2016 is the year of Pokemon! This year will mark the 20th anniversary of Pokemon and the franchise is going to celebrate in a HUGE way!
Starting things off on February 7th will be a commercial airing during Super Bowl 50! This commercial is going to help inspire trainers to “Train On” and share their favorite Pokemon memories with #Pokemon20 on all social media.
Things will go into high gear on February 27th which has been dubbed as Pokemon Day. Pokemon fans can take part in special events at participating retail locations across the country. Fans are encourage to check out Pokemon20 for details about special events at retail locations and Mystical Pokemon distributions.
A Mystical Pokemon will be distributed everybody in 2016. Mew will be the first Mystical Pokemon distributed starting in February at Gamestop. Other distributions will include Celebi in March on the Nintendo Network, Jirachi in April on the Nintendo Network, Darkrai in May at Gamestop, Manaphy in June via Nintendo Network, Shaymin in July via Nintendo Network, Arceus in August via Gamestop, Victini in September via Nintendo Network, Keldeo in October via Nintendo Network, Genesect in November at Gamespot in the US, unknown elsewhere and Meloetta in December via Nintendo Network.
The celebration is not just limited to Super Bowl commercials, Pokemon Day and Pokemon distributions! All aspects of the Pokemon franchise will take part in the celebrations!
Video Games
Pokemon fans will be able to purchase Pokemon Red, Blue and Yellow through the eShop but there will be more! Pokemon trainers will also be able to purchase New Nintendo 3DS Pokémon 20th Anniversary bundle. These bundles will come with Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Blue Version pre-installed, two unique cover plates featuring artwork from the original Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Blue Version game boxes and the Pokémon 20th logo, and a download code for an exclusive Nintendo 3DS Pokémon HOME Menu theme.
These bundles will be on sale starting February 27th.
Trading Card Game
TCG fans will be able to celebrate the 20 anniversary with the special Pokemon Generations expansion. These expansions will include Pokemon like Pikachu, Snorlax, Ninetales-EX, Jolteon-EX, plus Mega Charizard EX, Mega Blastoise EX, and Mega Venusaur EX. Generation packs can be found with TCG special products throughout the year.
One of the products that will be coming with Generation packs will be the Mythical Pokémon Collection! There will be eleven Mythical Pokémon Collections being release throughout the year with the first one coming out in late February. The first Mythical Pokémon Collection will feature Mew and comes with a full art Mew promo card. The others will also feature one of the many Mythical Pokemon.
It is unsure if cards such as Mega Charizard EX, Mega Blastoise EX and Mega Venusaur EX will be reprints of previous released cards.
UPDATE: It has been confirmed that Mega Charizard EX, Mega Blastoise EX and Mega Venusaur EX will be brand new cards.
Retail
Besides special distribution Event Pokemon, there will also be events at certain retail locations.
Toys r’ Us will be hosting an event where they will be giving out special Pikachu and Magikarp foil cards from Pokemon Generations, a Pokémon activity book, and a poster of the original 151 Pokémon.
Anime
Fans of the anime will get something really special! Throughout the year, twleve Pokemon movies will be available for digital download from iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon. This will also include digitally remastered versions of Pokémon: The First Movie and Pokémon the Movie 2000 and Pokémon 3: The Movie.
Lastly, the The first three Pokémon films will also be available in both DVD and Blu-ray formatted bundles from licensee Viz Media.
Merchandise
Do you love PokemonCenter.com? Then keep an eye out on this site as tons of #Pokemon20 merchandise can be found on the online store. There is bound to be something for everybody there relating to the 20th anniversary. Some of the merchandise that can be found there ranges from special Pokémon 20th baseball cap by New Era, commemorative pin, lanyard set, Pokémon 20th TCG card sleeves, deck boxes, and playmats!
Pokemon’s 20th anniversary is going to be a big one! So join the fun and hashtag #pokemon20!
You can get hyped by watching the video below! Train on!
