Catching Pokemon never gets old for me

While Pokémon is occasionally referred to as a children's game, we all know this is not the case. When the Red and Blue versions of Pokémon were launched oh-so-many years ago, we were the children dashing through the bushes, screaming like monkeys in anticipation of a new game. In any event, many adults who continue to play Pokémon do so after years of doing so.

These games have held our attention since our teens. Thus, why do so many people insist on calling Pokémon a children's game? Why are we always being told that Pokémon are extinct?

When I was a child, I was at the epicenter of the N64 revolution, and Nintendo was truly at its peak. Whether you were a young child, a teenager, or an adult, it made no difference. Nintendo catered to the gaming interests of everyone, which included the handheld sector with the Game Boy. Even games like Pokémon had a more mature atmosphere back then than they do now. That may sound like a strong remark, but games were less flowery back then than they are now, giving those beautiful, cuddly Pocket Monsters the appearance of... well, monsters rather than pleasant and beloved companions.

As a result, why did the presentation change? Nintendo's growth as a business has resulted in a broadening of its focus to include "family" as a fundamental component of its mission. However, games such as

Pokémon have benefited not only from visual enhancements (Pokémon X and Y look incredible in 3D) but also from a shift in the games' emotions. This is not always undesirable. Indeed, while I appreciate the change in any game that has built such an enduring business, I believe it is precisely this shift that has fed criticism of adult Pokémon players.

We've entered a new Nintendo age, and all that remains is for us to remain faithful to ourselves.

Many of us got our start with handheld gaming thanks to Pokémon. When I think back to the 1990s, the game I have the most flashbacks of playing is Pokémon Red. I spent quite a bit of time playing that game, which is why I've continued to love and enjoy this ongoing collection of strange, frequently ludicrous animals.

Since the 1990s, little has changed in the world of handheld gaming. The 3DS is a glorified Game Boy. While the Internet and wireless connectivity are there, the majority of changes are occurring in the manner in which specific jobs are performed, not in the functions themselves.

That instance, while the 3DS is an incredibly advanced portable Nintendo product, it has been labeled "childish" by many due to Nintendo's current market position. Children with a 3DS are akin to a small child with an iPhone. The only difference is in the way the things are sold.

Due to Nintendo's emphasis on a younger demographic, the company's elder fan base has become increasingly isolated. This is why adults find it strange when children play video games such as Pokémon. This is unfortunate because it has been the money of the older generation that has funded Nintendo thus far, and it's natural to be frustrated when others believe the same thing.

Consider it from the investor's perspective. Wouldn't you want to see a return on your investment if you were putting hundreds of dollars in a cause you believed in? Shouldn't you be able to do whatever you want if it's something you enjoy? I believe that is the case.

I'm tired of living in a world where others decide what activities we may or may not participate in. It doesn't matter if you're a ten-year-old child, a 45-year-old virgin, or the Queen of France. If you're a lover of Pokémon, you should definitely play Pokémon! What does it matter what other people believe?

Pokémon is not a past age; they are a multigenerational phenomenon. It is something that has been a long-standing part of our lives. If people want to criticize us for playing such games on the 3DS or any other platform, they should criticize any adult who plays "childish" games on Facebook, iPhones, or tablets. Puts everything in perspective, doesn't it?

In comparison to many of the games accessible on the platforms mentioned earlier, playing Pokémon can be an extremely rewarding and social experience that takes a high level of expertise. As a result, the next time someone tells you that you're too old to play Pokémon, don't be afraid to advocate.