Six Things Pokemon Fans Should Be Excited About in 2024

Posted byNicholas RadfordPosted inUncategorizedTags:, , , ,

Hey y’all! I’ve been trying to branch out a little recently, so I applied for an opportunity to write about Pokemon. Unfortunately, I was not picked to move forward, but the process did give me a chance to write something a little different than I am used to as a writing sample. Since I put a lot of time and effort into writing it, I thought I would share it here. Enjoy!

Pokemon has become a generational franchise–in more ways than one–and over the past two decades, it has grown into much more than just a video game, more than a trading card game, and more than a cartoon. Pokemon has become a lifestyle brand, offering kitchenware, fashion-forward streetwear, and even expensive jewelry. It’s always been a good time to be a Pokemon fan, but now, perhaps more than ever, it’s an excellent time to be a collector. As Pokemon Day (February 27th, in honor of the Japanese release of Pokemon Red and Green) quickly approaches, let’s look at some of the things Pokemon fans can look forward to in the coming year! 

The Pokemon Trading Card Game

The Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) has grown exponentially in popularity over the past few years. Though scalpers no longer horde every pack they can get their hands on (mostly), the hype is still very real. The recently released Paldean Fates set has been wildly successful, due in no small part to the plethora of shiny Pokemon the set offers. But that’s not all! 2024 is just getting started, and we can still look forward to the Temporal Forces set, releasing on March 22nd, and three more unnamed sets, releasing in May, August, and November.

New Mainline Games

Pokemon continues to sell more and more games with every generation, and that trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down. According to the recently released quarterly financial results, despite the (valid) critiques, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have outsold almost all other past games, selling 24,360,000 units. Only Sword and Shield (26,170,000 units) and Red, Green, and Blue (31,380,000 units) outclass Scarlet and Violet in sales. 

Definitive proof that Clive and Clavell are different people (note the hair).

With no new mainline games currently announced, Pokemaniacs everywhere have entered full conspiracy theorist mode, picking apart every detail of the Scarlet and Violet DLC, The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, hoping to uncover the key to the next games. The community seems split about where the next games will take us. Some believe we will be getting a remake, sequel, or Legends: Arceus-style game related to the fan-favorite Black and White and Black 2 and White 2 games set in Unova, the region that conveniently houses Blueberry Academy in the second part of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero story. Others seem to lean heavily on the first half of the DLC, which takes place in the more Japan-inspired region of Kitikami, as a hint towards a possible return to Gen 2’s Johto region, maybe in a Legends: Arceus or Let’s Go-style game. Regardless, we likely won’t have to wait long to find out since The Pokemon Company wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to showcase what’s next on their slate with a theoretical Pokemon Presents stream on Pokemon Day (Tuesday, February 27).

Non-Mainline Games

Even if Pokemon decided not to release new mainline games this year, there would still be a plethora of games to keep Pokefans busy. Between Pokemon GO, Pokemon Cafe Remix, Pokemon Unite, Pokemon Masters EX, and Pokemon Sleep, our hands are already pretty full. Unlike past spinoff games like Pokemon Quest (at least in the US), these games are still very active. Pokemon Sleep is actively hosting the Lapis Lakeside Opening event and will be starting a Valentine’s Day event on February 12th, with (presumably) more events on the way. Pokemon GO has remained very active since 2016 despite its player base being a mere shell of what it was when it was initially released. There are still monthly Community Day events, affording players a greater chance of encountering shiny Pokemon, weekly Raid Day events that allow players to battle and potentially catch rare or legendary Pokemon, plus other in-person ticketed events that are more like a full-on festival! I attended Pokemon GO Fest: Seattle back in 2022, and it was an absolute blast! I highly recommend attending one, if live nearby or can travel to it.

Jumbo Plushies

Psyduck is the most relatable Pokemon

Who doesn’t love collecting toys? I am an avid Amiibo collector, and I’m currently only missing three of the Japan-exclusive Monster Hunter figures. But I also never turn up my nose at Pokemon collectibles. For instance, The Pokemon Company has fallen into the routine of releasing jumbo plushies of some of our favorite little monsters like Mareep, Wailord, and Rotom. The most recent addition to this prestigious list is the star of the Pokemon Concierge series itself, Psyduck! Preorders for the 31-inch headache-ridden mallard went up earlier this month, but shipments won’t go out until October, so there’s still time to pool your money with your friends and set up a shared custody plan.

Clothing Line Collaborations

The Pokemon Company has started branching out with its offerings to different kinds of collectors. For instance, The Pokemon Company and clothing brand 100 Thieves just announced a collaboration that includes shirts, hoodies, jackets, and even jeans all themed around the Kanto starters and Pikachu (yes, Pikachu is technically also a Kanto starter). This collaboration follows in the footsteps of other Pokemon streetwear crossovers like A.P.C.,  UNIQLO, and FRGMNT’s Thunderbolt Project.

Holidays

Every major holiday is another opportunity for The Pokemon Company to release special plushies, jewelry, pins, and clothes for the season. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, you can bet that there is a special section of the Pokemon Center website dedicated to romance, hearts, and candy–all incorporating the adorable pocket-sized monsters that fit the theme. I’m more of a Halloween man, but we won’t have to wait long for ghost types and costumed critters to pop back up. Plus, the best part of all these seasonal goods is being able to pick them up for cheap after the holiday has passed.

…And More!

As Pokemon fans, we’re always pretty well-fed. There’s always a new way to wear our fandom on our sleeve, sometimes literally. Whether you just like adding little critters to your virtual collection or stuffing your house full of their physical representations, there’s always something to look forward to. What will you be adding to your Pokemon collection this year? Is it a 6-foot Wiglett plushie? Let me know!

THE WORLD IS YOUR BURRITO!

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