Pokémon Turns 30: Why 2026 Is Shaping Up to Be a Landmark Year

[madmax]

2026 marks the 30th anniversary of Pokémon, and The Pokémon Company has already started building anticipation. A recent teaser from Pokémon’s official Japanese account confirmed that the franchise, which began with Pocket Monsters Red and Green in 1996, sees 2026 as “the best one yet,” signaling a major, multi-platform celebration.

While details remain tightly under wraps, the anniversary framing alone suggests something bigger than a single game release. Historically, Pokémon milestones have come with new generations, special collections, and cross-media events, making 2026 a focal point not just for longtime fans, but also for the franchise’s next evolutionary step.