I’ll admit it: I love Pokémon. While the days of waking up extra early to watch the cartoon series may be far behind (sort of), the appeal of the original Game Boy games has never left. While everyone might say they stopped liking Pokémon back in the sixth grade, we all know the truth deep down: Pokémon is a game that has no age limit.

For those who need a quick reminder, Pokémon is the Nintendo video game franchise and a cultural juggernaut of our youth. From video games to playing cards to films to animated shows, there was nearly no phenomenon more widespread for our generation. But now Pokémon is kind of like Hulk Hogan. It was cool once upon a time, but now the franchise is a flabby shell of its former glory

When I discovered that Nintendo would be remaking the classic Pokémon Gold and Silver games for the Nintendo DS, it was like being offered a glass of beer after 10 years of sobriety. Maybe this is just me being nostalgic, but I think I speak for many people when I say that becoming a Pokémon master sounds a little more fun than getting a master’s degree. Call it nerdy if you want, but there’s no denying that Pokémon is still one of the greatest games ever. The franchise is the highest-selling video game of all time for a reason: It’s just fun to play.

Take note that I am only advocating for playing the Game Boy game itself. I’m more than aware of the fact that as a whole, Pokémon carries a rather nerdy stigma. So, how do all the Pokémon trainers out there still play while not having ‘kick me’ taped to their back? Simple, it’s all about moderation.

Abram Olchyk, a sophomore political science major, said he plans on bringing his old Game Boy and Pokémon games back to school as something amusing to play during his downtime. ‘It’s a fun game for all ages, but I’m not about to get sucked back into it like when I was 10,’ Olechyk said. ‘Obviously I wouldn’t play it all the time like I used to.’

Another aspect to remember when delving back to the realm of Kanto (I still can’t believe I remembered that name) is to stay away from the card game. You can apply this rule to all other aspects of the franchise, too. There should be no TV show watching, no T-shirts with Psyduck on them, and certainly no ‘Pokémon: Christmas Bash’ or any Pokéraps on your iPod. While it might seem cutesy or tongue-in-cheek, don’t expect anyone to be impressed by your holographic Mew card. Well, only if it’s the super rare Egyptian version. If you know what I’m referring to then give yourself a pat on the back because you’re an official nerd.

On the other hand, if you do find that evolving your Bulbasaur becomes more important than hanging with friends, just embrace it. Tell your friends that you’re not taking it too seriously even though that repetitive, polyphonic music will never leave your brain. Ever. Show some pride and whip that Game Boy out while walking across the Quad. Chances are most girls will just mistake it for a BlackBerry anyway.

Make sure that you’re self-aware of social incompetence you might be exuding. You don’t want to be like those people who wear those weird T-shirts with wolves on them. Having strength in numbers always helps, too. Take that special Poképal, dig up the old link cables and have a good old-fashioned brawl with your like-minded friend.

Just remember it’s all a balancing act. It’s fine to have some nostalgic fun during your downtime, but when the moment comes to give the game a break, just put Pikachu down.

Flash Steinbeiser is a communications and rhetorical studies and writing major. He really needs to trade his Haunter for a Growlithe, so if anyone wants to bust out those link cables he can be reached at ansteinb@syr.edu.

Published on February 7, 2010 at 12:00 pm