As Pokémon Fans Anticipate Gen 10 Reveal, Fat Pikachu Leads 30th Anniversary Festivities

The Pokémon universe is kicking off its 30th birthday festivities with the unveiling of a special new logo, a nostalgic animation featuring Fat Pikachu, and a tantalizing promise of exciting news in the coming months.

2026 marks the 30th anniversary of Pokémon, a franchise that began its journey to iconic status with the Japanese release of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green on the Game Boy. These games paved the way for the series to debut in the United States two years later with Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue.

A Nostalgic Celebration Begins

As Japan welcomed the new year on January 1, 2026, Pokémon began its anniversary celebrations by debuting a 30th Anniversary logo starring Pikachu, reminiscent of the mascot’s original, plumper design seldom seen today. The community was treated to a lively animation of this beloved version of Pikachu in action:

The brand shared on social media, “Pokémon 30th Anniversary, Here We Go!” noting the milestone of 30 years since Pokémon Red and Green launched, and hinting at an unforgettable year ahead. Fans can look forward to the main celebration on February 27, 2026, the official anniversary date, with sources expecting major announcements.

Anticipation Builds for Future Releases

The buzz for this year’s events is intense, especially in the wake of last year’s major leak of Pokémon game development details, which included hints about the much-anticipated 10th generation of games. These leaks suggested the introduction of new Pokémon, fresh gameplay mechanics, and procedurally-generated environments.

Additionally, Pokémon Pokopia, a life simulation spin-off, is set to launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on March 5. This game is expected to blend beloved Pokémon characters with gameplay elements similar to Animal Crossing, potentially making it a hit among fans.

Awaiting the Big Day

As the anniversary date approaches, fans eagerly await more information, with expectations high for the company’s annual Pokémon Presents showcase on February 27. Although not officially confirmed, this date has become a staple for major announcements in the Pokémon calendar. Excitement builds as the wait continues.