History of Pokémon in Timeline
Pokémon is a highly successful Japanese media franchise spanning video games, animation, trading cards, and more. It centers on a world where humans and Pokémon, creatures with unique abilities, coexist. Primarily aimed at children, its appeal extends to all ages, making it the highest-grossing media franchise globally and one of the best-selling video game series.
1932: Inspiration for Game Freak Magazine
In 1932, the film Freaks inspired Satoshi Tajiri when creating the doujinshi magazine titled Game Freak.
August 1965: Satoshi Tajiri Born
Satoshi Tajiri, the founder of Game Freak and the creator of Pokémon, was born in August 1965 in Machida, a suburb of Tokyo.
March 1983: First Issue of Game Freak Magazine
In March 1983, Satoshi Tajiri self-published the first issue of his doujinshi magazine titled Game Freak at the age of 17.
1985: Nintendo Entertainment System Launch Budget Comparison
In 1985, Arakawa allocated an enormous budget to Pokémon's launch, approximately the same amount as the launch budget of the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985.
1986: Game Freak Informal Team Formed
In 1986, Satoshi Tajiri, Ken Sugimori, and other enthusiasts started an informal development team called Game Freak, named after Tajiri's magazine.
1987: 4Kids Entertainment Becomes NoA's Licensing Agent
In 1987, 4Kids Entertainment became NoA's licensing agent. Alfred R. Kahn, CEO of 4Kids Entertainment, later played a pivotal role in Pokemon's global expansion.
1987: Inspiration from Dragon Quest II
In 1987, while playing Dragon Quest II for the Famicom (NES), Satoshi Tajiri was inspired by the game's randomly appearing items, which eventually contributed to the concept of Pokémon.
April 1989: Game Freak Co., Ltd. Incorporated
On April 26, 1989, Satoshi Tajiri officially incorporated Game Freak Co., Ltd.
1989: Influence from The Final Fantasy Legend
In 1989, The Final Fantasy Legend was an influence on Satoshi Tajiri when conceiving the Pokemon game, being the first RPG for the Game Boy.
1990: Initial Development Phase of Pocket Monsters
After the initial development phase of Pocket Monsters in 1990 and 1991, the staff tinkered with it from time to time.
1990: Development Contract Signed for Pocket Monsters
At the beginning of 1990, the development contract for Pocket Monsters was signed with Nintendo, with a planned delivery of the game in October.
1991: Initial Development Phase of Pocket Monsters
After the initial development phase of Pocket Monsters in 1990 and 1991, the staff tinkered with it from time to time.
1991: Japan's economy stagnated starting in 1991
From 1991 onwards, Japan's economy stagnated, causing the country to lose its status as an economic superpower, though the country would re-emerge later as a source of cultural goods.
1991: Ishihara Becomes Vice-President of Ape Inc.
In 1991, Tsunekazu Ishihara became the vice-president of Ape Inc.
1993: Magic: The Gathering Released
In 1993, Magic: The Gathering, the first collectible card game (CCG) in history, was released in the United States, gaining popularity in North America, Europe, and Asia. This influenced the creation of the Pokemon Trading Card Game, which is considered a simplified version of Magic.
1994: EarthBound Released
In 1994, Akihiko Miura, Kōichi Ōyama, and Takumi Akabane who later designed the Pokemon Trading Card Game, worked on EarthBound. Miura was the main designer, Ōyama was the art director, and Akabane was one of the chief debuggers for EarthBound.
1994: Serious Effort to Finish Pocket Monsters
In the summer of 1994, after the release of Pulseman, Tajiri decided to make a serious effort towards finishing Pocket Monsters.
December 1995: Completion of Pocket Monsters Red and Green
Pocket Monsters Red and Green were finally finished in December 1995.
1995: Ishihara Pitches Card Game to Nintendo
In 1995, Ishihara pitched the Pokemon card game to Nintendo, who agreed to manufacture the cards. Later in 1995, Satoshi Kayama, director of Media Factory, contacted Ishihara and offered to distribute the card game, signing the contract near the end of the year.
February 1996: Game Boy Release
In February 1996, the franchise began with the release of role-playing games on the Game Boy. These games, developed by Game Freak, became sleeper hits and started the franchise.
February 1996: Release of Pocket Monsters Red and Green
On February 27, 1996, Pocket Monsters Red and Green were released. Nintendo had no high expectations for the games, and media largely ignored them.
April 1996: "Legendary Pokemon Offer" Announcement
On April 15, 1996, the May issue of CoroCoro announced the "Legendary Pokemon Offer", centered around a mysterious, secret Pokemon called Mew, to further promote Red and Green.
August 1996: Kubo Convinces Shogakukan to Create Anime Adaptation
In August 1996, Kubo convinced Shogakukan to create an anime adaptation of Pokemon. Nintendo was initially reluctant, and Ishihara opposed the idea fearing it would overly hasten the 'consumption' of the property.
October 1996: First Pokémon Card Set Released
On October 20, 1996, the first Pokemon card set was released in Japan. Despite being ignored by the media, except for CoroCoro, the cards became an instant success upon release.
1996: Arakawa Plays Pokémon and Considers North American Launch
In 1996, Minoru Arakawa, founder and then-president of Nintendo of America, played one of the Pokemon titles and thought the games were promising, but Nintendo of Japan had no plans at the time to release them elsewhere. He tested the game on his employees but they did not believe it would work in the US market. They considered a graphical redesign to enhance the franchise's coolness, but ultimately decided against it.
April 1997: Pocket Monsters Premieres
On April 1, 1997, Pocket Monsters premiered on TV Tokyo. By November, it had become the highest-rated program on the channel.
December 1997: "Dennō Senshi Porygon" Incident
On the evening of December 16, 1997, the Pokemon franchise was hit by a crisis related to the broadcast of the anime's 38th episode, "Dennō Senshi Porygon" (Computer Warrior Porygon). The episode triggered adverse health effects in over 10,000 viewers due to bright, rapidly swapping red and blue flashes.
1997: Yamauchi Approves Pokémon Project, "Dennō Senshi Porygon" Incident
In late November 1997, NoJ president Hiroshi Yamauchi officially approved the Pokémon project, which was subsequently announced at Space World 1997. However, three weeks later, the "Dennō Senshi Porygon" incident happened, which made more people resistant to the idea of an overseas introduction.
1997: Tamagotchi fad paved the way for Pokémon
The Tamagotchi fad (1997–98), centered around a portable digital pet device, was said to have "paved the way for Pokémon".
April 1998: Anime Series Returns After Hiatus
On April 16, 1998, the anime series returned after being halted due to the "Dennō Senshi Porygon" incident. During the hiatus, ShoPro and OLM worked on a feature Pokemon film.
April 1998: Founding of Pokémon Center Co. Ltd.
On April 23, 1998, Pokémon Center Co. Ltd. was founded as a joint venture by Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak to manage specialized merchandise stores called Pokémon Centers.
July 1998: Pocket Monsters the Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back Premieres
On July 18, 1998, the film, titled Pocket Monsters the Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back (Pokémon: The First Movie), premiered and became the fourth highest grossing film of the year in Japan.
July 1998: Opening of First Pokémon Center in Tokyo
On July 18, 1998, the first Pokémon Center location opened in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, marking the beginning of specialized merchandise stores for the franchise.
September 1998: Pokémon Anime Broadcast and Game Release in North America
On September 7, 1998, the Pokémon anime was first broadcast in North America. On September 28, 1998, Pokémon Red Version and Blue Version were released. To localize the card game, Nintendo contracted Wizards of the Coast.
November 1998: Game Boy Color Release Coincides with Pokémon Launch
On November 23, 1998, the release of the Game Boy Color coincided with the North American launch of Pokémon.
December 1998: Pokémon Anime Becomes Highest-Rated Children's Show
By December 1998, the Pokémon anime had become the highest-rated syndicated children's show during the weekdays in North America.
1998: Establishment of The Pokémon Company
In 1998, Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures established The Pokémon Company (TPC) to manage the Pokémon property within Asia.
1998: 4Kids Americanizes and Self-Finances Pokémon Anime
In 1998, Norman J. Grossfeld of 4Kids strongly believed that the Pokémon anime should be Americanized. Kahn decided to self-finance Pokémon's production costs, spending a fortune on the localization. To have it broadcast in syndication, 4Kids offered the show for free to local TV stations across the country, in exchange for a portion of the advertising revenue. NoA assisted, spending a total of $5 million on advertisement space.
1998: Export to the Rest of the World
In 1998, Pokémon was exported to the rest of the world, leading to a global phenomenon known as "Pokémania".
January 1999: Pokémon Trading Card Game Officially Launched
On January 9, 1999, the Pokémon Trading Card Game was officially launched nationwide, although pre-sold in select stores in December.
February 1999: Pokémon Launches on Kids' WB
On February 13, 1999, Pokémon launched on the Kids' WB national television block. The debut episode became the most watched premiere in Kids' WB's history.
April 1999: "Pokémania" Emerges in the US
By April 1999, there was a general consensus in the US that Pokémon had become a phenomenon, referred to by some as "Pokémania."
April 1999: Columbine High School massacre during Pokémania
The Columbine High School massacre occurred on April 20, 1999, during the height of Pokémania, leading to scrutiny of violent television, music, and games. In comparison, Pokémon was considered relatively tame.
August 1999: Scarcity of Pokémon Goods
In August 1999, severe scarcity occurred of Pokémon goods, especially Pokémon cards, in the US, causing companies to miss profits. A Toys "R" Us manager reported that a supply of 600 booster packs would last 24 hours. Wizards hired more employees and printers to increase card production.
September 1999: Class-action lawsuit filed against Pokémon booster packs
In September 1999, US-based law firm Milberg filed a class-action lawsuit claiming that Pokémon booster packs constitute a form of lottery and promote gambling in kids. The suit is believed to have been settled.
November 1999: Release of Pokémon: The First Movie and Burger King Promotion
In November 1999, Pokémon: The First Movie premiered in North America and became one of the most successful Japanese animated films ever, despite negative reviews. To support the American release, a massive promotional campaign with Burger King led to supply issues due to high demand for Pokémon toys. Tragically, on December 27, Burger King recalled its Poké Ball toy after a 13-month-old girl died from suffocating on one.
November 1999: Demand for Pokémon Toys Exceeds Supply
In November 1999, USA Today reported that factories making Hasbro's Pokémon toys had expanded production by 20 times, but demand still exceeded supply in the US.
November 1999: Peak of Pokémon-related incidents in the US
In November 1999, incidents related to Pokémon, including violence, burglaries, robberies, and shoplifting, peaked in the US. These incidents were connected to the Pokémon cards and involved underage individuals.
November 1999: Premiere of Pokémon: The First Movie in the US and South Park satire
On November 12, 1999, Pokémon: The First Movie premiered in the United States. The South Park episode "Chinpokomon" satirizing Pokémon also aired on November 3, 1999, portraying it as a low-quality line of products part of an evil Japanese plan.
1999: Nintendo's Profit Increase Due to Pokémon Craze
In 1999, Nintendo experienced a 250% increase in profits compared to the previous year, reaching a six-year high, largely due to the Pokémon craze. The Pokémon franchise accounted for over 30% of Nintendo's revenue during that year, significantly boosting the sales of the Game Boy line. This financial surge occurred as Nintendo was losing ground in the home console market to Sony's PlayStation.
1999: Pokémon's ubiquitous fad in the Western world.
In 1999, Pokémon became an unprecedented, ubiquitous fad in the Western world. Time magazine described it as "a multimedia and interactive barrage like no other before it".
1999: Peak of Pokémania in North America
In North America, Pokémania peaked in 1999, marking the height of the franchise's popularity before it began to slow down in the following year.
1999: Stock Market Impact of Pokémon Licensees
In the summer of 1999, a surge in stocks of publicly traded Pokémon licensees dramatically increased their value. However, by November 1999, investors, anticipating a peak and fall in Pokémon's popularity, started shorting their shares, demonstrating bearish sentiment about the franchise's future prospects.
February 2000: European premiere of Pokémon: The First Movie
In February 2000, Pokémon: The First Movie premiered in European countries. The film received negative reviews, being decried as a cheap animated cash-in.
April 2000: Peak of Pokémon-related delinquency in England
In April 2000, Pokémon-related delinquency reached a head in England. High prices on the grey market were a motive behind some of the crimes, "posing a great temptation for older kids and bullies to take advantage of weaker children".
April 2000: Anime Loses Top Spot on Kids' WB
On April 29, 2000, the Pokémon anime was bumped off Kids' WB's No. 1 spot after holding it for 54 weeks. Around the same time, Pokémon was surpassed at Fox Kids by its rival Digimon.
September 2000: 4Kids Named Fastest-Growing Company
On September 4, 2000, 4Kids, a firm that experienced a thirty-fold revenue increase due to Pokémon, was named the fastest-growing company in America in Fortune magazine.
October 2000: Reformation of Pokémon Center Co. Ltd. into The Pokémon Company
In October 2000, the Pokemon Center Co. Ltd. was reconfigured into The Pokémon Company (TPC) with the goal of centralizing and streamlining the global management of Pokémon.
October 2000: Release of Pokémon Gold and Silver in North America
On October 15, 2000, Pokémon Gold and Silver, the successors to Red/Green/Blue, were released in North America.
2000: "Pokémania"
By 2000, "Pokémania" was in full swing as the Pokémon franchise took the world by storm.
2000: Development of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Begins
From 2000, Game Freak began developing Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, the successors to Gold and Silver, for the newly released Game Boy Advance.
2000: Pokémon remains a widespread fad in the Western world.
In 2000, Pokémon remained a widespread fad in the Western world, continuing its multimedia and interactive barrage.
January 2001: Collapse of Pokémon Trading Card Market in the US
On January 20, 2001, The New York Times reported that the Pokémon trading card market had collapsed in the US, indicating a decline in the franchise's popularity.
February 2001: Establishment of Pokémon USA
In February 2001, Pokémon USA was established as an affiliated firm of The Pokémon Company, expanding the company's presence in North America.
April 2001: Release of Pokémon Gold and Silver in Europe
On April 6, 2001, Pokémon Gold and Silver were released in Europe.
June 2001: Survey Confirms Waning Popularity in the UK
A June 2001 survey in the United Kingdom confirmed that Pokémon's popularity was waning there, reflecting a broader trend of declining interest in the franchise.
October 2001: 4Kids Entertainment Signs New Contract with Pokémon USA
In October 2001, 4Kids Entertainment signed a new contract with Pokémon USA (PUSA), continuing to serve as Pokémon's exclusive licensing agent and anime localizer.
2001: Opening of American Pokémon Center in New York City
In 2001, an American Pokémon Center opened in New York City, expanding the franchise's retail presence internationally.
2002: End of Pokémania Fad Globally
By 2002, the Pokémania fad was largely over globally, signaling a significant decline in the franchise's widespread popularity.
2002: End of Initial Craze
By 2002, the initial "Pokémania" craze had subsided, but Pokémon remained a fixture in popular culture, with new products continuing to be released.
2002: Weekly Pokémon Broadcasting Station aired
In 2002, Weekly Pokémon Broadcasting Station, a variety show, started airing on TV Tokyo.
2002: Development of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire
Until 2002, Game Freak developed Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, the successors to Gold and Silver, for the newly released Game Boy Advance.
March 2003: Establishment of Pokémon UK
In March 2003, Pokémon UK was established in London as a British representative of The Pokémon Company, further expanding its global presence.
2004: End of Weekly Pokémon Broadcasting Station airing
In 2004, Weekly Pokémon Broadcasting Station, a variety show, stopped airing on TV Tokyo.
2004: Scholarly Insight on Pokémon's Impact on Nintendo
In 2004, scholars David Buckingham and Julian Sefton-Green argued that Nintendo's survival as one of Japan's most profitable corporations could be attributed to the success of Pokémon, emphasizing the franchise's crucial role in the company's financial stability.
2004: Anthropologist claims reactions to Pokémon constituted moral panic
In a 2004 essay, anthropologist Christine R. Yano claimed that the reactions to the Pokémon franchise at one point constituted a moral panic due to its impact on children.
December 2005: End of Agreement Between 4Kids and Pokémon USA and Voice Actor Replacement
On December 23, 2005, it was announced that the agreement between 4Kids Entertainment and Pokémon USA (PUSA) would not be renewed and would expire on December 31. PUSA took over all licensing in-house and localized the anime in cooperation with TAJ Productions. PUSA proceeded to replace almost all of the original English voice actors, sparking controversy among fans and the actors themselves.
2005: Remodeling of Pokémon Center in New York City into Nintendo World
In 2005, the American Pokémon Center in New York City was remodeled into Nintendo World, later renamed Nintendo New York, marking a shift in the retail focus.
September 2006: Release of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl in Japan
On September 28, 2006, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl were released for the Nintendo DS in Japan, marking the fourth generation (Generation IV) in the Pokémon video game series. These games were designed with the DS's features in mind, such as its Wi-Fi capabilities and Game Boy Advance cartridge slot.
2006: Diamond and Pearl referred to as Gen 4
In 2006, Junichi Masuda referred to Diamond and Pearl as Gen 4.
April 2007: Release of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl in North America
On April 22, 2007, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl were released for the Nintendo DS in North America, further expanding the fourth generation (Generation IV) in the Pokémon video game series.
March 2009: Release of Pokémon Platinum in North America
On March 22, 2009, Pokémon Platinum was released in North America, completing the launch of the fourth generation Pokémon series in this region.
2009: Merger of Pokémon USA and Pokémon UK to form TPCi
In 2009, Pokémon USA and Pokémon UK merged to form The Pokémon Company International (TPCi), a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company (TPC) that manages the Pokémon franchise outside of Asia.
2009: The Pokémon Company International Manages Franchise
Since 2009, The Pokémon Company International (TPCi), a subsidiary of TPC, has managed the franchise in all regions outside Asia.
September 2010: Release of Pokémon Black and White in Japan
On September 18, 2010, Pokémon Black and White were released in Japan for the DS, introducing enhanced visual effects and increased use of 3D graphics. The developers excluded old Pokémon and introduced over 150 new Pokémon.
March 2011: Release of Pokémon Black and White in North America
On March 6, 2011, Pokémon Black and White were released in North America for the DS. These games featured enhanced visual effects, an increased use of 3D graphics, and introduced over 150 new Pokémon to provide a sense of novelty.
2011: Pokémon games exclusively on Nintendo consoles until 2011
Until 2011, Pokémon games were released exclusively on Nintendo's consoles.
June 2012: Release of Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 in Japan
On June 23, 2012, Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 were released in Japan, continuing the Generation V series with new adventures and features.
October 2012: Release of Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 in North America
On October 7, 2012, Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 were released in North America, bringing the next installment of the Generation V series to players in this region.
October 2013: Worldwide Release of Pokémon X and Y for 3DS
On October 12, 2013, Pokémon X and Y were released worldwide for the 3DS, marking the first time Pokémon games were released simultaneously across the globe. The developers focused on the themes of "beauty", "bond", and "evolution" and introduced a new core mechanic where Pokémon could achieve a higher form of evolution by strengthening their bonds with trainers.
2013: X and Y referred to as the 6th generation
In 2013, Junichi Masuda referred to X and Y as the 6th generation of Pokémon games.
2014: Conception of Google Maps Pokémon Challenge
In 2014, the concept for Pokémon Go originated as a Google April Fools' Day joke called the "Google Maps Pokémon Challenge", conceived by Tsunekazu Ishihara and Satoru Iwata.
July 2016: Financial Success of Pokémon Go in July 2016
By the end of July 2016, Pokémon Go generated more than $160 million through in-game purchases, with daily revenue around $10 million. The same month, it surpassed $200 million in worldwide revenue, beating records set by Clash of Clans and Candy Crush, and its average daily usage on Android devices exceeded that of major social media platforms.
September 2016: Pokémon Go Revenue and Download Milestones in September 2016
By September 2, 2016, Pokémon Go had generated over $440 million in worldwide revenue. By September 30, the game had reached 500 million downloads and grossed $470 million in 80 days. Pokémon Go reached $600 million in revenue after only 90 days on the market, becoming the fastest mobile game ever to achieve this milestone.
November 2016: Worldwide Release of Pokémon Sun and Moon for 3DS
On November 18, 2016, Pokémon Sun and Moon were released worldwide for the 3DS, with a European release on November 23, 2016. Inspired by Hawaii, the developers aimed to focus on Pokémon as living creatures and express a respect for life, with the Sun and Moon influencing each other and life as a result.
2016: Pokémon Go spawns worldwide craze
In 2016, Pokémon Go, an augmented reality game developed by Niantic, spawned a worldwide craze.
2016: Release of Pokémon Go and Second Worldwide Fad
In 2016, the Pokémon franchise experienced a second worldwide surge in popularity with the release of Pokémon Go, a mobile augmented reality game developed by Niantic. The game originated from a Google April Fools' Day joke in 2014.
2016: Release of Pokémon Go
In the summer of 2016, the franchise experienced a resurgence with the release of Pokémon Go, an augmented reality game developed by Niantic.
2018: Release of Detective Pikachu
In 2018, Detective Pikachu, an adventure game, was released.
November 2019: Release of Pokémon Sword and Shield for the Switch
On November 15, 2019, Pokémon Sword and Shield were released for the Switch. These games were designed based on the theme of becoming the greatest or strongest, which was expressed through the Dynamax/Gigantamax Pokémon mechanic. The developers took advantage of the Switch's high resolution and TV connectivity to implement the games' gigantic-size core Pokémon mechanic.
2019: Release of Detective Pikachu live-action/animated film
In 2019, Detective Pikachu, a live-action/animated film based on the video game, was released.
2020: Release of Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle
In 2020, Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle was released, marking the 23rd anime film in the franchise.
2020: COVID-19 pandemic sparks Pokémon card resurgence
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased popularity of Pokémon cards due to widespread ennui and leisure time. Influencers like Logan Paul further fueled the craze, resulting in supply shortages, safety concerns at retail outlets, and skyrocketing card values.
January 2022: Release of Pokémon Legends: Arceus
In January 2022, Pokémon Legends: Arceus was released for the Switch as a prequel to Diamond and Pearl. The game introduced real-time elements and a new approach to catching Pokémon, differing from traditional RPG mechanics. Its landscape was similar to those of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
November 2022: Introduction of Generation IX with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
In November 2022, Generation IX was introduced with the release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet for the Switch. The games featured an entirely open-world experience and departed from traditional gym mechanics, opting for unique road quests. The improved multiplayer experience allowed for up to four players to travel together.
September 2023: Release of The Teal Mask DLC
In September 2023, the DLC "The Teal Mask," part of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, was released.
October 2023: Premiere of Poketto ni Bōken o Tsumekonde television drama
On October 20, 2023, a live-action television drama, Poketto ni Bōken o Tsumekonde ("A Pocketful of Adventures"), premiered on TV Tokyo.
December 2023: Release of The Indigo Disk DLC
In December 2023, the DLC "The Indigo Disk," part of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, was released.
January 2024: Number of Pokémon Species
As of January 2024, there have been 1,025 Pokémon species that have been introduced.
January 2024: Epilogue to The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero released
On January 11, 2024, an epilogue to The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet was released.
March 2025: Over 489 million Pokémon game units sold worldwide as of March 2025
As of March 2025, over 489 million Pokémon game units have been sold worldwide, according to the official website of The Pokémon Company.
March 2025: Over 75 billion Pokémon cards printed as of March 2025
As of March 2025, over 75 billion Pokémon cards have been printed, according to the official website of The Pokémon Company.
April 2025: Start of Pokémon Horizons – Rising Hope airing
On April 11, 2025, Pokémon Horizons – Rising Hope, the current season of the Pokémon anime, started airing.
September 2025: Number of Pokémon Merchandise Shops in Japan
As of September 2025, there are a total of 23 Pokémon merchandise shops operating in Japan.
October 2025: Release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A
On October 16, 2025, Pokémon Legends: Z-A was released for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 as part of Generation IX. It is a successor to Legends: Arceus and returns to the Kalos region.
December 2025: Release of Mega Dimension DLC
On December 10, 2025, the Mega Dimension DLC for Pokémon Legends: Z-A was released.
2025: Value of a rare Pokémon card in 2025
In 2025, a rare Pokémon card could be bought and sold for about $97 at specialty shops and online auctions.
2025: Dollar Value Conversion
In 2025, the dollar value from the 1900s has been adjusted for comparison purposes.
January 2026: Lego announces first ever Pokémon sets available for preorder
In January 2026, Lego announced their first ever Pokémon sets available for preorder, which were to be released on February 27, 2026. A massive $650 set sold out quickly and was being resold on eBay before its official release.
February 27, 2026: Release of First Ever Pokémon Lego Sets
On February 27, 2026, the first ever Pokémon Lego sets were released. Prior to the release, a massive $650 set sold out quickly and was being resold on eBay.
2026: Status of Detective Pikachu sequel unknown
As of 2026, the status of the sequel to Detective Pikachu remains unknown, despite its announcement prior to the original's premiere.
2026: Official unveiling of the 30th anniversary franchise logo
In 2026, the official logo for the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise was officially unveiled on social media.
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