Pokémon GO Marks 9th Anniversary With Special Artwork and Teases Future Features

Pokémon GO Celebrates 9th Anniversary With Exclusive Artwork and Exciting Features on the Horizon Pokémon GO, the groundbreaking mobile title developed by Niantic in partnership with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, recently celebrated its ninth anniversary—a testament to the game’s enduring popularity and continuous evolution.

Since its worldwide launch in July 2016, Pokémon GO has attracted millions of players, thanks to its innovative augmented reality gameplay and regular content updates that keep fans engaged.

To mark this major milestone, Niantic commissioned a special anniversary artwork designed by renowned Pokémon artist and character designer Yusuke Kozaki.

Kozaki, who played a formative role in sculpting the visual identity of Pokémon GO, created a vibrant illustration that captures the game’s dynamic spirit and hints at both its present features and future ambitions.

The celebratory image spotlights several key gameplay elements already implemented, such as Dynamax and Galar Pokémon, reflecting the game's steady integration of mainline Pokémon mechanics and new generations since its debut. However, the artwork also unveiled a notable surprise for the Pokémon GO community: the inclusion of Paradox Pokémon—specifically Iron Treads and Great Tusk.

Neither of these unique Pokémon has made their in-game debut yet, fueling anticipation among longtime trainers for future updates that expand the title’s roster.

The depiction of such Pokémon offers a glimpse into the direction Niantic is steering the game as it heads into its tenth year. Beyond new Pokémon, the artwork and developer statements point toward even more enhancements on the horizon.

An element featuring a 'trainer’s blue thumbs up' represents the company’s commitment to improving the title’s social features, with Niantic confirming that more robust social tools and innovative ways to interact are coming in future patches.

In an official statement, developers shared, "We are deeply appreciative of the opportunity to continually enhance Pokémon GO—with not just new features, but also engaging events and creative ways to discover Pokémon together." Pokémon GO has consistently excelled since its launch, earning over a billion downloads across the Apple App Store, Google Play, and official Nintendo eShop listings, and becoming one of the top grossing mobile games worldwide.

Niantic’s ongoing support—through themed events, platform crossovers, and attention to player feedback—has cemented Pokémon GO’s role as a staple in the Nintendo gaming ecosystem, especially for fans on mobile devices and the Nintendo Switch via Pokémon Home connectivity. Looking ahead, Niantic is optimistic.

The developer affirmed, "The tenth year of Pokémon GO is looking bright," as the company continues to invest in new features, regional Pokémon distributions, and community-driven events.

With the promise of more content and innovative gameplay in the works, Pokémon GO’s legacy as a pioneering AR experience appears stronger than ever.

Pokémon Pokémon GO Yusuke Kozaki Paradox Pokémon Niantic Nintendo Iron Treads Great Tusk Galar Pokémon Dynamax