this post was submitted on 07 Jun 2026
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I don't understand how Pokemon got away with it and keeps getting away with it; they release two "versions" of a game and they're literally the same game.
So for the original games it was a new idea and a new concept. You wouldn't complain about an MMO requiring an internet connection, because the entire point is playing with and connecting with others players. For Pokemon a key part of the gameplay was trading and battling with other players.
So, to further encourage trading you create two different versions with version exclusives.
Every version split beyond the first is just legacy. That's just what Pokemon games are.
Now, I completely agree that it can viewed a "evil" or done only for money, etc. I don't think that was the original intention, but I'm sure the idea crossed some minds when it was first being developed.
You also have to remember that Nintendo has pioneered, or at least popularized, a lot of video game "gimmicks" that have resulted in interesting new mechanics. In this case the trading cable. But you have the Rumble Pack for the N64, or motion controls with the Wii. Video games couldn't talk to one another before the trading cable, once it's added you get new ideas. Some bad, some good, some meh.
They are a trading card company. Before videogames trading cards had all the scummiest techniques to get people to buy more.
One of Pokemon's main catchphrases is "Gotta catch 'em all!"
And it was impossible to catch mew.
I’ve always had a little hatred for Game Freak because of that.
Actually there's a way to get mew in the original game without attending one of the events, although it relied on the missingno bug. Also you had to be aware of it very early in the game, and skip facing a particular trainer until much later. But yeah you should totally have just got it when you got all 150.
I’m aware of the bug and have confirmed it works on original hardware but it wasn’t intended by Gamefreak so they’re still pricks.
Completely reasonable position to hold, have a great day
If you are referring to Nintendo as a trading card company I don't think Hanafuda cards are meant to be collected and traded like say, Magic the Gathering. If you are referring to GameFreak/The Pokémon Company as a trading card company, well, that actually came later on. Also, the "gotta catch 'em all" slogan was not part of the original vision, and I think they made it up for the international release of the anime and/or game; thus, it was most likely an American invention to — indeed — sell more crap.
Yeah, that tagline was an American addition. The character Ash Ketchum was named Satosi in Japan, being named after the creator of Pokemon.
You don't become the most profitable IP of all time without a few tricks, lol
Tbf, that's not driven solely by their game sales. Both my kids literally wearing Pokemon clothes right now, lol
The (recent) games are just ads for the mech. It's why they're so cheap-looking and buggy.
Agreed. I'm glad I'm at least playing the older games in front of my kids. My 4yo loves Swanna, Haxorus and Volcarona from recently playing White and nobody has any idea what she's talking about except me. Lol
Genuinely surprised by fist of the north star, like it's totally badass, so deserved. But it's not really kid friendly.
Maybe that's why it's not merch heavy