'The language of Pokémon is universal': why fans are still catching 'em all after 30 years

Mairead Ralph, 42, has loved Pokémon since the very beginning. She started playing Pokémon Red when it came out 30 years ago and says she has been 'in love with it ever since.' She has traveled to Japan, the United States, and France just to meet other fans. Even when she and other fans don't speak the same language, she says it doesn't matter.

Pokémon has also played a big role in Ralph's personal life. She met her husband at a Pokémon fan event 16 years ago, and the two have been together ever since. At their wedding, the tables were named after Pokémon instead of being numbered. For Ralph, the franchise is more than just a hobby — it's a major part of who she is.

Ralph thinks Pokémon stays popular because it brings comfort during hard times. She says the game 'brings people back to a happy place, no matter how bad the world is.' With many families struggling with the rising cost of living, having something fun and familiar matters a lot. She also jokes that most Pokémon are 'happy and smiley,' with a few 'grumpy' exceptions.

The Pokémon franchise has grown into the biggest media franchise in the world. According to Guinness World Records, the Pokémon Company has earned a total of $147 billion in revenue. The company celebrated its 30th birthday in March. Some rare Pokémon playing cards have become extremely valuable, with one special Pikachu card selling for £12 million earlier this year.

Rumeysa Usca, 34, traveled from Leamington to attend the London event with her dog Boomi. She has been playing Pokémon Go for four years and loves how the game keeps her active and entertained. She says the franchise constantly releases new products, which keeps fans engaged. 'I can entertain my dog, entertain myself, and lose weight,' she explains.

Usca also says Pokémon connects her to happy childhood memories. As kids, she and many others grew up watching the cartoon and playing the games. That sense of nostalgia — the warm feeling of remembering good times — is a big reason why so many adults still play today. 'It just brings back those good emotions,' she says.

Summer Till, 24, says Pokémon Go helps her bond with her younger niece and nephew. 'There's a generation gap between me and my niece and nephew, but Pokémon is common ground for us,' she says. The game gives people of different ages something fun to share and enjoy together. It is one example of how Pokémon brings together people who might not have much else in common.

Stacie Smith and her son Rupert traveled from Southend in Essex for the event. Smith grew up collecting Pokémon cards alongside Panini stickers and Spice Girls postcards. Now she and Rupert enjoy the franchise together, especially through Pokémon Go. Rupert even joked that his mum was catching better Pokémon on her phone than he was.

Rupert has autism, and his mum says he doesn't always like leaving the house. But Pokémon Go has given him a reason to go outside and explore new places. The game has also helped him make friends at school through their shared love of Pokémon. Smith says this is very important for his mental health and for helping him connect with other people.

For many fans, the value of Pokémon has nothing to do with money. It is about the joy, the friendships, and the memories the franchise creates. Whether someone is playing for the first time or has been a fan for decades, the magic never seems to fade. As Ralph says, 'that little click of the Pokéball will always bring you joy.'