2026 marks an incredible milestone for the Pokémon franchise — 30 years since the original Pocket Monsters Red & Green launched in Japan on February 27, 1996. The Pokémon Company is celebrating this momentous occasion with a year-long series of events, new games, merchandise, and surprises. Here's your complete guide to everything happening in the Pokémon 30th anniversary celebration.
A Historic Milestone: 30 Years of Pokémon
On February 27, 1996, Game Freak and Nintendo released Pocket Monsters Red & Green in Japan, introducing the world to 151 creatures that would become a global phenomenon. Three decades later, Pokémon has grown into:
- Over 1,000 Pokémon species across 9 generations
- 400+ million video games sold worldwide
- 40+ billion TCG cards produced
- 25+ seasons of anime
- A franchise valued at over $100 billion
The 30th anniversary celebration officially kicked off on January 1, 2026, with a special video featuring the return of the beloved "Fat Pikachu" design from the original games.
New Anniversary Logo and Branding
The Pokémon Company unveiled a special 30th anniversary logo on January 1, 2026. The new branding features:
- Classic design elements from Generation 1
- The iconic "Fat Pikachu" silhouette
- "30th Anniversary" text in multiple languages
- Will appear on all official merchandise and events throughout 2026
Major Game Releases in 2026
Pokémon Champions — The New Competitive Standard
Release: 2026 (exact date TBA) Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, iOS, Android
Pokémon Champions is a groundbreaking new battle game that will become the official platform for VGC (Video Game Championships) starting in 2026.
Key Features:
- All Battle Mechanics Combined: Mega Evolution, Z-Moves, Dynamax, and Terastallization all available via the new "Omni Ring" item
- Cross-Platform Play: Battle across Switch, mobile, and Switch 2
- Pokémon HOME Integration: Import your existing Pokémon collection
- Free-to-Start Model: Lower barrier to entry for new competitive players
- Improved UI: Precise HP percentages and quality-of-life improvements
This marks a significant shift in competitive Pokémon, bringing together mechanics from multiple generations into one unified experience.
Pokémon Pokopia — A Cozy Adventure
Release: March 5, 2026 Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
A brand-new life simulation game where you play as a Ditto transformed into a human! Build habitats, craft items, and attract Pokémon to your sanctuary.
Gameplay Features:
- Build and customize Pokémon habitats
- Day/night cycle and seasonal changes
- Multiple biomes to explore
- Use Pokémon abilities to help with tasks
- First Nintendo-published Switch 2 game using "Game-Key Card" format
LEGO × Pokémon Collaboration
One of the biggest announcements is the official LEGO and Pokémon partnership, with the first sets launching on February 27, 2026 — Pokémon Day.
Available Sets
| Set | Pieces | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Eevee | 587 | $59.99 |
| Pikachu & Poké Ball | 2,050 | $199.99 |
| Venusaur, Charizard & Blastoise | 6,838 | $649.99 |
Exclusive Gift: Purchase the Starter Trio set between February 27 - March 3, 2026 to receive a free Kanto Region Badge Collection!
📖 Read More: Check out our complete LEGO Pokémon buying guide for detailed information.
Pokémon TCG 30th Anniversary Releases
The Trading Card Game is celebrating with multiple special releases throughout 2026.
Confirmed Sets
| Release Date | Set Name | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| January 30, 2026 | Mega Evolution – Ascended Heroes | 290+ cards, 13 Mega Pokémon ex |
| February 27, 2026 | Pokémon Day Collection | Anniversary-themed products |
| March 27, 2026 | Mega Evolution – Perfect Order | Mega Zygarde ex, Mega Starmie ex |
Rumored: Eternals Anniversary Set
A special "Eternals" set is rumored for February 27, 2026, potentially featuring:
- Stamped reprints of classic cards (Base Set Charizard, etc.)
- New "Eternal Hyper Rare" rarity type
- Special anniversary promos
Pokémon Horizons: Rising Hope
The anime celebrates with Season 3, "Rising Hope," now streaming on Netflix (as of January 6, 2026).
What's New:
- Set one year after the events in Laqua
- Roy obtains a yellow Lucario capable of Mega Evolution
- New rival character "Ult" introduced
- Mystery of the pink mist threatening Pokémon
Streaming Schedule:
| Part | Expected Release |
|---|---|
| Part 1 | January 6, 2026 ✅ |
| Part 2 | March-May 2026 |
| Part 3 | June-August 2026 |
| Part 4 | September-November 2026 |
Fashion & Merchandise
UNIQLO UT Collection
A special Pokémon 30th anniversary clothing line launches in late March 2026, featuring:
- Artwork from the original 1996 games
- Classic Pokémon designs
- Limited edition items
Pokémon Center Exclusives
Expect special merchandise at Pokémon Centers worldwide, including:
- Anniversary plush toys
- Retro-style accessories
- Collector's items
- Region-exclusive products
Pokémon GO Events
Pokémon GO is participating with special events throughout 2026:
January 2026 Highlights
| Date | Event | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 4 | Piplup Community Day Classic | Hydro Cannon Empoleon |
| Jan 10 | Kyurem Fusion Raid Day | Black & White Kyurem |
| Jan 18 | Grookey Community Day | 3× Stardust, Frenzy Plant |
Expect major anniversary events around February 27, 2026, with potential surprises like:
- Classic Pokémon spawns
- Special research tasks
- Anniversary-themed avatar items
- Possible new Pokémon debuts
Competitive Scene: VGC 2026
World Championships 2026
Location: San Francisco, California, USA Date: August 2026
The 2026 World Championships will be historic as Pokémon Champions debuts as the main competitive game. Additionally, a new fan convention called Pokémon XP will run alongside Worlds:
- Dates: August 28-30, 2026
- Venue: Moscone Center, San Francisco
- Tickets: $120/day or $150 multi-day pass
What to Expect on Pokémon Day (February 27, 2026)
February 27 is the official Pokémon Day, and 2026's celebration is expected to be the biggest yet:
Confirmed
- ✅ LEGO Pokémon sets launch
- ✅ TCG Pokémon Day Collection release
- ✅ Special in-game events across all Pokémon games
Rumored/Expected
- 🔮 Generation 10 game announcement
- 🔮 Pokémon Legends: Z-A news
- 🔮 Surprise game reveals
- 🔮 Special Pokémon Presents broadcast
Complete 2026 Anniversary Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 1 | Anniversary celebration begins, new logo revealed |
| January 6 | Pokémon Horizons S3 launches on Netflix |
| January 30 | TCG Ascended Heroes release |
| February 27 | Pokémon Day — Major announcements expected |
| February 27 | LEGO Pokémon sets launch |
| March 5 | Pokémon Pokopia releases |
| March 27 | TCG Perfect Order release |
| Late March | UNIQLO UT Collection |
| August 28-30 | Pokémon World Championships + Pokémon XP |
| Throughout 2026 | Pokémon Champions release |
How to Celebrate: Fan Recommendations
For Collectors
- Pre-order LEGO sets before February 27
- Watch for TCG anniversary products
- Check Pokémon Centers for exclusive merchandise
For Competitive Players
- Prepare for Pokémon Champions transition
- Follow VGC 2026 season updates
- Consider attending Worlds/Pokémon XP
For Casual Fans
- Replay classic Pokémon games
- Watch Pokémon Horizons on Netflix
- Participate in Pokémon GO events
- Share your favorite Pokémon memories with #Pokemon30
Looking Back: 30 Years of Memories
As we celebrate 30 years of Pokémon, it's worth reflecting on the journey:
- 1996: Red & Green launch in Japan
- 1998: Pokémon arrives in North America
- 1999: First Pokémon movie releases
- 2006: 10th anniversary — Diamond & Pearl announced
- 2016: 20th anniversary — Pokémon GO launches
- 2026: 30th anniversary — A new era begins
Conclusion
Pokémon's 30th anniversary is shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration. From groundbreaking new games like Pokémon Champions and Pokopia, to the historic LEGO collaboration and special TCG releases, there's something for every type of Pokémon fan.
Key Dates to Remember:
- 📅 February 27, 2026 — Pokémon Day (major announcements)
- 📅 March 5, 2026 — Pokémon Pokopia launch
- 📅 August 2026 — World Championships in San Francisco
Stay tuned for updates throughout the year as The Pokémon Company continues to reveal more anniversary surprises. Here's to 30 years of catching 'em all — and many more to come!
Happy 30th Anniversary, Pokémon! 🎉⚡