Pokemon

Pokemon, or "Pocket Monsters," originated in Japan and quickly became loved by fans around the world. Our range of Pokemon merchandise includes images of some of the games favourite characters including Pikachu and the tools of the trade, the Pokeballs. The concept of Pokemon was created by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori, who founded the game development company Game Freak in the late 1980s. Tajiri was inspired by his childhood fascination with collecting creatures and his love for nature, and he envisioned a game that would allow players to capture and train creatures in a virtual world. The Pokemon Centre Company was established by Game Freak alongside Creatures and Nintendo allowing the expansion of the Pokemon franchise.

In 1996, the video games, Pokemon Red and Green (later released as Pokemon Red and Blue internationally), were launched on Game Boy. The games introduced players to a fictional world where Pokemon inhabited various regions, and players could catch and train them to battle against each other. The games were an instant hit, captivating audiences with their addictive gameplay, strategic battles, and the thrill of completing the Pokedex, a catalog of all Pokemon species. Capitalising on the games' success, the Pokémon franchise expanded rapidly into other media. A TV series, Pokemon: The Animated Series, aired in 1997, following the adventures of Ash Ketchum and his Pikachu. The show gained widespread popularity, appealing to both children and adults. A trading card game was also introduced, allowing players to collect and battle with Pokemon cards. The success of the games, TV series, and trading card game paved the way for Pokemon's expansion into movies, toys, Pokemon merchandise, and various spin-off games. The franchise's popular characters, including Pikachu, became cultural icons recognised worldwide.

Pokemon's rise as a multi-media franchise can be attributed to its engaging gameplay, appealing characters, and the ability to connect with fans through multiple platforms. Its enduring success can be seen in the continued release of new games, TV episodes, movies, and merchandise, as well as the passionate fanbase that spans across generations. Pokemon's ability to evolve and adapt to new technologies and trends has allowed it to remain a prominent and beloved franchise in the ever-expanding world of entertainment. Why not see if you can find something in our range of Pokemon merchandise that you love, or for use as the perfect Pokemon gift.