Pokémon, short for “Pocket Monsters,” began as a video game developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo in 1996. Created by Satoshi Tajiri, the franchise was inspired by his childhood interest in collecting creatures.
The original games, Pokémon Red and Green, launched on the Game Boy in Japan and introduced players to the world of capturing, training, and battling diverse creatures called Pokémon. The series quickly grew in popularity, leading to an expansive media franchise including an animated TV series, movies, trading card games, merchandise, and more.
Over the years, Pokémon has evolved with new generations of games introducing new regions, creatures, and gameplay mechanics, maintaining its relevance and charm. Today, Pokémon remains one of the most successful and beloved franchises worldwide, celebrated for its engaging gameplay, nostalgic appeal, and continuous innovation.