Pokémon began in 1996 as a pair of video games—Pocket Monsters Red and Green—created by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy. The concept was simple and irresistible: explore a world, collect creatures, and battle with them. Satoshi Tajiri’s childhood love of insect collecting inspired the idea of “catching” and trading creatures.
The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) launched in Japan in 1996 and in North America in 1999. Players build decks, collect cards featuring their favorite Pokémon, and compete in turn-based battles. Iconic cards like Charizard, Pikachu, and Mewtwo became cultural touchstones and valuable collectibles.
Over the decades, Pokémon has grown into one of the world’s largest media franchises—spanning games, cards, anime, movies, and more. Each new generation introduces a new region, new Pokémon, and new cards to collect, keeping the magic alive for fans of all ages.