Pokémon is a Japanese media franchise consisting of video games, animated series and films, a trading card game, and other related media. The franchise takes place in a shared universe in which humans co-exist with creatures known as Pokémon, a large variety of species endowed with special powers. The franchise's target audience is children aged 5 to 12, but it is known to attract people of all ages.
Two original Game Boys connected with a Game Link Cable
Gashapon capsules have been cited as an inspiration for Pokemon.
Players during the Pokémon Go Fest in Chicago in 2017
Palkia, a card from the Diamond and Pearl Base Set
Pokémon Trading Card Game
The Pokémon Trading Card Game , abbreviated as PTCG or Pokémon TCG, is a collectible card game developed by Creatures Inc. based on the Pokémon franchise. Standard gameplay cards include Pokémon cards, energy cards, trainer cards, and a variant of trainer cards. Pokémon cards contain data about the creature's type, attacks, ability, and HP as well as any special effects the cards have on the game. Basic (unevolved) Pokémon can change into their evolved forms during the game by playing subsequent evolution cards in the deck. Energy cards can be attached to Pokémon cards to power up attacks, and trainer cards can be used for different effects on the game. Card effects often rely on elements of luck, such as dice rolls and coin tosses, to decide an outcome. Counters are stacked on top of cards in play to indicate damage dealt, and players may choose to put their Pokémon cards on a bench to switch to a different attacker.
Pokémon Trading Card Game logo (top) and cardback
A Pokémon TCG playmat with labels of various gameplay aspects, e.g. Active Spot, Bench, Deck, and Discard Pile
The PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator is the most valuable Pokémon card ever sold
Pokémon TCG Junior (10 years old and younger) / Senior (11 to 14 years old)-class tournament