When Satoshi Tajiri came up with the idea for a video game based on collecting and battling monsters, he probably didn't imagine that it would become the worldwide phenomenon it is today.

In 1996, the first Pokémon game was released, and over the years, the franchise has grown to include trading cards, anime, merchandise, and a multitude of spin-off games. Despite the franchise's success in Japan, it wasn't until the release of Pokémon Red and Blue in North America in 1998 that the series became a global phenomenon

Ash and Pokemon

Ash and Pokemon

Following the story of Ash Ketchum, a ten-year-old Pokémon trainer, and his Pikachu on a mission to become the "very best" Pokémon trainer ever, Pokémon has left a lasting legacy on the video game industry and pop culture.

Ash's Pikachu

In the summer of 2016, the release of Pokémon Go! brought the franchise to a whole new level of popularity. The app used augmented reality technology to give users the chance to catch Pokémon in the real world. It became a worldwide phenomenon, with over 1 billion downloads to date.

The franchise has continued to evolve, with new features being introduced, such as Mega Evolutions and Dynamaxing, and in January 2022, Pokémon Legends: Arceus became the franchises first venture into an open-world gaming format.

However, as we move into 2023, the franchise will be heading in a new direction. After 25 seasons of the anime, Ash finally fulfilled his dreams of becoming Pokémon World Champion and with this, he bowed out of the competition. The anime will now focus on introducing two new main protagonists, Liko and Roy, as they train in their home region of Paldea with aspirations of following in Ash’s footsteps.

As for the latest game news, DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet has been announced for release in 2023. Named "The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero," the DLC is to be released in two parts. The first part, titled "The Teal Mask," will be released in in fall 2023, and includes the legendary Pokémon Ogepon. The second part, titled "The Indigo Disk," will be released in winter 2023, and includes the legendary Pokémon Terpagos.

Pokémon has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1996. It’s now a worldwide phenomenon that has left an indelible mark on pop culture and society as a whole. Its legacy is one of inspiration, innovation, and fun.

As we look forward to the future of the franchise, one thing is certain - Pokémon will continue to capture the hearts and minds of players and fans for years to come.

Can’t wait until the DLC is released? Check out our range of Pokémon merchandise.

Who was the first Pokémon to exist?

According to Pokémon designer Ken Sugimori, the first Pokémon ever created was actually #112, Rhydon

How many Pokémon are there?

As of confirmation of the ‘The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero’ DLC (scheduled for release by 30 April 2024) for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, there are 1,015 Pokémon in total.

What is the biggest Pokémon?

The biggest Pokémon is Eternatus, standing 65’07” (20m) tall in its standard form and 328'01" (100 m) as Eternamax Eternatus.

Eternatus from the Pokémon animé

What is the newest Pokémon?

With the upcoming DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, a new mysterious Pokémon has been discovered. Its splendid aura is reminiscent of the Legendary Pokémon Terapagos, but this Pokémon’s name and true nature are shrouded in mystery.

The Mysterious New Pokémon

What is the most popular Pokémon?

According to global Google Trends, the most popular Pokémon is, unsurprisingly, Pikachu with Charizard coming in as a close second.