I always avoided Pokemon as a kid. I was a few years older than the target market when it came out, and I was resentful of the attention it took away from my chosen game, M:tG.
Fast forward to a couple weeks ago, when my girlfriend's 7 year old daughter (who, I'm told, has me wrapped around her little finger) asked me if I knew anything about Pokemon.
So before the next time I picked her up from school, I snagged an emu... uh.. I mean a COMPLETELY LEGITIMATE COPY of LeafGreen for GBA. So far, I have collected 12, and she has about that many. She is frustrating at times, as she is 7. She cares nothing for strategy, or conservation of resources, or efficient leveling. She just wants to run around, catch pokemon, and make sure none of them faint. Point is, I now look forward to playing Pokemon for an hour every day after work, just because knowing more about the universe makes me a frickin' guru in her eyes.
Like many gamers, I started a mental list in my mid-20's of games I'd give to my kid someday. Like many parents, I discovered the hard way that you don't get to decide your kids' interests, talents, or friends. They, on the other hand, will have a great deal of influence over those areas for you, as kids don't generally give a f*ck. They will make friends with anyone they want, and it's up to you to establish negotiations with that kid's parents. They will discover new shows and types of music that will grind on your nerves. You will hate it, but you will know every word/note by heart. You will pick up new skills, just because it makes you a hero in their eyes when you can stitch up their favorite plushie.
Keep those lists. They'll serve you well, but wait for them to show an interest that is relevant to one of those games. Your kid will surprise you if you don't hammer them with expectations.