Pokemon Celebrates 30 Years with Major Announcements and New Releases
The Pokemon Company commemorated three decades of the iconic franchise with a special Pokemon Presents video presentation, streamed globally on Pokemon Day. This event, held on February 27, marks the anniversary of the launch of Pokemon Red and Pokemon Green in Japan in 1996. As part of a yearlong 30th anniversary campaign titled "What's Your Favorite?" and coinciding with Pokemon Go's 10th anniversary, the company revealed exciting updates across its gaming, esports, and trading card ecosystems.
New Pokemon Games: Winds and Waves Set for 2027
Developed by Game Freak, Pokemon Winds and Pokemon Waves are scheduled for release in 2027 on the Nintendo Switch 2. These titles will feature an open-world setting with island landscapes and expansive ocean areas, offering players immersive exploration experiences. Players will assume the role of a new protagonist with version-specific outfits and choose from three starter Pokemon at the beginning of their adventure:
- Browt – A Grass-type Bean Chick Pokemon with the Ability: Overgrow
- Pombon – A Fire-type Puppy Pokemon with the Ability: Blaze
- Gecqua – A Water-type Water Gecko Pokemon with the Ability: Torrent
To enhance accessibility, the games will introduce Brazilian Portuguese as a selectable language option, expanding their reach in additional markets.
PokemonXP and 2026 World Championships in San Francisco
In 2026, San Francisco will host the Pokemon World Championships alongside the newly revealed PokemonXP, a convention designed for fans with themed experiences and interactive activities. From April 2 to April 23, trainers can sign up for a multi-day interest list, with ticketing details to be sent to selected participants later. One-day ticket sales are expected to begin in early summer, providing opportunities for global participation.
Pokemon Champions: New Game for Nintendo Switch and Mobile
Pokemon Champions is a new game set for release on Nintendo Switch in April 2026, with a mobile version to follow later this year. Compatible with Pokemon Home, it allows players to send compatible Pokemon from Pokemon Legends Z-A to battle in Pokemon Champions. Players who transfer specific Pokemon originally obtained in Pokemon Legends: Z-A can claim rewards, including Mega Stones such as Chesnaughtite, Delphoxite, and Greninjite. This game is also anticipated to feature on the main stage at the 2026 Pokemon World Championships.
Pokemon Pokopia: Town-Building and Cooperative Play
Scheduled to launch on March 5, 2026, for Nintendo Switch 2, Pokemon Pokopia focuses on town-building and cooperative play. It supports multiplayer for up to four players, enabling trainers to visit each other's towns and bring one Pokemon companion to explore shared environments, fostering community engagement.
Pokemon Trading Card Game: Global Expansion for Anniversary
As part of the 30th anniversary celebrations, the Pokemon Trading Card Game will introduce a new expansion in 2026. This expansion is planned to launch simultaneously in participating markets worldwide, with additional related product releases throughout the year. Further details will be shared in the coming months, highlighting the franchise's commitment to global fan engagement.
Commemorative Releases and Updates
To honor the anniversary, Pokemon FireRed Version and Pokemon LeafGreen Version are now available digitally on Nintendo Switch. Additionally, the company introduced the Pokemon Red & Blue Game Music Collection: Game Boy Jukebox, a device styled after the original Game Boy that plays music and sound effects from early Pokemon titles, offering nostalgic experiences for long-time fans.
Mega Garchomp Z in Pokemon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension
Pokemon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension will introduce a new form, Mega Garchomp Z. Players can claim a new Mystery Gift that unlocks access to a special hyperspace distortion battle. Defeating Mega Garchomp Z allows players to obtain a Garchompite Z stone, adding exciting gameplay elements to the franchise.
These announcements underscore The Pokemon Company's dedication to innovation and community building as it enters its fourth decade, with a focus on expanding accessibility and engaging fans worldwide through diverse gaming experiences and events.
