Pokemon Yellow Shaped My Childhood in Ways I Could Have Never Expected

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I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting on my childhood recently, though I’m not entirely sure why. Perhaps entering my early 30s has made me more aware of how my life has unfolded, and the significant role gaming played in it. It’s possible I’m processing difficult experiences by focusing on the positive memories. I’ve always loved Pokemon, especially Pokemon Yellow, but looking back now, I realize just how much of an impact it had on my life – more than I usually acknowledge.

Like a lot of people my age, *Pokemon* was a huge part of my childhood. I vividly remember getting *Pokemon Yellow* and a Game Boy Advance for Christmas – it’s the only Christmas I truly remember, and felt like a real gift. I have no idea how my mom managed to afford it, especially given we were very poor growing up. While I don’t want to dwell on those difficult times, poverty has definitely left its mark on me, influencing some of my habits even today. Through all the hardship, video games offered an escape, and they really shaped who I am. I don’t think games *should* only be about escaping reality, but I understand the power of that escape more than most.

Playing *Pokemon Yellow* was how I used to relax and have fun. I spent countless hours with the game, and it actually helped me learn to read! I practiced the skills I was learning in kindergarten and first grade by reading all the text in the game. I remember being so confused when I first battled the Elite Four – I thought I’d have to start the entire game over if I lost to even one of them! Eventually, I did manage to win, and I’ve kept the original game cartridge all these years, which means a lot to me.

Through countless changes in my life, my copy of *Pokemon Yellow* has always stayed with me. I traded in many other games at GameStop, and even sold some to make ends meet, but I could never part with *Pokemon Yellow*. It miraculously survived a house fire when I was in middle school, and it’s been with me through every move, throughout college, marriage, and raising three kids. For about 25 years, it’s remained one of my most cherished possessions, and I always keep it nearby.

When I reflect on my childhood, I always think of my mother’s incredible strength and dedication to providing for me, even though she was a single parent with a disability. I also remember how important *Pokemon Yellow* was in helping me learn to read, and how it sparked a lifelong passion for the *Pokemon* series – I’ve played every main game, most of the spin-offs, and even got a *Pokemon* tattoo (Totodile will always be my favorite, and I’m planning more!). But looking back, I realize *Pokemon* has given me so much more than just entertainment – it’s brought me friendships, inspired my love of video games, and become a part of my family life as well.

I mean, just look at this fella.

Pokemon on the School Bus

I’ve always found it hard to make friends, both as a kid and now. Pokemon really helped me connect with others when I was younger. I actually saw how the Pokemon games changed over time on my school bus – it was the perfect place to witness that evolution! In elementary school, a small group of us were really into Pokemon, and we’d play near each other, probably right before gaming became more mainstream (I hope it’s considered cool in schools now!). I’m still friends with one of those kids today. And nothing beat when someone would bring a link cable – that was the best way to trade and battle! Over the years, that moved from Game Boys and the original games to the Nintendo DS, 3DS, and 2DS, at least for me. Then, in high school, I made another friend, and we became rivals through countless Pokemon battles. I even still name some of my in-game rivals after him!

I often think back with a lot of warmth on those days. Back then, we usually limited ourselves to using only one really powerful Pokémon in each battle. He’d counter my Latios with Darkrai, and I’d respond with Yanmega. We don’t battle as much anymore – life just gets in the way as adults – but we’ve talked about it, especially when new games come out. It’s nice that my high school rival and childhood friend, both brought together through *Pokémon*, are still a part of my life. Looking back, I realize I never really considered how *Pokémon Yellow* started it all. That Christmas gift was a lucky surprise, and it sparked my love for video games. More importantly, it helped me connect with others, something I really cherish now. I definitely miss those times as an adult.

Anyone else remember the GameShark? Ah. Good times.

Pokemon Yellow Was My First Love

It’s a bit of a cliché to say, but *Pokemon Yellow* was the first video game I truly loved. Thinking back, I often wonder why I never considered becoming a game developer. I ended up at Game Rant while studying English – and honestly, going from learning to read through *Pokemon Yellow* to a love of literature feels like a natural progression. Still, it’s strange. Growing up with limited internet access, it just didn’t occur to me that I could turn a beloved hobby into a career. Maybe I simply wanted to keep my favorite pastime purely for enjoyment, at least for a while. I’m not sure.

I definitely know I love video games. They’ve really helped me through some tough times. When I was a kid and struggling to find my place, I had *Pokemon Yellow*. When my family didn’t have much food, I escaped into *World Destruction League: Thunder Tanks*. *Runescape* helped me cope with bullying. Later, *Assassin’s Creed* sparked my passion for history, and *Dragon Age: Origins* helped me figure out who I was. Most recently, *God of War Ragnarok* provided comfort when I lost my grandfather, who meant the world to me.

Since I turned sixteen, I’ve worked consistently, and I always made sure to pre-order new video games, even when money was tight. The staff at GameStop knew me well – I was a regular! I’ve always loved playing the latest, high-quality games, and even now, working in games media, that hasn’t changed. I enjoyed it before this job, and I’ll continue to enjoy it long after. As long as developers keep releasing these kinds of games, I want to experience everything they have to offer; exploring new worlds is a passion of mine. Maybe that’s why I sometimes have trouble connecting with people – I get lost in these games.

But would I have loved any game as much as I do if Pokemon Yellow didn’t kickstart it all?

Pokemon in My Late 20s and 30s

Growing up, I felt like I had to be responsible for too much, too soon. Looking back, I often feel like I didn’t really *have* a childhood. I was doing adult things – writing checks and fixing plumbing – long before I should have been. Maybe the childhood I actually experienced – the one I still cherish – existed within video games. That might be a bit of wishful thinking, as I played plenty of other games too, but it’s comforting to see that consistent thread of joy and escape running through my life, especially considering how unstable things often were.

It’s amazing how much easier it is to get games now, even with the way the economy is. I used to have to carefully save up money to pre-order games at GameStop, but now things are much simpler. I’ve even gotten a Totodile tattoo and had the chance to review *Pokemon Sword and Shield*, something I would have never imagined as a kid. My wife and I still enjoy *Pokemon GO* every now and then. I’ve also made sure my children grew up with *Pokemon*, playing *Pokemon Let’s Go, Pikachu!* with my oldest son. He still loves Bulbasaur, even after playing all the newer and older games – that’s a sign of a good kid, in my opinion. I’ve always worked hard to give my kids a better life than I had, and I’m glad I’ve also been able to share the fun parts with them.

My favorite Pokemon, if I had to pick two, are Totodile and Yanmega.

Honestly, with *Pokemon Legends: Z-A* and what I’m guessing will be *Pokemon Gen 10* coming up, I don’t think my obsession with Pokemon is going anywhere anytime soon. It’s still a huge part of my life, and I’m really excited to see what’s next!

So, that’s why I’m even sharing this, I think. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about growing up, and I keep realizing that *Pokemon* and video games were the one truly stable thing I had. When you’re growing up with not much, consistency is a really amazing thing. *Pokemon Yellow* was literally a Christmas miracle for me. It let me escape, helped me process feelings I’ve always struggled with, and just… it was always *there*. I’ll play every *Pokemon* game that comes out, and I want to play as many games as possible throughout my life. That consistency actually makes me excited about my 30s, 40s, and beyond. And honestly? It just makes me feel good about my childhood, and about where I am now.

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2025-09-24 21:40