Pokemon turns 30: What's behind the media franchise's enduring appeal?

"I don't remember when was the last day I did not think about Pokémon at all. In the 30 years since Pokémon debuted in Japan with the 1996 release of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green for Nintendo Game Boy, the franchise has taken over the globe with its animated shows, mobile games and highly coveted trading cards."

"I think the longevity of it has to do with the characters and world-building it does with the characters. Pokémon offers a masterclass in character design, which has helped make it so enduring, said Heather Cole, teaching assistant professor of game design and interactive media at West Virginia University."

"Pokémon almost always appreciates in value over time. So it's just a really good place to put your money in my opinion, better than a lot of other assets. Some cards are so coveted that social media star Logan Paul sold one for a record $16.5 million."

Pokémon has maintained global dominance for 30 years since its 1996 debut, captivating audiences through animated shows, mobile games, and trading cards. Dedicated fans like Benson Lu play Pokémon Go daily and maintain collections worth over $70,000. The franchise's longevity stems from exceptional character design and world-building that appeals to fans across all ages. Trading cards have become highly valuable commodities, with rare cards selling for millions of dollars. The card market's profitability has attracted serious collectors and investors, with some business owners purchasing homes from card sales. Authentication services like Beckett Grading and Professional Sports Authenticator verify card quality, while the market's value has prompted criminal activity including store break-ins and armed robberies in Southern California.

Read at Fast Company