A historic Pokémon Day.
Pokémon turns 30. Three decades have passed since the first games, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green, were released in Japan and started a phenomenon that is now known throughout the world. What began as a video game about capturing creatures and trading them with friends has become a giant saga. With games, cards, series, films and toys everywhere.
Thirty years later, Pokémon is celebrating in a big way. The brand—one of the most lucrative in the world—has prepared advertisements, events, and special releases to remember the past and show what’s coming next.
The highlight will be a special 25-minute video called Pokémon Presents. It will air this Friday morning and can be viewed on YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok. There they will reveal the main news about the anniversary. Expectations are high because every time they make one of these announcements, they usually present new games or important surprises.
This is not just any birthday. For many, it is a return to childhood, and for the company, it is a perfect opportunity to announce the future of the saga.
What has been confirmed and what is expected
The big news that has been confirmed is the return of Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen to the Nintendo Switch eShop. The 2004 remakes will be available for download right after the presentation and will retain the essence of the legendary Game Boy Advance, but with modern wireless connection features for trading.
But if anything defines any Pokémon anniversary, it’s the rumours. The most powerful one points to a first teaser for Generation 10, with a new region that could arrive in late 2026 or early 2027. Updates to Pokémon Legends: Z-A and its compatibility with Pokémon HOME are also expected, as well as a possible date for Pokémon Champions, the new competitive title for mobiles and consoles. And, as an unexpected icing on the cake, there are strong rumours of a collaboration with LEGO that would include official Pikachu, Charizard and even a Pokémon Centre sets. Nothing has been confirmed, but the rumours are there.
More than 1,000 logos: an almost obsessive celebration
But it’s not just about video games. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Pokémon has done something very striking. It has created more than 1,000 different logos, one for each Pokémon that exists (and also for their different versions). Yes, more than a thousand different designs. Each creature has its own special 30th anniversary logo.
These logos are appearing on giant posters in various cities across Japan and are also gradually being shared on social media from the official Pokémon account. Some are very simple and others are more eye-catching, but they all convey the same idea: celebrating each Pokémon as if it were unique. And, as expected, Pikachu — the most famous of them all — is the face of the campaign.
Which Pokémon are you? The viral 30th anniversary initiative
In addition, they have launched a game on social media so that everyone can have “their” 30th anniversary Pokémon. It’s easy to play: go to the message they have posted on X (formerly Twitter), click on the image and share the text that appears. Within a few seconds, the official account automatically replies telling you which Pokémon you’ve been assigned, along with a special drawing created for the anniversary.
It’s completely random. You might get a legendary one, a rare one, or one you didn’t even remember existed. The fun part is that everyone can share theirs and fill social media with Pokémon from all generations. It’s a simple way to celebrate 30 years and, at the same time, show off your favourite creature.
Pokémon GO is also joining in the celebration. They have activated a feature called ‘Which one is your favourite?’ that allows you to take a photo with almost any Pokémon and share it with the hashtag #Pokemon30. The funny thing is that you don’t even need an account or to log in to use it. You just go in, choose your Pokémon, and you’re done.
Much more than just one day
The anniversary week is also packed with events. From 23 to 26 February, there will be special releases of collectible cards. And from 28 February to 1 March, Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos will be held, a free in-game event for players around the world.
And if you’re in Madrid this weekend, you can also celebrate in person. The OXO Video Game Museum is hosting an exhibition dedicated to Pokémon, featuring consoles, games, and memorabilia from the 1990s. It’s located at Calle del Postigo de San Martín, 8, right in the city centre, so it’s easy to visit and relive the beginnings of the saga.
Thirty years later, Pokémon continues to do what it did at the beginning: bring people of different ages together around creatures, exchanges and friendly battles. The difference is that now it does so on a global scale and with enormous machinery behind it. But the idea remains the same. And not all sagas can say that they reach 30 years with this strength.
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