Pokemon 20th Anniversary: 8 Ways to Join in the Celebration
The beloved franchise "Pokemon" is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Here are eight ways to join in the celebration that the company has said will last all year long.
1. Mythical Pokemon
Starting February until December, Nintendo will distribute one Mythical Pokemon. Players can get them at the Nintendo Network or in participating GameStop stores. These Mythical Pokemon are extra special as they are not available during normal gameplay but only during the following months:
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February: Mew
March: Celebi
April: Jirachi
May: Darkrai
June: Manaphy
July: Shaymin
August: Arceus
September: Victini
October: Keldeo
November: Genesect
December: Meloetta
These Mythical Pokemons are available to "Pokemon X," "Pokemon Y," "Pokemon Alpha Sapphire," and "Pokemon Omega Ruby" from the first day of the month to the 24th.
2. New "Pokemon Red" and "Pokemon Blue" 3DS Bundle
Two limited edition Nintendo 3DS bundles are coming in February. These bundles will feature "Pokemon Red" and "Pokemon Blue" pre-installed and special Pokemon faceplates with artwork from the original games. The bundles can be bought on Pokemon Day at select retail outlets. "Pokemon Red" and "Pokemon Blue," along with "Pokemon Yellow," will be available as digital downloads as well on Feb. 27.
3. New Games
Two new games will be released this year. There's "Pokken Tournament," the Pokemon battle ala "Tekken," and the mobile game "Pokemon GO," where players can search Pokemons in the real world. "Pokken Tournament" comes in spring, while "Pokemon GO" launches later this year.
4. Pokemon Movies
A total of 12 full-length feature films will be available each month. These include digitally remastered versions of "Pokemon 2000: The Movie," "Pokemon 3: The Movie," and "Pokemon: The First Movie." The movies can be downloaded from iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon. One movie will also be featured each month on PokemonTV.
5. Super Bowl 50
On Feb. 7, The Pokemon Company will air a new ad during the Super Bowl 50. No details about the ad have been released or leaked so far.
6. Pokemon TCG
The Pokemon Trading Card Game will be receiving a special expansion called Generations in February. This will include Pokemon-EX and Mega Evolution Pokemon. Pokemon TCG: Generations booster packs will also be available throughout the year. These include 11 Mythical Pokemon Collections and a large collection featuring Pikachu, Charizard, and many others.
7. Pokemon Day
Feb. 27 is Pokemon Day. The Pokemon Company has promised that special events will be held at a number of retail locations. For instance, in participating Toys "R" Us stores, a limited number of special foil Pokemon TCG cards, a Pokemon activity book, and a poster featuring the original 151 Pokemon will be distributed.
In addition, Nintendo will be selling its best-selling Pokemon amiibo on Pokemon Day as well. Participating stores will have Charizard, Lucario, Greninja, Pikachu, and Jigglypuff amiibo for sale on Feb. 27.
8. Pokemon 20th anniversary products
Of course, merchandise commemorating Pokemon's 20th anniversary will come in way of new apparel, accessories, and souvenirs. These Pokemon products will be available exclusively at PokemonCenter.com.
