criticism in Japan to cultural differences which included greater acceptance of exuberant consumerism and less focus on media influence.
2004: Reactions Constituted a Moral Panic
In 2004, Yano claimed that the reactions to Pokémon at one point constituted a moral panic.
2004: Criticism on Pokémon Trading Cards
In 2004, criticism of Pokémon was largely directed at the trading cards, particularly booster packs, and their perceived "artificially created" rarity as a form of gambling.
2004: Pokémon's Importance to Nintendo
In 2004, it was suggested that Nintendo might have struggled to survive without the success of Pokémon, highlighting the franchise's crucial role in the company's profitability.
2004: Reduced Shelf Space in Toy Stores
In 2004, it was written that "By the summer of 2001, Pokémon's shelf space in Japanese and U.S. toy stores was but a fraction of what it enjoyed in the fall of 1999".
December 2005: PUSA Ends Agreement with 4Kids and Replaces Voice Actors
On 23 December 2005, it was announced that the agreement between PUSA and 4Kids would not be renewed, expiring on December 31st. PUSA moved all licensing in-house and replaced almost all of the original English voice actors, which raised ire of fans and the actors themselves.
2005: American Pokémon Center Remodeling
In 2005, the American Pokémon Center in New York City was remodeled into Nintendo World, later renamed Nintendo New York.
2006: Planning of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl
After the development of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, in 2006, Game Freak started planning their sequels: Diamond and Pearl.
2006: Anime Visuals Not Sophisticated
In 2006, Allison wrote that even those within Pokémon's US marketing team agreed that the anime's visuals were "not especially sophisticated" compared to Disney cartoons.
2006: Diamond and Pearl Classified as Gen 4
In 2006, Junichi Masuda referred to Diamond and Pearl as Gen 4 of the Pokémon core RPG series.
April 2007: Release of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl in North America
On 22 April 2007, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl were released in North America.
2007: Spectrobes Release
In 2007, Spectrobes was released as another title that, like many others, drew comparisons to the Pokémon series due to its monster-catching and training mechanics.
March 2009: Release of Pokémon Platinum in North America
On 22 March 2009, Pokémon Platinum was released in North America.
September 2009: Release of Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver in Japan
On 12 September 2009, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver were released in Japan as part of Generation IV. They are remakes of Gold and Silver.
2009: Invizimals Release
In 2009, Invizimals was released, joining the ranks of games inevitably compared to Pokémon for their similar mechanics in catching and training monsters.
2009: Merger of Pokémon USA and Pokémon UK to form TPCi
In 2009, Pokémon USA and Pokémon UK merged to form the Pokémon Company International (TPCi), managing the Pokémon franchise outside of Asia.
2009: Pokémon Company International (TPCi) Manages Franchise Outside Asia
Since 2009, the Pokémon Company International (TPCi), a subsidiary of TPC, has managed the franchise in all regions outside of Asia.
March 2010: Release of Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver in North America
On 14 March 2010, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver were released in North America.
September 2010: Release of Pokémon Black and White in Japan
On 18 September 2010, Pokémon Black and White were released in Japan for the DS. The games feature enhanced visual effects and increased use of 3D graphics.
March 2011: Release of Pokémon Black and White in North America
On 6 March 2011, Pokémon Black and White were released in North America.
2011: Pokémon Games Release Exclusively on Nintendo Consoles Until 2011
Until 2011, Pokémon games were exclusively released on Nintendo consoles before expanding to the mobile phone market.
June 2012: Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 Release in Japan
On June 23, 2012, Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 were released in Japan for the DS. These sequels aimed to appeal to both new and returning players with introductory explanations and new updates, including a Pokémon Center in the first city with detailed walkthroughs.
October 2012: Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 Release in North America
On October 7, 2012, Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 were released in North America for the DS. These sequels maintained continuity with the previous games and offered a different perspective in the storyline to appeal to both new and returning players.
October 2013: Pokémon X and Y Worldwide Release
On October 12, 2013, Pokémon X and Y were released worldwide for the 3DS. These games, focusing on "beauty", "bond", and "evolution", introduced a new core mechanic where Pokémon could achieve a higher form of evolution by strengthening bonds with trainers.
2013: X and Y Classified as the 6th Generation
In 2013, Junichi Masuda referred to X and Y as the 6th generation of the Pokémon core RPG series.
November 2014: Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Release
In November 2014, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire were released worldwide for the 3DS, with the European release on November 28, 2014. These games are remakes of Ruby and Sapphire, enhanced with 3D graphics and an updated PokéGear feature for better information accessibility.
2014: Google Maps Pokémon Challenge
In 2014, the Google Maps Pokémon Challenge started as an April Fools' Day joke conceived by Tsunekazu Ishihara and Satoru Iwata. The prank ultimately served as inspiration for the mobile game, Pokémon Go.
July 2016: Pokémon Go Revenue Exceeds $160 Million
By the end of July 2016, Pokémon Go had generated more than $160 million through in-game purchases, with daily revenue around $10 million, according to App Annie.
September 2016: Pokémon Go Revenue Reaches $440 Million
By September 2, 2016, Pokémon Go had generated more than $440 million in worldwide revenue, according to Sensor Tower. By September 30, the game had 500 million downloads and grossed $470 million in 80 days, per Newzoo.
November 2016: Pokémon Sun and Moon Worldwide Release
In November 2016, Pokémon Sun and Moon were released worldwide for the 3DS, with the European release on November 23, 2016. Inspired by Hawaii, these games focused on bringing Pokémon to life, celebrating the franchise's 20th anniversary.
2016: Pokémon Go Release
In 2016, Pokémon Go, a mobile augmented reality game, was released and became a worldwide fad. Developed by Niantic, the app was based on a Google April Fools' Day joke and matched the concept of Pokémon with Niantic's transreality game, Ingress.
2016: Release of Pokémon Go
In the summer of 2016, the release of Pokémon Go, an augmented reality game developed by Niantic, spurred a second wave of popularity for the Pokémon franchise.
November 2017: Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon Release
On November 17, 2017, Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon were released worldwide. These enhanced versions added an alternate storyline, additional characters, Pokémon, and other features, serving as a culmination of the series on the 3DS.
November 2018: Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! Release
On November 16, 2018, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! were released for the Nintendo Switch as part of Generation VII. Inspired by Pokémon Yellow, these games sought to introduce newcomers to the Pokémon series with similar capture mechanics to Pokémon Go.
2018: Release of Detective Pikachu
In 2018, Detective Pikachu, an adventure game, was released as a spin-off in the Pokémon video game series.
2018: Miyamoto's Retrospective on Pokémon
In a 2018 retrospect, Miyamoto downplayed his role in advising Tajiri and stated that his contributions to Pokémon were in fact limited.
November 2019: Pokémon Sword and Shield Release
On November 15, 2019, Pokémon Sword and Shield were released for the Switch, marking the debut of Generation VIII. The games' design was based on the theme of becoming the strongest, expressed through the Dynamax/Gigantamax Pokémon mechanic and the Switch's capabilities.
2019: Release of Detective Pikachu Film
In 2019, the live-action/animated film Detective Pikachu, based on the video game of the same name, was released.
June 2020: Pokémon Sword and Shield DLC Part 1 Release
On June 17, 2020, Part 1 of the DLC expansion for Pokémon Sword and Shield, The Isle of Armor, was released. It included additional storylines, places, Pokémon, characters, and other features.
October 2020: Pokémon Sword and Shield DLC Part 2 Release
On October 22, 2020, Part 2 of the DLC expansion for Pokémon Sword and Shield, The Crown Tundra, was released. It included additional storylines, places, Pokémon, characters, and other features.
2020: Resurgence in Pokémon Card Popularity
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic inspired a resurgence in the popularity of Pokémon cards, further popularized by YouTubers and influencers. This led to supply shortages and inappropriate behavior in retail outlets.
November 2021: Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl Release
On November 19, 2021, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl were released for the Switch as part of Generation VIII. Developed by ILCA, these remakes of Diamond and Pearl revisited old games and mechanics with enhanced 3D graphics to celebrate Pokémon's 25th anniversary.
2021: Monster Crown Release
In 2021, Monster Crown was released, and like many games before it, invited comparison to the Pokémon franchise due to its focus on catching and training monsters.
2021: Release of Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle
In 2021, Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle was released. It is the most recent anime film.
2021: Japan Post Releases Limited Edition Pokémon Postage Stamps
In 2021, the Japan Post released limited edition postage stamps and stamp boxes, which included promo Pokémon cards inspired by the postage stamps Beauty Looking Back and Moon Goose.
January 2022: Pokémon Legends: Arceus Release
On January 28, 2022, Pokémon Legends: Arceus was released for the Switch as a prequel to Diamond and Pearl, part of Generation VIII. The game represents a new approach for the series by adding real-time elements and resembling aspects of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
November 2022: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Release
In November 2022, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet were released for the Switch, introducing Generation IX. These games feature an entirely open-world experience, departing from traditional gym mechanics and elite four battles.
2022: Marketing Perspective on "Gotta catch 'em all!" Slogan
In 2022, it was noted that "from both a marketing perspective and, really, a legal perspective, it would not be to the company's advantage to keep pushing that slogan" Gotta Catch 'Em All!
April 2023: Pokémon Horizons Series Airs
On 14 April 2023, the newest Pokémon anime series, Pokémon Horizons, started airing.
September 2023: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Teal Mask Release
On September 12-13, 2023, The Teal Mask, the first part of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, was released.
October 2023: Pocket ni Boken o Tsumekonde Premieres
On 20 October 2023, the live-action television drama Pocket ni Boken o Tsumekonde, produced by The Pokémon Company and TV Tokyo, premiered on TV Tokyo.
December 2023: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Indigo Disk Release
On December 14, 2023, The Indigo Disk, the second part of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, was released.
January 2024: Number of Pokémon Species Introduced
As of January 2024, 1,025 Pokémon species have been introduced into the Pokémon world.
January 2024: Number of Pokémon Merchandise Shops in Japan
As of January 2024, a total of 24 Pokémon merchandise shops exist in Japan.
January 2024: Epilogue to The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Release
On January 11, 2024, an epilogue to The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet was released.
February 2024: Pokémon Legends: Z-A Announcement
On February 27, 2024, TPCi announced Pokémon Legends: Z-A, set to release in 2025 for the Switch. It is part of Generation IX and a successor to Legends: Arceus, returning to the Kalos region.
March 2024: Pokémon TCG Production Reaches 64.8 Billion Cards
According to the official website of The Pokémon Company, as of March 2024, 64.8 billion Pokémon trading cards have been produced.
March 2024: Pokémon Game Unit Sales Reach 480 Million
As of March 2024, over 480 million Pokémon game units have been sold worldwide, according to the official website of the Pokémon Company.
June 2024: La Poste Issues Pokémon Stamps
On 17 June 2024, La Poste (France) issued a booklet of 12 stamps dedicated to Pokémon.
2024: Pokémon Franchise Reaches $100 Billion in Revenue
By 2024, the Pokémon franchise had earned a total of 100 billion US dollars, making it the highest-grossing media franchise ever.
2024: NoA's ad spend adjusted for inflation
In 2024, NoA's spend to persuade dozens of stations to carry the series was an estimated $9.65 million when adjusted for inflation.
2024: Palworld Release
In 2024, Palworld was released and became another example of a game compared to Pokémon because of its monster-taming elements, showcasing the lasting impact of the Pokémon series on the genre.
2024: Value of a Rare Pokémon Card
In 2024, a rare Pokémon card could be bought and sold for $50 or more.
2024: Adjusted launch budget for Pokemon
In 2024, the launch budget for Pokémon was estimated to be $96.46 million when adjusted for inflation.
2025: Anime Consists of Over 1,300 Episodes
As of 2025, the Pokémon anime consists of over 1,300 episodes across 8 series in Asia, and 27 seasons internationally.
2025: Pokémon Legends: Z-A Set to Release
In 2025, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, a successor to Legends: Arceus set in the Kalos region, is scheduled for release on the Switch as part of Generation IX.
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