When and what to expect from Pokemon Day 2026

Pokemon Day isn't just another date on the calendar; it's the most anticipated annual celebration in the monster hunting universe that takes place on the same day as the original Pokemon red and green launch back in Japan, February 27, 1996. In 2026, it will be at stake Pokemon as a franchise, they're higher than ever, not only because of the continued airing of Pokémon Presents, but also because this year Pokemon30th anniversary and next big chapter in the series to be announced.

'This year will be the best yet' Pokemon touts 30th anniversary plans

Pokemon, which is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026, is teasing big plans for fans in the new year by touting it as the best yet.

When and what to expect from Pokémon Presents 2026 — The main event

Like its predecessors, Pokemon Day 2026 will focus on the Pokemon Presents live stream, which will likely stream globally in the early afternoon CET, which means very early in the morning for US EST time zones and even earlier for the West Coast (based on historical scheduling). This show usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes and is full of trailers, surprises, and official news straight from The Pokemon Company.

Expect the following:

Official release dates for upcoming titles (e.g. Pokemon Champions)
World premiere game trailers (i.e. new releases in Pokemon Unite)
Teases for brand new projects (e.g. Pokemon wind and wave)
Updates across mobile devices and consoles Pokemon experience (i.e Pokemon TCG Pocket extension)

Pokemon Presents has consistently served as the franchise's road map for the year, and the 2026 anniversary backdrop pretty much guarantees bigger news than usual.

Big Game and Pokemon Gen 10 Announcements

Gen 10 Pokémon revealed on Pokémon Day 2026

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See how Pokemon Legends: Arceus was “one more thing” for the franchise's 25th anniversary and we'll see how Pokemon Scarlet and VioletThe reveal came at the end of the Pokemon Presents show on Pokemon Day 2022, it makes sense that the Gen 10 games will be revealed this February as the final part of the presentation. This is consistent with previous big announcements and previews and is pretty much guaranteed Pokemon Gen 10 will be there, with the best release date being the 2026 holiday season to celebrate 30 years since Pokemon. This will be the biggest announcement of the year, but don't expect anything from it other than confirmation of titles, some loose details on characters and setting, and a first look at Pokemon Gen 10 starters.

Pokemon Legends: ZA — What's next?

side mission 167 Porygon's Polygon Count in pokemon legends for mega dimension (6)

After the main release Pokemon Legends: ZA last year, including the December 2025 Mega Dimension DLC, many trainers are expecting new details in 2026. This could include:

Pokemon Champions details

Gardevoir uses Moonlight on Hydreigon - Pokémon Champions

First revealed on Pokemon Day 2025, Pokemon Champions is a cross-platform strategic battle Pokemon game scheduled for release in 2026 for Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android. It is expected to support:

Pokemon Day 2026 could finally lock in a release date or show a sensational trailer for this long-awaited spin-off, revealing more about its scope and purpose. It could become the new center of battle for VGC.

Pokemon Pokopia game

Nintendo recently confirmed this Pokemon Pokopiaa creative, cozy sandbox-style game Stardew Valleywill launch in early March 2026 for the Nintendo Switch 2, making it a prime candidate for Pokémon Day. Fans should expect a new gameplay trailer or a deep dive into its unique building and exploration mechanics.

Mobile, TCG, GO and Beyond – Broad coverage of Pokemon franchises

Historical Pokémon Day presentations show that the celebration is not limited to console titles, as mobile games usually get a significant boost through new events and releases. Previous events have brought:

Main Pokemon TCG Pocket expansions and special reinforcement announcements
Free in-game bonuses for Scarlet and Violet
Live events and gaming activities across Pokemon Go, Uniteand others

Expect the 2026 edition to continue this trend, with special anniversary items, bonus content and unique tie-ins between games appearing alongside the main broadcast.

LEGO Pokemon sets in 2026

From this year, the first LEGO is released Pokemon sets ever, with the first batch featuring the already popular collectible LEGO set for Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise, it makes sense that more sets would be revealed on Pokemon Day. There are several other leaked sets for 2026, and Pokemon Day could confirm or deny them.

February 27, 2026 will also see the release of the first Pokemon sets.

30 Years of Pokemon: An Anniversary Surprise

The year 2026 marks three decades Pokemonthe celebration could extend beyond simple game news:

30th Anniversary Merch Announcement — Likely exclusive figures, apparel, plush and collectibles supporting the franchise's history.
Retro Throwbacks and Moments of Nostalgia — Pokemon has already teased nostalgic elements like the classic Pikachu design in 2026 promotions, and the 30th anniversary show can lean on more popular Pokemon memories.
Potential remakes or remasters of classic games – Rumors suggest that Nintendo could surprise fans with updates or remasters of old games. Pokemon games that have long been desired by fans and would fit the 30th anniversary bill perfectly.