Johto Times

Johto Times is a Pokémon-centered Substack offering opinion pieces, interviews, personal collections, and memories from long-time fan Darren. The newsletter intertwines nostalgic recollections with insights from notable community members, frequently touching on the series' impact and developments over time. Johto Times emphasizes connecting fans and preserving Pokémon history.

Nostalgic Memories Interviews Personal Collections Pokémon Community Insights Game and Event News Accessibility Historical Preservation

The hottest Substack posts of Johto Times

And their main takeaways
79 implied HN points 16 Nov 23
  1. Craig Turvey won the Create-a-Snorlax Card Contest in 2002 and created artwork that became an official Pokémon promo card. He was one of only two Western artists featured for that contest.
  2. Winning the contest gave Craig a unique connection to the Pokémon community. He still runs a Pokémon League and enjoys signing cards for fans.
  3. The popularity and value of Pokémon cards, especially Craig's Snorlax promo card, have greatly increased over the years, making it a noteworthy collector's item.
39 implied HN points 29 Feb 24
  1. The PokéMasters is a popular Pokémon fan website that started in 1998 and has a long history of bringing fans together. It offers a place for discussions about Pokémon and has a sense of community.
  2. New Pokémon games and features are being released, like Pokémon Legends: Z-A for Nintendo Switch and Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket for mobile devices. These updates show that the Pokémon franchise is still growing.
  3. Maintaining online communities can be challenging, but The PokéMasters has thrived due to its strong bonds between members. Even as people grow older, they come back to share their love for Pokémon and connect with others.
99 implied HN points 24 Aug 23
  1. The first Pokémon event in America happened in Topeka, Kansas, in 1998. It was called Topikachu for the day, celebrating the upcoming release of Pokémon games.
  2. At the event, there were fun activities like dance-alongs, crafts, and a special drop of Pikachu plush toys from skydivers. Many kids showed up and had a great time trying to catch the toys.
  3. Twenty-five years later, people shared their cherished memories from that day, showing how much the event impacted their love for Pokémon.
199 implied HN points 23 Feb 23
  1. The Pokémon World Exhibition took place at the Millennium Dome in 2000, where fans could experience exciting events and get cool Pokémon memorabilia.
  2. Attendees had the chance to obtain the rare Pokémon Mew through an official distribution, making the event memorable for fans.
  3. Pokémon Day is celebrated on February 27th each year, and there are often announcements for new games and updates around this time.
59 implied HN points 28 Dec 23
  1. The Cave of Dragonflies is a long-standing Pokémon fan website created by Dragonfree in 2002. It offers a variety of content, including guides, reviews, and fanfiction, all inspired by her love for Pokémon.
  2. Dragonfree emphasizes the importance of community and personal enjoyment over popularity. She encourages others to create their own websites and pursue their passions, regardless of audience size.
  3. Over the years, Dragonfree has contributed significantly to understanding Pokémon game mechanics and inspired many to start their own fan sites and projects, showcasing the lasting impact of her work.
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199 implied HN points 16 Feb 23
  1. The author is excited to share personal items from their Pokémon collection, emphasizing their personal value rather than size.
  2. They have gained 50 subscribers since starting the Johto Times, feeling grateful and motivated by the support.
  3. Upcoming content will include interviews, fan memories, and a deep dive into their journey with the Pokémon franchise.
79 implied HN points 02 Nov 23
  1. Pokémon Crystal is loved for its unique features and colorful graphics that were a big step up from earlier games like Pokémon Blue.
  2. Playing Pokémon Crystal with friends made the experience even more enjoyable, with activities like trading, battling, and exchanging gifts.
  3. The game's music and memorable characters added to the joy of playing, creating lasting memories that continue to resonate over the years.
39 implied HN points 15 Feb 24
  1. The closure of the Nintendo eShop means players can't transfer Pokémon from older games anymore. This has affected many fans who cherish their Pokémon from previous generations.
  2. While Pokémon Bank is currently free after a recent shutdown, it's uncertain how long it will continue to operate. There are worries about losing access to older Pokémon data in the future.
  3. There is hope that Nintendo may offer classic Pokémon games online eventually. However, for now, links to older games feel cut off as technology changes.
79 implied HN points 19 Oct 23
  1. Making Pokémon games available through a service like Nintendo Switch Online can limit players' control over what they can play. If the service ends or costs increase, access to these games could disappear.
  2. Unlike owning a game outright, subscribing to a service means you only have access while paying. This can feel risky when it comes to classic games that many fans have loved for years.
  3. Nintendo has a history of not making games available across its different consoles. Many older Pokémon titles are hard to access now, making it frustrating for fans who want to play their favorites.
59 implied HN points 07 Dec 23
  1. Rachael Gater shares her special Pokémon memories from Christmas 1999, a time full of excitement for both her and her brother as they received their Game Boy games.
  2. During this festive season, Pokémon created a sense of connection and joy among kids in the late 90s, sparking fun conversations and friendly competition on the playground.
  3. Rachael's experience highlights how video games allowed for bonding moments with family, making memories that stood out even as childhood transitioned into adulthood.
79 implied HN points 12 Oct 23
  1. Articuno Island was a popular Pokémon fan website that ran from 1998 to 2003. It helped connect smaller Pokémon sites and fostered a community for fans to share their passion.
  2. Nintendo announced that it will end online services for the 3DS and Wii U in April 2024, impacting Pokémon games that require internet features. However, Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter will still work for now.
  3. The internet has changed a lot since the early days of fan sites, with new platforms like Discord making interaction easier. Despite this, the unique charm of personal fan websites is missed by many.
159 implied HN points 09 Mar 23
  1. The Pokémon Center New York has a dedicated historical website that preserves memories and information about the now-closed store. This helps people remember or learn about its magical past.
  2. Julie and Grace are the passionate individuals behind the preservation efforts, and they share their excitement about the project through engaging interviews.
  3. Johto Times has reached over 100 subscribers in less than a month, showing that there’s a strong interest in Pokémon stories and content.
79 implied HN points 31 Aug 23
  1. A Pokémon fan in Japan shared amazing photos of cool Pokémon items and attractions. It's fun to see all the unique Pokémon products available in Japan.
  2. Pokémon Sleep, a mobile app for tracking sleep with Pokémon themes, recently celebrated ten million downloads. They are offering rewards for players to enjoy.
  3. New Pokémon are coming to Pokémon GO during the Adventures Abound season, including fan-favorite characters from the Paldean region. This event runs until December.
159 implied HN points 02 Mar 23
  1. Many fans are excited about the Legacy of Pokémon series. It's a chance for older players to share memories and newer fans to understand the history.
  2. The Nintendo eShop for Wii U and 3DS is closing soon, meaning many Pokémon games will be hard to buy legally after March 27, 2023.
  3. New Pokémon-related announcements were made on Pokémon Day, including new downloadable content and a cool new Pokémon card game set.
59 implied HN points 23 Nov 23
  1. Rikki shared fun memories from his childhood Pokémon-themed birthday party, highlighting the special gifts and moments he cherished.
  2. He also talked about his journey in the Pokémon community, making lasting friendships and even translating Pokémon content for other fans.
  3. A big highlight for Rikki was meeting Rica Matsumoto, the singer of the Pokémon theme song, which made a significant impact on his love for the franchise.
99 implied HN points 29 Jun 23
  1. Lawrence Schwedler was the Audio Director for Pokémon Puzzle League, where he worked on translating popular Pokémon music into MIDI format for the Nintendo 64. It was a creative challenge to make it sound great with limited technology.
  2. For reworking Pokémon Puzzle League with modern technology, Lawrence would focus on using real instruments and adaptive music design, which would enhance the gaming experience with richer sound and variety.
  3. He shared that working within limitations can spark creativity, a valuable lesson he learned during his time at Nintendo Software Technology. This approach has contributed to many successful games despite technical constraints.
99 implied HN points 22 Jun 23
  1. Blue Moon Falls is a Pokémon fansite that focuses on the first two generations of Pokémon games. It aims to make older game information accessible and fun for both new and returning players.
  2. The site’s design reflects classic 2000s Pokémon websites while being mobile-friendly. This blend helps modern users enjoy nostalgic content easily on their devices.
  3. Creating a personal website like Blue Moon Falls can be a rewarding experience, regardless of your programming skills. It's a great way to explore your interests and share them with others.
119 implied HN points 04 May 23
  1. A Pokémon card shop in Japan is only selling new cards to older kids and adults to prevent reselling and help younger fans buy them. This is a nice move to keep the game fun for kids.
  2. A Pokémon fan named Vectrex shares his cool Pokémon finds from Japan, showing off lots of unique Pokémon merchandise. His discoveries include plushies, game consoles, and even themed food.
  3. In Japan, there are various themed places and items related to Pokémon, like a bus featuring their characters for tourists. It's exciting to see how integrated Pokémon is in Japanese culture.
79 implied HN points 10 Aug 23
  1. Generation 3 of Pokémon introduced new games like Ruby and Sapphire, which had exciting features like secret bases. People really enjoyed exploring the Hoenn region and collecting Pokémon.
  2. In 2023, there was a big Pokémon World Championships event in Japan, bringing trainers from all over to compete. It included games like Pokémon GO and Scarlet & Violet.
  3. A special concert took place featuring Pokémon music, and several new animated series were announced. Fans are excited to see what’s next in the Pokémon franchise.
39 implied HN points 18 Jan 24
  1. Luke has a fond memory of attending the Nintendo Konga Beach Road Trip in 2004, where he got to play Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen before they were officially released.
  2. The event included fun activities, like playable game demos and a giant inflatable Charizard, which made it an exciting experience for Luke and his friends.
  3. Even after many years, Luke still loves Pokémon and shares his passion through a podcast where he discusses different Pokémon families each week.
59 implied HN points 09 Nov 23
  1. Poké Aaah! is a community focused on fake Pokémon cards, where fans can create and share their own designs. It started in 1999 and has become a hub for card creation resources.
  2. The second DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is launching on December 14th, 2023, bringing new content and returning Pokémon. Fans are excited to see what's new!
  3. There was a confirmation of an authentic Prerelease Raichu card, ending years of speculation. Some rare cards from the past are gaining attention and value in today's market.
79 implied HN points 03 Aug 23
  1. Alex is exploring real-world locations that inspired the Kanto and Johto regions from Pokémon. He finds it amazing to connect these places with his childhood memories of the games.
  2. Traveling around Japan to visit these Pokémon-inspired sites is not easy. Alex plans his trips carefully, considering safety, local culture, and the logistics of getting to these sometimes remote locations.
  3. He believes understanding the history and culture of the places he visits enhances the Pokémon experience. It helps fans feel more connected to the lore of the games.
59 implied HN points 26 Oct 23
  1. Yui shared their childhood memories of playing Pokémon, especially their Halloween experiences dressed as Ash and Snorlax. It was a fun time when Pokémon was super popular.
  2. The article mentions special events for Pokémon games, like getting a unique Hisuian Zoroark or catching costumed Pikachu and Gengar during Halloween. These events keep fans engaged and excited.
  3. Yui reflected on the evolution of Pokémon, from its early days with simple graphics and gameplay to today's more advanced features, showing how the franchise has grown over time.
79 implied HN points 20 Jul 23
  1. Pokémon Sleep is now available in many countries and links up with Pokémon GO Plus + to track your sleep. It's exciting for fans who want to catch Pokémon and improve their sleep habits!
  2. The upcoming Pokémon GO Community Day will feature Poliwag, with special bonuses and the chance to catch shiny ones. Fans should mark their calendars for some fun gameplay!
  3. The author shares personal memories about their Pokémon collection, including unique items like Tazos and Pokémon trading cards, which are nostalgic treasures that many Pokémon fans might also enjoy.
39 implied HN points 04 Jan 24
  1. PokéGods were fake Pokémon rumors that spread in the late 90s. Many fans believed in them and wasted time trying to capture these non-existent creatures.
  2. Some PokéGod rumors were based on real Pokémon hidden in games, like the famous belief that Mew could be found under a truck. This kind of myth caught the imagination of many players.
  3. The rise of social media made it easier to fact-check information, causing interest in PokéGods to fade as real Pokémon were officially announced and shared.
19 implied HN points 04 Apr 24
  1. Online services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U will end on April 8, 2024. This means fans can't play online, trade, or battle in older Pokémon games after this date.
  2. Marills World was a popular Pokémon fan site from 2001 to 2005 that offered news, reviews, and a community forum for fans. The creator, Dom, started it as a way to share Pokémon information and connect with others.
  3. Nostalgia is a big part of Pokémon culture. Many fans like Dom cherish their childhood experiences and items like trading cards and game boxes, reminding them of their love for Pokémon even as they grow older.
99 implied HN points 18 May 23
  1. PokéJungle is a long-standing fan community that started in 2003. It's popular for sharing Pokémon news and engaging fans with various topics related to the franchise.
  2. Social media plays a big role in growing online communities today. Posting frequently and connecting with your audience can help build a following, as seen with PokéJungle's success on platforms like Twitter.
  3. Many fan sites face challenges adapting to modern trends, but there still is potential for forums and dedicated communities. Fans can join these spaces for shared interests beyond traditional social media.
79 implied HN points 06 Jul 23
  1. Lewtwo is working hard to preserve Pokémon media, including art, music, and videos, with help from his friends and community. This effort is crucial to keeping the franchise's history alive.
  2. Pokémon Concierge, a new stop-motion animation series by Netflix, is set to premiere in December 2023 and will feature a story about a concierge catering to Pokémon at a resort.
  3. Pokémon GO recently celebrated its seventh anniversary with in-game events and special bonuses, highlighting the continued popularity of the franchise in the gaming community.
119 implied HN points 16 Mar 23
  1. The Pokémon Trading Card Game has changed a lot in recent years, especially with more people buying and selling cards online. This shift has made some collectors feel sad as they see others selling their childhood memories for quick money.
  2. Completing sets like Base, Jungle, and Fossil can still be done at reasonable prices, but that might not last forever. The writer felt lucky to finish their collections before prices went up dramatically.
  3. A reminder was given about the upcoming closure of the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShops. People should buy or download Pokémon games they want before it's too late.
59 implied HN points 21 Sep 23
  1. PKMN.NET is a long-standing Pokémon fan website that has built a strong community since its launch in 2000. It started as a place for fans to share news, tips, and connect with each other over their love for Pokémon.
  2. The website's unique features, like the Name Rater and interactive content, helped it stand out from other Pokémon sites. This interactivity made users feel more engaged and fostered a sense of belonging within the community.
  3. While PKMN.NET has not been updated since 2014, it remains online as a nostalgic hub for fans. The admin team, Jeroen and Mike, still cherish the relationships and memories they made through the site, emphasizing the lasting impact of the community.
99 implied HN points 20 Apr 23
  1. Emulation helps fans access Pokémon games that are hard to find or too expensive. Many classic titles are no longer sold online, making emulation a practical choice for fans.
  2. Some people think emulating games is a gray area in terms of copyright and fairness. The conversation around whether it's right or wrong can get heated, but fans are just trying to enjoy the games they love.
  3. Recently, accurate scans of original Pokémon artwork by Ken Sugimori have been discovered. This is exciting for fans who want to see the art as it was meant to be seen, nearly twenty-five years later.
79 implied HN points 15 Jun 23
  1. The Pokémon European International Championships 2023 was a big event in London where fans could compete and learn about various Pokémon games. There were lots of activities, including the new Play Lab to help beginners learn how to play.
  2. A special Pokémon trading card set was released, featuring the return of the Kadabra card after 20 years. This set is exciting for fans and marks a big moment in the Pokémon TCG community.
  3. Attendees should plan ahead for events like this to secure spots at attractions like the Pokémon Center. Popular items can sell out quickly, so it's best to book early and enjoy the experience!
99 implied HN points 13 Apr 23
  1. Chris Nicolella worked on the original Pokédex toy and has been part of over 200 toy and video game products. That's a lot of creativity!
  2. He shared stories about his experience working with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. It's interesting to hear how these big partnerships work behind the scenes.
  3. The interview includes photos of prototype toys that never got released. It's fun to see what could have been!
79 implied HN points 08 Jun 23
  1. Poliwager is a fun Pokémon fan website where people can adopt and care for their own Pokémon. It started in 2008 and has grown to include a friendly community.
  2. The Pokémon Trading Card Game Online closed down and has been replaced by Pokémon Trading Card Game Live. This transition shows how the Pokémon franchise keeps evolving.
  3. Building a community online takes time and effort, but listening to user feedback and creating fun activities can help keep people engaged and happy.
99 implied HN points 06 Apr 23
  1. The author shares a personal story about becoming a Pokémon fan, looking back on their early experiences with the games. It's nice to remember where we started, especially if others can relate to those feelings.
  2. Niantic is changing how Remote Raids work in Pokémon GO, making them more expensive and limiting how many you can use daily. This change could affect players who enjoyed playing from home during the pandemic.
  3. A new Pokémon trading card set featuring the original 151 Pokémon is coming out, which includes Kadabra for the first time in years! It's exciting for collectors and fans of the original Pokémon artwork.
99 implied HN points 30 Mar 23
  1. The interview highlights the nostalgic impact of the Pokémon Elite 2000 website run by Ray, which was a valuable resource for fans in the early 2000s.
  2. March 2023 marked the end of an era with Ash's Pokémon anime saga concluding, paving the way for a new series called Pokémon Horizons.
  3. The Johto Times has grown its reader base to 120 subscribers, with plans to create more engaging content for the community.
79 implied HN points 25 May 23
  1. Pokémon game data can be at risk due to dying internal batteries in older games. It's important to know that many copies of classic Pokémon games are losing their save data because the batteries can't last forever.
  2. You can preserve your Pokémon data by using devices like the GBxCart, which helps back up save data to your computer. This way, you can keep your memories safe even if the original cartridge fails.
  3. Digital versions of Pokémon games also have issues, as they may not always be available. To keep your Pokémon safe for the long haul, consider backing them up or finding ways to preserve the physical copies.
59 implied HN points 27 Jul 23
  1. In-person Pokémon distribution events offer fans a fun atmosphere to meet others and collect unique Pokémon while enjoying cool giveaways.
  2. Online Pokémon distributions are convenient, especially for those who can't attend events due to distance, scheduling, or personal comfort, allowing more players to participate.
  3. A hybrid approach could be the best solution, where Pokémon are first given out at events and then made available online later, ensuring everyone has a chance to enjoy them.
39 implied HN points 05 Oct 23
  1. Shiny Pokémon are rare and exciting to find in games, with different generations offering better chances to encounter them. They can bring a lot of joy and disappointment in the process.
  2. New Pokémon games and collaborations, like Detective Pikachu Returns and the Van Gogh Museum, create buzz and special events for fans. These events often include unique in-game challenges and themed products.
  3. Sharing personal Pokémon experiences and memories is a fun way to connect with the community. Many fans cherish their first cards or encounters, reflecting on how Pokémon has influenced their lives.
39 implied HN points 07 Sep 23
  1. Daniel Dockery's book, 'Monster Kids,' explores how Pokémon influenced a generation and captures the essence of the 90s 'Pokémania' era.
  2. The new Pokémon Center is opening in Taipei, Taiwan, expanding the Pokémon brand outside of Japan.
  3. There’s a special Tera Raid event featuring Mewtwo in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, encouraging fans to bring their strongest Pokémon for the challenge.