Series: Pokémon History · Part 2/3
🌍 How Pokémon Conquered the World – Pokémania, Cards & Global Brand
When the first Pokémon Red and Green games appeared in Japan in 1996, nobody imagined they'd become a global phenomenon. But just a few years later, the world was experiencing "Pokémania" – a period when Pokémon was everywhere.
From Japan to America and Europe
Pokémon officially arrived in North America in 1998 with Pokémon Red and Blue for Game Boy. Shortly after, the anime series began airing and the English Pokémon TCG, licensed by Wizards of the Coast, hit the market.
Between 1998–2000, Pokémon became a worldwide trend known as "Pokémania".
Between 1998–2000, Pokémon became a worldwide trend known as "Pokémania".
What the Pokémon Brand Encompasses Today
- Main video game series (Game Boy → Nintendo DS → Nintendo Switch)
- Spinoff games (Mystery Dungeon, Stadium, Snap, Pokémon GO)
- Trading Card Game with new sets and generations
- Anime series and films (dozens of seasons and movies)
- Merchandise – toys, figures, clothing, home accessories
- Pokémon Center stores in Japan and other countries
End of a Mania, Start of Longevity
Around 2001, the original Pokémania started fading. Yet Pokémon didn't become a forgotten fad – instead, they settled as a permanent part of pop culture with new generations of games and products.
Why Collectors Care
- First English TCG editions from the Pokémania era carry enormous nostalgic value. → TOP 10 most valuable editions
- Differences between Japanese and English products create interesting investment opportunities. → Booster box ranking
- Regular new generations create a multigenerational fan base. Kids from the '90s are now adult collectors. → ETB ranking