Among some of the things that have stayed the same in the Pokémon main series games, even in the current generation, is the use of in-game currency to obtain common and specific adventure items. Owing to its roots as an RPG, this is something that's expected as a mechanism. Yet it does have a few finer points that are also fascinating to be discussed, and they are as representative of the aspect as the aspect itself represents the games. Considering its role, the discussion about the aspect deserves to be made.
Its most distinctive characteristic is certainly its symbol, similar to currencies in the real world. For most of its existence, the symbol is in the form of the letter P with two dashes at its base, similar to the symbol for the Japanese yen. Given the initial basis of the regions of Japan as the first few featured regions, as well as the origin of everything in the first place, this makes a whole lot of sense, including for its persistence. In the most recent ninth generation games, the symbol is less textual but more pictorial, yet still carries its legacy.
Then there is the name of it. Curiously, even now, it seems hard to refer to it by an official textual name; even BulbaPedia, which is a go-to resource for Pokémon aspects, indexes it under "Pokédollar", yet this is still unofficial. It seems quite possible to call it "Pokéyen" given the origins above, but it's still not any more official. I prefer to refer to it as "Poké", the same as the currency in Mystery Dungeon, to sidestep the two names as above - at least, for as long as an official name is still yet to be established, continuing my personal trend.
Being that the currency was based on a real-world aspect, it has to have another connection to that, and it does. Its "exchange rate" is roughly equivalent to the yen, at least for all the times the regions were based on Japan. Another series that I follow, one that also incorporates Japanese elements - at least in passing - also has a currency roughly based on (and "pegged to") the yen. If a common thread of adapted material based on specific regions is to have similarly adapted currency, then the Pokémon currency becomes further proof positive.
While anything may happen as the Pokémon main series games continue to develop, the RPG-based aspect of its currency has been consistent since the beginning and is likely to be so even with further generations. Its legacy and constant presence still leaves a few remarkable properties about it, which are fascinating to look into. The currency is just another part of the adventure, but it can and does establish itself as a significant part of it, even right down to what could be considered as it most specific points.
One year ago: Ed's "Starry Expanse" with Pokémon
Two years ago: Asymmetrical Friend Levels?
Three years ago: Life with a Go Plus Peripheral
Four years ago: In the November Sky
Five years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 11/10/2018
Six years ago: Mission Cards in Shuffle
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