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]]>This year, Pokémon Worlds 2026 was held in San Francisco, CA, from August 28-30, and brought with it a major convention and celebration of Pokémon: Pokémon XP.
(Please note that we did not have a press pass for this event, so this coverage will all be from the perspective of a regular attendee.)
Pokémon Worlds 2026
Pokémon is a worldwide phenomenon, which means players from all around the world came to compete. Pokémon Worlds was the world championship for the video game, card game, Pokémon Go, and Pokémon UNITE, making for a very full weekend of competition.
This isn’t a casual competition where anyone can walk in and enter. These are players who have mastered the metagame, earned their invitations through tournament after tournament, and proven themselves to be the top trainers of the year, and the stage they competed on showed it. Games were played from a large stadium and broadcast to large screens and Twitch, as cheering crowds watched intently.
At the end of the weekend, new champions were crowned. The 2026 winners are:
- Kazuki Kage, Pokémon VGC Junior Division World Champion
- Vikram Thiagarajan, Pokémon VGC Senior Division World Champion
- Takuma Yamazaki, Pokémon VGC Masters Division World Champion
- Yuta Araki, Pokémon TCG Junior Division World Champion
- Jake Ng, Pokémon TCG Senior Division World Champion
- Zeta Division, Pokémon UNITE World Champion team
- GGS489HIROMARU, Pokémon GO World Champion
Pokémon XP
While the Pokémon Worlds competition drew huge crowds, Pokémon XP gave attendees (and competitors between matches) plenty to do. Pokémon XP spanned the Moscone Center and Yerba Buena Gardens and was jam-packed with events and activities.
The area in front of the Moscone Center was transformed into Rayquaza Road, filled with music, live commentary, photo areas, food stalls, and more. Attendees could help construct a massive LEGO Rayquaza, watch skateboarders on Pokémon-themed skateboards do some tricks, or watch Pokémon mascots dance around… assuming they could get through the crowds, of course.
Of course, many attendees showed up cosplaying as their favorite characters or Pokémon. It wasn’t uncommon to see people dressed as gijinka (anthropomorphized) versions of Pokémon, characters from the anime, or members of Team Rocket.
Inside the Moscone Center, there was even more to see and do. Large areas were set up to celebrate 30 years of Pokémon, showcase new games and upcoming shows, and provide activities for attendees.
This included a Pokémon museum showcasing the games and merchandise from over the years, a recording station where attendees could try their hand at dubbing an episode, a gallery showcasing art from the Pokémon TCG, and so much more.
Many events were ticketed, including craft activities, meet-and-greets, and so on. Attendees hoping to check out specific events would have to register their interest online and then hope their names were drawn, and with the huge attendance for the event, the odds were slim. With that said, there were plenty of non-ticketed events to enjoy as well.
Further within the Moscone Center, a large stage held panels and interviews with major figures in the Pokémon world. Not too far from there, Pokémon influencers held meet-and-greets and autograph sessions with fans (who managed to get tickets), and just off to the side, attendees could check out Koraidon and Miraidon motorcycles from Toyota and Honda, respectively.
In the Yerba Buena Gardens, Pokémon XP had an outdoor area. There, young attendees could listen to an outdoor storytime while their parents had their hair and makeup done, or attendees could play a game of Pyukumuku Chucking (a beanbag toss/cornhole game with Pyukumuku plushies). While there was a giant bouncy slide, it was closed during our trip, and I can’t say if it reopened.
Some of the biggest draws were the Pin Rally. where attendees could hit up different stations around the event to get free Pokémon pins. There was also a massive Pokémon Center shopping area, where attendees could buy exclusive goods such as plushies, clothing, cards, and more.
However, those might have even been too big a draw, as they led to a few issues…
Lines, Crowds, and Scalpers, Oh My!
Pokémon XP was a huge event, but perhaps it was even bigger than The Pokémon Company had anticipated or prepared for. For all that there was to do and enjoy, it’s also important to recognize where there were issues that must be addressed.
Just getting a ticket to the event was a challenge, as attendees had to register their interest for a lotto system and hope their names were drawn, either for a weekend or one-day badge. Even once they were registered, they had to enter another lotto to try to get into the events they wanted to attend. Then, they had to register for a time slot to pick up their badges. If they wanted to shop at the Pokémon Center, they needed to sign up for a time slot before they were filled up.
In other words, it was very possible (and in fact common) for someone to get lucky enough to get tickets to the event, but still miss out on tickets to every ticketed event they wanted to attend and the Pokémon Center, due to the incredibly high demand.
This high demand also led to huge crowds and massive lines. While Friday wasn’t too bad, photos from throughout the weekend showed absolutely packed crowds and lines that quickly became fire hazards.
The Pin Rally, for instance, drew crowds so large there were reports of stampede risks and blocked fire exits, while the most popular pins were snatched up immediately. By Sunday, they had to cancel the Pin Rally altogether.
As for the Pokémon Center, the lines there could take hours to get through. Attendees would wait outside the lines for their time slots, then line up to enter the building. Once inside, there was a second line they had to wait through to get upstairs, where they’d wait in yet another line to actually get inside the Pokémon Center.
This, of course, also resulted in scalpers camping alongside the sidewalk to sell everything they bought at a marked-up price.
There have also been reports of Pokémon XP failing to be ADA compliant and lacking accommodations for attendees with disabilities. Some posts online have claimed the staff said they’re “not doing ADA,” while Dexerto reports that 2024 World Champion Luca Ceribelli was removed for attempting to let a player with disabilities join him in the Pokemon Center line.
It goes without saying that these are issues that impacted many attendees. The crowding is, understandably, a major challenge for The Pokémon Company, as the popularity of Pokémon means events like Pokémon Worlds/XP will be in high demand, and scalpers have been a plague on the Pokémon community for quite some time. Meeting demand while managing crowd sizes is far easier said than done, but hopefully these issues can be addressed in the future.
Announcements
At the end of the weekend, The Pokémon Company had plenty of announcements for fans to look forward to for animation and games alike.
On the anime side, a new animated movie called Pokémon: Wild Card was revealed. This features a Pokémon TCG player and a Mimikyu, and was accompanied by a teaser trailer:
For video game players, there were plenty of announcements too, including:
- The Pokémon Champions game (a mobile app and Nintendo Switch game used for competitive Pokémon battles) will be updated with Z-Mega evolutions, including Mega Absol, Garchomp, and Lucario Z.
- Pokémon TCG Pocket will be receiving Dual Type cards and Pokémon EX cards for starter (or “First Partner”) Pokémon.
- Morpeko, Toxtricity, Jolteon, and Flareon will be making their Pokémon UNITE debuts in the coming months.
- Pokémon GO will be giving new charged moves to Mega Evolved Pokémon, who can now be used in the Go Battle League. Armored Mewtwo will also be making its return after six years.
As for TCG players, the Pokémon Trading Card Game will be introducing the new ex★ series to the game, similar to the game’s EX, V, and VMAX Pokémon.
Finally, 2027’s Pokémon Worlds event will be held in Singapore from August 13-15.
There was no news on the upcoming Pokémon Wind and Waves games yet.
Overall
Pokémon XP was a massive celebration of a franchise that’s been beloved by so many for 30 years. It drew a huge crowd of energetic fans and got attendees hyped for the future of Pokémon, giving them plenty to do while the top trainers in the world competed for the grand prize.
However, an event of that size is not without its issues, especially for a series with as big a scalper problem as Pokémon. While it was absolutely possible to enjoy Pokémon XP regardless, it’s still important for The Pokémon Company to recognize and address these problems for future events.
Still, on a personal note, as someone who’s been a fan of Pokémon since the days of Red and Blue versions, it was amazing to see how far Pokémon has come. To be among friends, fellow fans, and trainers from around the world to celebrate this series that has brought us so much joy was a fantastic experience.
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]]>So without further ado, what was announced on Pokemon Day 2026?
Pokemon Winds and Waves
No need to beat around the bush: the biggest announcement was the 10th generation of Pokemon games: Pokemon Winds and Pokemon Waves. These new games will be available for the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027, and will be set in a new, tropical region (with two new Pikachu in vacation outfits to match).
The announcement also included the new starter Pokemon: the grass-type Browt, fire-type Pombon, and water-type Gecqua.
You can watch the trailer for the new games online:
Pokemon Champions
Pokemon Champions, which was revealed during an earlier Pokemon Day, has an update as well. The upcoming game will arrive on Nintendo Switch devices in April 2026, with the mobile version coming later this year.
Additionally, players will receive a free Dragonite with its Mega Stone as an early download bonus. Players who store Chesnaught, Delphox, Greninja, and the Eternal Flower Floette from Pokemon Legends: Z-A will also receive the Mega Stones for those Pokemon.
Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen on Nintendo Switch
Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen released for the Nintendo DS in 2004, remaking and updating the original games that started it all. Earlier this week, Nintendo revealed that they’d be receiving a virtual port on the Nintendo Switch, and now they’re available for all.
There are also plans to update the games with Pokemon Home compatibility, although the transfer will be one-way only. Still, it provides players a way to experience the old games again and bring their Pokemon with them into the future, including the upcoming Pokemon Champions.
Pokemon Pokopia
The upcoming Pokemon Pokopia game also received a new trailer. This revealed a new Rotom form, titled DJ Rotom, along with a cooking Greedent called Chef Dente. Pokemon Pokopia will arrive on the Switch 2 on March 5, 2026.
And More!
Along with the new games, there’s plenty of new updates, merchandise, and other news to share. This includes:
- The Pokemon LEGO sets are now available for purchase
- The Pokemon Game Music Collection, a Game Boy-shaped miniature jukebox that can play 45 tracks from the original Pokemon games
- A special distribution for an encounter with Mega Garchomp Z in Pokemon Legends: Z-A
- Pokemon World Championships 2026 tickets will be made available through an Interest List, going live April 2nd
- A special 30th anniversary set for the Pokemon TCG will be launching later this year
- Pokemon Sleep adds new missions to catch the legendary Mew
You can catch the entire Pokemon Presents video online and get all the news for Pokemon in 2026, as the franchise celebrates its 30th anniversary:
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]]>Pokemon Legends: Z-A
When “Pokemon X and Y” versions were released, it was a common assumption that its inevitable third game would be “Pokemon Z.” However, that game never came to be… until now.
Following up on the success of “Pokemon Legends: Arceus,” The Pokemon Company announced the release of “Pokemon Legends: Z-A.” This game is set in the Kalos region (from the 6th generation games), with a trailer showcasing the development of Lumiose City. While details are scarce, the Mega Evolution symbol appearing at the end of the trailer indicates that the popular battle mechanic will be returning, while the title and color pattern on the Z indicate that the legendary Pokemon Zygarde will play a role.
“Pokemon Legends: Z-A” will be released worldwide in 2025.
Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket
The Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) has been a major part of the franchise since its early days. While the game does see online play, it’s now getting a new mobile release with “Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket.”
This new mobile game allows players to open packs, collect and trade cards, and play against their friends remotely. It also features immersive art for many of the cards, giving players a closer look at the artwork. The video announced that players will get two free packs per day (although it’s a safe assumption that players can buy more via microtransactions).
“Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket” releases later this year.
And More
While those two games were the biggest announcements, they weren’t the only ones. Other Pokemon Day announcements include:
- New Tera Raid events in “Pokemon Scarlet and Violet,” featuring Venusaur, Blastoise, and Charizard
- A “Pokemon Horizons” tie-in event in “Pokemon Go,” featuring the debut of Charcadet, Armarouge, and Ceruledge, as well as a Pikachu with a captain’s hat (based on Cap, the Pikachu from “Pokemon Horizons”)
- Raikou, Entei, and Suicune make their “Pokemon Sleep” debut
- Miraidon, Falinks, and Ceruledge will be added to “Pokemon Unite,” and players can get a three-day license for Miraidon with the code POKEDAY24
With all these announcements, Pokemon players will have plenty to look forward to, whether they enjoy the video games on the Nintendo Switch, mobile games, or card games. You can catch the whole presentation below and see what Pokemon has in store:
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]]>The post September’s Nintendo Direct Announces New Mario Games, Remakes, and More appeared first on G33K-HQ.
]]>Splatoon 3: Side Order
As the Splatoon series has been going strong with the third game in its series, Nintendo’s first announcement was a new expansion pack for the game. This adds a new storyline, featuring unusually monochrome rooms and mechanical fishy foes in a strange spire. Players unlock new abilities and paint colors as they ascend and traverse the story, uncovering the spire’s mysteries as they go.
The new “Splatoon 3” expansion will be available Spring 2024.
Mario Games Aplenty
As the mascot of Nintendo, Mario tends to get more than a few games each year, and this Nintendo Direct proved no exception.
Mario faces off against his old rival Donkey Kong again in the aptly-named “Mario vs Donkey Kong,” a puzzle-based platformer game where Mario collects toys and faces off against Donkey Kong. This new version of the classic game also includes local co-op. “Mario vs Donkey Kong” will be available February 16, 2024, with pre-orders available now.
Additionally, “Super Mario RPG” makes its long-awaited return, complete with updated graphics and new gameplay features. Action commands return, adding timing-based attacks to the combat, along with a special “Triple Move” based on party setups. “Super Mario RPG” launches November 17, 2023.
On a similar note, “Paper Mario” is heading to the Switch, with new HD graphics. This classic RPG has been long-requested by fans, and will be available some time in 2024.
Princess Peach takes the stage in “Princess Peach: Showtime,” a new game where Peach fights off foes called the Sour Bunch, taking on new roles as the story and stage change genres. This includes adventures in a theater gone mad, a detective story, a cooking game, and even a martial arts level. Peach gets new power-ups from a new ally named Stella and her magic ribbon, including transformations into forms like Swordfighter Peach and Detective Peach. The game will be available March 22, 2024, with online pre-orders available now.
Luigi isn’t left out either, with “Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon” getting a Switch remake as “Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD.” The game will feature co-op play for up to four players, and will be available in the summer of 2024.
And of course, Wario is also back with a new WarioWare game. “WarioWare: Move It!” features over 200 microgames, and will be available November 3rd.
Finally, “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” gets another round of DLC, featuring new courses, as well as Diddy Long, Funky Kong, Paulina, and Peachette as playable racers.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
The “Prince of Persia” series makes its return to the Nintendo Switch with “The Lost Crown,” a 2D, side-scroller action game. Sargon, the protagonist of the game, must rescue the eponymous prince of Persia, using time-based powers and an array of weaponry.
“Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown” releases January 18th.
Tomb Raider Remastered
The first three “Tomb Raider” games are coming to the Switch, with a collection featuring remastered versions of the iconic Lara Croft adventures. The remastered trilogy includes all of the expansions for the games, as well as secret levels for each one. Players wanting a little more nostalgia can toggle between the classic polygonal look or the remastered graphics.
“Tomb Raider Remastered” will be available February 14, 2024, and can be pre-ordered today.
And More
While those were the biggest announcements, there was no shortage of other new games too. These include:
– Horizon Chase 2, an arcade racing game with dynamic environments, upgradable vehicles, and campaign or multiplayer modes (co-op and online).
– Super Crazy Rhythm Castle, a rhythm-based puzzle game featuring music from iconic Konami games and co-op mode.
– The popular anime series “Spy x Family” comes to the Switch with “SpyxAnya: Operation Memories,” a game focused on the psychic child Anya as she spends time at school and with her family (consisting of a super spy and an assassin, neither of whom are aware of the others’ identity, and a dog that can see the future) and creates a photo diary.
– “Trace Memory” returns to the Nintendo Switch with “Another Code: Two Memories.” This puzzle RPG has players take the role of a young girl searching for her father on a mysterious island, encountering a strange phantasmal boy along the way. The Switch release also includes the sequel, “Another Code Recollection,” which was never released in the US, bringing additional value to the story. The game will be available January 19th, 2024.
– “SaGa Emerald Beyond,” a new SaGa RPG from Square Enix featuring five unique heroes, each with their own journeys through interconnected stories and diverging paths based on the player’s choices. The game releases in 2024.
– While the return of “Detective Pikachu” was announced previously, this Nintendo Direct gave us a closer look at the game, its interview and investigation mechanics, and how other Pokemon can help Pikachu’s investigations. The game launches October 6, 2023.
– “Trombone Champ,” the trombone-based rhythm game, makes its Nintendo Switch debut. It can be controlled using either the joystick or motion controls via the Joy Con’s IR motion camera, and up to four players can join in via local multiplayer. The game is available starting today.
– “F-Zero” makes an unexpected return in a 99-player online battle royale. “F-Zero 99” will feature massive, futuristic races with players from across the internet competing for the top spot, featuring classic races and vehicles, where players are eliminated from the game should their power meter run out. The game is available to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers today.
– “Unicorn Overlord,” a fantasy tactical adventure from Atlus and Vanillaware. The game promises an innovative battle system blended with overworld exploration, and will be available in March of 2024.
– “Contra” returns with a reimagined game for the Nintendo Switch: “Contra: Operation Galuga.” Whether or not the classic Konami Code will still work remains to be seen, but we can find out in early 2024.
The announcements didn’t stop there, with plenty of new games previewed for the coming months. Check out the full Nintendo Direct presentation below, and let us know what you’re looking forward to most:
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]]>Detective Pikachu Returns
The sequel to the Detective Pikachu game was first announced during the recent Nintendo Direct. Now, we’re given more information about the upcoming Detective Pikachu Returns. This includes a look at all the central characters, the investigation mechanics, and how certain Pokemon can assist in the investigations:
The game will be released October 6th on the Nintendo Switch.
Pokemon Go Fest & Paldea
Pokemon Go Fest 2023 is approaching! While London and Osaka have already held their special Go Fest events, with New York quickly approaching, the Pokemon Presents reminded us that the global Go Fest will run from August 26th to 27th.
The mythical Pokemon Diancie will make its Pokemon Go debut, along with its Mega Evolution. Mega Rayquaza will also make its debut, allowing players to participate in Raid Battles to earn Mega Candy. (However, given that Pokemon Go recently doubled the price of Remote Raid Passes and limited the number of Remote Raids players can do per day, players may find it more difficult to join in raids should they have difficulty getting to raid locations or live in an area where there aren’t many players, an issue fans have raised with the hashtag #HearUsNiantic and Niantic has thus far refused to budge on.)
On top of that Pokemon from the Paldea region, where the Scarlet and Violet games are set, will be appearing in the game starting in September. With this, every region from the main series of Pokemon games will be represented in the game, although not all of them will be made available at once (more Pokemon will continue to be made available over time). The full details of which Pokemon will be appearing first have not been revealed, but you can see the trailer below:
Pokemon Unite Turns 2
Pokemon Unite is celebrating its 2nd anniversary with several new announcements:
- Mewtwo’s debut as a playable Pokemon, including a Mega Evolution to Mega Mewtwo X and Y. Players can obtain a Unite License for Mega Mewtwo X via an event available now, and Mega Mewtwo Y in August 17th.
- A new type of battle called Panic Parade, where teams need to protect Tinkaton from attacking wild Pokemon.
- The Pokemon World Championships 2023 Prediction Event, where players can attempt to predict the winning teams to win new in-game fashion items.
- An anniversary Prize Machine event, allowing players to use the Prize Machine for up to 100 times at no cost.
Players can also receive 3-day limited licenses for Mew and Mewtwo, as well as boost emblems for both, with the gift code 2NDANNIVERSARY.
Pokemon Masters EX
Pokemon Masters EX is getting a new character for its fourth anniversary, with the addition of Nemona and Pawmot from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. This also adds a new role to the game: Sprint Role, which focuses on speed. The new event introducing her has begun now. Players can also receive new log-in bonuses and join event battles against Nemona starting August 9th:
On August 16th, the game will also add a new synch pair of Victor (from Pokemon Sword and Shield) and Spectrier, with the new Field Role effect.
Pokemon Masters EX players can also receive 3,000 gems by logging in now.
Pokemon on the Switch Virtual Console
The classic Game Boy Color game for the Pokemon Trading Card Game is coming to the Nintendo Switch. While the game has been re-released before on the Nintendo 3DS eShop, the eShop’s closure meant it was out of reach for many players. Now, it’s available on Nintendo Switch Online.
On top of that, Pokemon Stadium 2 is also coming to the Nintendo Switch Online. This Nintendo 64 game includes Pokemon from the Gold and Silver games, as well as several mini-games for up to four players, featuring the 2nd generation Pokemon.
Like the last Pokemon Stadium release on the Nintendo Switch Online, players will not be able to import Pokemon from their games (including games purchased on the eShop or Heart Gold and Soul Silver), but they can still battle using rental teams from the game. It’s available now for users who purchased the Nintendo 64 expansion pack.
New Pokemon Anime
The Pokemon Presents included snippets and introductions for new animated specials and the latest Pokemon anime:
- For trading card game players, there’s a new mini-series called “Path to the Peak,” featuring characters competing in the Pokemon TCG.
- A new look at the upcoming “Pokemon Horizons” anime, which follows new protagonists Liko and Roy as they explore the Pokemon world and seek out answers to mysterious items they hold.
- “Pokemon: Paldean Winds,” an original animated web series, following several students in the Paldea region’s academy. The anime will be available online on September 6th:
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
The Pokemon Scarlet and Violet games are getting their DLC update soon, and The Pokemon Company has plenty of news to share.
First, Mewtwo and Mew are making their Scarlet and Violet debut. Mewtwo will be available in a 7-star Tera Raid battle starting September 1st. Players can work together to challenge Mewtwo and attempt to capture it. In preparation, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will also include extra Tera Raid Battle events from tomorrow until Mewtwo’s arrival.
On top of that, players can get Mew for free, right now, using the Mystery Gift code GETY0URMEW. Each Mew will have a randomized Tera Type, nature, and moveset, although the password can only be used once, so once you get it, that’s the Tera Type you’ve got (unless you use an item to change it). The event will run until September 18th.
There will also be new Mass Outbreak events, wherein certain Pokemon will appear in much greater numbers across Paldea than usual. The first Mass Outbreak event will be a Clefairy event, starting on September 28th.
Finally, The Pokemon Company revealed new information about the upcoming DLC, including a brand-new trailer showing off new characters, Pokemon, and scenes from the game:
In addition to the previously-announced story, “The Teal Mask” DLC also introduces new mini-games, including a photography game, and the “Ogre Oustin’” mini-game where players run down balloons shaped like the Pokemon Ogerpon. Players can win mochi, which can be used to boost or reset effort values for their Pokemon’s stats.
We also got new information about “The Indigo Disk,” including Blueberry Academy’s Elite Four, and new battle styles (including the return of Double Battles).
“The Teal Mask” will be released September 1, 2023, with “The Indigo Disk” following this Winter.
New Pokemon
Along with the DLC comes several new Pokemon, including new evolutions and paradox versions of existing Pokemon:
Dipplin, a new candy apple-themed evolution of Applin:
Arcahludon, a bridge-shaped evolution of the steel/dragon-type Duraludon:
Two new Paradox Pokemon: Raging Bolt, a prehistoric take on Raikou which resembles a long-necked dinosaur, and Iron Crown, a mechanical version of Cobalion. More information on these Pokemon is not yet available.
You can catch the entire Pokemon Presents below:
What new games, updates, and Pokemon are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below and keep an eye out for more exciting news on G33k-HQ!
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