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Another year, another Pokémon Present, only this year it’s the franchise’s 30th anniversary! Aside from one key announcement, this did feel like a relatively tame showcase, but there’s still a fair bit to get excited about.
Far and away the biggest announcement from the showcase, we got our first look at Pokémon Winds and Waves – generation 10 and the first Pokémon games exclusive to Switch 2. There’s not a whole lot to glean from the trailer other than it’s going to be open world, this time set in an archipelago of islands with a vast array of Pokémon and biomes to explore. It seems like we’ll even be able to go underwater
The starters are Browt, a grass-type bird Pokémon, Pombom, a fire-type pomeranian Pokémon, and best of all, Gecqua, a water-type gecko Pokémon. It looks much better than Scarlet and Violet but it’s a little on the underwhelming side visually, especially since these are going to be Switch 2 exclusive. The water effects look incredible, though. It’s launching in 2027.
We got a fresh new look at Pokémon Pokopia, which is bringing an all-new Rotom form called Stereo Rotom. Affectionately referred to in game as DJ Rotom, this Rotom form lets you play CDs in game to liven up your island and dance with fellow Pokémon.
We also got introduced to Chef Dente, a Greedent who teaches you how to cook. You can’t make friends and terraform an island on an empty stomach, of course. The scope of this game continues to grow, and if early impressions are anything to go by, Pokémon Pokopia is looking to be a sleeper hit when it drops next week.
Not much to say here given the surprise listing last week. The 2004 originals are available today for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. They’ll also be compatible with Pokémon Home and Pokémon Champions, which is a neat touch. If you’ve never experienced either of these games before, go pick one of them up now!
This is something of a surprise announcement but a music player designed like a Game Boy is launching with 45 separate music cartidges. It’s a nice idea for those feeling nostalgic about the original games, especially with Fire Red and Leaf Green dropping today. They’re only available through the Pokémon Center but aren’t puchaseable in Austalia, unfortunately.
Pokémon Go is getting a 10th anniversary event where a large range of Pokémon will return to the game. It’s a neat idea for those who’ve only gotten into Pokémon Go recently but nothing too crazy. There’s also a two day Pokémon Go Tour event in honour of the 30th anniversary starting tomorrow. +
Surprise! Another anniversary event! Red, the protagonist of Pokémon Red and Blue is appearing in Pokémon Masters EX with his original look. Florian & Ogerpon are also coming to the game, as well as Juliana & Terapagos. Bit of a double anniversary for this one as it’s celebrating six and a half years of service. We’re doing half year celebrations now.
Would you believe me if I told you that Pokémon Café Remix is also having a 30th anniversary event? All of the first partner starter Pokémon from each generation is coming to the game in waves. The first wave drops tomorrow, which will be the Kanto starters. There’s also new chef outfits and Pokémon on the way alongside 30th anniversary themed café customisations.
Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno are all coming to Pokémon Unite in its own anniversary event. It’s a cool selection from the original 151, and more Pokémon are on the way like Meganium, Typhlosion, and Feraligatr. Neat.
While I was secretly hoping for a shadow drop for this one, March is also very close. This classic GameCube title is unlike any other Pokémon game and I’m so glad it’s going to be available on the service soon. It’s looking as good as it always has, it’s quite a different Pokémon experience, but one that’s well worth checking out. Hopefully we get a specific date soon.
Pokémon Champions is continuing to look like a super slick, no frills Pokémon battler. It’s launching in April for the Switch systems and later this year for mobile. You can get Dragonite with its Mega Stone as an early download bonus as well.
In an extremely specific update to Pokémon Legends: Z-A, owners of the Mega Dimension DLC will be able to obtain Garchompite Z in hyperspace. It continues the trend of dragon-type mega evolutions looking like fighter jets (except Dragonite). As a Garchomp lover, this new form is really cool, but I’m not sureI’ll boot up Z-A just to get it. It’s available right now.