Feature: Happy 30th Anniversary, Pokémon

On February 27th, 1996, Game Freak released Pocket Monsters Red & Green in Japan. Eventually, the series was brought overseas as Pokémon, and it continues to appeal to fans through its many products, merchandise, and services. Whether you’re a fan of the video games, trading cards, plushies, or any of the many other collectable items on offer, Pokémon holds a special place in our hearts, reaching millions around the planet.

This feature commemorates thirty years of Pokémon with tributes from Johto Times readers, staff, and our friends from the Pokémon fan community. We challenged them to share their tributes with just thirty words, which is a lot more difficult than it seems! We were also blessed with some great art tributes to mark this momentous occasion!

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“2026: Year of the Ponyta” by Josh Sobek

Bluemooncinco:

Lifelong friendships and memories go hand in hand with Pokémon – a shared experience among both the oldest and youngest fans of the series. That is the lasting legacy of Pokémon!

ColinMoll:

The round road to Viridian City is a threefold, unfolding and self-returning route. It is thirty years of seeking mysterious treasures, fulfilling great encounters and coming home triumphantly to yourself.

Nero:

Pokémon has always been and continues to be a fundamental part of my life. Honestly, I can't imagine a world without Pokémon. It will stay with me to the end.

YukiHoshikawa:

Simple, yet deep. Infinite replayability, infinite adventures. Amazing music, memorable characters, great designs – there's something for everybody Challenge runs, randomizers, and fan-made games galore But most important of all Fun.

Desja Rocket:

Young or old. Across the generations. The community helps build friendships. Across the sea and land there is always something for someone. Whatever gaming, anime or cosplay, Pokémon bring happiness.

AngurisNeo:

Playing with my brothers when we were young. Friendships I've made because of it. My wife and I being able to share it with our sons, today. Pokémon is family.

TSS_Killer:

It's a franchise that [allows] people from around the world and all walks of life to come together and have fun. A great franchise that stands the test of time.

“Pokémon 30th anniversary tribute” by Nero

RabbitHouseWorld:

Connecting and challenging others is how we come to know ourselves. My entire life, Pokémon has pushed me to evolve. Here’s to 30 more years of catching, trading, and battling!

Cas (the Cleft of Dimension's Pokemon Shrine):

Pokémon was a transformative part of my life, and I've met so many cherished people through the franchise as a whole, both anime and games. Here's to another 30 years!

SteC:

A life without Pokémon? I can't [imagine] it, so thirty decades of long bonding friendships, surprises, smiles and tears have made the journey an unforgettable one. Many thanks to all!

PokéJungle:

It's hard to believe Pokémon is turning 30. So many good memories, adventures, discoveries and friends from across the decades. I appreciate the community that has grown around the franchise.

Bonzairob (The Pokémon Factory):

I can't say which came first, my love of animals and ecology, or Pokémon, but they definitely fed off each other. Now it's the whole world's weird childhood obsession. Good!

Gabi (The PokéMasters):

Pokémon isn't just a series of fun and engaging games; it also helped me make great friends, build a community, and enabled me to express myself freely to the world.

Dogasu (Dogasu’s Backpack):

Happy anniversary! I think we probably all assume Pokémon’ll still be around for decades to come, but it’s still nice to see it continue being such an unstoppable powerhouse. Congratulations!

“30th Anniversary Pachirisu” by CoolKaius

Frost (Psypoke):

Collection / Competition / Strategy / Aesthetics / Friendship Simplicity / Creativity / Challenge / Geography / Folklore Comfort / Passion / Nostalgia / Fun / Variety Most incredible is that for 30 years Pokémon has meant so many things to fans!

Nick15 (Pokémon Aaah!):

For me, Pokémon never takes itself too seriously. I never feel forced to play how everyone else does, and I can stick around a community that’s consistently chill and welcoming.

Hilbert (Bulbagarden):

In 2012, my journey began with Tepig. What started as an ember kindled into flame. It burns through all my battles, and lights up every new story. Thank you, Pokémon.

Archaic (Bulbagarden):

In 2004, a best selling book was published on “The rise and fall of Pokémon”. They couldn’t have gotten it more wrong. Here’s to many years of Pokémon to come.

Rhodehawk (Bulbagarden):

Pokémon is a game of wonder from the wonderful islands of Alola to the Peaks of Unova. Pokémon have been my best friends, my truest allies, and my forever joy.

Darren (Johto Times):

Pokémon is a constant in my life which has been inspirational, helped to develop long-lasting friendships, and give countless happy memories I will forever cherish. Happy thirty years to Pokémon!

“Pokémon Festival Hijinx” by Desja Rocket

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A huge thanks to everyone who contributed to our tribute feature to mark thirty years of a franchise which we all hold dearly.

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Poll results

To mark the 30th anniversary of Pokémon, we hosted a ranked poll of the mainline video games to determine the fans’ favourite. Each game was scored according to how it ranked for each voter, with each voter’s favourite receiving 17 points, their second favourite receiving 16 points, and so on, down to 0 points for their least favourite. The poll took place between January 21st, 2026 and February 26th, 2025. After 3,587 votes, here are the results:

Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald are the winners of the Johto Times Favourite Pokémon Game Poll 2026, with 43,852 points (Poll conducted on StrawPoll)

1st place: Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald - 43,852 points
2nd place: Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver - 42,763 points
3rd place: Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum - 41,645 points
4th place: Pokémon Black and White - 40,595 points
5th place: Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 - 38,362 points
6th place: Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen - 37,669 points
7th place: Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal - 37,336 points
8th place: Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow - 34,360 points
9th place: Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire - 33,664 points
10th place: Pokémon X and Y - 31,882 points
11th place: Pokémon Sun and Moon - 28,989 points
12th place: Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon - 27,462 points
13th place: Pokémon Legends: Arceus - 26,705 points
14th place: Pokémon Sword and Shield - 20,994 points
15th place: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet - 18,919 points
16th place: Pokémon Legends: Z-A - 18,038 points
17th place: Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! - 15,976 points
18th place: Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl - 9,600 points

Special thanks to Bulbapedia for linking to the poll at the top of their website during the voting period, and thank you to everyone who contributed their votes and shared it around. We hope you had fun!

If you wish to discuss the poll, you can do so on our forum!