Pokémon's original US presentation reveals the secret of the franchise's success

A preserved E3 1998 Nintendo presentation reveals how Pokémon was first pitched in the U.S.

Nintendo used strong Japanese sales and media momentum to frame the games, anime, cards, and merchandise as one franchise.

The deck shows how Pokémon’s early success in Japan became the basis for a broader U.S. multimedia and merchandising strategy.

It offers a clear look at how the series was positioned on its path to becoming a global powerhouse.