LIFE Pokémon: 30 YearsLIFE Pokémon: 30 Years

When Pokémon came to America in 1998, scores of fans rallied to embrace the universe already beloved in Japan. What's not to love? The franchise now features more than 1,000 critters, ranging from cuddly to formidable to downright spooky. Chief among them is Pikachu, whose popularity is as strong as ever. This special edition of TIME explores the power of the Pokémon franchise, discussing the history and influences behind the iconic video games. The issue documents the surge around Pokémon GO and highlights tips and tricks for mastering the game. Plus, learn about Pokémon trading cards and how to explore that lucrative market.