what is pokemon

Pokémon is a Japanese media franchise that includes 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 franchises target audience is children aged 5 to 12, but it is known to attract people of all ages. The name Pokémon is a syllabic abbreviation of the franchises full name, Pocket Monsters. The franchise is set in a world in which humans coexist with creatures known as Pokémon. Pokémon Red and Blue introduced 151 Pokémon species, with new Pokémon being introduced in subsequent games; as of February 2023, 1,015 Pokémon species have been introduced. Many Pokémon are designed to resemble real-world animals. The Pokémon video games have been the heart of the franchise since its inception, and they continue to be loved all around the world. The games involve players assuming the role of Pokémon trainers, obtaining cartoon monsters and developing them to battle other Pokémon. Pokémon are divided into types, such as water and fire, each with different strengths. Battles between them can be likened to the simple hand game rock-paper-scissors. With experience, Pokémon grow stronger, gaining new abilities. By defeating Gym Leaders and obtaining Gym Badges, trainers garner acclaim. Pikachu, a yellow mouselike creature, is the undisputed face of Pokémon and helped the series become a worldwide phenomenon. The franchise has also inspired a cartoon series, movies, books, a toy line, sequels, spin-offs, a clothing line, and more.