Tag Archives: pokemon

GB eye launches new eco-friendly gifting range in partnership with local companies

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The posters and giftware specialist, GB eye Ltd is launching a new eco-range of sustainable gifts in collaboration with a local Sheffield manufacturer that will tap into some of the biggest IP of the moment, including Pokemon, PLayStation, Harry Potter and DC Comics.

The partnership is the latest move from the gifting manufacturer and distributor to expand its environmentally friendly ranges, tapping into the shift in consumer mindset for more sustainable products at retail. The new range focuses on reducing the carbon footprint from design conception to the end product.

GB eye is adopting a strategy to source local and reduce international manufacture and import.

The range is set to launch in mid-October with the introduction of the new stainless-steel water bottles. Made within a stone’s throw of the GB eye headquarters in the city of Sheffield, the water bottles will be available across a collection of licences including top tier names such as Pokémon, PlayStation, Harry Potter, and DC Comics, which will appeal to environmentally aware consumers.

Also joining the range in late 2020 will be the tote bag collection. Produced locally from natural fibres, the tote bags aim to help reduce the amount of single-use plastic bags used daily. With favourite names including Pokémon, DC Comics, Harry Potter, Dragon Ball and Stormtrooper, the tote bags will become a key product staple within the eco-range which will see further products join the collection in early 2021.

Nicola Hallam, head of product at GB eye Ltd., said: “The eco-range has been a core focus for us throughout 2020 as we continue to look at ways in which to reduce our carbon impact on the environment.

“Expanding our product ranges to include more sustainable products is the first step as we explore new ways to better protect the world around us. We look forward to adding to the collection in 2021 with further internationally recognised licensed names.”

The sustainable launch comes as part of a continued focus on GB eye’s environmental impact. The company has printed its extensive poster ranges on FSC-certified paper for over 12 years and is committed to making internal process changes where possible, to streamline design and sourcing processes, ensuring the drive to run on a zero-waste policy.

Maison Longchamp sews up physical and digital fashion collab with Pokemon and Pokemon GO

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French elegance and Japanese kawaii have found their worlds colliding thanks to a new partnership between The Pokemon Company International and the globally revered fashion brand, Longchamp, spanning both the physical world of apparel and accessories, and the digital world of Pokemon GO.

From mid October this year, the Longchamp x Pokemon collection will arrive in stores and online across the world, while a new Longchamp avatar backpack accessory will be made available to players within the Pokemon GO game.

Under the new partnership, Pokemon’s very own Pikachu will feature across French brand Longchamp’s iconic Le Pilage bag, bringing a touch of fun across four exclusive designs. These will range from black and white LGP canvas, embossed leather, or in a numbered, limited edition. The line-up will be completed with a design in black canvas featuring a Pikachu specially designed for the fashion house, wearing a jockey’s helmet paying homage to the Longchamp logo.

To help celebrate the collaboration between Longchamp and The Pokémon Company, Pokémon GO players will also be able to show off their fashion with a new Longchamp x Pokémon avatar backpack accessory item available between October 2 and November 17, 2020. 

Pokémon GO will be celebrating the collaboration with a special in-game event for all Trainers timed during the Paris Fashion Week. Beginning Friday, October 2 a and continuing through Thursday, October 8, certain fashionable Pokémon will be appearing in the wild, challenging Trainers in raids.

Trainers can search for these rare Pokémon in style with the Longchamp x Pokémon backpack available in the Pokémon GO shop. They can also match their avatar in by picking up any of the four exclusive versions of Longchamp x Pokémon Le Pliage bag available on longchamp. com and in Longchamp points of sales from October 13, 2020.

Sophie Delafontaine, artistic director at Maison Longchamp, said: “Our Le Pliage bag has become a platform where all the different aspects of Longchamp can be expressed and can also take us to unknown places.

“We hadn’t explored entertainment and gaming before. It’s a very inspiring world, particularly with Pokémon and its iconic mascot, Pikachu. Our two worlds, real and virtual, blend perfectly in this collaboration.”

Kenji Okubo, president of The Pokémon Company International, added: “This partnership sees two iconic brands renowned for their creativity and design collaborating on a range of products that uphold Longchamp’s tradition for quality and luxury but add a fun and playful twist that is sure to appeal to fans of both companies.”

Funko to launch Pokemon Pop! vinyls to European market for the first time

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The global purveyors of pop culture, Funko has detailed what it bills a ‘monumental partnership’ for the first time in the history of the company’s European division, partnering with the Pokemon Company International to launch a Pokemon collection of Pop! Vinyl figures to the region from this October.

Pokémon, the Japanese phenomenon is one of the world’s largest entertainment franchises and has been for over 20 years. The Pokémon family of products includes video games, trading card games, an animated TV series, movies and consumer products loved the world over.

The hugely anticipated collaboration will kick off with Pikachu and Bulbasaur Pop! Vinyl figures from October, with further additions to follow in 2021. The first collection of figures will consist of a Pikachu 4” Pop! Vinyl, a Pikachu 10” Pop! Vinyl, a Bulbasaur 4” Pop! Vinyl and a Bulbasaur 10” Pop! Vinyl.

Andy Oddie, managing director of Funko (EMEA), said: “One of the most exciting new opportunities for Funko this side of the Atlantic, we are beyond delighted to bring the Pokémon Pop! Vinyl line to life for our European fans. This is just the beginning, watch this space.”

Mathieu Galante, licensing director at The Pokémon Company International (EMEA), added: “Both Pokémon and Funko are iconic pop culture brands and as such are thrilled that this collaboration will, for the first time, provide fans across Europe the opportunity to add a new dimension to their Pokémon experience.”

The Pikachu and Bulbasaur Pop! Vinyl figureswill be available to purchase from October from leading European retailers; Smyths Toys Superstores (UK & Ireland), Toys Center (Italy), Fnac (France), Müller (Germany), Salling Group – Bilka BR and Føtex (Nordics) and El Corte Inglés (Spain).

Hasbro, Pokemon and Penguin Ventures among first exhibitors taking part in Festival of Licensing

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Hasbro, The Pokemon Company, Penguin Ventures, and the Natural History Museum are among just some of the biggest names to be taking part in the new virtual Festival of Licensing running this October and taking the place of Brand Licensing Europe this year.

Brands from across the entertainment, publishing, gaming, sport, lifestyle, and heritage licensing fields have now confirmed their attendance and taken up their exhibition slots at the digital gathering which this year will run all online from October 6th to 29th. The event is to be hosted by Global Licensing Group in partnership with Licensing International.

Acamar Films, Chupa Chups, NBA Properties, Sega Europe, Start Licensing, and Yale are among those to have already registered to exhibit.

“Many great business opportunities have stemmed from the connections we have made at Brand Licensing Europe,” said Maxine Lister, head of licensing, Natural History Museum. “This year, especially, it is important for us to continue expanding our partnerships and develop new ways for the public to connect with the natural world through our 80 million specimens.

“We are thrilled to be taking part in Festival of Licensing and look forward to new business opportunities to evolve our licensing strategy.”

Registration for the four-week long celebration of global licensing also opens today at www.festivaloflicensing.com where attendees can opt to attend any or all of the Festival’s three regionally tailored events for Europe, Asia and the Americas, as well as the Licensing Leadership Summit:

  • Week 1: 6-8 October – Europe, powered by Brand Licensing Europe
  • Week 2: 14-15 October – Asia, powered by Licensing Expo China and Licensing Expo Japan
  • Week 3: 20-22 October – North America and Latin America, powered by Licensing Expo
  • Week 4: 28-29 October – Global C-suite virtual conference – Licensing Leadership Summit

“The feedback we have received about Festival of Licensing since announcing it just four weeks ago has been incredible and we are thrilled to be able to announce such an amazing first roster of exhibitors,” said Anna Knight, vice president, Global Licensing Group, Informa Markets. “This is only the beginning – we have another seven weeks till ‘doors open’ – so there will be a lot more news, and surprises, coming down the line.”

 

Exhibitors confirmed to date Include:

 

  • Acamar Films
  • Asgard Media
  • Bioworld
  • Brainbase
  • Brandgenuity
  • CAA-GBG
  • Chupa Chups, S.A Unipersonal
  • CPLG/Wildbrain
  • Crunchyroll Europe
  • Cyber Group Studios
  • Dependable Solutions
  • Design Plus
  • Edutainment
  • Hasbro
  • Herschend Entertainment Studios
  • J Patton
  • KOCCA
  • Licensing Works
  • LoCoco Licensing
  • Natural History Museum
  • NBA Properties Inc
  • Octane5
  • Opsec
  • Penguin Ventures
  • Pokemon
  • Sega Europe
  • Start Licensing
  • Tesa Scribos
  • UCLA
  • Xilam
  • Yale
  • Zolan Licensing Agency

Brands who are interested in exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities can visit www.festivaloflicensing.com for more information.

Pokemon a Go: How The Pokemon Company kept a global audience active through lockdown

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When Covid-19 struck with full force back in March this year, the implications of the measures taken to battle the global pandemic could have spelled disaster for The Pokémon Company International and its network of initiatives and fan events that relied very much on the freedom of public spaces and person-to-person gatherings.

Had the nimble-footed outfit not have reacted to the growing concerns and implications of the world’s lockdown with the agility and innovation that it did, the year 2020 could have been the one that finally toppled the world-leading franchise from its perch. Thankfully, the company is telling a different story – one in which its reflexive action (translating its portfolio of popular public events and tournaments to the virtual arena) has enabled the firm to hold on to its mantle as a globally beloved franchise.

Even Pokémon GO, the record-setting and genre-leading AR gaming app that takes places outside on the search for Pokémon to capture in real life settings, flipped the switch at the height of the world’s lockdown measures with enhanced functions to allow players to continue their AR gaming whilst staying at home. Meanwhile, the raft of new video game releases couldn’t have arrived at a better time for the brand’s fans looking for new platforms for entertainment during the pandemic.

To top it all off, The Pokémon Company has been listed among a select handful of companies championed by independent retailers in the hobby gaming space, who have spoken to Licensing.biz directly about the efforts of the firm to help and support its network of small retailers through the hardships of the coronavirus. All-in-all, it could be reasoned that the Pokémon Company International has navigated the choppy waters of the world’s pandemic very well indeed.

Here, Mathieu Galante, licensing director EMEA, The Pokémon Company International talks in-depth to Licensing.biz about the newest developments for the franchise, the success of its latest releases across gaming mediums, and why Pokémon will never cease in its mission to innovate.

How is business going with you guys – over the last 12 months – but certainly over the course of the last few? What’s been the Pokémon approach to changes brought on by the pandemic?

Overall it has been a positive 12 months for Pokémon. Our latest Video Game titles, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, were a runaway success, becoming the fastest-selling Nintendo Switch titles ever with six million units sold worldwide during launch weekend last November.

The June expansion, The Isle of Armor which offers new Pokémon to encounter and new areas of the Galar region to explore, is also proving popular, as is March’s release Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, which revisits the classic games of 2006. Whilst February’s first  Sword and Shield trading card expansion also enjoyed impressive sales.

Naturally Covid-19 has had an impact, especially on our increasingly popular public events and tournaments. However, as an ever-innovative brand we have adapted to promote more ways for fans to engage with the brand from home and produced fun extras such as printable colouring-in sheets and virtual backgrounds for video calls.

Although this summer’s World Championships in London couldn’t take place, we instigated the Pokémon Players Cup, a global online tournament featuring Pokémon Sword & Shield, Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokkén Tournament DX, running from July to August. Pokémon League Trading Card Game events that normally took place in-store pivoted to using TCG Online, while this year’s Pokémon GO Fest in July was reimagined as a virtual event.

Meanwhile, animation fans have enjoyed Movie 22 – Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back – Evolution, featuring a new CGI style to animated Pokémon movies, plus an extra treat in the new seven-part online series Pokémon: Twilight Wings, which features a new 5’ episode each month on Pokémon’s YouTube channel.

For our licensees across Europe, we are working closely to support them wherever needed. We have noticed a different impact across different markets, and product categories  as online sales being stronger in the UK, Nordics and BNL than in southern Europe.

Life’s seen a lot of changes, and lockdown has seen consumers turn to home entertainment, including video gaming. How do you think this has impacted on consumer engagement with the Pokémon brand?

We have been working to make it easier for fans to interact with Pokémon in a variety of new ways, including launching our first downloadable content for the two Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield expansions. June’s The Isle of Armor and the forthcoming The Crown Tundra introduce a variety of new features, including all-new Pokémon and new areas of Galar to explore.

Meanwhile, Pokémon GO has changed its gameplay to safeguard users, allowing people to play inside and around their own homes. Introducing new features and tweaking regular ones, it has made the at-home experience better to encourage users to stay indoors. Reduced walking requirements and discounted select items mean players don’t have to walk as far to catch Pokémon, with the in-game distance tracker updated to track indoor steps more accurately and game achievements also being rewarded for using a treadmill or doing chores around the house.

A new form of home gameplay, the GO Battle League, allows trainers to take on other players from around the globe with a team of three Pokémon, while it’s now possible to battle Team Rocket from home as well.

Can you talk us through some of the latest developments for the Pokémon brand – games releases, boost from the feature film, TCG, and of course its always interesting retail presence?

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield have been hugely successful. Approaching 18m sales worldwide, they are the fifth-bestselling Nintendo Switch titles to date.

Our Trading Card Game remains one of the most popular in the world – shipped to 77 countries and regions in 13 languages – and has also enjoyed great results with Sword and Shield. Its first expansion in February, boosted by a TV ad campaign and strong retail activity, and May’s Sword and Shield – Rebel Clash have been very popular, featuring powerful new Pokémon V and Pokémon VMAX cards that will play an important role in players’ strategies.

We are also excited about the Darkness Ablaze expansion launching in August, with new Special Energy cards. TCG fans can now also learn, practice, and play online as a single player or against other players, and browse and discover expansions and promo cards via the Pokémon TCG Card Dex app for iOS and Android.

Our unique new puzzle game, Pokémon Café Mix, a free-to-start game for Nintendo Switch systems and mobile devices, makes players the owner of a café that Pokémon visit. There, they work alongside Pokémon to prepare drinks and dishes for Pokémon customers by completing puzzles. As more puzzles are completed, the café can be upgraded.

With innovation in our DNA, we continue to expand the brand into new areas. Our latest app offering, Pokémon Smile, incorporates the world of Pokémon into the everyday task of brushing your teeth, making it a fun activity to encourage kids to develop good brushing habits as they catch Pokémon.

We also recently announced two exciting new games, Pokémon UNITE and New Pokémon Snap, for forthcoming launch.

Pokémon UNITE, a free-to-start cross-platform game for Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, is a strategic team battle game where players face off against each other in five-on-five team battles. Introducing a new kind of Pokémon battle – one that requires teamwork and strategy – it is simple, yet full of intricacies waiting to be unpacked.

New Pokémon Snap for Nintendo Switch is inspired by the classic 1999 Nintendo 64 game. This completely new game will take Trainers on an adventure to unknown islands where they can research various Pokémon in their natural habitats, take photos to make their very own in-game Pokémon Photodex and discover new, never-before-seen Pokémon expressions and behaviours.

The halo effect of the box-office smash hit movie POKÉMON: Detective Pikachu, which achieved phenomenal exposure, has brought greater awareness for brand as a whole. There was a significant sales lift for the associated licensed products – including toys, TCG and apparel – and also non-film-related products and we have been working hard to build on this effect.

After a raft of activity at the start of the year, including special retail promotions around Pokémon Day in February, Covid-19 has restricted things in this area, but we have exciting plans afoot to support our licensees and retail partners going forwards, including our master toy programme for Christmas. And, with Pokémon’s ever-increasing status as a fashion icon, we are working on new apparel collections with our DTR partners including global giants H&M, Zara, Bershka, Pull & Bear and Celio. This year also brought exciting fashion collaborations with new partners adidas and Casetify.

How is Pokémon leading the charge with its approach to and relationship with retail? You guys seem to be loved by indies and big name retailers alike. So, what’s the secret?

Obviously our retail partners are hugely important to us and we are making every effort to support them with initiatives such as allocating Sword & Shield— Darkness Ablaze pre-release kits free of charge to eligible retailers to support hobby stores. As a brand we also enjoy strong support from retailers both large and small across Europe – seeing Pokémon as a true evergreen brand, they feel we are a “safe bet”.  We work hard on the best ways to create engaging and different retail programmes for toys and games and fashion across Europe.

Where do you guys go from here? What are the next steps or plans in the licensing space for you?

We continue to explore innovative products, promotions and retail activations to maintain our strong positions in the UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain for our core master toy programme and fashion programmes. We are also looking at opportunities to expand in the Nordics, BNL and Poland. In addition, we are working on exciting new collaborations and projects as we gear up for some fantastic plans to celebrate Pokémon’s 25th anniversary in 2021. Watch this space.

 

Pokemon launches its first board game: Pokemon Trading Card Game Battle Academy

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The Pokemon Company International has released the first board game adaptation of its best-selling Pokémon Trading Card Game – the Pokémon Trading Card Game Battle Academy – at participating mass and hobby retailers around the world.

Designed for Trainers of all types, including parents and children who may be new to the Pokémon TCG, Battle Academy reimagines strategic Pokémon TCG gameplay as an ‘easy-to-learn’ experience for the family. The launch of the game will also be rolled out across PokemonCenter.com, the official online destination for Pokémon merchandise in the US.

“For more than 20 years the beloved Pokemon Trading Card Game has connected people across the globe over their shared love of collecting cool cards, trading them with friends, and playing the official game,” said JC Smith, senior director of consumer marketing at The Pokemon Company International.

“With Battle Academy, we are excited to give families a fun and accessible way to spend quality time together while bonding over someting both kids and longtime fans of the franchise adore: Pokemon TCG cards.”

The game comes with everything needed to master the basics of the Pokemon TCG, and each Battle Academy box comes with a two-player game board, three 60 card decks, tutorial guides, gameplay accessories, and a code for the free-to-play Pokemon Trading Card Game Online on iOS, Android and on Pokemon.com. 

The Pokemon Company reunites with CASETiFY for ’90s inspired range

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The Pokemon Company has renewed its partnership with CASETiFY to deliver a new collection of Pokémon themed mobile device cases and accessories. The renewal of the partnership follows the success of CASETiFY’s sell-out range launched last year.

Channeling a nostalgic ‘90s theme which pays homage to when the first Pokémon video games were released, the collaboration introduces new designs for a variety of lifestyle products designed by CASETiFY. The first drop of the three-part series will debut on August 12, 2020.

Inspired by the concept of Past, Present, and Future, the latest CASETiFY and Pokémon collection plays on classic ‘90s trends, with cases featuring iconic patterns from the decade like bold checkerboards and tie-dye treatments. The accessories will showcase the fan-favourite Pokémon Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle on drop-resistant cases.

The CASETiFY and Pokémon collection will also revive the popular sticker-style design from the first collaboration – this time applying a tie-dye twist. Cases in the collection will support a variety of devices including iPhones, AirPods, Apple Watches, iPads, MacBooks, Wireless Chargers, 2-in-1 Grip Stands, and more.

Accessories from the collection will offer new ways to personalize and design online, with products starting at $25 USD.

“The CASETiFY and Pokémon collaboration is one of our most talked about and globally loved releases,” said CASETiFY CEO and co-founder, Wes Ng. “We’re thrilled to bring fans another round of amazing designs, this time incorporating nostalgic patterns from the ‘90s on our signature cases.”

Exclusive to CASETiFY, the new collection will follow in the footsteps of past Co-Labs with global support from CASETiFY’s creative program.

The Pokémon Company partners with US artist Daniel Arsham for ‘fictional archaeology’ project

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The Pokémon Company has partnered with the American artist, Daniel Arsham to unveil a new project featuring icons of the Pokemon franchise presented within the artist’s creative concept of fictional archeology.

Through his work, art and pop culture fans are invited to imagine the unearthing of Pokémon a thousand years from now and experience the passage of time.

“The fictional archaeology is really an idea of taking all of the objects from our present day and imagining as if we were an archeologist in the future and looking at these objects from our everyday life or our everyday experience,” said Arsham.

“I think there’s something kind of prolific and impactful about trying to step outside of our own time frame. It gives us a perspective of our own experiences and lives. Through these works, I hope to be able to shift people’s understanding about time in general.”

Tsunekazu Ishihara, CEO of The Pokémon Company, added: “Pokémon evolved as a brand by embracing new technologies and collaborating with partners from new fields ranging from data communication systems and geolocation-related technologies to partners in fashion and art.

“I’m delighted to welcome Daniel Arsham as our collaboration partner. Through his work, my wish is for people around the world to ‘dig deep’ into their imaginations and think about what Pokémon would look like in a thousand years.”

Additional details about the collaboration will be announced later this spring.

The Pokémon Company launches half term pop-up at Harrods

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The Pokémon Company International has launched a month-long pop-up in Harrods’ famed Knightsbridge store in London, featuring a host of special Pokémon activities for fans and families his half term.

The pop-up opened on Friday, February 14th, with a special area in Harrods themed after the Galar region, which is a UK-inspired new region from the recent Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield video games.

The two new releases have become the fastest-selling Nintendo Switch titles, with more than six million units sold worldwide during last November’s launch weekend, with global sales now totalling over 16 million units.

Running through to Friday, March 13th this year, Pokémon has taken over the pop-up space in the store’s fourth-floor toy department.

The pop-up features a range of Pokémon products, including toys, the Trading Card Game, stationery, and accessories. Activities planned for the month include giveaways and character appearances from Pikachu and friends, a screen showcasing the TCG and toys, and additional surprises planned to mark Pokémon Day on February 27th.

Mathieu Galante, licensing director EMEA at The Pokémon Company International, said: “We are delighted to be returning to this iconic store for another Pokémon pop-up.

“We were thrilled with the response to our previous pop-up at Harrods in May and are looking forward to providing another great experience for Pokémon fans old and new over the coming month.”

The pop-up follows a successful month at Harrods last May when Pokémon took over the pop-up space in the renowned store’s newly launched fourth-floor toy department with a range of products and activity to promote the launch of the live action movie Pokémon Detective Pikachu.

Pokémon soars at UK and German retail as both toys and trading cards ‘enjoy best year ever’

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Sales of both the Pokémon Trading Card Game and toys from Wicked Cool Toys soared at retail across the UK and Germany throughout 2019, according to the latest figures revealed by NPD.

The Pokémon Company has reported year on year sales that ‘continue to be substantially above the market average’ for Pokémon in what has become somewhat of a regular achievement for the brand in recent years.

According to figures recorded by the NPD Group Toys retail tracking service, total UK toy sales for Pokémon in 2019 were up 24.1 per cent against an overall market downturn of 7.1 per cent, while Germany recorded a remarkable 100.6 per cent increase in sales against market growth of just 3.3 per cent.

The Wicked Cool Toys range is distributed in the UK and Ireland by Character Options and in Germany by BOTI.

Meanwhile, in Strategic Card Games (SCG), Pokémon continues to be the category market leader with the number one slot in both the UK and Germany. UK sales were up 30.8 per cent – almost double the total market, which grew by 17 per cent, while in Germany the increase was an impressive 98.8 per cent, which helped the market to achieve total growth of 71.7 per cent.

Pokémon generates over 50 per cent of the total revenue of the top 14 best-performing SCG brands in the UK, and more than triple that of the 14 next best-selling brands combined in Germany. The Pokémon TCG is distributed by Asmodee in the UK and by Amigo in Germany.

“In another fantastic year for Pokémon, we are delighted to see an ever-growing appetite for our product,” said Mathieu Galante, licensing director (EMEA) for The Pokémon Company International.

“Wicked Cool Toys’ innovative and extended toy range is really connecting with fans, coupled with huge demand for tie-in products from the hugely popular Pokémon Detective Pikachu film. We also enjoyed great success from yet another first this year with our new video games Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, when the first partner Pokémon plush were available to buy from selected retailers on the same release date as the VG for the first time ever.

“With an even bigger toy line to showcase at this year’s key top toy shows, which we expect to do just as well, we are very excited for 2020.”

Simon Benton, vice president of Pokémon TCG sales for Europe, added: “We had one of our best-ever years at retail in 2019 with exciting consumer promotions and highly impactful permanent and temporary space solutions that capitalised on the incredible TCG content and elevated Pokémon brand profile throughout the year.

“With the first Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield expansion launching at retail on February 7th, supported by major retail promotions and media campaigns, 2020 will see TCG sales achieve new records. We’re looking forward to a successful year with our distribution and retail partners and thank them for their ongoing support.”

The global phenomenon of Pokémon was first launched in Japan in 1996 as a role-playing game for Nintendo’s Game Boy system and reached the United States and Europe in 1998–99.

Pokémon has since grown into one of the most popular entertainment properties in the world, encompassing video games, the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), mobile games and apps, animation and movies, Play! Pokémon competitive events and licensed products.

It is recognised as one of the most successful video game franchises of all time with more than 340 million video games sold worldwide. In addition, more than 22 billion TCG cards have been shipped to 77 countries in 13 languages, while the mobile game sensation Pokémon GO has received more than one billion downloads globally since launching in 2016.

More than 1,000 episodes of the animated TV series span 22 seasons, licensed for broadcast in 169 countries and regions in more than 30 languages.