Top 5 Facts about Pokémon

1. What does Pokémon actually mean?

The word 'Pokémon' is actually a contraction of the word 'pocket monster', which is what the phenomena is still largely known as in Japan.

2. Pikachu is a brand ambassador.

Pikachu is inarguably the most iconic Pokémon. Its name literally translates as 'electric mouse ' - a pretty apt descriptions. 

Pikachu is such an icon that it's split off into a number of spinoff games and has been a staple character in the super smash bros series of game since the early 00s.

3. Pikemania went global.

In 1998, Joan Wagon, a Kansas mayor, renamed her Town of 'Topeka' to 'To Pikachu' to coincide with a national Pokémon event - endorsed by Nintendo, of course! 

4. The mobile game was altered during lockdowns.

Pokémon Go remains hugely popular, and during the covid- 19 lockdown, the game was adapted to allow people to catch creatures at home. this is a big difference from the game which normally requires you to go walking out and about in public!

5. Its spawned one of the longest running animated series of all time.

 The Pokémon anime, which focuses on the never-ending journey of trainers Ash Ketchum, is itself a long runner. it's been continuing to roll episodes out since 1997, across 24 seasons. 

what's notable is that Ash's main Pokémon - a Pikachu - has never evolved. Evolution of Pokémon is a big part of the game - which has led viewers to wonder if the same will ever happen to Ash's Pikachu!