TIME Magazine Releases Pokémon 30th Anniversary Special Edition with Four Different Covers

The prestigious American news outlet TIME Magazine has released a special commemorative issue celebrating 30 years of Pokémon.

The publication, which has chronicled global history since 1923, is turning its lens toward the franchise that redefined the world of entertainment and social interaction.

It marks three decades since the original Pokémon Red and Green first launched in Japan on February 27, 1996, tracing the brand’s journey from a niche Game Boy title to a global juggernaut.

The special issue provides an in-depth look at the franchise’s evolution, beginning with its birth in Japan and its subsequent explosive expansion into the West in 1998.

Rather than a simple retrospective, the magazine explores Pokémon through the dual lenses of gaming history and pop culture sociology.

Key features of the issue include an analysis of how the series grew to encompass over 1,000 unique species, a deep dive into the social phenomenon of the augmented reality hit Pokémon GO, and an examination of recent trends, skyrocketing values, and inherent risks in the Pokémon TCG investment market.

Recognizing the collector mindset of the Pokémon community, TIME has released the issue with four distinct cover designs.

Each features iconic legendary or fan-favorite Pokémon representing different eras of the franchise:

Pikachu

Lugia & Ho-Oh

Mega Charizard X

Rayquaza

While primarily known for its political and social commentary, TIME has a long-standing history of acknowledging the influence of the video game industry.

In recent years, the magazine has frequently included gaming figures in its “Most Influential” lists and published special editions focused on other series such as Super Mario.

This 30th-anniversary special follows in the footsteps of their previous 25th-anniversary special edition.

As the world prepares for the official “Pokémon Day” on February 27th, this issue serves as the perfect primer for fans looking to reflect on three decades of catching ’em all.