The Pokémon Company is celebrating the franchise's 30th anniversary on February 27, 2026, with a special Pokémon Presents livestream and the release of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on Nintendo Switch. These 2004 remakes of the original games feature version-exclusive Pokémon to encourage trading. Additional announcements include new merchandise and pinball machines.
Pokémon Day falls on February 27 each year, commemorating the 1996 Japanese release of Pocket Monsters Red and Green, the first games in the series. For the 30th anniversary, The Pokémon Company has scheduled a Pokémon Presents presentation at 9 a.m. Eastern Time (2 p.m. UTC), lasting approximately 25 minutes. The event will stream on YouTube, Twitch, Instagram, and TikTok, offering updates on video games, spin-offs, mobile titles, trading card collectibles, and animated productions.
A key highlight is the launch of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen on the Nintendo Switch eShop following the showcase. These remakes, originally released in 2004, are described as the definitive versions of the initial Pokémon RPGs. Like the originals, they include version-exclusive Pokémon to promote trading. FireRed exclusives comprise Ekans, Arbok, Oddish, Gloom, Vileplume, Psyduck, Golduck, Growlithe, Arcanine, Shellder, Cloyster, Scyther, Electabuzz, Bellossom, Wooper, Quagsire, Murkrow, Qwilfish, Scizor, Delibird, Skarmory, Elekid, and Deoxys’ Attack Forme. LeafGreen exclusives include Sandshrew, Sandslash, Vulpix, Ninetales, Bellsprout, Weepinbell, Victreebel, Slowpoke, Slowbro, Staryu, Starmie, Magmar, Pinsir, Marill, Azumarill, Slowking, Misdreavus, Sneasel, Remoraid, Octillery, Mantine, Magby, Azurill, and Deoxys’ Defense Forme.
Anniversary merchandise showcased at a Japan event features a black-and-white Pikachu plush mimicking the original Game Boy sprite, charms based on mainline game box art, camping gear with Kanto starters, and a Fat Pikachu plush recalling early designs. Stern Pinball has released Pokémon-themed machines with Kanto elements, including animatronic Pikachu, Team Rocket's Meowth balloon, four habitats, and anime footage, available in Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition versions starting at $6,999. Pre-orders for FireRed and LeafGreen are live, with expectations for reveals on upcoming titles like the rumored Generation X games Wind and Wave.
