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History of Pokemon Timeline
(1996 - Present)Pokemon is a Japanese media franchise created by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori, centered on fictional creatures called Pokemon that humans catch, train, and battle. Launched as a pair of video games for the Nintendo Game Boy, it expanded into an animated TV series, trading card game, films, merchandise, and one of the most successful entertainment brands in history. More Less
Video Games
Satoshi Tajiri founds Game Freak
Apr 26, 1989
Inspired by his childhood hobby of collecting insects, Satoshi Tajiri co-founded the video game development studio Game Freak. The company initially published a magazine before transitioning into game development, eventually creating the Pokemon franchise.
Image source: Game Freak
Development of Pokemon Red and Green begins
Feb 27, 1996
Pokemon Red Version and Green Version were released in Japan for the Nintendo Game Boy after roughly six years of development. Created by Satoshi Tajiri with art by Ken Sugimori, the games introduced 151 creatures and a trading mechanic that exploited the Game Boy link cable.
Image source: Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow
Mew glitch discovered in Pokemon Red and Green
May 1996
Players discovered an undocumented programming exploit that allowed them to encounter the mythical Pokemon Mew, which was not obtainable through normal gameplay. The glitch spread through Japanese gaming magazines and playground rumors, fueling massive interest in the games.
Image source: Mew (Pokémon)
Pokemon Red and Blue launch in North America
Sep 28, 1998
Nintendo released Pokemon Red and Blue in North America, introducing Western audiences to the phenomenon. The games became best-sellers almost immediately, sparking 'Pikachu fever' and establishing Pokemon as a global entertainment powerhouse.
Image source: Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow
Pokemon Gold and Silver released in Japan
Nov 21, 1999
The second generation of Pokemon games introduced 100 new species, the Dark and Steel types, breeding, held items, and a real-time day/night cycle. Set in Johto with the ability to revisit Kanto, they are widely considered among the best entries in the series.
Image source: Pokémon Gold and Silver
Pokemon Crystal adds playable female protagonist
Dec 14, 2000
Released in Japan as an enhanced version of Gold and Silver, Crystal was the first mainline game to allow players to choose a female character. It also introduced animated Pokemon battle sprites and the Battle Tower facility.
Image source: Pokémon Crystal
Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire launch third generation
Nov 21, 2002
The first mainline games for the Game Boy Advance introduced the Hoenn region, double battles, Pokemon abilities, natures, and contests. They sold millions of copies and refreshed the formula while retaining the core catching-and-battling gameplay.
Image source: Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire
Pokemon Colosseum brings RPG to GameCube
Nov 21, 2003
Developed by Genius Sonority for the Nintendo GameCube, Pokemon Colosseum offered a darker storyline where players snatched Shadow Pokemon from villains rather than catching wild ones. It connected to the Game Boy Advance games via link cable.
Image source: Pokémon Colosseum
Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen remakes released
Jan 29, 2004
Game Freak remade the original Red and Green/Blue games for the Game Boy Advance with updated graphics and mechanics. The remakes introduced the Wireless Adapter accessory and restored compatibility with newer generations via the Sevii Islands postgame.
Image source: Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen
Pokemon Emerald completes Hoenn trilogy
Sep 16, 2004
Emerald enhanced Ruby and Sapphire with the Battle Frontier, Rayquaza-centric storyline, and animated battle intros. It is frequently ranked among the greatest Pokemon games and remains beloved for its postgame content.
Image source: Pokémon Emerald
Key Facts
- Pokemon was created by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori, with the first games, Pokemon Red and Green, released in Japan on February 27, 1996.
- The franchise debuted internationally in 1998 with Pokemon Red and Blue for the Game Boy, sparking 'Pokemania' across the world.
- The Pokemon Trading Card Game launched in 1996 and became one of the best-selling card games of all time.
- The Pokemon anime series premiered in 1997, starring Ash Ketchum and Pikachu, and became one of the longest-running animated series globally.
- In 2016, Pokemon GO, developed by Niantic, became a cultural phenomenon, popularizing augmented reality mobile gaming worldwide.
Source
This History of Pokemon timeline was generated with the help of AI, using information found on the internet.
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