Nintendo fans and Pokémon trainers alike have much to look forward to as Nintendo announces a major celebration for the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise.
On February 27th, 2026, the Nintendo New York and Nintendo San Francisco stores will be hosting exclusive events to commemorate the historic milestone, offering fans a unique way to honor three decades of Pokémon adventures, games, and collectibles. Since the launch of Pokémon Red and Green in Japan in 1996, the franchise—developed by Game Freak and published by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo—has become a cultural phenomenon.
With more than 440 million video game units sold and a global reach spanning video games, animated series, films, merchandise, and competitive tournaments, Pokémon stands as one of the most successful and enduring properties in gaming history. While Nintendo has yet to reveal the full schedule of activities for the Pokémon 30th anniversary event at its flagship retail locations, the company has confirmed that both Nintendo New York and Nintendo San Francisco will invite fans to celebrate on-site.
According to the official Nintendo website, details remain under wraps, with only a short announcement noting the event date and celebration intent. Looking at previous Pokémon Day events, attendees can likely anticipate engaging activities such as photo opportunities with life-sized Pokémon mascots, limited-edition merchandise releases, and themed decorations.
Past celebrations have featured fan-favorite characters like Pikachu and Eevee as well as exclusive event giveaways that quickly became collector’s items. One expected highlight for this year is the opportunity to experience a demo of Pokémon Pokopia, the upcoming installment in the storied franchise confirmed for release on March 5th, 2026, exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2.
As the first new Pokémon mainline game tailored for Nintendo’s next-generation hardware, fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to sample gameplay mechanics and features unique to Pokopia ahead of launch. In addition to in-store activities, the 30th anniversary is marked by notable merchandise launches, such as the return of the beloved Plump Pikachu plush from 1997 and new LEGO Pokémon sets featuring iconic characters from the Kanto region.
The Pokémon Company has also released a special commemorative logo honoring three decades of catching, battling, and trading monsters. Nintendo’s flagship stores have long served as gathering spots for the Pokémon community, and this upcoming celebration is poised to draw fans from across the country.
As more details emerge, be sure to watch the Nintendo website and official Pokémon channels for updates on special guests, exclusive product launches, and event schedules.
Whether you’re a seasoned Pokémon Master or a new trainer, the 30th anniversary celebration in New York and San Francisco promises to be a memorable tribute to one of gaming’s most cherished franchises.
On February 27th, 2026, the Nintendo New York and Nintendo San Francisco stores will be hosting exclusive events to commemorate the historic milestone, offering fans a unique way to honor three decades of Pokémon adventures, games, and collectibles. Since the launch of Pokémon Red and Green in Japan in 1996, the franchise—developed by Game Freak and published by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo—has become a cultural phenomenon.
With more than 440 million video game units sold and a global reach spanning video games, animated series, films, merchandise, and competitive tournaments, Pokémon stands as one of the most successful and enduring properties in gaming history. While Nintendo has yet to reveal the full schedule of activities for the Pokémon 30th anniversary event at its flagship retail locations, the company has confirmed that both Nintendo New York and Nintendo San Francisco will invite fans to celebrate on-site.
According to the official Nintendo website, details remain under wraps, with only a short announcement noting the event date and celebration intent. Looking at previous Pokémon Day events, attendees can likely anticipate engaging activities such as photo opportunities with life-sized Pokémon mascots, limited-edition merchandise releases, and themed decorations.
Past celebrations have featured fan-favorite characters like Pikachu and Eevee as well as exclusive event giveaways that quickly became collector’s items. One expected highlight for this year is the opportunity to experience a demo of Pokémon Pokopia, the upcoming installment in the storied franchise confirmed for release on March 5th, 2026, exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2.
As the first new Pokémon mainline game tailored for Nintendo’s next-generation hardware, fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to sample gameplay mechanics and features unique to Pokopia ahead of launch. In addition to in-store activities, the 30th anniversary is marked by notable merchandise launches, such as the return of the beloved Plump Pikachu plush from 1997 and new LEGO Pokémon sets featuring iconic characters from the Kanto region.
The Pokémon Company has also released a special commemorative logo honoring three decades of catching, battling, and trading monsters. Nintendo’s flagship stores have long served as gathering spots for the Pokémon community, and this upcoming celebration is poised to draw fans from across the country.
As more details emerge, be sure to watch the Nintendo website and official Pokémon channels for updates on special guests, exclusive product launches, and event schedules.
Whether you’re a seasoned Pokémon Master or a new trainer, the 30th anniversary celebration in New York and San Francisco promises to be a memorable tribute to one of gaming’s most cherished franchises.
