The History of Pokémon Cards: From a Fad to a Global Phenomenon

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When Pokémon cards were first released in 1996, they were just a small part of a larger franchise that included video games and an anime series. However, it didn't take long for the cards to become a phenomenon in their own right. Today, Pokémon cards are collected and traded by fans of all ages around the world.

The origins of Pokémon cards can be traced back to the release of the Pokémon Red and Green video games in Japan in 1996. The games were a massive success, and soon after, the Pokémon anime series began airing on Japanese television. To capitalize on the growing popularity of the franchise, the Pokémon Company began releasing trading cards featuring characters from the games and anime. The cards were initially released in Japan in 1996 and were later released in the United States in 1999.

The initial release of Pokémon cards featured 151 different characters, or "Pocket Monsters," which is where the franchise gets its name. The cards featured illustrations of the various Pokémon, as well as information about their abilities and statistics. The cards quickly became popular with children and collectors, who would trade and collect them in hopes of completing a full set.

The popularity of Pokémon cards continued to grow throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. In addition to the original set of 151 cards, new sets featuring different Pokémon and new abilities were released regularly. The Pokémon Company also began organizing official tournaments and competitions for players to showcase their collections and battle strategies.

Photo by Denise Jans on Unsplash

Despite some initial skepticism, Pokémon cards have proven to be enduringly popular. Today, the franchise includes countless new sets, video games, movies, and television shows. The cards continue to be a staple of the franchise, and continue to be collected by fans of all ages around the world.

In conclusion, the history of Pokémon cards is a story of a small part of a larger franchise that quickly became a global phenomenon, enjoyed by generations of fans. The cards have evolved over time, but the excitement and passion for collecting and trading them remains as strong as ever.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon;https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/56167405