TLDR;
This video explores the rise of Pokémon to global phenomenon, starting from its origins as a humble video game concept to its evolution into a multimedia empire. It examines the key elements that contributed to its success, including the video games, trading card game (TCG), and anime series.
- The video games' innovative features, such as trading Pokémon between systems, and the anime's memorable characters and storylines, captivated audiences worldwide.
- The TCG created a tactile way for fans to engage with the franchise, fostering a sense of community and competition.
- The anime series introduced Japanese animation to a global audience and adapted to changing trends, ensuring its continued relevance.
Humble Origins of Pokémon [0:00]
The video starts by highlighting Pokémon's journey from a small game developer's idea to a global media franchise. Game Freak, founded in the 1980s by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori, began as a video game magazine. Tajiri, dissatisfied with the quality of video games, decided to develop his own, learning the necessary hardware and basics. He, along with Sugimori and Junichi Masuda, developed games for major publishers like Namco, Sega, and Nintendo.
Birth of Pocket Monsters [2:05]
Satoshi Tajiri conceived the idea for Pocket Monsters after observing Nintendo's Game Boy and its link cable. Inspired by his childhood hobby of bug collecting, he envisioned trading creatures between systems. After pitching the idea to Nintendo, Game Freak spent six years developing the game, facing near bankruptcy multiple times. Pocket Monsters Red and Green were released in Japan on February 28, 1996. Despite low initial expectations, the games became successful due to positive reviews and the availability of two versions, encouraging consumers to buy both. Tajiri secretly coded an extra Pokémon, Mew, into the game, which even Nintendo was unaware of.
Global Phenomenon [3:49]
Rumors of Mew increased interest in the game, leading to its adaptation into anime, manga, and a trading card game. The Pocket Monsters franchise was introduced to the West as Pokémon. The anime series premiered on September 28, 1998, followed by the release of the Pokémon Red and Blue video games. Combined with the trading card game and merchandise, the franchise became a massive hit. The game sold 4 million copies in the United States by the end of the year, with worldwide sales reaching over 31 million.
Spin-Off Titles and Sequels [4:31]
During Pokémon's peak popularity, Nintendo released spin-off titles like Pokémon Pinball and Pokémon Snap. Pokémon Stadium allowed players to battle with their Pokémon from Red and Blue in 3D on the Nintendo 64, becoming the best-selling console game of 2000 in North America. Game Freak followed up with Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition, an updated version influenced by the anime series. The sequels, Pokémon Gold and Silver, arrived on October 15, 2000, and were the highest-selling games of the year.
Evolution on Handheld Consoles [5:50]
The mainline series continued on the Game Boy Advance with Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire and remakes of the originals, Fire Red and Leaf Green. The franchise regained momentum with the Nintendo DS, which hosted multiple Pokémon games like Diamond and Pearl and Black and White. The Nintendo 3DS initially struggled but gained popularity with the release of Pokémon X and Y, the first 3D games in the mainline series.
Pokémon GO [6:55]
Developed by Niantic, Pokémon GO was released for iOS and Android on July 6, 2016. The game allowed players to capture Pokémon in the real world using GPS. It became a massive hit, ushering in a second wave of "Pokemania." The game has been downloaded over 500 million times worldwide and increased sales of Pokémon X and Y, as well as the newly released Pokémon Sun and Moon.
Pokémon on Nintendo Switch [8:05]
The success of Pokémon GO influenced Game Freak's next release, Pokémon Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, the first mainline Pokémon games for the Nintendo Switch. These games featured mechanics from Pokémon GO and allowed players to transfer Pokémon. Game Freak returned to its roots with Pokémon Sword and Shield, which sold over 21 million copies worldwide.
Modern Pokémon Games [8:44]
The mainline Pokémon video games remain popular. Following remakes of Diamond and Pearl, the series introduced Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which allowed players to capture and battle Pokémon in new ways in the Sinnoh region's past. Game Freak released Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, featuring a new Pokémon journey in a massive open world.
The Trading Card Game (TCG) Origins [9:45]
The video transitions to the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), highlighting its tactile appeal. Introduced in 1998, the TCG allowed children to feel like Pokémon trainers by collecting cards. The base set, jungle, and fossil sets were popular, featuring artwork by Ken Sugimori and Mitsuhiro Arita. Holographic cards like Charizard, Venusaur, and Blastoise were highly sought after.
TCG Craze and Evolution [11:46]
The Pokémon TCG craze led to schools banning cards due to lopsided trades. The Neo Series in 2000 introduced shining Pokémon and light and dark variations. By 2002, the e-Card series featured e-reader strips for extra features on the Game Boy. In 2003, The Pokémon Company International took over production of the TCG from Wizards of the Coast.
TCG in the Mid-2000s [14:13]
The EX Ruby and Sapphire sets introduced Pokémon EX, Prime, level X, and legend cards. Interest in Pokémon slowed down in the mid-2000s as other franchises gained popularity. The Black and White series in the 2010s revitalized the TCG with full art cards. Pokémon released Evolutions in 2016, featuring reprints of classic artworks to celebrate the 20th anniversary.
TCG Boom of 2020 [16:31]
The Pokémon boom of 2020 saw a surge in collecting due to the pandemic. YouTube channels showcased packs, and collectors uncovered childhood collections. Logan Paul invested in Pokémon cards, opening a first edition base set booster box on a live stream. Demand spiked while supply shrank, leading to scalpers and altercations. Retailers suspended sales, and Pokémon card sales on eBay jumped 500%.
TCG Today [19:08]
The pokemania has calmed down since 2020, and prices have decreased. Nostalgia and excitement remain strong. Alternate art cards tell stories through artwork, becoming fan favorites. The TCG continues to evolve creatively, with new sets and products.
The Anime Series Origins [20:53]
The video shifts to the Pokémon anime series, highlighting its impact. In 1997, Oriental Light and Magic (OLM) created an animated series for TV Tokyo based on the video game series. Satoshi, based on the video game hero Red, was created as the lead character. Clefairy was initially considered as the mascot, but Pikachu was chosen for its broad appeal.
Pikachu as Mascot and Early Success [23:27]
Pikachu became the mascot due to its blend of cuteness and recognizability. OLM made changes, such as Pokémon only saying their names, as a compromise with Game Freak. The show followed the same roadmap as the Red and Blue games, with the protagonist frequently losing. The show became an instant success in Japan.
The Porygon Incident [24:48]
On December 16, 1997, the episode "Cyber Soldier Porygon" caused seizures in 685 children due to flashing strobe lights. The show was taken off the air but returned after a four-month hiatus with an apology segment and the episode "Pikachu's Goodbye."
Western Adaptation and Success [26:00]
The series was licensed by 4Kids Entertainment, which censored and localized content. Despite this, the Pokémon television series became popular in the West. Satoshi became Ash Ketchum, Kasumi became Misty, and Musashi and Kojiro became Jesse and James. The music videos and songs like the "Pokérap" and "To Be a Master" became iconic.
Pokémon: The First Movie [27:40]
Pokémon: The First Movie was released to success in Japan in 1998 and became the first anime movie to receive a wide release in the United States. It held the record for the highest-grossing opening for an animated film. The anime influenced the video games, with Pokémon Yellow featuring Pikachu as the starter Pokémon.
Anime Evolution and Yokai Watch [29:12]
The Pokémon anime maintained a solid audience, with the X and Y series being considered the strongest. In Japan, Pokémon's popularity waned compared to Yokai Watch. The Pokémon Company adopted a more simplistic art style with the Sun and Moon series.
Ash Ketchum's Victory and New Directions [31:04]
Ash Ketchum finally achieved his dream of winning a Pokémon League after over 20 years. The series returned closer to its roots, and the new series, Pokémon Horizons, features two new trainers. The anime has taken third place in popularity behind the video games and card game but continues to grow and adapt.