Pokémon Presents: All the news announced for Pokémon Day
In celebration of the 27th anniversary of Pokémon, several big announcements for the beloved franchise were announced by The Pokémon Company on Sunday which include a new open world Pokémon series as well as updates on Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.
Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet
The Pokémon Company announced that the newest installments in the series titled Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet are coming later this year on Nintendo Switch.
The latest RPG titles are described as an “evolutionary step” in the franchise as the new series allows players to freely explore Scarlet and Violet’s "richly expressed" open world.
In the new series, several towns have no borders, blending these places into the wilderness. Unlike the previous series, players will also be able to see various kinds of Pokémon in the skies, seas, forest and even streets.
“You’ll be able to experience the true joy of the Pokémon series—battling against wild Pokémon in order to catch them—now in an open-world game that players of any age can enjoy,” the company said.
Additionally, players also get to choose among three new starter Pokémons: Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly.
Sprigatito is described as a “capricious, attention-seeking” Grass Cat Pokémon that is capable of using Overgrow in battles.
Fuecoco, meanwhile, is a laid-back Fire Croc Pokémon “that does things at its own pace.” As the fire type Pokémon in the group, Fuecoco is capable of using Blaze against its enemies.
Rounding out the new set of starter Pokémons is the water type Quaxly, the “earnest and tidy” Duckling Pokémon armed with an ability called Torrent.
The Pokémon Company has yet to announce the exact release dates for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
The recently released open-world game also received a free update on Pokémon Day. The free content update called Daybreak (Ver.1.1.0) allows players to investigate mysterious outbreaks of Pokémon that are popping up all over the Hisui region. Additionally, players also get the chance to face powerful opponents including Legendary Pokémon and wardens.
Here’s the official description of the Daybreak update for Pokémon Legends: Arceus: A mysterious phenomenon is emerging across Hisui: mass outbreaks of Pokémon in multiple places, accompanied by rainstorms. Head out to investigate with Warden Mai of the Diamond Clan and her partner Munchlax. These special mass outbreaks offer a chance to catch Pokémon that are ordinarily difficult to find!
Meanwhile, players will also receive items in celebration of Pokémon Day. By entering the password ARCEUSADVENTURE in the Mystery Gifts menu before March 31, 2022, players will receive 30 Ultra Balls, 30 Gigaton Balls, and 30 Jet Balls.
Additionally, the company also revealed that a limited animated series set in the Hisui region is now in the works and is expected to arrive later in 2022.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
Owners of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl can now claim an item called Oak's Letter as a Mystery Gift. This item allows players to encounter the Mythical Pokémon Shaymin in the game. To get the item, players will need to talk to Professor Oak on Route 224.
Pokémon GO
The world of Pokémon GO is also expanding as Pokémon from Alola Region, which first appeared in Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, are coming to the mobile game on March 1. Players are advised to keep an eye out with the first Pokémon from the region: Alolan Exeggutor.
Pokémon UNITE
Aside from the new type of quick battle in Pokémon UNITE, players also get to try out Mythical Pokémon Hoopa during the Pokémon Day event by using its limited license. Additionally, players also have a chance to acquire Hoopa’s Unite license by completing special missions in the game.
Pokémon Masters EX
To mark the 2.5-year anniversary of mobile game Pokémon Masters EX, The Pokémon Company is giving bonuses to celebrate the occasion. As part of the event, players can now take on powerful sync pairs from many regions on Victory Road. Completing this challenge will allow players to earn 5,000 gems and the opportunity to team up with Sygna Suit Red & Charizard, Sygna Suit Blue & Blastoise, or Sygna Suit Leaf & Venusaur.
Additionally, players will be able to scout up to one hundred sync pairs at no cost by collecting 10-Pair Scout Tickets as log-in bonuses. They can also receive a present of 3,000 gems as part of the celebration.
Pokémon Café ReMix
As part of the Pokémon Day celebration, players get to participate in three in-game special events which include Bulbasaur in a limited-time celebratory crown outfit, an increased chance of Shiny Piplup appearing, and an eleven-times express delivery item that can be used at no cost.