I was thinking about the title of this topic last night. I don't know why. Anyways;
A few days ago I bought three boosters and the woman behind the cash registers obviously thought it was weird.
She: Is it a present?
I: No.
She: For yourself? (you should have seen her expression)
I: Yes.
She: Really?
I: Yes.
She: Oh. But what are you going to do with them?
I: I collect them.
She: Seriously?
I: Yeah.
Well, in all honesty, she could have said much worse. I mean, yes, it was kind of rude of her, but she didn't really say anything too negative. I tend to look at these things at a different light. Perhaps she still has interest in the series and is surprised to see others who still are. You never really know. However, I still would have politely mentioned that I can collect such things as I please, take the receipt and leave the store.
As for myself; I just turned 16 about a week ago. I still play the games *be it Red, Blue, Hey You Pikachu!, Pokemon Channel, or Diamond*, I still have a Pokemon spread on my bed (Had it since I was 7, haha), have some huge Pikachu plushes from my childhood lying around, and a rather thick wad of Pokemon cards.
I don't feel there's any age limit for liking anything. Honestly, I have tons more respect for older players in the series that can be open with it then some uptight student at school who mocks such people. It's a truly engaging, wonderful series that I doubt I'll ever be able to grow out of. Whether it be the designs, those wonderful moments from the anime, or the fun of accomplishing a difficult goal in the games, there's just so much fun to be had. I made so many friends as a kid, many of whom have moved away since, just playing the Pokemon games as a kid. I miss those days.
Now admittedly, I don't play the TCG. I haven't bought a pack since 2001. I would buy them up like hotcakes, however, if people around me actually still played it. Even when I was young, no one really knew the rules, and when I tried to teach them a while later, Yu-Gi-Oh! hit. (Which was a rather engaging Card Game as well) If nothing else it's neat still liking the cards, as when people want to get rid of theirs, they know I'll gladly take them off their hands.
My parents used to hint that maybe I should grow out of it. My dad asked "You seriously want to buy this?" when I had the Mystery Dungeon Blue Rescue Team game in my hands at Gamestop. I just nodded my head and paid for it. Thankfully they've come to accept it. I wish they could get in on it as well, but I don't think it's their thing.
WALL OF TEXT IS ALMOST OVER. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is, with a series as great as this, there is no age-limit for such a thrilling ride.