Growing up in the late ’90s, Pokémon was everything. I’d hunch over my Game Boy, chasing Pidgeys in tall grass, cursing when my batteries died mid-battle. School lunch was all about trading Pokémon cards my buddy’s Charizard was “so overpowered,” we’d argue, swapping duplicates like we were Wall Street traders. Pokémon wasn’t just a game; it was our world cartoons, cards, and all. Those early games Red, Blue, Yellow felt like pure adventure. Choosing Charmander and battling Team Rocket made me feel unstoppable. Today’s games, like Scarlet and Violet, are fancier with their open worlds, but they still spark that same joy. And the Pokémon Trading Card Game? It’s eternal. Opening a pack, praying for a holographic Blastoise, still gives me that rush. Whether you’re collecting or dueling, the TCG’s magic never fades. In this blog, I’m diving into the classics, the new stuff, and what’s next for Pokémon. We’ll nerd out over the TCG, too, because nothing beats flipping a card and seeing a rare stare back. So, heal your Pokémon, grab a potion, and let’s relive why Pokémon’s still the best.
The Beginning: The Old-School Pokémon Games
When we talk about old Pokémon games, we’re talking about a golden era. The simplicity, the charm, and the sense of discovery were unmatched.
Pokémon Red & Blue (1996/1998)
This is where it all began. The original Pokémon Red and Blue for the Game Boy introduced us to Kanto, Professor Oak, and of course, the unforgettable starter trio: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. The graphics were primitive by today’s standards, but the feeling of catching that first Pikachu or finally facing off against the Elite Four? Pure magic.
Highlight Moment: Finding out that MissingNo existed and broke your game… but also gave you 99 Master Balls.
Legacy: Defined what a Pokémon game is catch, battle, train, repeat.
Pokémon Yellow (1998/1999)
Riding the wave of the anime, Yellow made Pikachu your starter and gave us a little taste of Ash’s journey. Your Pikachu even followed you around! This was peak “Pokémania.”
Pokémon Gold & Silver (1999/2000)
If Red and Blue were the foundation, Gold and Silver were the expansion pack we didn’t know we needed. Set in Johto, they added 100 new Pokémon, a real-time day/night cycle, and even shiny Pokémon.
But the real kicker? After beating the Johto league, you could travel back to Kanto and take on the original Gym Leaders. Mind. Blown.
Pokémon Crystal (2000/2001)
The enhanced version of Gold & Silver, with animations for Pokémon sprites and the ability to play as a female trainer for the first time. A small step for gaming, a huge step for inclusivity.
Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire (2002/2003)
Moving into the Game Boy Advance era, Ruby and Sapphire brought us to Hoenn. The graphics were colorful, the music upbeat, and for the first time, we had double battles and abilities that gave Pokémon more depth.
Fan Favorite Feature: Secret bases basically Pokémon’s version of having your own cool clubhouse.
Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen (2004)
Remakes of the originals, but with modernized graphics and features. A new generation of kids got to experience Kanto for the first time.
At this point, Pokémon was no longer just a fad it was cementing itself as a generational staple.
The DS Era: When Pokémon Hit Its Stride
The Nintendo DS era (2004–2012) was Pokémon at its peak for me. Those dual screens and Wi-Fi opened up a whole new world. Here’s why these games still live rent-free in my heart:
Pokémon Diamond & Pearl (2006/2007): Sinnoh was love at first sight. With 107 new Pokémon (Turtwig, anyone?), it felt fresh yet familiar. The Physical/Special move split shook up battles suddenly, strategy mattered more. And Wi-Fi? Trading with someone across the globe blew my middle-school mind. I spent hours in the Underground, digging for fossils with friends.
Pokémon Platinum (2008/2009): This was Diamond and Pearl but better. The Distortion World, with its trippy gravity-defying puzzles, was creepy-cool, and Giratina became my favorite Legendary. I’d replay that storyline just to feel like a dimension-hopping hero. Platinum’s polish made it a fan favorite for a reason.
Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver (2009/2010): These Gold and Silver remakes are basically perfect. Your Pokémon following you around? Adorable I’d beam watching my Chikorita waddle behind me. The Pokéwalker was genius; I’d clip it to my backpack, racking up steps to level up my team. Revisiting Johto and Kanto was pure nostalgia overload.
Pokémon Black & White (2010/2011): Unova was a bold reset. With 156 new Pokémon the most ever you couldn’t catch old ones until late in the game. It forced me to bond with weirdos like Scolipede, and I loved it. The story dug deep, questioning if catching Pokémon was even ethical. I still think about N’s speeches.
Pokémon Black 2 & White 2 (2012): Sequels? Pokémon broke its own mold. Unova felt alive with new areas, forms, and a richer story. I’d spend weekends at the Pokémon World Tournament, pitting my team against iconic Gym Leaders. It was like the ultimate Pokémon flex. These games weren’t just fun they were a vibe. From Wi-Fi battles to moral dilemmas, the DS era made Pokémon feel bigger, deeper, and more connected than ever.
The 3DS Era: Pokémon Felt Like a Fever Dream
Man, the Nintendo 3DS era (2013–2017) was Pokémon turning up the volume. Those 3D graphics and wild new ideas? It was like the games grew up with us. Here’s why I’m still obsessed:
Pokémon X & Y (2013): Kalos hit like a lightning bolt. The first 3D Pokémon games made me feel like I was in the world Lumiose City was a maze I got lost in for hours. Mega Evolutions were the coolest thing ever; I’d spam Mega Charizard Y in battles and act like I was unbeatable. Sure, the post-game was kinda meh, but new Pokémon like Sylveon? Chef’s kiss.
Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire (2014): Hoenn in 3D was a love letter to my childhood. Those remakes of Ruby and Sapphire looked so good, I’d just stare at the ocean sparkling. Mega Blaziken had me hyped, and flying on Latios in the Delta Episode? I felt like a legit Pokémon champ. It was nostalgia done right.
Pokémon Sun & Moon (2016): Alola was a total curveball. No gyms, just island trials? I was thrown, but fighting those jacked-up Totem Pokémon was a blast. Alolan Vulpix was so adorable I couldn’t deal, and the story about family hit me in the feels. That beachy music still lives in my head rent-free.
Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon (2017): These were Sun & Moon on steroids. More story, crazier Ultra Beasts, and wormhole trips to catch Legendaries? I was living for it. Some friends called it a cash grab, but zooming through Ultra Space felt like I was in a sci-fi movie. Alola deserved this glow-up.
The 3DS era was Pokémon going all out flashy visuals, bold changes, and stories that stuck with me. It was like the games were saying, “We’re growing up, but we’re still your Pokémon.”
The Switch Era: Pokémon Got Huge, Y’all
The Nintendo Switch era (2018–2024) was when Pokémon went from my Game Boy to my big ol’ TV. It was wild, messy, and awesome. Here’s my love letter to these games:
Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu & Eevee (2018): These Yellow remakes were like Kanto with a glow-up. The Pokémon GO-style catching felt goofy chucking Poké Balls with my Joy-Con like I’m in gym class but seeing Eevee ride my shoulder? Heart-melting. I’d play just to chill in Viridian Forest again. Total nostalgia trip.
Pokémon Sword & Shield (2019): Galar was my jam. First mainline console Pokémon? Heck yeah. Dynamaxing turned my Corviknight into a freakin’ skyscraper, and Raid Battles with my crew were chaos in the best way. “Dexit” drama had us all salty (RIP my Alakazam), but the Wild Area’s open vibe kept me exploring for days.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022): Yo, this game was nuts. Hisui, aka old Sinnoh, was like Pokémon survival mode. Sneaking up on Shinx, crafting my own Poké Balls? I felt like a pioneer. Those beefy Alpha Pokémon scared me silly, but catching one was pure bragging rights. This game changed everything.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet (2022): Paldea’s open world was freedom city. I’d zip around on Koraidon, chasing random Tera Raids like a kid in a candy store. Terastalization made my Pikachu a glittery beast so cool! The lag and bugs drove me up the wall, but four-player co-op? Worth it.
DLC: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero (2023–2024): New areas like Kitakami had me hooked. I spent way too long chasing Ogerpon for my team. The extra story made Paldea feel alive, like I could just keep adventuring forever.
The Switch era was Pokémon swinging for the fences big worlds, wild battles, and that trainer spark I’ll never outgrow. These games are my happy place.
What’s Next for Pokémon? I’m Hyped!
Pokémon’s not hitting the brakes, and I’m buzzing for what’s coming. Here’s the scoop on the future, from big titles to quirky mobile stuff:
Pokémon Legends: Z-A (2025): Yo, this one’s got me losing it. Set in Kalos’ Lumiose City, it’s another Legends game, but urban! Think open-world vibes, running through a bustling city with my Sylveon. After Arceus blew my mind, I’m dying to see how Game Freak levels up. Mega Evolutions are back, too, so I’m already planning my Mega Gardevoir squad. 2025 can’t come soon enough! Possible Black & White Remakes: The rumor mill’s going wild about Black & White remakes, maybe for Switch or whatever Nintendo drops next. Unova’s my jam N’s whole “are Poké Balls ethical?” vibe hit deep. If they remake these, I’m begging for 3D versions of those epic battles and maybe some new forms. My buddies and I are already arguing over which starter we’d pick again (Snivy forever). It feels like a done deal. Mobile Games and Spin-Offs: Pokémon GO: Still kicking! I’ll be that guy chasing a shiny Dratini at the park during some random event. New Pokémon and raids keep it fresh, even if my phone battery hates me. Pokémon Masters EX: This one’s like a Pokémon reunion. Teaming up trainers from every game? I’m out here pairing Red with Cynthia for the ultimate flex. It’s pure fan service, and I’m here for it. Pokémon Sleep: Okay, real talk it’s weird. Tracking my sleep to catch Snorlax? I tried it, but I mostly forgot to open the app. Still, points for creativity. Pokémon’s future’s looking nuts open worlds, remakes, and quirky apps. I’m ready to dive back in, Poké Ball in hand, like the kid who never grew up.
The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG): A Legacy of Its Own
While the video games are the backbone of Pokémon, the TCG has been a cultural phenomenon since 1996.
Collecting Craze
From the Base Set Charizard to modern full-art rares, Pokémon cards have been both a game and a collector’s dream. Some rare cards now sell for tens of thousands of dollars, and you can also check out their current prices on CollectorWorth.
Competitive Play
The TCG isn’t just about shiny cards it’s a deep, strategic game. With regional, national, and world championships, the competitive scene is thriving. Players build decks, strategize, and battle just like in the video games.
Digital Expansion
With Pokémon TCG Live, the game is more accessible than ever. You can collect digital cards, build decks, and battle online.
Why It Endures
Easy to learn, hard to master.
Collectibility appeals to casual fans.
Constant new expansions keep the game fresh.
Conclusion: Pokémon Forever
Pokémon’s been my obsession since I was a kid, and it’s wild how it’s still the thing in my life. From those old-school Game Boy days to open-world craziness, it’s like a best friend that keeps growing with me. Here’s why Pokémon’s never letting go: It’s a Time Machine: Yo, Red and Blue had me sneaking my Game Boy to school, praying the batteries held up while I fought Brock. Now, Scarlet and Violet got me riding Koraidon through Paldea, grinning like I’m ten again. Every region Kanto, Hoenn, Galar feels like a piece of my story, and I’m not ready to close the book.
Legends: Z-A’s Gonna Slap: I’m counting down to 2025 for Legends: Z-A. Lumiose City in an open-world setup? Mega Evolutions coming back? I’m already planning my team (Gardevoir, you’re my star). After Arceus flipped the script, I’m hyped to see Game Freak go all out. It’s gonna be a banger. TCG’s My Guilty Pleasure: Nothing beats ripping open a TCG pack, heart racing for a shiny Charizard. I used to trade cards in the schoolyard, and now I’m that nerd at game shops, battling or just drooling over holos. The thrill’s the same, and I’m hooked for life. Spin-Offs Keep It Weird and Fun: Pokémon GO has me wandering parks like a dork, chasing a shiny Eevee. Masters EX lets me throw Cynthia and Red into dream teams total fanboy stuff. And Pokémon Sleep? I tried it, but tracking my snoozes for Snorlax felt like homework. Still, I love how Pokémon sneaks everywhere. Pokémon’s not just games it’s memories, fights with friends over who’s got the best team, and that rush of catching ‘em all. It is been my world for decades, and with new adventures like Z-A coming, I’m stoked to stay a trainer forever. Gotta catch them all, always.