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Pokemon Turns 15 Years Old Today

by VGChartz Staff, posted on 27 February 2011 / 10,189 Views

On this date in 1996 a revolutionary new franchise was born – Pokémon. I don't think anyone could have imagined back then what this behemoth of a franchise would one day become.

Some 15 years later, the franchise has spawned dozens of video games, a trading card game, four anime series, scores of merchandise and an annual feature film. Pokémon is enjoyed by millions of gamers of all ages across the world.

I can still remember playing Pokémon Red on my Game Boy in...must have been 7th or 8th grade, can't even remember which one anymore. I had the strategy guide with the stickers you could put on each monster in the Pokédex section at the back. The hours I spent trying to catch 'em all. That damned truck.

Crazy how time flies. From 151 Pocket Monsters to 649.

Here's to a good run of memories Pokémon, congrats on the birthday.


16 Comments

Tuganuno
Tuganuno (on 28 February 2011)

Pokemon Gold, my first GBA game... <3

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Saintdante
Saintdante (on 28 February 2011)

Maybe this is why I've had the urge to catch up on all the pokemon episodes lately...

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jugon21
jugon21 (on 28 February 2011)

15 years...awesome!!! Congratulations Game Freak.

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Darkshao
Darkshao (on 28 February 2011)

Happy Birthday Pokemon !!! after 15 years and more than 200 millions games sold

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Asriel
Asriel (on 28 February 2011)

It's been 15 years since their original Japanese release.

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d21lewis
d21lewis (on 28 February 2011)

I thoght Pokemon came out in 1998! At least that's when I remember the games coming out. Are you sure it's been 15 years?

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Freyt
Freyt (on 27 February 2011)

I had Pokemon stickers on my PS1.

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riders42
riders42 (on 27 February 2011)

Still remember when I started playing Blue and Red

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AdventWolf
AdventWolf (on 27 February 2011)

Awesome, I remember getting Pokemon Red for my birthday. Good times.

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calibrate`
calibrate` (on 27 February 2011)

I only regret buying Pokemon cards (a lot of them), but the games are phenomenal, so thank you for that time well spent! So many memories... :D

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Chevinator123
Chevinator123 (on 27 February 2011)

wooo

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Games4Fun
Games4Fun (on 27 February 2011)

I can recall getting this for my GF who didnt like games that much. I thought it was cute enough she would enjoy it. In some ways it was a mistake because she played it waaaaaaaaaaay to much =)

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Immortal
Immortal (on 27 February 2011)

It's been so long. Here's to the best video gaming franchise of all time, :D!

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SmokedHostage
SmokedHostage (on 27 February 2011)

Happy Birthday, you stealer of childhoods and reapers of wallets. I still love you. ~_^

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Majora
Majora (on 27 February 2011)

I love Pokemon! Still Blue and Gold (and Heartgold!) my favourites though. Wonder how Black/White will fare? Excited for the whole new line up, and not having to rely on a Geodude for the first time in what feels like eternity!

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GracefulAssassin
GracefulAssassin (on 27 February 2011)

Happy birthday Pokemon. One of my favorite game series. :)

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