Pokemon Doesn’t Make the Cut for Toy Hall of Fame

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Pokemon Doesn't Make the Cut for Toy Hall of Fame

Key Takeaways

  • Pokemon, the world’s highest-grossing media franchise, did not make it into the National Toy Hall of Fame for 2024.
  • This year’s winners include Transformers and My Little Pony, as well as the 80s card game Phase 10.
  • Fans are hopeful that the franchise will eventually earn a spot in the Toy Hall of Fame.

As a lifelong Pokemon fanatic, I must say I was left feeling as puzzled as a Magikarp out of water upon learning that our beloved franchise did not make it into the National Toy Hall of Fame this year. It’s like Pikachu himself just got electrocuted by disappointment!

Although Pokémon has consistently thrived, it was not selected for the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2024. Consequently, Pokémon must hold off on another nomination until at least 2025.

After the introduction of the first Pokemon games for the Game Boy in 1996, the franchise took off, leading to numerous anime series, movies, a thriving trading card game, toys, and more. Nowadays, it is reported that Pokemon is the world’s highest-grossing media franchise, generating an estimated $99 billion globally and maintaining its popularity among both original fans and newcomers. Despite this unparalleled success, it did not secure a place in one of America’s most distinctive museums dedicated to amusement and play.

Established back in 1998, the National Toy Hall of Fame, housed within The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, has unveiled its fresh inductees for the year 2024. The surprising omission of Pokemon left fans somewhat dismayed, as it was not included alongside other cherished playthings such as trampolines and remote-controlled vehicles. Games like Apples to Apples and Sequence were also overlooked, with Hasbro properties like Transformers and My Little Pony being chosen instead, in addition to the 80s card game Phase 10.

New Inductees to the National Toy Hall of Fame for 2024

  • Transformers
  • My Little Pony
  • Phase 10

The National Toy Hall of Fame has previously welcomed several video game systems into its ranks, such as the Atari 2600 (inducted in 2007) and the Nintendo Game Boy (inducted in 2009). In 2016, Dungeons & Dragons was given this prestigious honor, and Magic: The Gathering followed suit in 2019. Notably, the museum has declared that Magic: The Gathering is currently recognized as the most intricate game ever created. With these iconic franchises having been acknowledged, enthusiasts remain optimistic that Pokemon might soon join their ranks.

The Pokemon series keeps growing, as the mobile version of the Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket has surpassed 30 million downloads and generated nearly $50 million since its debut on October 30, 2016. Meanwhile, the ongoing popularity of Pokemon Go is evident through regular updates and special events that keep gameplay engaging for mobile gamers. The upcoming major installment in the series, titled Pokemon Legends: Z-A, is slated for a 2025 release. Though specifics about this game are scarce, players can look forward to exploring the Lumiose city inspired by Paris, initially introduced in Pokemon X and Y, within the Kalos region.

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2024-11-13 21:43