So today marks 20 years since the original gameboy pokemon games released in Japan. When the games came across the ocean to the states my brother and I each recieved one version as gifts and soon was born a rivalry. Who could raise the strongest team? Who would beat the elite 4 first? We didn't stay competitive with each other over it for long though, soon finding trading with each other more valuable.

Ever since pokemon has been a part of my life, each new generation bringing with it new friends and new adventures. Some of the hardest times in my life were made more bearable by my little monster companions, as well as real friends I met because of pokemon.

So thank you Game Freak, Nintendo, and especially creator Satoshi Tajiri, for sharing 20 years of adventures and wonder with us.