by Finn, Grade 7
Throughout 2021, Game Freak and The Pokémon Company will be celebrating the franchise’s 25th anniversary since originally releasing. So, they have massive events/products planned, and I’m here today to go over everything we know and you need to know about the 25th anniversary.
Collaborations
On the official website, Pokémon has confirmed some massive collaborations with major companies/artists. For example, they’re teaming up with Katy Perry to do something to celebrate the 25th anniversary. If you’re a fan of Pops, they’re teaming up with Funko to make even more Pokémon Pops. And they’re teaming up with so many different companies that it’ll take a while to get through, so I just won’t.
Pokémon TCG
They also have massive plans for the Pokémon trading card game to go along with the other celebrations. Just in the next 2 months, we have 2 massive sets releasing: Shining Fates and Battle Styles, all in pretty high demand, especially Shining Fates. Along with that, they’re currently running a promotion with General Mills to make small packs of cards available inside of certain cereals. And, throughout the year, they’re slowly releasing jumbo card packs with the starters from each generation in the style of their original card prints, along with 2 extra modern booster packs. They’re starting with Galar and are slowly working their way down to Kanto throughout the year. Pre-orders on Galar and even some of the packs have started for some sites, so get one when you can. I got the Hoenn pack recently, but if you want them, you’ve also got to act fast because scalpers are taking a lot of them.
New Pokémon Snap
As we all know now, Pokémon Snap is getting a sequel called New Pokémon Snap releasing in April. For those who don’t know, Pokémon Snap is an on rails photography games where you take pictures of Pokémon and their interactions. Since the last game was on N64, the game has gotten a huge graphic update and the Pokémon looks so alive that it’s beautiful honestly. This does cost $60, but it seems to be worth it, so pick up your pre-order now if you want it or just get it whenever you can.
Diamond/Pearl Remake
Now, this is the most exciting thing of them all, and it’s just a rumor. These remakes have been suggested and the Pokémon community’s most wanted game for along with a new Pokémon Snap. (Which clearly happened.) So with a mix of some trademark reveals and speculation the highest it’s been since forever, it seems that the remakes are finally happening, with N64 trees and all. There have also been rumors of the gameplay being more similar to games like Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee, but many leakers have confirmed/denied that, so it’s still up in the air.
Other Stuff
What I’ve just talked about is probably barely the tip of what Game Freak and The Pokémon Company has planned for us. So keep an eye out for more details about the celebration.
And that’s about it for what we know so far. This is only the beginning, so be ready for a year full of Pokémon celebration!