POKEMON TRADING CARD GAME

$CHARIZARD

Official Pokémon began in Japan on February 27, 1996, with the release of Pokémon Red and Green for the Game Boy. Created by Satoshi Tajiri and illustrator Ken Sugimori, the game was inspired by Tajiri's childhood love of collecting insects and the Game Boy link cable, which allowed players to trade creatures.The Birth and Early Days1996: Game Freak released Pokémon Red and Green in Japan. Sales grew slowly until players found the hidden mythic creature Mew, driving massive public interest. Pokémon Blue followed shortly after with upgraded features.1997: The popular Pokémon anime series debuted in Japan, establishing Pikachu and Ash Ketchum as cultural icons.1998: The games launched in North America as Pokémon Red and Blue, sparking a massive global phenomenon known as "Pokémania". The Pokémon Trading Card Game also arrived, dominating schoolyards.