Pokémon 30th Anniversary: The Pokémon Company Unveils 1,025 Icon Collection for Nintendo Switch Fans
Pokémon, one of the most iconic franchises in video game history, marks its 30th anniversary on February 27, 2026.
Originally launched in Japan in 1996 with Pokémon Red and Green for the Game Boy, the franchise has grown to become a global phenomenon across various platforms, including the Nintendo Switch.
To commemorate three decades of imaginative monster collecting, The Pokémon Company has released a celebratory video and a new set of digital icons showcasing every Pokémon to date. The commemorative video, officially shared as Japan entered the anniversary date, shines a spotlight on the extensive legacy of the Pokémon franchise.
The highlight is a portfolio of 1,025 unique icons, each one meticulously designed to represent every Pokémon introduced since the series' inception.
Predominantly featuring well-loved starters and legendary Pokémon, the celebratory animation concludes with a wide-angle display that brings additional fan-favorites into view, acknowledging the expansive Pokédex and the millions of trainers worldwide who have sought to 'catch 'em all.' For those looking to explore each design in detail, all 1,025 icons have been made available in Pokédex order on the official Japanese Pokémon website.
This digital showcase offers fans a chance to appreciate the evolution of designs and characters that have defined the Pokémon brand over the years.
The initiative reflects The Pokémon Company’s ongoing commitment to engaging the established and ever-growing community of Pokémon fans. The icons are being distributed as part of a social media campaign organized by the official Pokémon Japan account (@poke_times) on X (formerly Twitter).
Users who retweet campaign posts receive a random Pokémon icon, further encouraging community participation in the festivities.
Beyond social media, the campaign has also taken to the streets, with vibrant billboards displaying the icons in major Japanese transport hubs such as Shinjuku Station in Tokyo and Namba Station in Osaka.
This marks a creative and impactful way to commemorate Pokémon’s cultural impact and widespread popularity in Japan and beyond. A spokesperson from The Pokémon Company emphasized that the project was about celebrating every Pokémon and the devoted trainers who have supported the franchise: 'We wanted to honor each Pokémon with its own identity and invite fans to take part in the celebration, regardless of when they joined the journey.' As the Pokémon franchise prepares for its upcoming Pokémon Presents showcase, fans on Nintendo Switch and other platforms can look forward to additional announcements, building upon this major milestone.
For now, the unveiling of the 1,025 Pokémon icons stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and boundless creativity that continue to define one of gaming’s most successful brands.
Originally launched in Japan in 1996 with Pokémon Red and Green for the Game Boy, the franchise has grown to become a global phenomenon across various platforms, including the Nintendo Switch.
To commemorate three decades of imaginative monster collecting, The Pokémon Company has released a celebratory video and a new set of digital icons showcasing every Pokémon to date. The commemorative video, officially shared as Japan entered the anniversary date, shines a spotlight on the extensive legacy of the Pokémon franchise.
The highlight is a portfolio of 1,025 unique icons, each one meticulously designed to represent every Pokémon introduced since the series' inception.
Predominantly featuring well-loved starters and legendary Pokémon, the celebratory animation concludes with a wide-angle display that brings additional fan-favorites into view, acknowledging the expansive Pokédex and the millions of trainers worldwide who have sought to 'catch 'em all.' For those looking to explore each design in detail, all 1,025 icons have been made available in Pokédex order on the official Japanese Pokémon website.
This digital showcase offers fans a chance to appreciate the evolution of designs and characters that have defined the Pokémon brand over the years.
The initiative reflects The Pokémon Company’s ongoing commitment to engaging the established and ever-growing community of Pokémon fans. The icons are being distributed as part of a social media campaign organized by the official Pokémon Japan account (@poke_times) on X (formerly Twitter).
Users who retweet campaign posts receive a random Pokémon icon, further encouraging community participation in the festivities.
Beyond social media, the campaign has also taken to the streets, with vibrant billboards displaying the icons in major Japanese transport hubs such as Shinjuku Station in Tokyo and Namba Station in Osaka.
This marks a creative and impactful way to commemorate Pokémon’s cultural impact and widespread popularity in Japan and beyond. A spokesperson from The Pokémon Company emphasized that the project was about celebrating every Pokémon and the devoted trainers who have supported the franchise: 'We wanted to honor each Pokémon with its own identity and invite fans to take part in the celebration, regardless of when they joined the journey.' As the Pokémon franchise prepares for its upcoming Pokémon Presents showcase, fans on Nintendo Switch and other platforms can look forward to additional announcements, building upon this major milestone.
For now, the unveiling of the 1,025 Pokémon icons stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and boundless creativity that continue to define one of gaming’s most successful brands.
