Pokémon Day 2026

Pokémon is a Japanese franchise that began in 1996 with the release of the Game Boy games Pokémon Red and Blue. In every Pokémon game, you explore a different region where people live together with Pokémon, unique creatures in all kinds of shapes and sizes. There are now 9 ‘generations’ or series of Pokémon games, with each series introducing new creatures in a new setting. For example, the 9th series includes the Nintendo Switch open-world games Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, as well as Pokémon Legends: Z-A, a Pokémon game with action and battle-royale elements.

Of course, Pokémon also brings to mind the long-running animated series starring Ash Ketchum and Pikachu. This Japanese anime has more than 1,200 episodes, plus 23 feature movies. The current Pokémon animated series focuses on Liko and Roy, 2 young trainers searching for the mysterious black Rayquaza.

And while Pokémon cards caused a collecting hype in the late 90s, they are at least just as popular today. Several card sets are released each year, each with its own focus. Recent sets include Ascended Heroes and Perfect Order, which put the spotlight on Mega Evolutions and feature Pokémon from Legends: Z-A.

Pokémon Day takes place every year on 27 February and marks the original Japanese release of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green in 1996 (here, the games were known as Red and Blue). Pokémon Day is the perfect moment to celebrate Pokémon, with events taking place all around the world, but it’s also used to lift the veil on upcoming Pokémon releases. This is done in a special livestream called ‘Pokémon Presents’.

In the past, Pokémon Day has been accompanied with major announcements, such as new generations and spin-offs like Pokémon Pokopia, a cosy game in which you build your own Pokémon world. In 2026, Pokémon Day will take on extra significance, as it marks the 30th anniversary of Pokémon. We’re already hoping that the 10th generation of Pokémon games for the Nintendo Switch 2 will be announced!