Did you grow up watching Pokémon or collecting Pokémon cards? Or perhaps you discovered the hugely successful Nintendo video game during the Pokémon Go craze? Launched in 1996, Pokémon has become the most valuable media franchise in global history. Its business may have started with the video games Red and Green (Pocket Monsters, in Japan), but since then it has expanded into endless forms of products and seasons after seasons of animated series.
It is worth noting that the Pokémon brand has also gained traction in recent years due to the impact and relevance of one of its most important business verticals: the famous collectible card game. The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), known in Brazil as Pokémon Estampas Ilustradas, was launched in 1996 as part of the franchise's expansion, becoming one of the most popular TCGs in the world.
On February 29th, Pokémon celebrated 29 years of existence. According to the website Statista, in 2021 the franchise reached US$ 105 billion (more than R$ 593.6 billion) in total global revenue, thanks not only to video game sales but also to hundreds of product formats of the "pocket monsters" – from toys and clothing to movies, series, and the overwhelming success in mobile games, Pokémon GO.
that you can relieve your nostalgia for Pokémon by watching the franchise's animes on some streaming platforms, especially on Netflix, which currently offers the debut season of the series and several other generations, as well as movies and specials from the saga.
Although Pokémon is a well-known name in console games for several decades, the franchise ventured into the world of video games for mobile devices for the first time in 2016, with the launch of Pokémon GO, a mobile version with augmented reality (AR).
Based on the location of the original successful game series, the franchise has adapted to the latest trends in the video game market, centered around the growing popularity and profitability of mobile games. Pokémon GO is one of the highest-grossing mobile games in the world. In 2024, revenue from in-app purchases in Pokémon GO sured 544 million dollars (over 3 billion reais) worldwide, according to Statista.
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Pokémon: a story of global success
Pokémon is an immensely popular Japanese video game series, published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. The series is centered around a constantly expanding universe of fictional creatures that players can collect, train, and battle.
Since the launch of the console gaming generation on Nintendo's Game Boy in 1996, Pokémon has grown and become one of the most successful video game franchises in the world, with over 480 million Pokémon games sold by December 2023, according to Video Game Sales Wiki.
Pokémon is also one of the most enduring brands in the gaming industry, with its Red/Green/Blue version among the top five best-selling console games of all time in 2023, 27 years after its release.
News for Pokémon in 2025
The Pokémon Company is preparing to launch a series of exciting projects, especially for the Nintendo Switch console series. Among them is the new title of its spin-off, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, which will be released at the end of 2025.
However, this will not be the only title arriving this year; a remake of Pokémon Black and White based on the original version from 2011 is also on the way – and there are rumors that it may include elements from its sequel, Black and White 2.
One of the most profitable areas for the company, thanks to the enthusiasm of collectors, is the Trading Card Game. During the first half of 2025, new expansions focusing on iconic characters from the franchise will be released. Scarlet & Violet-Black Bolt and Scarlet & Violet-White Flare will be available starting July 18, 2025, at participating retailers worldwide.
With this strategy, the Pokémon Company intends to continue expanding its market, capitalizing on the growing interest in collectible cards. In March 2025, the company made the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) available in Latin American Spanish starting from the Scarlet and Violet expansion — Journey Friends. This expansion marks the first time the TCG is released in this language, allowing fans in the region to enjoy the game in their native language.
Moreover, given the projected sales success for 2025 and the approaching 30th anniversary of the franchise, the announcement of a new generation of games is anticipated. With the global launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 console on June 5, 2025, a significant increase in the company's value is expected in the coming years.
The games available for pre-order for the Switch 2 include Mario Kart World and Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighters Edition, as well as the versions of The Legend of Zelda for the new console. Accessories for the new console include the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, and Samsung microSD Express Card for Nintendo Switch 2 with 256GB.
History of Pokémon
Pokémon was born from the vision of Satoshi Tajiri, who was inspired by his own childhood collecting insects and tadpoles in Japan, which led to the creation of the game. Together with Ken Sugimori, he developed a video game for the Game Boy, released in 1996. This innovative idea transformed the entertainment industry.
The project received from Nintendo through Game Freak, a company founded in 1989 by Tajiri. After years of effort, Pokémon Red and Green were released in Japan, where they quickly became a global phenomenon, selling millions of copies.
The initial success paved the way for Pokémon to expand into a multimedia franchise, giving rise to the anime, card collections, and movies. Although Satoshi Tajiri has stepped down from creative direction, Game Freak continues to be the driving force behind the evolution of the franchise, being the main developer of the Pokémon video game series. The most relevant aspect of Pokémon is its dedication to constant evolution and innovation, ensuring unique experiences and content that keep fans' interest and excitement alive.
