Thirty Years Later, the Legacy of Pokémon Red and Green Is Greater Than Ever

What began as a pair of unassuming creature-collection RPGs has blossomed into an unparalleled global juggernaut. It is almost surreal to reflect on how the modest debut of Pokémon Red and Green laid the groundwork for the sprawling empire we see today. As February 27 approaches, the franchise prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Far transcending its roots in handheld gaming and trading cards, Pokémon now dominates the cultural landscape through cinematic blockbusters, dedicated retail hubs, ubiquitous mobile experiences, and even immersive theme parks. The brand’s trajectory suggests a singular goal: to capture the imagination of every person on the planet.

Over the coming fortnight, we are diving deep into every facet of the Pokémon universe. Expect exclusive insights from industry visionaries alongside rigorous dissections of the franchise’s legacy—celebrating its soaring triumphs while scrutinizing its more questionable eras. Prepare for provocative opinions and definitive, data-driven rankings that are sure to spark debate. Furthermore, with a major new title launching next week, the timing for this retrospective is impeccable.

This commemorative series examines the lineage of Pokémon, its current cultural standing, and its future horizon. If the last three decades have taught us anything, it is that this phenomenon is still only in its infancy.

• The definitive ranking of every Pokémon generation

Source: Polygon