Pokémon 30th Anniversary: Celebrating Three Decades of Iconic Nintendo Franchise
Pokémon, the beloved franchise that helped define decades of gaming, officially turns 30 years old today, February 27, 2026, in Japan.
To mark the milestone, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have released a commemorative video celebrating the franchise's remarkable history, spanning from its humble beginnings on the original Game Boy to its latest releases on the Nintendo Switch. The Pokémon 30th anniversary video offers a nostalgic journey through each generation, showcasing the series’ evolution in game design, art direction, and memorable Pokémon creatures.
Notable fan favorites and unique logos representing each generation are prominently featured, reflecting on the rich diversity and creative vision that have become synonymous with the Pokémon name.
The video stands as a tribute to the enduring appeal of Pokémon and its global impact on players and culture. Pokémon first launched in Japan on February 27, 1996, with the release of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green for the Game Boy.
Later that same year, Pokémon Blue joined the lineup, offering enhanced graphics and gameplay tweaks.
The series made a landmark debut in Western markets in 1998, with Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue arriving on North American and European shores.
Since then, Pokémon has grown into a multimedia juggernaut, with mainline games, spin-offs, hit anime adaptations, and a wide array of merchandise and trading cards, continually setting sales records and capturing the imaginations of millions of fans across generations. According to The Pokémon Company, the festivities for the 30th anniversary are just beginning.
Pokémon Presents, a digital presentation premiering tomorrow, will outline upcoming projects and reveal what’s next for the franchise.
The event is highly anticipated, particularly among Nintendo Switch owners and the global fanbase eager for new mainline titles and innovative gameplay experiences on the eShop. In three decades, Pokémon has grown from its Game Boy roots into a defining pillar of Nintendo’s legacy, outpacing most entertainment brands in cultural reach and sales achievements.
As the franchise enters its fourth decade, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company are poised to keep the momentum strong, ensuring Pokémon’s place at the forefront of interactive entertainment. Fans can watch the official Pokémon 30th anniversary video on the franchise’s YouTube channel and stay tuned for updates from the Pokémon Presents showcase.
With new content on the horizon, the Pokémon legacy shows no signs of fading.
To mark the milestone, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have released a commemorative video celebrating the franchise's remarkable history, spanning from its humble beginnings on the original Game Boy to its latest releases on the Nintendo Switch. The Pokémon 30th anniversary video offers a nostalgic journey through each generation, showcasing the series’ evolution in game design, art direction, and memorable Pokémon creatures.
Notable fan favorites and unique logos representing each generation are prominently featured, reflecting on the rich diversity and creative vision that have become synonymous with the Pokémon name.
The video stands as a tribute to the enduring appeal of Pokémon and its global impact on players and culture. Pokémon first launched in Japan on February 27, 1996, with the release of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green for the Game Boy.
Later that same year, Pokémon Blue joined the lineup, offering enhanced graphics and gameplay tweaks.
The series made a landmark debut in Western markets in 1998, with Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue arriving on North American and European shores.
Since then, Pokémon has grown into a multimedia juggernaut, with mainline games, spin-offs, hit anime adaptations, and a wide array of merchandise and trading cards, continually setting sales records and capturing the imaginations of millions of fans across generations. According to The Pokémon Company, the festivities for the 30th anniversary are just beginning.
Pokémon Presents, a digital presentation premiering tomorrow, will outline upcoming projects and reveal what’s next for the franchise.
The event is highly anticipated, particularly among Nintendo Switch owners and the global fanbase eager for new mainline titles and innovative gameplay experiences on the eShop. In three decades, Pokémon has grown from its Game Boy roots into a defining pillar of Nintendo’s legacy, outpacing most entertainment brands in cultural reach and sales achievements.
As the franchise enters its fourth decade, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company are poised to keep the momentum strong, ensuring Pokémon’s place at the forefront of interactive entertainment. Fans can watch the official Pokémon 30th anniversary video on the franchise’s YouTube channel and stay tuned for updates from the Pokémon Presents showcase.
With new content on the horizon, the Pokémon legacy shows no signs of fading.
