Catching hearts while catching them all: fan favourite celebrates 30 years

For 30 years fans of all ages have been trying to catch ’em all, but no matter when your obsession started, there is always room in the Pokémon community.

Geelong business owner Tenille Roberts has loved Pokémon since she was a child, fondly remembering Christmas in 1998 when she and her brother received their first playable decks.

Together they built a love for Pokémon like generations of fans with and after them.

In the decades since, her love for the franchise has evolved to become not only part of her life but her business.

The owner of HBT Collectables, Roberts is not just fuelling her own love of Pokémon but that of a whole community.

Throughout her life, Roberts engagement with Pokémon has evolved. Whether through the card game, video games or TV series, she has consistently found herself back with the creatures.

She’s even used it to help improve her student’s engagement.

“Pokémon can fit into whatever you like, whether it be streaming and playing online games or art. I was a teacher and had a lot of disengaged kids, kids that were learning English for the first time, but they could all name the Pokémon,” Roberts said.

 

“It’s a good starting point for a lot of things and it’s neutral, and there is such a cool community.”

Community is a repeated word among Pokémon fans, who find each other not only in person but online.

Emma, known online as Gremmzlin, has been a streamer for four years, but her relationship with Pokémon well predates that.

She said the franchise is accessible to young and old audiences, with an entry point for every type of person.

“It’s got something for everyone, really. It’s got cute Pokémon for people who like cute stuff and cool-looking ones. For people who like collecting there’s cards.

“There is no right or wrong way to enjoy it. If you’ve never played the games, that’s fine. If you’re only just getting into Pokémon cards now, that’s fine. You don’t have to have done it since you were a kid.

“It’s great to see adults getting into it and it’s great to see little kids get into it. I just can’t ever see Pokémon stopping.”

As the franchise has grown, it has become more accessible to outsiders too.

Emma suggests those interested in delving into the world try one of the new release video games, or if collecting is more their interest, just buy a pack of cards.

“You can just have them. Have some art. Make it your phone background. There is no right or wrong,” she said.

“For me, I like to collect things. It’s a really good place to start if you like collecting things and it just never ends.”

Pokémon will celebrate its 30th anniversary today (Friday, 27 February).