Pushing Buttons: readers’ memories of the game-changing Game Boy at 35
The little grey box – 35 years old this month – has kept you going, helped you through grief and long journeys, and been your companion through childhood
The Game Boy at 35: a portal to other magical worlds
The handheld console introduced millions to the joy of video games, and remains one of the best-selling consoles ever
Pushing Buttons newsletter
Pushing Buttons: Meet the pint-sized Pokémon pros
With its giant inflatable Pikachu, fairground games and friendly vibe, this just might be my favourite esports event around, and it’s touching to see kids living out their trainer dreams
March 2024
The reader interview
Post your questions for Bill Nighy
The seven best shows to stream this week
The Gentlemen to Extraordinary: the seven best shows to stream this week
February 2024
Pushing Buttons newsletter
Pushing Buttons: Why Palworld leaves me cold
‘I choose you!’: nearly 35,000 Pokémon cards stolen in California store heist
January 2024
Pokémon with guns: why Palworld could become 2024’s biggest game
This survival adventure from a relatively small Japanese studio sold 5m copies within three days of its release. What in the name of Pikachu is going on?
Clumsy kittens, pigs in costumes and glittery unicorns: how the cult of cute took hold
From chubby puppies to loveable robots, ‘cuteness’ has us all melting in its sticky little hands. But why did it gain such global traction – and does it have a dark side?
Pokémon pandemonium: did the Van Gogh Museum play its cards right?
A limited-edition ‘Pikachu With Grey Felt Hat’ trading card drew in a new, younger audience to the Amsterdam gallery but caused mayhem
November 2023
‘Our goal is to keep Pokémon alive for hundreds of years’: Pokémon’s chief’s plans for Pikachu and pals
The secrets behind how Pokémon cards are made – from clay carvings to gruelling playtests
October 2023
Pokémon no go: Van Gogh Museum stops free cards amid tout chaos
Booming resale market for cards featuring Pikachu in style of Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait With Grey Felt Hat
April 2023
From Google Maps to Pokémon Go, John Hanke is programming the future
The CEO of Niantic has helped create technologies that have changed the way we live. How does he see the future of play?
February 2023
‘Get something that’s fun to play, then think about the story’: how Nintendo keeps levelling up
With 100m sales of its Switch console, a new Mario movie and even a California theme park, the Japanese tech giant is riding high again. What’s its secret?
December 2022
Federal court bars Australian company from releasing unsanctioned Pokémon-branded NFTs
Parramatta-based developer Kotiota also made false representations about its relationship with The Pokémon Company International, court hears
November 2022
Pokémon Scarlet/Violet review – poor performance holds an exciting game back
Which Pokémon game should you get for your kids – or yourself?
September 2022
What’s it like to be a real-life Pokémon trainer?
Welcome to Pokémon Worlds, the wholesome tournament where childhood dreams can come true
August 2022
Still catching ’em all: why the Pokémon World Championships are bigger than ever
Pokémon – the highest grossing media franchise of all time – is hitting new peaks of popularity, with thousands of fans thronging to the World Championships in London
