Pokémon franchise enjoys major resurgence in popularity

Summarised from BBC Northern Ireland's report · Updated 18 Oct, 06:38 · Archive

The Japanese Pokémon franchise is experiencing a resurgence, with both longtime fans and a new generation driving growth across trading cards, games and entertainment.

The Japanese Pokémon franchise is experiencing a major resurgence in popularity as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. Longtime fans are rediscovering their childhood favourite whilst a new generation is joining the craze. The franchise, which began as a video game series in Japan in 1996, has expanded into trading cards, television shows, films and mobile games, becoming one of the world's biggest entertainment franchises. It was the world's biggest toy property in 2025 and the fastest-growing in Europe, according to industry figures.

In Belfast, three friends have turned their shared passion for Pokémon into a business capitalising on the resurgence. Director Daniel Phillips said: 'Absolutely, there has been a growth - Pokémon has had a massive boom.' The shop runs a card trading event at Belfast's Waterfront Hall, where attendance has risen considerably. Their first event attracted about 600 attendees, rising to 1,700 by the third event. The next show in November is set to attract more than 2,500 people, with traders travelling from across the UK.

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• Gotta catch 'em all: Why Pokémon is booming againThe Japanese franchise is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, with longtime fans rediscovering their childhood favourite and a new generation joining the craze.BBC Northern Ireland · 18 Oct, 06:21

In this story: Pokémon · Japan · Belfast · Daniel Phillips · Waterfront Hall · Europe

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