Grab your Pokédex and trainer caps, because February 27th was Pokémon Day! With this auspicious day for fans, a flood of information from The Pokémon Company was delivered. Previous rumors hinted about upcoming projects have been revealed. So join us for the highlights of the 25-minute Pokémon Presents Livestream.
Pokémon World Championships
The Pokémon World Championships began in 2004, when the card game was at peak popularity. Finally, this year’s Championships will be held in the birthplace of Pokémon for the first time ever. Yokohama, Japan will be hosting the 3-day tournament. Participants can compete through “Pokémon Scarlet” and “Pokémon Violet” for the Nintendo Switch. “Pokémon Unite” and the trading card game will also be avenues of competition. Naturally, the tournament will be broadcast live for those unable to attend. The tournament will be held August 11th-13th, 2023. Learn about qualifying here.
Re-release of Classic Pokémon Trading Card Game
The Pokémon Company is re-releasing an all-in-one pack of the original lineup of the Pokémon Trading Card Game cards. The aim for this pack is not only to celebrate Pokemon’s perpetual success, but also be a fast and easy way for new and returning players to play the TCG in a complete form. This pack will have everything fans need to play immediately. Building a deck to make your cards stronger is obviously a draw, but this should provide a full set of equipment to enjoy. No set date for this release was announced, but you can check out the not-final art here.
“Pokémon Concierge” on Netflix
Netflix has partnered with The Pokémon Company to present a stop-motion series. “Pokémon Concierge” will follow the concierge of a Pokémon Resort named Haru. The series, animated in charming stop-motion, will focus on the Pokémon guests that come to Haru’s hotel. A release date has yet to be announced, but it looks incredibly cute and will undoubtedly delight audiences with feel-good vibes. You can check out the teaser here.
Zacian Joins “Pokémon Unite“
Legendary Pokémon Zacian will be joining the roster for “Pokémon Unite.” The fairy type legendary is a wolf with a sword in its jaws. With an iconic silhouette, Zacian is often seen as a tribute to the boss Sif from “Dark Souls,” who possesses the same characteristics. Now players will be able to add the new addition to their lineup. There’s also something special for players who enter the code “POKEMONDAY”. You’ll have to enter the code to find out!
“Pokémon Scarlet/Violet” Starters added to “Pokémon Cafe Remix”
The Paldean starters of “Pokemon Scarlet” and “Violet” are being added to the popular puzzle game “Pokemon Cafe Remix.” Players have the chance to add Quaxly, Sprigatito, and Fuecoco to their cafe. Players can fulfill cafe orders and choose one of their favorites with enough points. Afterwards, you’ll have to test your luck with gacha pulls.
New App “Pokémon Sleep”
The Pokemon Company is getting in on the sleep app market. Introducing “Pokémon Sleep“. A new app for mobile phones that helps to improve its users sleep patterns and hours. Professor Neroli, a researcher of Pokemon sleeping habits, will help users to “research” pokemon sleep habits in order to encourage a good night’s sleep. Like many sleep apps, it will analyze, measure, and record your sleep patterns. Pokemon that match your sleep patterns will show up in your game. Which begs the question as to whether or not that will be healthy for completionists.
Pokémon Sleep is planned to launch in summer 2023, and the Pokémon GO Plus + is scheduled to release on July 14th, 2023.
Revival of the “Pokémon GO+ ” Accessory
The pokeball-shaped bluetooth accessory to pair with “Pokémon GO” has been reintroduced. With a new design, the accessory can be paired with both “Pokémon GO +” and “Pokémon Sleep.” And the trailer states that the two apps will communicate with one another with future updates, possibly bringing pokémon you’ve caught through the sleep app into your “Pokémon GO” game.
New Paradox Pokemon For “Pokémon Scarlet/Violet”
The newest update to “Pokémon Scarlet” and “Pokémon Violet” is the introduction of Paradox Pokémon. Apparently, Paradox Pokémon are subgroups derived from pre-existing ones. One set resembles ancient pokémon and the other represents futuristic pokémon. The newest additions are Iron Leaves, a pokémon that looks similar to the legendary Virizion. And Walking Wake, which looks derived from the legendary Suicune. These massive pokémon are sure to be welcome additions to the series.
“Pokémon GO” Connectivity with “Pokémon Scarlet/Violet”
The buzz is definitely with “Pokémon Scarlet” and “Pokémon Violet”, as players will now be able to connect “Pokémon Go” to their games. That update is to be rolled out effective immediately and be available to players everywhere.
“Pokémon Scarlet/Violet” DLC
Lastly, brand new DLC will be coming to “Pokémon Scarlet” and “Violet” as well. “The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero” will come in two parts and is already available for pre-order in the Nintendo e-shop. Part one is coming in the fall and is titled “The Teal Mask”. Players will visit the land of Kitakami apparently as part of a school trip. And the second half will have players in an exchange student program at Blueberry Academy. Another set of legendaries will be presented in the new DLC: Ogrepon and Terapagos.
There’s a ton for Pokémon enthusiasts to unpack this season and are undoubtedly ready to continue their adventures with their favorites. You can watch the whole of the Pokemon Presents Livestream altogether below.
