Pokemon throwback Thursday 1998 starts with a confession. The spelling on the show document said P-O-K-E-M-A-N. It has said that since 1998. Pokemon means pocket monsters. Mon means monster. For twenty-seven years, the pronunciation has been pocket dudes. Just guys chilling.

What does it feel like to find out that the thing you ignored for your entire adult life is the highest grossing media franchise in the history of entertainment? One hundred and fifty billion dollars. Ten generations of new characters, new games, new shows. People fighting outside a Costco in Mississauga to get near a cart of packs because a five-dollar pack gets resold for thirty and occasionally contains a card worth thousands. Nintendo could print more. They have no reason to.

The kids who just wanted to play the game are the ones getting squeezed. The collectors do not want the playing cards. That is the only good news in this entire situation for anyone under fourteen.

Topics: Pokemon throwback 1998, Pokemon cards Costco fight, pocket monsters origin, Pokemon franchise history, throwback Thursday

Originally aired on 2026-04-16

Pokemon throwback Thursday 1998 starts with a confession. The spelling on the show document said P-O-K-E-M-A-N. It has said that since 1998. Pokemon means pocket monsters. Mon means monster. For twenty-seven years, the pronunciation has been pocket dudes. Just guys chilling.
What does it feel like to find out that the thing you ignored for your entire adult life is the highest grossing media franchise in the history of entertainment? One hundred and fifty billion dollars. Ten generations of new characters, new games, new shows. People fighting outside a Costco in Mississauga to get near a cart of packs because a five-dollar pack gets resold for thirty and occasionally contains a card worth thousands. Nintendo could print more. They have no reason to.
The kids who just wanted to play the game are the ones getting squeezed. The collectors do not want the playing cards. That is the only good news in this entire situation for anyone under fourteen.
Topics: Pokemon throwback 1998, Pokemon cards Costco fight, pocket monsters origin, Pokemon franchise history, throwback Thursday
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-04-16

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.