The Pokémon Company was established as Pokémon Center Co., Ltd. in 1998 by Nintendo, Creatures and Game Freak, and was renamed The Pokémon Company in October 2000.2

The English name Pokémon is derived from the Japanese Poketto Monsutā (ポケットモンスター), meaning “Pocket Monsters”. The accented é indicates the pronunciation of the name.

Within the fictional universe, the term Pokémon refers to the creatures themselves. In the real world, it also denotes the entire intellectual property franchise.

The central concept of the franchise is the coexistence of humans and Pokémon. Individuals known as Pokémon Trainers encounter, catch, raise, train, trade and battle these creatures. These core activities—particularly collection, training, battling and trading—have remained fundamental to the series since the original games.1

Pokémon originated from the ideas of Japanese game designer Satoshi Tajiri, founder of Game Freak. Tajiri drew inspiration partly from his childhood interest in collecting insects, a concept that eventually evolved into a video game focused on finding and collecting creatures.

The project was developed by Game Freak alongside Nintendo, with Creatures also becoming a major partner in the business. The first titles, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green, were released in Japan in 1996 for the Game Boy.2

The original concept comprised six key elements:

1. Discovering creatures
2. Catching them
3. Training them
4. Battling them
5. Trading them with other players
6. Completing the Pokédex

The ability to trade Pokémon between different game versions became one of the franchise’s defining features.

The Pokémon video game series serves as the foundation from which the rest of the franchise developed. The Pokémon Company describes the games as the source from which the wider Pokémon universe evolved.2

The traditional main series follows a player character who becomes a Pokémon Trainer and travels through a fictional region. During this journey, the player catches Pokémon, battles other Trainers, explores towns and wilderness areas, completes story objectives and typically challenges a series of powerful Gym Leaders or equivalent opponents.

A typical adventure involves:

• Exploring a region
• Encountering wild Pokémon
• Catching Pokémon
• Building a team
• Training and levelling up Pokémon
• Learning moves
• Evolving Pokémon
• Battling other Trainers
• Completing the Pokédex
• Defeating major opponents
• Becoming the region’s Champion or completing the central challenge

Over three decades, the games have evolved substantially, progressing from the monochrome graphics of the 1996 Game Boy era to large 3D environments and open-world gameplay.

The main Pokémon games are commonly divided into Generations, with each generation generally introducing a new group of Pokémon and a new region.

The series has continued beyond the traditional structure with titles such as Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Pokémon Champions, which expand the ways in which Pokémon games can be played. Official listings currently include Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Pokémon Legends: Arceus and other titles.1

A Pokémon is a fictional creature possessing distinctive biological, elemental, supernatural or otherwise extraordinary characteristics. Appearance and behaviour vary enormously; some resemble real-world animals, whilst others take the form of plants, objects, mythical creatures, machines, ghosts or entirely fantastical organisms.

The Pokémon world contains more than 1,000 species, with new Pokémon introduced over successive generations.1 Examples include:

• Pikachu — Electric
• Charizard — Fire/Flying
• Bulbasaur — Grass/Poison
• Squirtle — Water
• Eevee — Normal
• Lucario — Fighting/Steel
• Gengar — Ghost/Poison
• Mewtwo — Psychic
• Rayquaza — Dragon/Flying
• Greninja — Water/Dark

Pokémon can learn different moves, possess distinct abilities, and grow stronger through battles and experience.

One of the most important gameplay systems is the Type system. There are currently 18 Pokémon types:

• Normal
• Fire
• Water
• Electric
• Grass
• Ice
• Fighting
• Poison
• Ground
• Flying
• Psychic
• Bug
• Rock
• Ghost
• Dragon
• Dark
• Steel
• Fairy

A Pokémon may have one or two types. Types influence the effectiveness of attacks against different Pokémon. For instance, Water-type attacks are generally strong against Fire-type Pokémon, whilst Electric-type attacks are particularly effective against Water-type Pokémon. This system imbues battles with a strategic component beyond simply selecting the creature with the highest statistics.

Evolution is one of the franchise’s most recognisable concepts. Certain Pokémon can transform into stronger or substantially different forms. This transformation usually occurs after reaching a particular level, using an item, learning a specific move, developing friendship with the Trainer, or fulfilling another condition.

Examples include:

• Bulbasaur → Ivysaur → Venusaur
• Charmander → Charmeleon → Charizard
• Squirtle → Wartortle → Blastoise
• Pichu → Pikachu → Raichu

Within the Pokémon universe, evolution is primarily a fictional transformation mechanism rather than a direct equivalent of biological evolution in the scientific sense.

The Pokédex is a fictional electronic encyclopedia used to record information about Pokémon. In the video games, players generally receive a Pokédex early in their adventure, and any Pokémon encountered or caught are recorded within it.

This device reinforces the franchise’s longstanding objective: “Gotta catch ’em all!”. The Pokédex concept underscores the original emphasis on discovery and collection.3

A Pokémon Trainer is a human who travels with Pokémon and participates in the activities of the Pokémon world. Trainers engage in catching, raising, training, battling, trading, exploring, researching and forming friendships with Pokémon. They may also participate in tournaments.

The relationship between Trainer and Pokémon is a central theme of the franchise. Pokémon are generally presented not merely as tools for battle, but as companions and partners.

Battling is a fundamental mechanic of the franchise. A typical battle involves Trainers commanding their Pokémon to use moves against an opponent’s Pokémon. Key factors influencing battle outcomes include:

• Type effectiveness
• Attack and defensive statistics
• Speed
• Moves and Abilities
• Status conditions
• Team composition and switching strategy
• Held items
• Special battle mechanics

Competitive Pokémon battling has developed into a sophisticated strategy game. Official tournaments culminate in the Pokémon World Championships, which feature both video game and Pokémon Trading Card Game events. The first official Pokémon World Championships were held in 2009.2

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) is a collectible card game based on Pokémon battles. Players construct decks containing Pokémon cards, Energy cards, Trainer cards and other components to battle against another player’s deck.

The TCG combines collecting, deck building, strategy, trading, competition and artwork. Introduced internationally in the late 1990s, it is described by The Pokémon Company International as a long-running global product available across dozens of countries and languages.4 The competitive scene includes official tournaments ranging from beginner-level events to international championships.1

The Pokémon animated television series began broadcasting in Japan in April 1997, shortly after the debut of the video games. For many audiences outside Japan, the anime served as the primary introduction to the franchise.

The original series followed Ash Ketchum and his partner Pikachu as they travelled through numerous regions. The anime expanded the universe beyond game mechanics by presenting character relationships, Pokémon personalities, emotional stories, rivalries, adventures, competitions and new interpretations of Pokémon abilities. Following Ash’s journey to becoming a World Champion, the anime introduced new protagonists and storylines.

The animation has become a major international media property, with The Pokémon Company International reporting more than 1,000 episodes across earlier major series and worldwide licensing in numerous languages.4

Pikachu is the most recognisable Pokémon character and the franchise’s primary mascot. An Electric-type Pokémon resembling a small yellow rodent, its distinctive features include yellow fur, long pointed ears, red cheek patches, brown markings and a lightning-bolt-shaped tail.

Pikachu achieved particular fame through its role as Ash’s partner in the anime. Despite the existence of hundreds of species in the original games, Pikachu remains the character most strongly associated with the brand.

Pokémon has produced numerous animated films. The first major theatrical release, Pokémon: The First Movie, was distributed internationally in 1998–1999 and focused on Mewtwo, exploring themes of identity, creation and the relationship between Pokémon and humans. Subsequent films introduced legendary and mythical Pokémon while telling stories largely separate from the main video games.

In 2019, the franchise released its first major live-action theatrical film, Pokémon Detective Pikachu. The Pokémon Company International identifies this as the first live-action Pokémon movie.4

Pokémon has been adapted into numerous manga series. These adaptations do not all share the same continuity or storytelling style as the video games or anime. One of the best-known series is Pokémon Adventures, which utilises characters, regions and concepts from the games whilst developing a distinct narrative. Other manga have included comedy, children’s stories, game adaptations and specialised publications.

The franchise has expanded significantly into smartphones and online services. One of the most prominent examples is Pokémon GO, developed with Niantic. Released in 2016, it uses location-based technology and augmented reality to allow players to encounter Pokémon in the real world.

Other mobile products include:

• Pokémon Masters EX
• Pokémon Café ReMix
• Pokémon UNITE
• Pokémon Sleep
• Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket
• Pokémon HOME

Pokémon HOME functions as a major storage and connectivity service, allowing compatible Pokémon to be transferred or managed across supported games.

Pokémon GO became a cultural phenomenon following its 2016 release. Unlike traditional titles, it integrates the player’s real-world location into gameplay. Players can find and catch Pokémon in physical locations, collect items, battle, participate in events, trade and cooperate with others.

The game helped introduce the franchise to individuals who had not previously played traditional Pokémon games. The Pokémon Company notes that the project began as an April Fools’ concept before being developed into a full title with Niantic.

Pokémon extends far beyond games and television. The brand is licensed for a vast range of products, including plush toys, trading cards, clothing, shoes, bags, stationery, electronics accessories, home goods, food products, collectibles and designer collaborations.

The Pokémon Company International specifically highlights licensing programmes covering toys, apparel, accessories, technology products, home décor and designer partnerships.4 Official Pokémon Center stores also form a significant part of the franchise’s retail presence.

Pokémon is notable for not being the sole property of a single conventional game studio. The brand is associated with three foundational companies:

Nintendo

Nintendo has been deeply involved in publishing, distribution and the video game business since the franchise’s inception.

Game Freak

Game Freak created the original concept and remains the principal developer of the main video game series.2

Creatures

Creatures contributes to the Trading Card Game, video game development, 3D modelling, animation and other aspects of the franchise.2

The Pokémon Company

The Pokémon Company manages the overall brand, overseeing businesses including video games, trading cards, applications, videos, official stores, licensing and international operations.2

The Pokémon Company International

The Pokémon Company International (TPCi) manages the property outside Asia, handling brand management, licensing, marketing, the Trading Card Game, animation, home entertainment and the official website.4

Pokémon became an international phenomenon remarkably quickly. Games arrived in North America in 1998, followed by the animated series and other products. The TCG debuted in North America and Europe in 1999.4

According to corporate figures published by The Pokémon Company International, more than 380 million Pokémon video games have been sold worldwide.4 The franchise has successfully crossed language and cultural boundaries; its basic concepts of collecting, friendship, competition, exploration and discovery are accessible regardless of shared language or cultural background.

Despite the franchise’s scale, several core ideas have remained consistent:

Collection

Players discover and collect Pokémon.

Friendship

Pokémon and Trainers are portrayed as companions rather than master and servant.

Training

Players raise Pokémon and help them become stronger.

Competition

Battles and tournaments provide a competitive dimension.

Exploration

Each region introduces new environments, people, cultures, Pokémon and mysteries.

Discovery

The Pokédex and the search for new species encourage curiosity.

Cooperation

Trading and multiplayer features were part of the original design philosophy, encouraging interaction.

The official Pokémon website identifies collection, training, battle and trading as the core concepts that have persisted throughout the franchise’s history.1

Pokémon has exerted broad influence on popular culture, visible in video game design, collectible card games, children’s animation, character merchandising, internet culture, competitive gaming, mobile gaming, toy collecting, fashion collaborations, theme attractions and advertising.

The franchise’s significant achievement lies in transforming a straightforward RPG concept into a shared cultural universe experienced through games, cards, television, movies, physical merchandise and social activities.

2026 marks Pokémon’s 30th anniversary. The original Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green launched in Japan in 1996, establishing the franchise’s foundation.1

The franchise remains active across multiple media. Current official game listings include Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet and other Nintendo Switch titles, whilst Pokémon Champions has expanded competitive battles to Nintendo Switch and mobile platforms.1 The Pokémon TCG continues its global expansion, with the official site highlighting the 30th anniversary milestone.1

Pokémon’s historical importance stems from its original game design, which connected several ideas that were unusual to combine at the time: single-player RPG, collection, trading, multiplayer, character merchandise, television and physical cards.

The original Game Boy games were not merely standalone RPGs; they established a model where players could encounter the same characters across multiple media forms, carrying the concept from a game cartridge into cards, toys, television, friendships, competitions and eventually smartphones. This model became a defining example of the modern multimedia franchise.

1. What is Pokémon? | The official Pokémon Website in Philippines
2. The Pokémon Company
3. Pokémon Parents Official Website | Video Games and Apps
4. The Pokémon Company International