Pokémon’s 30th anniversary celebration has already kicked off—more than a month ahead of schedule—and all signs point to a yearlong rollout that will extend well beyond February 27, 2026. That date marks exactly 30 years since the original release of Pokémon Red and Green in Japan, and it’s increasingly clear that The Pokémon Company has ambitious plans to commemorate the milestone.
One of the earliest announcements tied to the celebration was the reveal of official LEGO Pokémon sets. The initial lineup includes Eevee, Pikachu with a Poké Ball, and a premium Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise set—all scheduled to release in time for Pokémon Day 2026. Given the scale of the anniversary, it wouldn’t be surprising to see additional LEGO sets revealed during Pokémon Day festivities, potentially expanding the lineup throughout the year.
Naturally, attention has also turned to what the anniversary could mean for upcoming games. Some speculation suggests that a Nintendo Switch 2–exclusive Generation 10 title could be revealed in February, potentially targeting a late 2026 release window. At the very least, it feels safe to expect a firm release date for Pokémon Champions, alongside new details on Pokémon Pokopia. There’s also the lingering question of whether Pokémon Legends ZA could receive additional DLC as part of the anniversary push.
Whatever The Pokémon Company ultimately has planned, the franchise’s 30th anniversary already feels like a celebration worthy of its legacy. Three decades later, Pokémon remains as culturally relevant—and as exciting—as ever, and 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
What are you hoping to see for Pokémon’s 30th anniversary?
About the Author
Scott (Scotty) Greenhalgh is the founder and owner of Input Lag, an independent Nintendo-focused publication. Scotty brings a player-first perspective informed by years of hands-on experience with Nintendo games to his reviews, rankings, and editorial coverage. His writing focuses on how games feel to play, their long-term value, and the impact Nintendo’s creative and business decisions have on players.
Outside of Input Lag, he also creates Pokémon-focused content online under the name Gr3atScotty.
