The Pokémon 30th anniversary celebrations are officially in full swing. During this year’s Pokémon Day presentation on February 27, 2026, The Pokémon Company unveiled Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, the next mainline entries in the beloved RPG series — alongside major updates spanning competitive play, mobile games, the Pokémon TCG, and more.
From brand-new Nintendo Switch 2 adventures to special re-releases honoring the franchise’s roots, here’s everything Trainers need to know.
Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves Announced for Nintendo Switch 2 (2027)
The biggest headline of Pokémon Day 2026 is the reveal of Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, the newest core RPG titles developed by GAME FREAK.
Scheduled to launch in 2027 on the Nintendo Switch 2, Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves promise a sweeping open-world experience set across windswept islands and vast, glittering oceans.
New Starter Pokémon Revealed
As tradition dictates, Trainers will choose one of three new partner Pokémon at the beginning of their journey:
- Browt – Grass-type Bean Chick Pokémon (Ability: Overgrow)
- Pombon – Fire-type Puppy Pokémon (Ability: Blaze)
- Gecqua – Water-type Gecko Pokémon (Ability: Torrent)
Each version will feature a distinct protagonist outfit, reinforcing the thematic split between Winds and Waves.
Brazilian Portuguese Language Support Confirmed
Beginning with Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, Brazilian Portuguese will be added as an official selectable language. This marks a major step toward broader global accessibility and reinforces Pokémon’s mission of connecting players worldwide.
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Out Now on Nintendo Switch
To commemorate 30 years since the original launch of Pokémon Red and Green in Japan, The Pokémon Company International has re-released Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version digitally on Nintendo Switch via Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store.
These enhanced remakes of the original Kanto adventures offer both longtime fans and new Trainers a nostalgic return to the region where it all began.
Pokémon Champions Launching April 2026
Competitive battlers won’t have to wait long for action. Pokémon Champions launches this April 2026 on Nintendo Switch, with a mobile release planned later this year.
The game will integrate with Pokémon HOME, allowing Trainers to transfer compatible Pokémon — including those from Pokémon Legends: Z-A — into Pokémon Champions for battle.
Exclusive rewards such as Chesnaughtite, Delphoxite, and Greninjite Mega Stones can be earned by transferring eligible Pokémon through Pokémon HOME.
Pokémon Champions is also set to take center stage at the 2026 Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco.
PokémonXP and 2026 Pokémon World Championships Registration Details
This year also introduces PokémonXP, a brand-new fan convention celebrating all things Pokémon. Both PokémonXP and the 2026 Pokémon World Championships will be held in San Francisco.
Trainers can register for the multi-day interest list from April 2 through April 23, 2026. Single-day pass registration opens in early summer.
PokémonXP promises immersive experiences, interactive activities, and special event-exclusive offerings designed for fans of every generation.
Pokémon Pokopia Launches March 5 on Switch 2
Looking for something cozier? Pokémon Pokopia launches March 5, 2026, exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2.
This charming new title allows Trainers to build and customize their own towns. With multiplayer support for up to four players, fans can visit friends’ towns and even bring along a Pokémon companion to explore together.
Pokémon TCG 30th Anniversary Global Expansion Coming in 2026
The Pokémon Trading Card Game will celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary with a special expansion in 2026 — the first ever to debut with a simultaneous coordinated global launch in participating markets.
More details on this historic Pokémon TCG expansion will be shared later this year.
Mega Garchomp Z Revealed in Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension
A powerful new form, Mega Garchomp Z, has been unveiled in Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension.
Starting February 28, 2026, players can claim a Mystery Gift that unlocks access to a special hyperspace distortion encounter. Defeat Mega Garchomp Z to obtain a Garchompite Z stone.
This limited-time event further expands the Mega Evolution mechanics introduced in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
Pokémon GO and 30th Anniversary Campaign: “What’s Your Favourite?”
The 30th anniversary celebration includes a yearlong global campaign titled “What’s Your Favourite?” Fans can participate through Pokémon GO, which also celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026.
Players are encouraged to share their favorite Pokémon using the in-game camera feature and the hashtag #Pokemon30.
Pokémon 30th Anniversary: A Franchise Still Evolving
Since its debut in 1996, Pokémon has grown into one of the most influential entertainment franchises in the world. With Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves leading the next generation on Nintendo Switch 2, and competitive titles like Pokémon Champions reshaping the esports scene, the 30th anniversary feels less like a retrospective — and more like a bold new beginning.
As 2026 unfolds, Trainers can expect even more announcements, expansions, and global events celebrating three decades of catching, battling, and exploring.
