When Pokémon was released in Japan in 1996, intrepid gamers picked up copies and discovered delightful monster-catching adventures in the world of Kanto. Two years later, when the game came stateside, scores of fans rallied to embrace the universe already beloved across the Pacific. The franchise now features more than 1,000 critters, ranging from cuddly to formidable to downright scary. Chief among them is Pikachu, whose popularity is as strong as ever. This special edition of TIME explores the power of the Pokémon franchise, discussing the history and influences behind the iconic video games. It documents the surge around Pokémon GO and highlights tips and tricks for mastering the game. Plus, learn about Pokémon trading cards and how to explore that lucrative market (and not get scammed).
Pokémon IS FOR EVERYONE • Whether you’re a kid opening a pack of trading cards for the first time or an adult who grew up on the original games, Pokémon gives you plenty of reasons to catch them all.
1 The Journey Begins • The story of Pokémon’s success involves passionate developers, savvy marketing moves, and a love for the namesake creatures.
The Path to Pokémon • Collaboration and connection were crucial to the franchise’s philosophy from the very beginning.
The Ultimate Game Freak • In 1999, TIME spoke with Pokémon creator Satoshi Tajiri at the Tokyo offices of his small company, Game Freak.
When We Feared Pokémon • Can such cute critters be a bad influence? In 1999, TIME writers thought they might be.
The Origins of the Word Pokémon • The combination of Japanese and English created a term that made its way into the dictionary.
The Game, the Shows, the Movies • Few franchises publish quite as often as Pokémon. This year-by-year road map tracks the many entries.
Why We Love Pikachu • He comes in many forms, he transcends generations, and for a mouse, he’s pretty cute. What’s not to love?
2 Monster Business • Lucrative licensing deals, massive Pokémon stores, and competitive collecting of trading cards have led to some serious Pokédollars.
Investing in Trading Cards • Buying and selling Pokémon cards can be risky business, but some have made serious dough. Experts weigh in on do’s and don’ts of monetizing the trading card game.
A Legendary License • Through licensing and tie-ins, Pokémon has become the most valuable franchise in the world.
The Best (and Most Bizarre) Collaborations • Smell like a Pokémon! This and other life goals are now achievable.
3 Pokémon GO Mania • In 2016, augmented reality and Pokémon collided in a game that would dominate the cultural zeitgeist.
A Player’s Review • When Pokémon GO was released in 2016, a writer learned the ropes from the perfect mentor: his kid.
How GO Took Over the World • A smartphone game infiltrated real enviornments and created a global community.
The Nostalgia Factor • Psychologists explain why Pokémon GO is so addictive and why older fans returned to the familiar franchise.
Meet GO’s Mastermind • Pokémon GO made augmented reality accessible to average users. TIME spoke with Niantic’s founder amid the game’s booming success.
Paving the Way for New Games • Niantic is creating new mapping technology that will allow future developers to create their own games like Pokémon GO.
Become a Pokémon GO Master • The app-based game is very different from the main series games.
4 Always Evolving • You don’t become the world’s most valuable franchise by resting on your laurels. Pokémon is continually expanding into new spaces and forms.
Introducing Detective Pikachu • In 2019, a missable spinoff game inspired a live-action blockbuster.
Bringing Them to...