Pokémon isn’t just a series of video games — it’s a global phenomenon that has captivated fans across generations. Whether through games, trading cards, TV shows, or movies, Pokémon has managed to embed itself into the very fabric of popular culture. But for retro gamers, the franchise’s humble beginnings on the original Game Boy hold a special place. From those iconic first titles, Pokémon became a defining brand in both the gaming world and beyond. In this episode, we’ll explore what made Pokémon so big, how its early games shaped the retro gaming scene, and why it continues to draw in fans today.
Pokémon’s journey began in 1996 with the release of Pokémon Red and Green in Japan, developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo. The creator, Satoshi Tajiri, drew inspiration from his childhood passion for collecting insects, designing a game that encouraged exploration, capturing, and training fantastical creatures known as Pokémon. This simple yet engaging concept sparked a revolution in gaming.
The use of the Game Boy’s link cable allowed players to trade and battle Pokémon with friends, adding a social element that was rare at the time. It wasn’t just a solo adventure — you had to connect with others to “catch ’em all.” This aspect of collaboration and competition was key to Pokémon’s early success.
For retro gamers, the original Pokémon games — Red, Blue, and Yellow — are cherished classics that shaped their gaming experiences. These titles introduced players to a world filled with strange creatures, from the powerful Pikachu to the elusive Mewtwo. Each game had a clear objective: defeat the Gym Leaders, conquer the Elite Four, and become the Pokémon Champion.
Beyond the main titles, games like Pokémon Crystal and Pokémon Gold & Silver expanded the universe, introducing new regions, day-and-night cycles, and even breeding mechanics. These innovations kept the gameplay fresh while maintaining the core appeal of catching and training Pokémon.
The pixelated graphics, catchy 8-bit music, and simple yet deep strategy mechanics of these early games created a perfect mix for both young players and experienced gamers. Even today, these titles are highly sought after by retro gaming enthusiasts.
When Pokémon hit the Western market in 1998 with Pokémon Red and Blue, it became a global sensation almost overnight. The franchise’s reach extended far beyond the gaming world, quickly expanding into an animated TV series, a trading card game, and a wide range of merchandise.
For many fans, the animated series was their first introduction to the Pokémon universe. Ash Ketchum, the ambitious young trainer with his trusty Pikachu, became a cultural icon. The phrase “Gotta catch ’em all!” was on everyone’s lips, and soon enough, Pokémon cards were traded in schoolyards, and the games were on every Game Boy.
The franchise’s combination of approachable gameplay, endearing characters, and a massive world of collectibles made it irresistible to fans of all ages. Pokémon’s world-building, with its diverse creatures and immersive lore, gave players a reason to stay invested in the franchise over the years.
Pokémon’s success wasn’t just about the games — it also thrived as a brand built around collecting. In the games, the goal was always to capture and train all available Pokémon, but outside of the games, the Pokémon Trading Card Game became another massive part of the franchise. Rare cards like the original holographic Charizard became prized possessions, and trading cards soon held their own as a collectible market.
In the retro gaming space, this collectibility has translated into a huge demand for early Pokémon games. Original, mint-condition versions of Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow are considered treasures by retro collectors. Sealed copies, especially, have sold for astonishing prices at auctions, sometimes fetching thousands of dollars.
But it’s not just about value — owning these games is like holding a piece of gaming history, a reminder of simpler times when your main goal was to catch that last elusive Pokémon.
More than 25 years after its first release, Pokémon remains one of the most beloved franchises in the gaming world. Its influence on retro gaming culture is undeniable, as those early titles laid the foundation for not just the Pokémon universe, but also for a generation of gamers who grew up immersed in its world. From its unique multiplayer features to its status as a collectible icon, Pokémon continues to captivate both casual fans and dedicated collectors alike.
In the next episode, we’ll dive deeper into the rarest and most valuable Pokémon games and collectibles, exploring how they’ve become high-value items in the retro gaming market.
‘Why the hype’ — the story of the greats: Pokémon — Part1 was originally published in Golisto on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.