Pokémon Day 2026: Major Announcements for Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Pokémon Champions, and Nintendo Switch 2
Pokémon Day 2026 marks a significant milestone for Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, as fans around the world celebrate three decades of Pokémon adventures.
Since the original release of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green in Japan in 1996, the franchise has become one of the industry’s most iconic and enduring, boasting over 440 million games sold worldwide.
At the heart of this year’s festivities, The Pokémon Company revealed exciting developments for several beloved games and shined a spotlight on the future of Pokémon on Nintendo hardware, including the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC Unveiled One of the biggest announcements from today’s Pokémon Presents livestream was the unveiling of the Mega Dimension DLC for Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
Game Freak confirmed that this expansion will introduce Mega Garchomp Z as a special encounter.
Players can obtain the Garchompite Z stone by challenging and defeating Mega Garchomp Z via the Mystery Gift feature.
According to official communication from The Pokémon Company, players must unlock the Rewards feature through Mable’s Research and connect their system to the internet in order to access the Mystery Gift—a feature compatible with both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 systems.
This addition expands the already rich gameplay of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, continuing Game Freak’s tradition of keeping long-standing fans engaged with fresh content. Pokémon Champions to Feature in 2026 World Championships Anticipation is building for Pokémon Champions, another key highlight presented during the event.
Notably, Pokémon Champions will serve as the official game for the Pokémon World Championships in 2026, underlining the game’s significance within the competitive Pokémon landscape.
The Pokémon Company expressed its enthusiasm for fans joining the global competition and encouraged players to stay tuned for further updates on tournament details and features. Pokémon UNITE Welcomes Legendary Birds and More Pokémon UNITE continues to evolve as a premier free-to-play multiplayer experience on the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.
To mark Pokémon Day, Zapdos, Moltres, and Articuno have been added as playable characters via limited-time events—allowing fans to unlock their Unite licenses through in-game participation.
In addition, Meganium, Typhlosion, and Feraligatr will soon join the growing roster, and a new Electrode Volleyball world tour event has been teased.
These updates reinforce Pokémon UNITE’s status as a dynamic entry in the franchise’s wider ecosystem. Pokémon Café ReMix: Partner Pokémon Palooza Starts February 28 Pokémon Café ReMix, the popular puzzle and café management title, is launching a region-wide celebration focusing on all first partner Pokémon.
Events kick off on February 28, offering players the chance to earn special brooches featuring Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle.
The game also promises new chef outfits, additional Pokémon, and expanded café customization options throughout the anniversary year. Pokémon Pokopia Set for March 5 Launch on Nintendo Switch 2 In one of the day’s most anticipated hardware showcases, Nintendo announced that Pokémon Pokopia will launch exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on March 5, 2026.
Players can shape a new world and build their lives alongside Pokémon companions, with features including both local and online multiplayer modes for up to four players.
Early adopters are eligible for a bonus Ditto Rug in-game item, with pre-orders now available via the Nintendo eShop.
This release signals a new era for mainline Pokémon gameplay, leveraging the technical advancements of Nintendo’s latest hardware. Pokémon Day 2026 highlights the ongoing commitment of The Pokémon Company and Game Freak to deliver innovative gameplay experiences across Nintendo platforms.
As the celebration continues throughout the year, fans can look forward to more adventures, new updates, and a range of commemorative events industry-wide.
Since the original release of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green in Japan in 1996, the franchise has become one of the industry’s most iconic and enduring, boasting over 440 million games sold worldwide.
At the heart of this year’s festivities, The Pokémon Company revealed exciting developments for several beloved games and shined a spotlight on the future of Pokémon on Nintendo hardware, including the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC Unveiled One of the biggest announcements from today’s Pokémon Presents livestream was the unveiling of the Mega Dimension DLC for Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
Game Freak confirmed that this expansion will introduce Mega Garchomp Z as a special encounter.
Players can obtain the Garchompite Z stone by challenging and defeating Mega Garchomp Z via the Mystery Gift feature.
According to official communication from The Pokémon Company, players must unlock the Rewards feature through Mable’s Research and connect their system to the internet in order to access the Mystery Gift—a feature compatible with both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 systems.
This addition expands the already rich gameplay of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, continuing Game Freak’s tradition of keeping long-standing fans engaged with fresh content. Pokémon Champions to Feature in 2026 World Championships Anticipation is building for Pokémon Champions, another key highlight presented during the event.
Notably, Pokémon Champions will serve as the official game for the Pokémon World Championships in 2026, underlining the game’s significance within the competitive Pokémon landscape.
The Pokémon Company expressed its enthusiasm for fans joining the global competition and encouraged players to stay tuned for further updates on tournament details and features. Pokémon UNITE Welcomes Legendary Birds and More Pokémon UNITE continues to evolve as a premier free-to-play multiplayer experience on the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.
To mark Pokémon Day, Zapdos, Moltres, and Articuno have been added as playable characters via limited-time events—allowing fans to unlock their Unite licenses through in-game participation.
In addition, Meganium, Typhlosion, and Feraligatr will soon join the growing roster, and a new Electrode Volleyball world tour event has been teased.
These updates reinforce Pokémon UNITE’s status as a dynamic entry in the franchise’s wider ecosystem. Pokémon Café ReMix: Partner Pokémon Palooza Starts February 28 Pokémon Café ReMix, the popular puzzle and café management title, is launching a region-wide celebration focusing on all first partner Pokémon.
Events kick off on February 28, offering players the chance to earn special brooches featuring Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle.
The game also promises new chef outfits, additional Pokémon, and expanded café customization options throughout the anniversary year. Pokémon Pokopia Set for March 5 Launch on Nintendo Switch 2 In one of the day’s most anticipated hardware showcases, Nintendo announced that Pokémon Pokopia will launch exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on March 5, 2026.
Players can shape a new world and build their lives alongside Pokémon companions, with features including both local and online multiplayer modes for up to four players.
Early adopters are eligible for a bonus Ditto Rug in-game item, with pre-orders now available via the Nintendo eShop.
This release signals a new era for mainline Pokémon gameplay, leveraging the technical advancements of Nintendo’s latest hardware. Pokémon Day 2026 highlights the ongoing commitment of The Pokémon Company and Game Freak to deliver innovative gameplay experiences across Nintendo platforms.
As the celebration continues throughout the year, fans can look forward to more adventures, new updates, and a range of commemorative events industry-wide.
