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30 Years After Pokémon's Debut, Fans Still Gotta Catch 'Em All
The iconic franchise continues to captivate audiences young and old with its beloved characters and collectible trading cards.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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Three decades after the release of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green in Japan, the Pokémon franchise has become a global phenomenon, with fans of all ages still passionately collecting cards, playing the mobile game, and watching the animated series. The enduring popularity of Pokémon is attributed to its masterful character design and world-building, which has fostered a dedicated community of collectors and enthusiasts. However, the value of rare Pokémon cards has also led to a rise in theft and robberies, posing challenges for both collectors and retailers.
Why it matters
Pokémon's longevity and continued popularity demonstrate the power of well-crafted characters and immersive worlds to captivate audiences across generations. The franchise's success also highlights the potential financial value of collectible items, which has both benefited collectors and created new security concerns for the community.
The details
Benson Lu, a 26-year-old Pokémon fan, has been playing the mobile game Pokémon Go every day for a decade, watching the animated show weekly, and building a collection of cards worth over $70,000. Pokémon's enduring appeal is attributed to its strong character design and world-building, which has helped the franchise maintain relevance. However, the high value of rare Pokémon cards has led to a rise in break-ins and robberies at trading card stores, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses and even collectors being robbed at gunpoint. The authentication and grading of cards by companies like Beckett Grading Services and Professional Sports Authenticator has further fueled the collectible market, with a rare Pikachu Illustrator card recently selling for a record $16.5 million.
- Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green were released in Japan in 1996 for the Nintendo Game Boy, marking the debut of the Pokémon franchise.
- In the 30 years since Pokémon's debut, the franchise has taken over the globe with its animated shows, mobile games, and highly coveted trading cards.
The players
Benson Lu
A 26-year-old Pokémon fan who has played the mobile game Pokémon Go every day for a decade, watches the animated show weekly, and has a collection of cards worth over $70,000.
Heather Cole
A teaching assistant professor of game design and interactive media at West Virginia University, who believes Pokémon's longevity is due to its character design and world-building.
Adam Corn
The owner of card business Overdose Gaming Inc, who was able to buy a house last year from his Pokémon card collection.
Duy Pham
The owner of the Do-We Collectibles store in Anaheim, California, which has been targeted by Pokémon card thieves twice.
Aiden Zeng
A 17-year-old Pokémon fan who has spent $1,000 on card packs, only to find the cards were only worth $60 on the resale market.
What they’re saying
“I don't remember when was the last day I did not think about Pokémon at all.”
— Benson Lu (kob.com)
“Pokémon almost always appreciates in value over time. So it's just a really good place to put your money in my opinion, better than a a lot of other assets.”
— Adam Corn, Owner, Overdose Gaming Inc (kob.com)
“It's rougher for collectors and players. It's hard for us to get anything.”
— Duy Pham, Owner, Do-We Collectibles (kob.com)
“I memorized every single Pokémon's specific move set, what region they come from, some of the lore behind it.”
— Aiden Zeng, 17-year-old Pokémon fan (kob.com)
“I've liked Pokémon ever since I was a kid. And I still like it the same amount.”
— Benson Lu (kob.com)
What’s next
As the Pokémon franchise continues to grow in popularity, collectors and retailers will likely face ongoing challenges in securing rare and valuable cards. Authorities may need to explore new measures to protect the community from theft and robberies.
The takeaway
Pokémon's enduring appeal, driven by its iconic characters and collectible trading cards, has created a thriving community of fans across generations. However, the high financial value of rare cards has also led to security concerns, underscoring the need to balance the hobby's passion and profitability.
