Summary
Despite the franchise’s continued success,Pokemonfailed to be inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame for 2024. Following this unfortunate denial,Pokemonwill need to wait until at least 2025 to make another attempt.
Following the release ofthe originalPokemongamesfor the Game Boy in 1996, the franchise exploded, inspiring multiple anime series, films, a successful trading card game, toys, and more. Today,Pokemonis said to be the world’s highest-grossing media franchise, earning an estimated $99 billion worldwide and continuing to find success with early fans and newcomers alike. While this level of success is unprecedented, it wasn’t enough to earnPokemona coveted spot in one of America’s most unique museums dedicated to fun and play.
Founded in 1998, the National Toy Hall of Fame, located at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, hasannounced its new inductees for 2024. Fans were shocked to find thatPokemonfailed to be given the honor, alongside other beloved childhood playthings such as the trampoline and remote-controlled vehicles. Popular games like Apples to Apples and Sequence were also passed over in favor of thepopular Hasbro propertiesTransformersandMy Little Pony, as well as the 80s card gamePhase 10.
New Inductees to the National Toy Hall of Fame for 2024
The National Toy Hall of Fame has inducted several gaming consoles in the past, including the Atari 2600 in 2007 and the Nintendo Game Boy in 2009.Dungeons & Dragonsreceived the honor in 2016,whileMagic the Gatheringfound successin 2019, with the museum noting that the card game was recently found to be the most “complex game in existence.” As these beloved franchises have managed to earn a spot in the Toy Hall of Fame, fans have ample hope thatPokemonwill get its chance in the near future.
ThePokemonseries continues to expand, withPokemon Trading Card Game Pocketsurpassing 30 million downloads and earning almost $50 million since its release for mobile devices on October 30. Since its release in 2016,Pokemon Gohas also managed to maintain its popularity, seeing frequent updates and events to keep gameplay fresh and exciting for mobile gamers. The next major title in the franchise is aiming for a 2025 release, and while fewdetails aboutPokemon Legends: Z-Ahave been announced, players can expect to travel to the Paris-inspired city of Lumiose in the Kalos region first introduced inPokemon XandY.
Pokemon
Pokemon is a franchise that needs no introduction. One of the most successful media empires in history, Pokemon spans games, television, films, manga, merchandise, music, and more.
