As it was revealed earlier in the week, Nintendo and The Pokemon Company held a special video presentation for the 25th Anniversary of the Pokemon franchise. The introductory segment went through the franchise's evolution, from its humble beginnings as a Gameboy game, all the way through to its most recent launches. The series has expanded beyond games with all sorts of accessories, mobile spin-offs, apps like the teeth brushing game, books, and anime as well.
As exciting as it was to see how the franchise has continued to grow since it first launched, many were likely tuning in for specific news regarding upcoming games. To that end, fans had plenty to take in as more details surrounding upcoming games were revealed, including confirmations of the long rumored Diamond and Pearl remakes. However, plans to update existing games in celebration of Pokemon Day were also revealed.
The announcements began with Pokemon Sword and Shield, where players can currently take on special Raid Battles featuring Gigantamax Pikachu. The appeal of its design in Gigantamax form is due to it resembling the old creature design, lovingly referred to by fans as Fat Pikachu. The special Raid Battles are active now, ending on February 28 at 3:59pm PST.
Next up was the game Pokemon Cafe Mix which is holding a promotion and offering 2,500 Golden Acorns just for logging in between Feb 26 and Feb 28. Earned both for free and through purchasing with real money, players can use them like in-game currency to purchase extra lives and various power ups in game.
Pokemon Go followed next by highlighting the Kanto-themed special event that is currently on-going inside the hit mobile title. While Kanto Region Pokemon are appearing more often, players can take part in a special research questline as well as battle in legendary raids against iconic Pokemon like Mewtwo, Moltres, Articuno, and Zapdos. The event runs from Feb 20 through March 1.
The final announcement was for Pokemon Masters EX, which revealed the addition of the Galar Champion Leon and his partner Pokemon Charizard. The Sword and Shield character is available now and can be earned through March 17.
While those announcements were no doubt exciting for existing players and those who have yet to check out the games, it's likely that the final announcement of the special event will be the one that will keep fans talking. Game Freak's next mainline title, Pokemon Legends: Arceus, is an open world RPG that takes players back long before the events of Pokemon Diamond and Pearl in the Sinnoh region. It has a very distinct medieval Japan feel to it and introduces some new mechanics such as dodge rolling, sneaking, and instant catching while out in the field.
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