Pokémon merchandise
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Since the Pokémon franchise launched in Japan on February 27, 1996, a huge range of Pokémon merchandise has been created and sold around the world. Everything from books, video games, trading cards, plush toys, playing cards, and even jars of jelly have been sold under the Pokémon brand. The franchise is managed by The Pokémon Company in Japan and Asia, Pokémon Korea, Inc. in South Korea and The Pokémon Company International elsewhere.
Along with products made directly by The Pokémon Company (often under the Pokémon Center brand), the brand is licenced to other companies to create merchandise. In 2009, 85 companies around the world made officially licensed products for the franchise and there were around 3,500 different items available[1]. By 2018, Pokémon had become the largest media franchise in the world[2] making $2.98 Billion in sales that year of third-party licenced goods alone[3].
Video games
- Main article: Pokémon games
The Pokémon video games were the first pieces of Pokémon merchandise, and today are still the driving force behind the rest of the franchise. Starting with the release of Pokémon Red and Green in Japan, and then the release of Pokémon Red and Blue internationally, the core series of Pokémon RPGs continues to this day, and has spawned a number of complimentary side games.
Along with this, there has been whole series of spin-off Pokémon games based on the franchise, with a range of Nintendo consoles released in special Pokémon editions and even a dedicated Pokémon handheld. The games have also been complimented by dedicated peripherals, and often came with pre-order bonus merchandise.
Examples
Pokémon Red, one of the core series games
Pokémon Stadium, one of the side games
A special Pikachu edition of the Game Boy Advance SP
The Pokémon GO Plus, a peripheral for Pokémon GO
Trading Card Game
- Full list: Pokémon Trading Card Game merchandise
The Pokémon Trading Card Game is the most popular trading card game in the world[4] with over 28.8 billion cards sold as of September 2019[5]. Starting with the original 102 card Base Set, released in Japan on October 20, 1996 and in the United States on January 9, 1999, the series has expanded massively since then. A wide variety of merchandise has been produced for the TCG, from expansions to the game itself and various collections of cards, to things like play mats, deck boxes and more.
Examples
Literature
Manga
- Main article: Pokémon manga
A wide variety of different Pokémon manga have been produced over the years. Some have been based on the Pokémon games or animated series, while others have been totally original creations based in the Pokémon universe. Some have been translated into English and other languages, while others have only ever been released in Japan.
Examples
Books
- Main article: Pokémon books
A broad selection of Pokémon books have been published, ranging from guide books and strategy guides, to animated series novelizations and activity books.
Examples
Magazines
- Full list: Pokémon Magazines
Several magazines have been published around the world with Pokémon as either the main subject, or one that is frequently written about.
Examples
Tabletop games
Trading Figure Game
- Main article: Pokémon Trading Figure Game
The Trading Figure Game was a two-player game played with collectible Pokémon figurines first released in 2006. After an initial launch in Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia the game fared poorly in the American market and was discontinued in 2009.
Examples
Board games
- Full list: Pokémon board games
A wide variety of different Pokémon board games has been produced, from those based on existing properties such as Monopoly and Yahtzee, to new creations such as Pokémon Champion Island and Pokémon Battle Chess.
Examples
Toys
- Main article: Pokémon Toys
Plush toys
- Full list: Pokémon plush toys
Many different Pokémon have been given a plushie form, by a wide variety of different manufacturers, including: Jazwares, Hasbro, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Bandai and The Pokémon Company itself.
Examples
Figures
- Full list: Pokémon figures
There is a wide variety of different Pokémon figurine ranges, including amiibo, Funko Pops, Monster Collection and Nendoroid.
Examples
Electronic toys
- See also: Self-contained games
A variety of electronic toys and self-contained games based on the Pokémon franchise exist, from things like Pokémon Electronic Hand-Held Yahtzee to the Pokémon Z-Ring.
Examples
Construction toys
A selection of Pokémon construction toys have been released over the years, including from Nanoblocks and Mega Construx.
Examples
Food & drink
- Main article: Pokémon food products
Many different food and beverage products have been marketed with the Pokémon brand, including candy, soda, macaroni & cheese and cereal.
Examples
Music
- Main article: List of Pokémon music CDs
The Pokémon animated series is well known for its music, particularly the Pokémon Theme which has become virtually synonymous with the whole Pokémon franchise. Much of this music has been made available via audio cassette, vinyl and CD, and, for those who are more musically talented, as sheet music.
Examples
The Pokémon Five-Finger Piano book of sheet music
Clothing
- Main article: Pokémon clothing
Pokémon themed apparel comes in a variety of different shapes and styles from a variety of different brands, including Pokémon Shirts and Pokémon Center.
Examples
Other merchandise
- Full list: Merchandise
There is a huge selection of other Pokémon merchandise not covered in the categories above, including things as varied as toothpaste, jewelry, pencils and X-ray machines.
Examples
References
- ↑ Here Are Some Pokemon Stats - Andriasang (archived from the original February 19, 2011; retrieved April 16, 2020)
- ↑ 'Anime will only get stronger,' as Pokémon beats Marvel as highest grossing franchise - Licensing.biz (archived from the original November 6, 2018; retrieved April 16, 2020)
- ↑ License Global - August 2018 - License Global (retrieved April 16, 2020)
- ↑ The Top 150 Global Licensors - License Global (archived from the original June 1, 2017; retrieved April 16, 2020)
- ↑ Business Summery - The Pokémon Company (retrieved April 16, 2020)
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This article is part of Project Merchandise, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on all Pokémon toys, dolls, books, and collectible merchandise. |
