The Pokémon franchise is officially gearing up for a landmark year. In 2026, Pokémon will celebrate its 30th anniversary, marking three decades since Pocket Monsters Red and Green first launched in Japan in February 1996. While concrete details remain limited, early signals suggest that 2026 will be a coordinated, franchise-wide celebration spanning games, merchandise, and special events.
Official Tease Confirms the Milestone
To kick off the new year, the official Japanese Pokémon social media account shared a celebratory teaser acknowledging the upcoming anniversary. The post confirmed that Pokémon turns 30 in 2026 and promised that the year will be “the best one yet.”
The teaser featured a short animation showing classic Pikachu artwork transforming into a newly designed anniversary logo, reinforcing the theme of honoring the past while looking ahead to the future. Beyond confirming the anniversary itself, no specific products or announcements were detailed.
What’s Confirmed So Far
At this stage, the anniversary messaging remains high-level. No new games, remakes, or events were formally announced alongside the teaser. Instead, the post appears designed to set expectations for a larger marketing and announcement cycle that will unfold throughout 2026.
The lack of immediate details suggests Pokémon is taking a long-term approach, likely spacing out reveals across multiple Pokémon Presents broadcasts and anniversary events.
Focus on the Next Mainline Generation
One of the biggest expectations surrounding the 30th anniversary is the next mainline Pokémon generation, often referred to by fans and leakers as Generation 10. While The Pokémon Company has not confirmed its existence or timing, many expect it to play a central role in the anniversary year.
Unverified leaks have pointed toward a setting built around a large, modern city that blends glass-and-steel skylines with traditional pagoda-inspired architecture. Other rumored elements include Rotom-assisted traversal mechanics and an older professor character with a distinctive silhouette. As with all leaks, these details should be treated cautiously until officially revealed.
A February 2026 announcement tied to the anniversary—potentially via a Pokémon Presents—has become a common point of speculation, though nothing has been confirmed.
Ongoing Support for Recent and Upcoming Titles
Alongside future mainline entries, Pokémon is expected to continue supporting recently released and announced titles. Pokémon Legends: Z-A, which launched in 2025, is widely expected to remain part of the franchise’s active lineup during the anniversary year through updates, events, or expansions.
In addition, two previously announced projects are already confirmed for 2026:
- Pokémon Champions, a title focused on competitive play and VGC-style battles
- Pokopia, a more relaxed experience centered on building and customization
Both games are positioned to broaden Pokémon’s audience during the anniversary year.
Merchandise, TCG, and Crossovers Expected
Beyond games, anniversary years traditionally bring expanded merchandise and collaborations. While not officially announced, rumors point to special Pokémon Trading Card Game collections and potential LEGO-themed releases tied to the 30th anniversary.
Historically, Pokémon anniversaries have included limited-edition collectibles, themed events, and crossover promotions, making it likely that 2026 will follow a similar pattern.
A Coordinated Anniversary Year—Details Still to Come
While specifics remain scarce, the initial teaser clearly signals that Pokémon is preparing a large-scale, multi-product celebration for its 30th anniversary. Rather than a single reveal, fans should expect a steady rollout of announcements throughout 2026, with major updates arriving through official presentations and events.
For now, the message is clear: Pokémon is approaching its 30th year with ambition, but the real picture will only come into focus once formal reveals begin.
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