The very first Pokémon games, "Pokémon Red" and "Pokémon Blue", came out in 1996, which means that it is the 20th anniversary of Pokémon! The game has evolved a lot over the years. This video filled me with Pokénostalgia:
I've been playing Pokémon practically since birth, and I can't imagine my childhood without it.
So you may be asking yourself, what are Nintendo's next big plans for this game franchise two decades? Don't worry, there is a lot on the horizon in the world of Pokémon!
"Pokémon GO"
"Pokémon GO" is a mobile app that you download to your smartphone, but play in the real world through augmented reality.
You become the trainer as you locate, catch, battle and trade Pokémon while connecting with other nearby "Pokémon GO" players.
John Hanke, founder of Niantic, said:
"For the first time, Pokémon will roam free in the real world. Pokémon GO will allow players to capture Pokémon who inhabit parks, shopping areas, sidewalks and the countryside all around the world. Imagine discovering a Squirtle hiding along the waterfront in San Francisco, a Bulbasaur at Shinjuku Station or a Pikachu beneath the Eiffel Tower."
According to a PC Advisor article, there is no official release date set for the game. However, it will for sure launch sometime in 2016.
"Pokémon Sun" and "Pokémon Moon"
Two new Pokémon games for the 3DS are coming out late 2016, "Pokémon Sun" and "Pokémon Moon"!
In the Telegraph article, "Pokemon Sun and Moon: What we know so far," we learn that the game will feature an entirely new generation of Pokémon, Generation VII, instead of a continuation of the Pokémon from X & Y (released in 2013 for the 3DS).
The article states:
"The day that Sun and Moon was revealed was also Pokémon’s official 20th birthday. Six generations, scores of games and 722 breeds have come and gone over the course of one of Nintendo’s most successful properties."
"Pokkén Tournament"
"Pokkén Tournament", a fighting game in which two fighters battle against each other using various Pokémon, will be available March 18,2016 for the Wii U!
This game will use gameplay elements from Bandai Namco's "Tekken" series. There will be special moves, such as Mega Evolutions and a boss fight with a "Shadow Mewtwo."
The game currently features 16 playable Pokémon, with more to be added over time: Blaziken, Braixen, Chandelure, Charizard, Garchomp, Gardevoir, Gengar, Lucario, Machamp, Mewtwo, Pikachu, Pikachu Libre, Sceptile, Shadow Mewtwo, Suicune and Weavile.
While 20 years is a long time, it has nonetheless been a wonderful time. You can check out this timeline tracing the evolution of the game. There was even a Super Bowl commercial commemorating this special day in Pokéhistory:
Finally, check out this adorable comic strip about 20 years of friendship with Pikachu. Gotta catch 'em all!
