If you've ever held a Game Boy in your hands, you surely remember the excitement of catching your first Pokémon. The Pokémon franchise, created by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori, has been a global phenomenon since its launch in 1996. Inspired by Tajiri's childhood passion for collecting insects, Pokémon invited us to explore worlds full of creatures we could catch, train, and battle in epic showdowns.

The journey began with Pokémon Red and Green in Japan, but it was Pokémon Red and Blue, released in North America in 1998, that sparked worldwide Pokémon fever. It wasn’t just a success in video games; the Pokémon universe quickly expanded with an anime following Ash and Pikachu's adventures, collectible card games, movies, and, of course, tons of merchandise.

Over the years, the games have evolved with each new generation, introducing new regions, Pokémon, and gameplay mechanics that keep the excitement alive. Titles like Pokémon Gold and Silver, Ruby and Sapphire, and more recently, Sword and Shield, have allowed us to discover and collect creatures in ever expanding and surprising worlds.

Do you remember the Pokémon GO craze in 2016? This game took us out into the streets to catch Pokémon in the real world using augmented reality. It was a perfect mix of nostalgia and novelty that brought Pokémon back to the center of pop culture.

With over two decades of adventures and millions of fans worldwide, Pokémon has left an unforgettable mark on our lives. So, if you've ever felt part of this incredible universe, it's never too late to start a new game and recapture that nostalgia!