Welcome to Vol. 4, issue 2 of Johto Times! Today is a cause for celebration, as the Pokémon franchise marks its 30th anniversary, which all began with the release of Pocket Monsters Red and Pokémon Green in Japan on February 27th, 1996! In this issue, we are sharing tributes from our readers and several Pokémon fansites, who were challenged to write them in just thirty words!

We are also recapping the news from the last month, including the latest Pokémon Presents video presentation, which aired today.

For anyone who may be interested, I (Darren) recently contributed to a feature for Kotaku, which asked fans, creators, and developers what makes Pokémon so special. It was a pleasure to share some words to mark the occasion. Check it out here! I was also kindly invited to take part in Bulbagarden’s Bulbacast on February 25th, 2026, to discuss Pokémon’s 30th Anniversary Presents Predictions.

On behalf of the team, we wish Pokémon and its fans a happy 30th anniversary!

Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves will release in 2027 on Nintendo Switch 2

POKÉMON PRESENTS

• The latest Pokémon Presents video presentation aired today, giving fans an opportunity to see what the company has in store for the future. Most notably, the newest entries in the Pokémon RPG series were announced as Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, scheduled to be released in 2027 for the Nintendo Switch 2. They will feature an open world to explore, across several islands and a vast ocean. These games will also feature Brazilian Portuguese as a selectable language. Three brand-new Pokémon were also revealed for players to start their journeys with! Browt, the Bean Chick Pokémon, Pombon, the Puppy Pokémon, and Gecqua, the Water Gecko Pokémon, will be yours to choose from when the game launches worldwide next year.

Source: Pokémon

• A new product called Pokémon Red & Pokémon Blue Game Music Collection: Game Boy Jukebox, was announced today for sale in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, modelled after the original Game Boy system, and comes with 45 cartridges which play familiar melodies from these original titles.

Source: Pokémon

• Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness will be re-released on Nintendo Switch Online in March! Originally released on the GameCube in 2005, it is the successor to Pokémon Colosseum, which was previously confirmed to release on the NSO service. Players will need to have a Nintendo Account and active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership in order to access the game.

Source: YouTube

• Details on PokémonXP, a series of events which run alongside the 2026 Pokémon World Championships, were also expanded upon. This all-new fan convention will take place on August 28–30, 2026 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California. It will offer a variety of activities, and events, allowing fans to come together to celebrate their love of Pokémon.

Source: Pokémon

• The upcoming battle-focused game Pokémon Champions will be available on Nintendo Switch in April 2026, and later this year on mobile devices. It will allow players to assemble their ideal team by bringing their Pokémon into the game from Pokémon HOME, and allow them to recruit Pokémon from within the game itself.

Source: Pokémon

• More details about Pokémon Pokopia were also announced, introducing new characters. DJ Rotom is a Rotom which inhabits a mini stereo, which if given some CDs, will allow you to listen to specific tracks from across the Pokémon series, while Chef Dente is a Greedent that teaches players how to cook different meals, which can then be consumed to improve certain moves, or fed to other Pokémon. Multiplayer details were also explained, confirming that Pokémon Pokopia will support up to four players in online multiplayer, and that players can play hide and seek together, as Ditto can transform into different objects. Pokémon Pokopia launches on Nintendo Switch 2 on March 5th, 2026.

Source: Pokémon

• A new Pokémon TCG expansion will release in 2026 to celebrate thirty years of Pokémon, and will release on the same day all around the world. The short trailer during Pokémon Presents showed many classic cards, which may be part of the new celebratory set. Pokémon have confirmed that more details will be shared in the future, and that fans can stay tuned to the latest Pokémon TCG news by visiting the official website.

Source: Pokémon, YouTube

• Mega Garchomp Z was revealed for Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension, which is available to all players who own Pokémon Legends: Z-A, as a Mystery Gift. Players do not need to purchase the Mega Dimension DLC to claim this gift, but the DLC is required to detect this special hyperspace distortion.

Source: Pokémon

Many other updates were announced for games and apps, including Pokémon GO, Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, Pokémon Sleep, Pokémon UNITE, Pokémon Masters EX and Pokémon Café ReMix. You can check out all of these announcements, and more, by watching the Pokémon Presents video presentation here.

POKÉMON LEGENDS: Z-A

• Season 7 of Legends: Z-A's Online Ranked Battles began on February 19th, 2026, rewarding Blazikenite for Rank S so that Mega Blaziken can be used for the first time in Legends: Z-A. As usual, previous Mega Stones that debuted as rewards from Online Ranked Battles (Greninjite, Delphoxite, Chesnaughtite, Baxcalibrite, Sceptilite, and Swampertite) are available as prizes for achieving lower ranks.

Source: Pokémon

• Pokémon Legends: Z-A + Mega Dimension Super Music Complete, a 5-CD, 150-song soundtrack for Legends: Z-A and its DLC expansion will be released in Japan on April 17th, 2026. The set will come with a 36-page booklet, 5 CDs with art of major characters from Z-A with their Mega Evolved Pokémon, and a bonus key ring with 3 acrylic charms for 5,300 yen.

Source: Overlap

• According to Nintendo's quarterly sales report, Legends: Z-A sold 12.3 million copies through December 31st, 2025, with 8.41 million sales on the original Switch and 3.89 million on the Switch 2. Updated sales figures also place Scarlet & Violet at 28.08 million and Sword & Shield at 27.08 million through the end of 2025.

Source: Nintendo

POKÉMON TCG

• The fourth main set of the Mega Evolution block, Ninja Spinner, will be released in Japan on March 13th, 2026. Ninja Spinner will have a base set of 83 cards with a currently-unknown amount of secret rares, and will feature Beedrill ex, Chesnaught, Delphox, and a new AZ Trainer card, with Mega Greninja ex as the headlining Pokémon.

Source: Pokémon JP

POKÉMON TCG POCKET

• The newest expansion in TCG Pocket, Paldean Wonders, released on February 26th, 2026, focusing on Generation 9 Pokémon such as Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly, Maushold, Meowscarada ex, and Gholdengo ex, as well as Trainers Nemona and Arven, and Stadium Mesagoza. For the first time since Pocket launched in October 2024, Double Rare and Illustration Rare artwork will be reused from the physical TCG for cards in the app.

Source: Pokémon

POKÉMON GO

• To celebrate Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, Pokémon Go has introduced a new photo feature, accessed through the main menu of the app, called "What's Your Favorite?" Pokémon Go will reward the player with a small Special Research task and provide multiple ways to share and decorate photos of their chosen favorite Pokémon with their Pokémon Go username.

Source: Pokémon GO

• The Pokémon GO Tour: Kalos event saw the debuts of Mega Malamar and Mega Victreebel using the new Super Mega Raid feature. Super Mega Raids require at least eight players and the use of the new Link Charge currency to enter. As part of the update, Mega Evolved Pokémon can reach a new fourth Mega Level, known as Super Max, that grants greatly enhanced CP and increases the chances to receive Catch Candy, Catch XP, and Candy XL when catching Pokémon that share a type with the Mega Evolution.

Source: Pokémon GO

GENERAL

• To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the franchise, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions are available to download from the Nintendo Switch eShop starting today, February 27th, 2026, for 19.99 USD or 16.99 GBP each. The games are sold separately from the Game Boy Advance Nintendo Classics app on Nintendo Switch Online.

Source: Pokémon

• A commercial to promote the 30th anniversary aired during Super Bowl LX on February 8th, 2026. In this commercial, celebrities such as singer/actress Lady Gaga, comedian Trevor Noah, F1 driver Charles Leclerc, actress Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, footballer Lamine Yamal, and singer Jisoo from BLACKPINK shared their favorite Pokémon.

Source: Pokémon

• Pokémon has announced Day Out and Night Out events for fans to connect with each other in real life: "Day Out events will feature family-friendly activities and programming, while Night Out events will have fun surprises in store for longtime fans who grew up with Pokémon. More details on both Day Out and Night Out will be announced in the future."

Source: Pokémon

• The first permanent outdoor Pokémon attraction, PokéPark Kanto, opened in Yomiuriland on February 5th, 2026. PokéPark Kanto features large statues of many Pokémon, attractions such as Pokémon Forest and Sedge Town, Pikachu and Eevee-themed rides, and the Pokémon Daisuki Shop to buy merchandise. Pokemon.com also wrote an English feature that included an interview with Junichi Masuda to promote the park.

Source: Pokémon

• Stern Pinball has released a new Pokémon Pinball machine with three different editions: Pro, Premium, and Limited. The machines include features such as elemental biomes, Gym Battles, and a face-off against Team Rocket's boss, Giovanni.

Source: Pokémon

• The next batch of episodes for Pokémon Horizons: Season 3, subtitled Rising Hope Part 2, will be released on Netflix on March 20th, 2026 in the United States.

Source: Rising Hope Part 2

• Pokémon Cafe Tokyo announced on February 9th, 2026 that it will be temporarily closed for renovations beginning on March 23th, 2026, with a planned reopening in late June 2026.

Source: Pokémon Cafe

Feature: Happy 30th Anniversary, Pokémon

On February 27th, 1996, Game Freak released Pocket Monsters Red & Green in Japan. Eventually, the series was brought overseas as Pokémon, and it continues to appeal to fans through its many products, merchandise, and services. Whether you’re a fan of the video games, trading cards, plushies, or any of the many other collectable items on offer, Pokémon holds a special place in our hearts, reaching millions around the planet.

This feature commemorates thirty years of Pokémon with tributes from Johto Times readers, staff, and our friends from the Pokémon fan community. We challenged them to share their tributes with just thirty words, which is a lot more difficult than it seems! We were also blessed with some great art tributes to mark this momentous occasion!

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“2026: Year of the Ponyta” by Josh Sobek

Bluemooncinco:

Lifelong friendships and memories go hand in hand with Pokémon – a shared experience among both the oldest and youngest fans of the series. That is the lasting legacy of Pokémon!

ColinMoll:

The round road to Viridian City is a threefold, unfolding and self-returning route. It is thirty years of seeking mysterious treasures, fulfilling great encounters and coming home triumphantly to yourself.

Nero:

Pokémon has always been and continues to be a fundamental part of my life. Honestly, I can't imagine a world without Pokémon. It will stay with me to the end.

YukiHoshikawa:

Simple, yet deep. Infinite replayability, infinite adventures. Amazing music, memorable characters, great designs – there's something for everybody Challenge runs, randomizers, and fan-made games galore But most important of all Fun.

Desja Rocket:

Young or old. Across the generations. The community helps build friendships. Across the sea and land there is always something for someone. Whatever gaming, anime or cosplay, Pokémon bring happiness.

AngurisNeo:

Playing with my brothers when we were young. Friendships I've made because of it. My wife and I being able to share it with our sons, today. Pokémon is family.

TSS_Killer:

It's a franchise that [allows] people from around the world and all walks of life to come together and have fun. A great franchise that stands the test of time.

“Pokémon 30th anniversary tribute” by Nero

RabbitHouseWorld:

Connecting and challenging others is how we come to know ourselves. My entire life, Pokémon has pushed me to evolve. Here’s to 30 more years of catching, trading, and battling!

Cas (the Cleft of Dimension's Pokemon Shrine):

Pokémon was a transformative part of my life, and I've met so many cherished people through the franchise as a whole, both anime and games. Here's to another 30 years!

SteC:

A life without Pokémon? I can't [imagine] it, so thirty decades of long bonding friendships, surprises, smiles and tears have made the journey an unforgettable one. Many thanks to all!

PokéJungle:

It's hard to believe Pokémon is turning 30. So many good memories, adventures, discoveries and friends from across the decades. I appreciate the community that has grown around the franchise.

Bonzairob (The Pokémon Factory):

I can't say which came first, my love of animals and ecology, or Pokémon, but they definitely fed off each other. Now it's the whole world's weird childhood obsession. Good!

Gabi (The PokéMasters):

Pokémon isn't just a series of fun and engaging games; it also helped me make great friends, build a community, and enabled me to express myself freely to the world.

Dogasu (Dogasu’s Backpack):

Happy anniversary! I think we probably all assume Pokémon’ll still be around for decades to come, but it’s still nice to see it continue being such an unstoppable powerhouse. Congratulations!

“30th Anniversary Pachirisu” by CoolKaius

Frost (Psypoke):

Collection / Competition / Strategy / Aesthetics / Friendship Simplicity / Creativity / Challenge / Geography / Folklore Comfort / Passion / Nostalgia / Fun / Variety Most incredible is that for 30 years Pokémon has meant so many things to fans!

Nick15 (Pokémon Aaah!):

For me, Pokémon never takes itself too seriously. I never feel forced to play how everyone else does, and I can stick around a community that’s consistently chill and welcoming.

Hilbert (Bulbagarden):

In 2012, my journey began with Tepig. What started as an ember kindled into flame. It burns through all my battles, and lights up every new story. Thank you, Pokémon.

Archaic (Bulbagarden):

In 2004, a best selling book was published on “The rise and fall of Pokémon”. They couldn’t have gotten it more wrong. Here’s to many years of Pokémon to come.

Rhodehawk (Bulbagarden):

Pokémon is a game of wonder from the wonderful islands of Alola to the Peaks of Unova. Pokémon have been my best friends, my truest allies, and my forever joy.

Darren (Johto Times):

Pokémon is a constant in my life which has been inspirational, helped to develop long-lasting friendships, and give countless happy memories I will forever cherish. Happy thirty years to Pokémon!

“Pokémon Festival Hijinx” by Desja Rocket

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A huge thanks to everyone who contributed to our tribute feature to mark thirty years of a franchise which we all hold dearly.

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Poll results

To mark the 30th anniversary of Pokémon, we hosted a ranked poll of the mainline video games to determine the fans’ favourite. Each game was scored according to how it ranked for each voter, with each voter’s favourite receiving 17 points, their second favourite receiving 16 points, and so on, down to 0 points for their least favourite. The poll took place between January 21st, 2026 and February 26th, 2025. After 3,587 votes, here are the results:

Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald are the winners of the Johto Times Favourite Pokémon Game Poll 2026, with 43,852 points (Poll conducted on StrawPoll)

1st place: Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald - 43,852 points
2nd place: Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver - 42,763 points
3rd place: Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum - 41,645 points
4th place: Pokémon Black and White - 40,595 points
5th place: Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 - 38,362 points
6th place: Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen - 37,669 points
7th place: Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal - 37,336 points
8th place: Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow - 34,360 points
9th place: Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire - 33,664 points
10th place: Pokémon X and Y - 31,882 points
11th place: Pokémon Sun and Moon - 28,989 points
12th place: Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon - 27,462 points
13th place: Pokémon Legends: Arceus - 26,705 points
14th place: Pokémon Sword and Shield - 20,994 points
15th place: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet - 18,919 points
16th place: Pokémon Legends: Z-A - 18,038 points
17th place: Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! - 15,976 points
18th place: Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl - 9,600 points

Special thanks to Bulbapedia for linking to the poll at the top of their website during the voting period, and thank you to everyone who contributed their votes and shared it around. We hope you had fun!

If you wish to discuss the poll, you can do so on our forum!