Today, Pokémon Was Born 23 Years Ago

On February 27, 1996, Pokémon Red and Blue were released, giving birth to one of the most popular franchises in history.

Card games, sequels and anime followed, all of which have been enormously popular. Pokémon director took to Twitter to celebrate the series’s birth, adding, “Today is a day that’s been supported by numerous people. I have nothing but gratitude.”

On Twitter, fans have also been thanking Pokémon for the past 23 years.