Pokemon is celebrating its 25th anniversary! New Pokémon Snap

 

25 years ago on February 27th, 1996, Pokemon Red and Green were released in Japan for the Game Boy. In it, players assumed the role of a Pokemon Trainer who sets off with either Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle as they journeyed across the Kanto region, collecting Gym Badges, defeating the nefarious Team Rocket, catching Pokemon, and becoming the Pokemon Champion. Yesterday, The Pokemon Company revealed that they're planning on celebrating the franchise's 25th anniversary.

A promotional video was also released, showing a Poke Ball rolling across many decorative setpieces that call back to the various games that were released throughout the years up to today.

Various commemorative products are also planned to be released, such as a limited-edition skateboard made by the folks at Bear Walker. (pre-orders for the latter starting on the 19th of January)

Pokemon TCG fans can also look forward to getting some unique 25th Anniversary-themed collections that will be released later in the year. Meanwhile, fans can get oversized TCG cards starring the various region Pokemon starters and Pikachu, all of which sport the 25th Anniversary Pikachu logo.

The Pokemon Company is also working with some other well-known brands - such as General Mills, Levi's, McDonald's, Jazwares, Scholastic, Mattel, Funko, The Wand Company, and more - and their roles in the celebration will be announced throughout the year.

The Pokemon Company is also teaming up with Universal Music Group to work with various names in the music industry, from rising stars to award-winning super stars, for a program which they're calling "P25 Music". Pop icon Kate Perry was the first to be revealed as one of the collaborators in the yearlong music campaign. Details about her participation,  as well as the additional participants in the "P25 Music" program will be announced throughout the year.

 Fans of the Pokemon mobile games, "Pokemon Go" and "Pokemon Masters EX", will also be involved with the 25th celebration, presumably with exclusive events. The Pokemon Company also made mention of other Pokemon animations, video games, so it can be expected that they will be revealed later on.

And that's a glimpse on what fans can expect thus far. To keep yourself updated, go to the official Pokemon 25th Anniversary Site, which, in addition to looking back at the various regions throughout the Pokemon series, will also feature monthly events for music and many other events.

 What was your first exposure to Pokemon? Was it the show, the games, or even the toys? Go and comment down below, and have fun celebrating the 25th Anniversary, trainers!

You can pre-order the New Pokemon Snap Game right now. It will be available in stores on 04/30/2021.