TIME Special Edition - Pok??mon: 30 Years Of Pikachu, The Games, The Shows, The Evolution, The World's Most Valuable Media Franchise, Master Pok??mon

When Pok??mon was released in Japan in 1996, intrepid gamers picked up copies and discovered delightful monster-catching adventures in the world of Kanto. Two years later, when the game came stateside, scores of fans rallied to embrace the universe already beloved across the Pacific. The franchise now features more than 1,000 critters, ranging from cuddly to formidable to downright scary. Chief among them is Pikachu, whose popularity is as strong as ever. This special edition of TIME explores the power of the Pok??mon franchise, discussing the history and influences behind the iconic video games. It documents the surge around Pok??mon GO and highlights tips and tricks for mastering the game. Plus, learn about Pok??mon trading cards and how to explore that lucrative market (and not get scammed).