Though Pokémon didn’t reach the US until 1998, the original Red and Green GameBoy games released in 1996 in Japan, making 2021 the 25th anniversary of the gaming series that has grown to become the highest-grossing media franchise of all time.
Watch a fun Rube Goldeberg-inspired pokémon puzzle that takes us through two and a half decades of Pokémon games, movies, TV, and toys.
The only announcement for now is a collaboration with pop artist Katy Perry and the Universal Music Group for a Pokémon music program called P25. Perry will headline the year-long music campaign.
“Pokémon has been a constant in my life from playing the original video games on my Game Boy, to trading Pokémon TCG cards at lunch, to the adventures of catching Pokémon on the street with Pokémon GO,” said Katy Perry. “I’ve even visited the Pokémon Café in Japan while on tour! It is an honor to be chosen to help celebrate a franchise that has given me so much joy in the last 25 years, and to be able to watch it evolve in the ways it’s provided that kind of electric joy for the kids in my life and around the world.”
Every month beginning in March, the Pokémon 25th anniversary website will feature a new region of the Pokémon gaming series, beginning with the Pokémon Sword and Shield area, the Galar region. This year you’ll be able to purchase special themed Pokémon gear and participate in events and promotions. The Pokémon Company has confirmed collaborations with several big brands including Levi’s McDonalds, Funko, and Build-A-Bear Workshop. And fans of the trading card game can look forward to special 25th anniversary-themed cards launching later this year, including oversize cards of Pikachu.
