Pokémon celebrated its much anticipated 30th birthday on Friday, February 27, and with it came an avalanche of announcements.
We got a nearly 25-minute Pokemon Presents showcase to kick off the day’s festivities, which you can watch below:
We got the expected first look at Gen 10 of the mainline game series with Pokémon Winds and Waves alongside the exciting news that fans will get the 2005 GameCube hit Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness on Nintendo Switch Online in March.
Let’s take a look at Winds and Waves before jumping into all of the fun additions and surprise trailers for Pokémon Pokopia, Mew Research in Pokémon Sleep, Pokémon Cafe ReMix, Pokémon Go and more!
Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves
Pokémon Winds and Waves will release in 2027 on the Nintendo Switch 2 only.
While news of the next mainline game wasn’t a surprise, the trailer gave fans a lot to look forward to, like the special Pikachu variants Mr. Windychu and Ms. Wavychu.
The Pokémon Company also dropped some promo images giving us a look at the starters: Grumpy bird Browt, Pombpon the adorable yappy pup, and Gecqua the gecko serving looks.
We also got a look at the main character trainers and their outfits depending on which version players pick up. Fans are taking to social media to pick their starters but I really do need to see the full evolution line before I will commit.
The first look trailer give us a look at the world we’ll be exploring, from seaside (or on-the-water) towns, expansive open spaces, volcanic caverns and more all featuring classic Pokémon along the way.
The trailer also confirmed that we’ll be actually diving and exploring underwater for the first time since Dive allowed us to do so in Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald.
Pokémon Pokopia
Pokémon Pokopia releases on March 5 and we’ve been given a deeper look at some of the game’s mechanics!
Some of the mechanics discussed included decorating different rooms and areas, the reveal of Stereo Rotom, a “stereo shaped form of Rotom that other Pokémon refer to as DJ Rotom.”
“The new form leans into Rotom’s long running theme of possessing appliances, this time transforming into a music focused design that fits the vibe of Pokopia. While details on its battle role are still limited, the reveal suggests a playful mix of style and function. It is another creative twist on a fan favorite Pokémon known for its many forms,” The Pokémon Company said in a blog post.
Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen
It’s a huge time for Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen fans, with the iconic and beloved games officially available for purchase and download on the Nintendo Switch.
The Pokémon Company also announced that Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen are also officially compatible with Pokémon HOME.
“The release gives players another chance to revisit the Kanto region with modern system support while expanding access across both current Nintendo platforms,” The Pokémon Company said in a blog post. Pokémon HOME will also soon allow players to move ‘mons in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness
The 2005 hit Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness will be available on Nintendo Switch Online in March.
“The 2005 title, originally released on the Nintendo GameCube, is known for its darker story, Shadow Pokémon mechanics and the fan favorite Eevee starter. Its addition gives subscribers another classic Pokémon adventure to revisit on modern hardware, expanding the retro lineup with one of the most requested GameCube era entries,” The Pokémon Company said in a blog post.
Pokémon Champions
The Pokémon Company announced that Pokémon Champions will release on Nintendo Switch in April, and that a mobile version of the game will release at a later time.
“The staggered release gives console players an early chance to dive in before the game expands to smartphones. While specific features are still being detailed, the title is positioned as a competitive focused experience built around battling. Launching on Switch first could help establish its player base before opening the doors to a wider mobile audience in the months ahead,” The Pokémon Company said in a blog post.
Players who download the game before a certain date will be able to claim a Dragonite from their in-game mailbox, and to commemorate the release of Pokémon Champions, an in-game campaign will be held whereby players can receive Chesnaughtite, Delphoxite, Greninjite, and Floettite stones.
“By storing the Chesnaught, Delphox, Greninja, and Eternal Flower Floette you befriended during Pokémon Legends: Z-A in Pokémon HOME and bringing them to Pokémon Champions as visitors, you can obtain their Mega Stones from your mailbox in Pokémon Champions,” a news release says.
Mega Garchomp Z in Pokemon Legends: Z-A
Mega Garchomp Z was revealed as a new Mega Pokémon for Pokemon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension. It will be a pure Dragon type instead of its dual type.
“The new form builds on Garchomp’s already fearsome reputation, hinting at boosted power and a fresh design tied to the title’s Mega focused theme. While full details on its stats and abilities are still under wraps, the reveal signals that Mega Evolution will play a major role in shaping battles,” The Pokémon Company said in a blog post.
Pokémon Unite
Zapdos became available in the Pokémon Unite roster, and we learned that Articuno, Moltres, Meganium, Typhlosion and Feraligatr are also planned to join the game.
“The additions expand team options and bring more competitive and strategic depth to battles, giving Trainers plenty of new ways to engage in the MOBA action,” The Pokémon Company said in a blog post.
Pokémon GO
Pokémon GO events in March 2026 include three ??? events, Scorbunny Community Day, Bug Out, Research Day and Max Battle Day.
The Memories in Motion Event kicks off March 3 at 10:00 a.m. and runs through June 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. local time, and the company says that “starting with Memories in Motion, several updates to the scheduling and structure of Pokémon GO events will take effect.”
“There’s something for everyone every week in Pokémon GO!” The blog post says. “Starting with Memories in Motion, different days of the week will include a Daily Discovery experience. These will be active between 12:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. local time unless otherwise stated.”
From Tuesday, March 3, at 10:00 a.m. to Tuesday, April 7, at 10:00 a.m. local time, the GO Pass and GO Pass Deluxe for March will be available in Pokémon GO, which will include the return of the Timed Incubator, encounters with Raikou and more.
The Pokémon 30th Anniversary event begins Tuesday, March 3, at 10:00 a.m. to Monday, March 9, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time.
A GO Pass is a free, limited-time progression track available during a specified period. By collecting GO Points, you can increase your rank to earn rewards.
Trainers will automatically receive GO Pass: Pokémon 30th Anniversary on Tuesday, March 3, at 10:00 a.m. local time. You can collect GO Points and rank up to get additional rewards through Monday, March 9, at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Additionally, from Saturday, March 7, at 12:00 a.m. to Monday, March 9, at 7:59 p.m. local time, there’s no daily limit for how many GO Points you can earn!
For US$7.99, Trainers can upgrade to the GO Pass Deluxe, a paid version of the GO Pass that offers upgraded rewards and faster progression.
For US$9.99*, Trainers can upgrade to the GO Pass Deluxe + 10 Ranks to also automatically earn enough GO Points to reach Rank 11.
While progressing through the GO Pass Deluxe, you’ll be able to claim all of the rewards from both the free GO Pass and GO Pass Deluxe. You can upgrade to a GO Pass Deluxe at any time and still collect rewards from previously unlocked ranks.
Rewards unlocked in the GO Pass will expire on Sunday, March 15, at 7:59 p.m. local time, so be sure to claim your rewards before they’re gone!
Complete Pass Tasks to rank up your GO Pass to catch Mewtwo, Pokémon first discovered in the Kanto region like Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres, Candy and more.
The Festival of Colors event returns starting Wednesday, March 4, at 10:00 a.m. to Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time. The event will include Celebratory Colors at PokeStops, a special background featuring Pikachu wearing a saree or kurta (Shinys possible too!) and more.
Some Pokémon will appear more frequently in the wild for five minutes at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m.:
- Pikachu wearing a saree
- Pikachu wearing a kurta
- Medicham
- Plant Cloak Burmy
- Sandy Cloak Burmy
- Trash Cloak Burmy
- Red Flower Flabébé
- Orange Flower Flabébé
- White Flower Flabébé
- Bruxish
The Pokémon Pokopia Celebration Event begins Tuesday, March 10, at 10:00 a.m. to Monday, March 16, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time where players will be able to find Ditto wearing a hat or cap along with Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Pikachu, Sudowoodo, Zorua, and more in the wild.
The Bug Out Event featuring Galar buggies begins Tuesday, March 17, at 10:00 a.m. to Monday, March 23, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time.
The March 2026 Community Day: Scorbunny will run Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time. Evolve Raboot (Scorbunny’s Evolution) during the event or up to four hours afterwards to get a Cinderace that knows the Charged Attack Blast Burn.
Pokémon Sleep
Pokemon Sleep got some Pokémon Day themed updates and the addition of Mew!
“The game’s Pokémon Day Celebration Event Vol. 1 is now underway, giving players limited time content and bonuses tied to the annual festivities. On top of that, a Pokémon Day Broadcast Commemorative Gift is now available, offering extra rewards for logging in. Together, the updates add a festive touch to sleep research and give players a few more reasons to check in each day,” The Pokémon Company said in a blog post.
Pokémon Cafe ReMix
Pokémon 30th anniversary celebrations and events are now underway in Pokemon Cafe ReMix, and this includes special themed levels, limited time rewards and festive outfits for partner Pokémon.
“Trainers can start by receiving partner Pokémon from the Kanto region, making it easy to collect classic favorites in themed attire. The update adds a fun visual twist to the café puzzles, letting fans enjoy their favorite Pokémon in new looks while tackling levels and completing challenges,” The Pokémon Company said in a blog post.
“Fans can collect unique items and take part in anniversary challenges while experiencing the game in a way that honors three decades of the franchise,” The Pokémon Company said in a blog post.
Paldean Wonders TCG
A new Paldean Wonders booster pack is now available in TCG Pocket!
“The set includes starter Pokémon Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly along with their evolutions, powerful ex cards like Meowscarada ex and Gholdengo ex, and Trainer cards for Nemona and Arven. Players can also collect the Mesagoza Stadium card and a variety of other new additions, making it a strong expansion for both collectors and competitive decks. Paldean Wonders adds plenty of options for building strategies and rounding out your Paldea-themed collection,” The Pokémon Company said in a blog post.
We also got an outline of events to participate in through March! Here is the verbatim from The Pokémon Company:
While you’re expanding your collection, there will be a variety of events to participate in throughout February and March.
- Late February to early March: Enjoy a Paldean Wonders emblem event where you can obtain emblems to set on your player profile if you win battles against other players and earn items from completing missions.
- Early March: Bonus Week missions will be available, where you obtain pack hourglasses, special accessories, and other rewards just for logging in.
- Mid to late March: Win solo battles during the Charcadet Drop Event to obtain cards from Promo Pack B Series Vol. 5. There will also be a wonder pick event featuring Clodsire and Pawmi. Wonder pick to get promo cards, and earn additional rewards, including a promo card exchange ticket, by completing missions.
Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution — Perfect Order
Perfect Order will release worldwide on March 27! The set includes over 120 cards.
“The set includes more than 120 cards overall, along with 25 Trainer cards and over 30 Pokémon and Trainer cards featuring special illustrations. Mega Clefable ex, Mega Starmie ex and Mega Zygarde ex headline the expansion, with Meowth ex and other fan favorites rounding out the lineup. The focus on Mega Evolution brings a familiar mechanic back into the spotlight while offering collectors and competitive players plenty of variety to chase when the set arrives,” The Pokémon Company said in a blog post.
Pokémon Masters EX
The free-to-play gacha mobile game Pokémon Masters EX revealed a number of in-game events and bonuses to mark the anniversary — both the 30th for the franchise and the 6.5 year anniversary for Pokémon Masters EX.
“Highlights include the Double Anniversary Mission Bingo, the Story Event Teal and Indigo Festival, and the 6.5 Year Celebration featuring a 48 hour Paid Gem Scout x25 EX Master Fair. Players can also enjoy the Presents x2! Florian EX Master Fair and a Double Anniversary Celebration, offering plenty of rewards, special scouts and missions to boost teams. The combination of events gives Trainers multiple ways to earn items and strengthen their Sync Pairs during the milestone celebration,” The Pokémon Company said in a blog post.
Pokémon Red & Pokémon Blue Game Music Collection: Game Boy Jukebox
We got a look at the Pokémon Red & Pokémon Blue Game Music Collection: Game Boy Jukebox, which went on sale at the Pokémon Center with 45 music cartridges.
“The collection lets fans relive iconic tunes from the original games in a collectible format, combining nostalgia with display value. It’s a unique way for longtime Trainers to celebrate the franchise’s musical legacy while adding a standout item to their Pokémon memorabilia” The Pokémon Company said in a blog post.
Pokémon Kids TV
The Pokémon Company released the “Little Boy Blue” nursery rhyme on Pokémon Kids TV in English and Japanese.
