The Incredible Journey of Pokémon: From Concept to Cultural Phenomenon

In this article, I’m going to dive into the phenomenon that’s taken the world by storm, again – the resurgence of Pokémon cards! Yes, those little bits of cardboard that you may think are just for kids, or sold them at a car boot sale when your child moved out, or you may be lucky enough to still have your sons/daughters collection stored in the loft, well if you do, these little bits of cardboard are selling for prices that will make your eyes water. 

The Birth of Pokémon: Humble Beginnings
Firstly though, you need to understand where Pokémon started. The Pokémon phenomenon began in the late 1980s with Satoshi Tajiri. The concept was Inspired by two very simple things that he had a passion for as a youngster, collecting creatures (pretty gross) and video games. 

Tajiri conceived an idea for a game where players could catch, trade, and battle fantastical creatures, but little did he know this simple idea would turn into a global sensation/addiction for millions of people.

In 1989, Tajiri established Game Freak and by the early 1990s, the company went into game development, laying the groundwork for what would become a global phenomenon.

The Birth of Pokémon Games

Fast forward a few years to 1996, when shit really exploded for Satoshi Tajiri, his simple concept as a young boy was about to take the world by storm. 

In 1996, a year after I was born, was when the first Pokémon games were released for the Game Boy – Red, Yellow and Blue. As a parent, I’m sure you’ll remember these games as the sound effects were particularly annoying, and if your child was anything like me, then I imagine they played every game on full volume – sorry mum and dad. 

With the success of these electronic games, came the immense success of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (also know as TCG) which soon gained a dedicated following from all ages, but why are these little pieces of cardboard gaining more money than some extravagant houses? Well, let’s find out….

A Trip Down Memory Lane

I remember the days when the biggest dilemma was whether to evolve your Pikachu into Raichu or keep it cute and cuddly, or when you wouldn’t think twice about trading a Charizard for a pack of ‘chuddy’ or for American’s ‘gum’ on the school playground. Fast forward to 2024, and what do we have? Grown adults scouring eBay and auction houses all hours of the day, bidding on cards like it’s the last pack of toilet roll in a pandemic! 

 The ‘Pokémon Go’ Effect

Let’s not forget the impact of Pokémon Go! When that game burst onto the scene in 2016, it reignited a massive wave of interest in all things Pokémon. People who had put their cards away in the attic suddenly found themselves rummaging through old boxes, hoping to cash in on their childhood treasures. It was like a Pokémon renaissance! The combination of augmented reality and nostalgia got everyone buzzing. If you could catch a Snorlax in the park, surely you could snag a shiny card from your childhood collection too!

 The Nostalgia Factor

So, what’s sparked this Pokémon card renaissance? Well, like a lot of things which are collected, it’s all for nostalgia. We’re living in a time where everyone’s reminiscing about their childhood, and why the hell not, times felt much easier back then – and what better way to do that than by collecting the cards that defined an era? It’s like a time capsule of our youth, packed with memories of making friends, battling on the playground, and, of course, the inevitable heartbreak of losing your prized holographic Blastoise to that one mate who never returned your cards – if you’re reading this Tom, you bastard. 

The Rise of the Influencers

Now, if there’s one thing that can send prices skyrocketing faster than you can imagine, it’s the power of social media. Influencers and YouTubers have taken the collecting world by storm, showcasing their epic pulls and faffing about with their collections, then suddenly, everyone wants in on the action! Look at famous Youtuber Logan Paul, who dropped $4 million in cash and a super rare illustrator PSA9 Pikachu which he had in his collection, for an even rarer PSA10 illustrator Pikachu! People may think this is obscene, and to be fair so do I, but in Logan’s defence, collecting these cards is like the modern-day equivalent to collecting stamps, and the most expensive stamp to ever sell was more than double this price. 

Rarity and the Art of the Deal
Let’s talk numbers. Some of these rare cards are selling for eye-watering sums! We’re talking hundreds of thousands of pounds for a piece of shiny cardboard that was originally given away like sweets. But, like anything expensive in life, it’s about rarity and supply and demand, the fewer there are in circulation, the more people want them. It’s like trying to find a decent cup of tea in America – nearly impossible and highly sought after so the price tag reflects!

But here’s the kicker: the condition of the card matters too. A mint-condition card can sell for a price that would make a hefty diamond ring look like a bargain. So, if you’ve got an old shoebox filled with cards, it might be time to dig them out and see if you’ve got a hidden gem. Fingers crossed you have, but these cards were to be played with and it’s more than likely they have been drawn on, chewed, bent or torn in half through anger at losing a battle. 

 The Artistry of Pokémon Cards

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the artwork on these cards. Some of the illustrations are nothing short of stunning! You’ve got artists pouring their hearts into creating these little masterpieces. From the classic designs that evoke warm memories to the jaw-dropping illustrations of modern cards, it’s a true art form. Collectors aren’t just hunting for value; they’re also on the lookout for cards that speak to them visually. Who wouldn’t want to display a beautifully illustrated Gardevoir or a majestic Rayquaza (above) on their wall? It’s like having a mini gallery of pocket monsters!

The Investment Angle
And here’s where it gets serious, folks. Pokémon cards are becoming a legitimate investment. With the stock market looking dodgy and the housing market being as approachable as a Charizard with a flamethrower, many are turning to collectibles as a safer bet. It’s like investing in fine wine, but instead of a fancy bottle, you’ve got a piece of your childhood that won’t go off if you keep it in a sleeve. 

Tips for New Collectors
Now, if you’re feeling inspired to jump into this collecting craze, let me share a few tips for the newcomers:

 1. Do Your Research: Before you start splashing your cash, take some time to learn about the market. Know what cards are hot, what’s rare, and what’s just plain rubbish. There’s plenty of info out there, so put on your detective hat!

 2. Condition is Key: As I mentioned earlier, the condition of the card can drastically affect its value. Invest in some protective sleeves and top loaders to keep your cards in mint condition. Treat them like the fragile treasures they are!

 3. Join the Community: Find local or online communities where you can connect with other collectors. Share your finds, trade cards, and maybe even attend some events. It’s a fantastic way to meet like-minded folks and learn from the pros!

 4. Have Fun!: At the end of the day, collecting should be enjoyable. Don’t get too caught up in the dollar signs – remember why you loved Pokémon in the first place. Embrace the nostalgia, trade with friends, and relive those childhood memories!

 Conclusion: Catch ‘Em All (Again!)

From its humble beginnings as a bug-collecting concept to a multi-billion-dollar franchise, Pokémon has captured the hearts of millions across the globe. With video games, an animated series, trading cards, and a vast array of merchandise, The Pokémon Company has successfully kept the franchise relevant and exciting for both new and old fans alike.
As we look to the future, one thing is certain: the journey of catching ‘em all is far from over! Whether through new game releases, exciting events, or nostalgic merchandise, Pokémon continues to evolve, bringing together generations of fans in a shared love for these magical creatures. 

Good luck, and enjoy - JB xx