National Pokemon Day

Young child in a Pikachu costume, hanging out in a grassy park, surrounded by Pokemon merchandise and animated Pokemon characters.. — National pokemon day illustration

Get ready to catch 'em all, because it's National Pokemon Day! Prepare your pokeballs, polish your strategy, and don't forget your sense of adventure. This special day is dedicated to the beloved world of Pokemon, where trainers young and old can embark on thrilling journeys, battle powerful creatures, and create unforgettable memories.

When is Pokemon Day?

It's national pokemon day on the 27th February.

The Origins of National Pokemon Day

National Pokemon Day is a celebration of the iconic Pokemon franchise that was first introduced to the world on February 27, 1996. The day marks the anniversary of the release of the original Pokemon games, Pokemon Red and Green, in Japan.

The Pokemon phenomenon quickly spread like wildfire, capturing the hearts of millions around the globe. With its captivating gameplay, unique creatures, and immersive world, Pokemon became a cultural phenomenon. The franchise expanded to include not just video games, but also trading card games, an animated TV series, movies, merchandise, and even augmented reality experiences like Pokemon Go.

How to Celebrate National Pokemon Day

There are endless ways to celebrate National Pokemon Day, whether you're a long-time fan or new to the world of Pokemon. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Dive into the Pokemon video games: Whether you're revisiting your favorite classic titles or trying out the latest releases, immerse yourself in the world of Pokemon and embark on an epic adventure.
Collect and trade Pokemon cards: Gather your friends and challenge them to intense battles using your carefully curated card collection. Don't forget to show off your rarest cards!
Host a Pokemon-themed party: Decorate your space with Pokemon balloons, banners, and tableware. Serve Pikachu-shaped cookies, create a Pokemon-themed playlist, and have a blast with Pokemon trivia and games.

Did You Know?

In the original Pokemon games, Pikachu was not intended to be the face of the franchise. The developers originally planned to have Clefairy as the main mascot, but Pikachu's popularity skyrocketed after the Pokemon anime series aired and the rest is history!

History behind the term 'Pokemon'

1996

The birth of a franchise

In 1996, the term 'pokemon' was first introduced to the world through the creation of the immensely popular video game franchise. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, 'Pocket Monsters' or 'Pokemon' was a game that allowed players to catch, train, and battle fictional creatures called Pokemon. The term 'pokemon' is a combination of two words: 'Pocket' suggesting that players could carry their Pokemon with them, and 'Monsters' referring to the various creatures within the game.

1997

Anime takeover

In 1997, the term 'pokemon' solidified its place in popular culture with the release of the Pokemon animated television series. The anime followed the adventures of Ash Ketchum, a young Pokemon trainer, and his Pikachu as they traveled the Pokemon world, challenged Gym Leaders, and aimed to become Pokemon Masters. The term 'pokemon' became synonymous with the show, and its popularity skyrocketed among children and adults alike.

1998

Trading card phenomenon

The term 'pokemon' expanded its reach beyond video games and television as the Pokemon Trading Card Game was introduced in 1998. This collectible card game allowed players to battle each other using cards featuring various Pokemon and their abilities. The Pokemon cards became a cultural phenomenon, leading to increased awareness and interest in the term 'pokemon' as a whole.

2016

Pokemon Go revolution

In 2016, the term 'pokemon' experienced a resurgence with the launch of the mobile game sensation, Pokemon Go. Utilizing augmented reality technology, the game allowed players to capture Pokemon in real-world locations using their smartphones. The unprecedented success of Pokemon Go brought the term 'pokemon' back into the mainstream, captivating millions of players and generating widespread media coverage.