Pokémon Presents Announces Next Mainline Games
- Ethan Chahine
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
BY: ETHAN CHAHINE / STAFF WRITER
On Feb. 27, Pokémon celebrated its 30th anniversary with a presentation of all of its current projects for the foreseeable future on YouTube.
The first video game in the Pokémon series, Red and Green, debuted on February 27th, 1996, in Japan. Ever since its release, fans of the series have been immersed in the world of Pokémon through video games, trading cards, and anime. For the last several years, they have held yearly presentations for their franchise, announcing new projects and merchandise for Pokémon.
The first announcement made was for the Game Boy Jukebox, a Game Boy replica featuring 45 cartridges that play different music tracks from the original Red and Blue soundtrack. This device costs a staggering $69.99.
Fans have made comparisons between this device and another called HitClips, an audio player from the early 2000’s that had 60-second tracks from popular artists at the time (GameSpot).
Pokémon XP
A new fan experience called Pokémon XP was also announced to debut in San Francisco this year. This Pokémon convention will feature a pop-up Pokémon Center to purchase merchandise, panels, and other collaborations with partners of the Pokémon company.
Pokémon GO
It may come as a shock to some people that this mobile game has been in service for so long, but it is still going strong, having just concluded two major events in Los Angeles and Taiwan in February.
And now from Feb. 28th to Mar. 1st, they are holding a global event for everyone to participate in freely, celebrating the Kalos region. Here’s to the dedicated fans of Pokémon GO Catching ‘Em All for another 10 years.
Pokémon GO is celebrating an anniversary of its own this year, reaching 10 years old.
It may come as a shock to some people that this mobile game has been in service for so long, but it is still going strong, having just concluded two major events in Los Angeles and Taiwan in February.
And now from Feb. 28th to Mar. 1st, they are holding a global event for everyone to participate in freely, celebrating the Kalos region. Here’s to the dedicated fans of Pokémon GO Catching ‘Em All for another 10 years.
Pokémon Mobile Games
Other mobile Pokémon games, such as Pokémon Masters EX, Pokémon Café Remix, and Pokémon Unite, are also holding anniversary events.
Pokémon Masters EX is bringing Trainer Red back into the game with his signature Pikachu, along with both of their classic ‘90’s looks. You can complete special in-game missions associated with Red and Pikachu upon login for rewards.
As such, Pokémon Café Remix is bringing back the first partner Pokémon from each of the games in waves, allowing you to recruit them to work at your café.
To follow, Pokémon Unite debuts Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres in their game for the anniversary; the rest of the squad, such as Meganium, Typhlosion, and Feraligatr, are scheduled to appear in-game shortly.
Classic Pokémon Games Makes it Return
With the addition of mobile celebrations, some classic Pokémon games are also returning to modern consoles. For nostalgic fans who enjoy their games on Nintendo devices, they will now be able to relax in the luxury of playing installments of past games.
Pokémon XD Gale of Darkness, a game originally released for the GameCube, will be released on Nintendo Switch 2 through the Nintendo Switch Online Subscription in March of this year.
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, two games originally released for the Game Boy Advance, were rereleased for the Nintendo Switch family of systems. They are currently available for purchase for $19.99 each on the Nintendo eShop.
Pokémon Champions
Alongside these games, Pokémon Champions, a free-to-play multiplayer strategy battle simulator for Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, was officially given its release date of April 2026. The game will feature an optional paid battle pass to obtain items, and Mega Evolution stones to use with your Pokémon in battle.
Pokémon Legends: ZA
Pokémon Legends: ZA currently has an in-game mission released for those who purchased the Mega Dimension DLC, allowing players to obtain a Mega Garchomp Z. This mission is accessed through Mystery Gift and is available now.
Pokémon Pokopia
Pokémon Pokopia will be releasing Mar. 5th and will feature a Rotom stereo that will play music from the classic Pokémon games during gameplay.
Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves
The final thing revealed at this Pokémon Presents was the first look at the two 10th-generation games, releasing in 2027 for the Nintendo Switch 2: Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves.
The starter Pokémon: Browt, Pombon, and Gecqua, were revealed in this trailer—as well as an extensive look at the gorgeous hills and oceans featured in these games.
Graphically, this game appears to be a massive step up from the last titles in the series, Scarlet and Violet. For the first time since Generation 3 of Pokémon, you will now be able to explore underwater and discover different kinds of aquatic Pokémon beneath the surface of the ocean.
Overall, Pokémon appears to have an exciting set of games and events on the horizon for both rerelease and release. It will be very exciting to see what other surprises may be in store for this very special anniversary as time goes on.
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