Pokémon 25th Anniversary
Official logo in the shape of Pikachu's head with "25" represented as its red cheeks
DateJanuary 1 – December 31, 2021 (2021-01-01 – 2021-12-31)
TypeAnniversary event
MotiveCelebration of the 25th anniversary of the 1996 Japanese release of Pocket Monsters Red and Green for the Game Boy, the first games in the Pokémon franchise
Organized byThe Pokémon Company
Website25.pokemon.com/en-us/

The Pokémon 25th anniversary (Japanese: ポケモン 25周年, Hepburn: Pokemon 25 Shūnen), officially branded as Pokémon25, was a celebration held throughout 2021 in commemoration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Pokémon franchise, which began with the original Japanese release of Pocket Monsters Red and Green for the Game Boy on February 27, 1996. The franchise was celebrated through various media of the franchise including video games, the anime, the manga, toys, clothing, music and events.

The anniversary saw the announcements of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, which both released on November 19, 2021, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which released on January 28, 2022. They are remakes and a prequel, respectively, of the 2006 games Pokemon Diamond and Pearl on the Nintendo Switch.[1]

Background

The Pokémon franchise began as Pocket Monsters Red and Green (later released outside of Japan as Pokémon Red and Blue) for the Game Boy, developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo,[2] on February 27, 1996. The Pokémon franchise is divided into groupings known as generations. In each new generation, a new set of Pokémon and a new region are introduced. The first generation began in Japan with the release of Pocket Monsters Red and Green on February 27, 1996. As of 2022, there are currently nine generations of main series video games.

Pokémon has since become the highest-grossing media franchise of all time, with $90 billion in total franchise revenue. The video game series is the second-best-selling video game franchise (behind Nintendo's own Mario franchise, which had recently celebrated its 35th anniversary) with more than 368 million copies sold and one billion mobile downloads, and it spawned a hit anime series that has become the most successful video game adaptation with over 20 seasons and 1,000 episodes in 169 countries.

In addition, the Pokémon franchise includes the world's top-selling toy brand, the top-selling trading card game with over 30.4 billion cards sold, an anime film series, a live-action film, books, manga comics, music, merchandise, and a theme park.

2021 Timeline

The first official mention of the anniversary celebration was on November 26, 2020, at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Pokémon Company presented the logo for the anniversary in front of a giant balloon of Pikachu, who has made a regular appearance at the parade since 2001.[3][4] This was followed by news that Pokémon would be collaborating with Japanese Space Exploration Agency, JAXA to celebrate the new year. The collaboration involved seeing Pokémon in augmented reality aboard the International Space Station.[5]

  • January 13: news revealed about the celebration, involving that American singer Katy Perry was collaborating with Pokémon on a new music program for its 25th anniversary.[6][7] This was done via a video released on The Pokémon Company International's official YouTube channel, featuring a Rube Goldberg machine travelling through the history of the franchise.
  • January 14: The Pokémon Company announced that New Pokémon Snap would be released worldwide on April 30, 2021.[8]
  • February 9: McDonald's released an exclusive collection of Pokémon Trading Cards from the official TCG that were included in McDonald's Happy Meals for a limited time. 25 cards were available to collect with 50 total (25 non-holo and 25 holo).[9]
  • February 15: Pokémon collaborated with Levi Strauss & Co., launching the '90s-inspired Levi's x Pokémon collection to celebrate the anniversary.[10]
  • February 19: Pokémon Day website in Japan launched which displayed live results of a Twitter hashtag-based fan vote that ran from February 19 to 22, for favorite Pokémon, with final results to be revealed afterward. The website includes Pokémon trivia and information on each generation.[11] February 19 also began Pokémon's official 8 day countdown to Pokémon Day (with each of the eight days representing the eight generations of starter Pokémon) on their social media accounts.[12]
  • February 25: a special Pikachu knowing the move Sing (a move it normally can't learn) will be distributed to the Pokémon Sword and Shield games to tie in with the Pokémon 25th anniversary musical motif.[13]
  • February 27, Pokémon Day (Japan & Korea) / 26 (international): a Pokémon Presents presentation occurred. It showed new information about New Pokémon Snap and Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl and Pokémon Legends: Arceus were announced.[14]
  • February 27, Pokémon Day: the Pokémon 25th Virtual Concert featuring American rapper Post Malone was held as part of the P25 Music Program that was first announced on February 11.[15][16] Four songs were featured: Psycho, Circles, Only Wanna Be with You and Congratulations.
  • February 27, Pokémon Day: For a very limited time, 25th Anniversary Pokémon TCG three-card booster packs were included inside select General Mills cereals. There are a total of 14 exclusive cards to collect.
  • March: Galar Month celebration on the Pokémon official international social media accounts[17]
  • April: Alola Month celebration on the Pokémon official international social media accounts[18]
  • April 30: New Pokémon Snap released worldwide for the Nintendo Switch
  • May: Kalos Month celebration on the Pokémon official international social media accounts[19]
  • May 6: The 24th English dub season of the Pokémon anime Pokémon Master Journeys: The Series is revealed[20]
  • May 14: "Electric" by Katy Perry the lead single of the Pokémon 25 music album, is released
  • June: Unova Month celebration on the Pokémon official international social media accounts
  • June 12: 24th English dub anime season, Pokémon Master Journeys: The Series, season premiere in Canada
  • July 16: The Pokémon Company partners with American snacks manufacturer Nabisco for special edition boxes of mini-branded Oreos, Chips Ahoy!, and Nilla cookies. There are 3 boxes total with each box showcasing the game's starter line of Fire, Water, and Grass Pokémon.
  • July: Sinnoh Month celebration on the Pokémon official international social media accounts
  • July 21: Pokémon Unite, a spinoff MOBA, released for Nintendo Switch[21]
  • July 6: 5th anniversary of Pokémon GO, mobile game[22]
  • July 16: "Take It Home" by Mabel, another single from Pokémon 25: The Album, is released.[23]
  • August 6: Vince Staples, Cyn and Zhu were announced as part of Pokémon 25: The Album, where the former two perform the songs "Got 'Em" and "Wonderful" respectively. Alongside that, the Red EP was released.[24] The EP failed to chart.
  • August 18: Another Pokémon Presents presentation took place. It gave updates on the Diamond and Pearl remakes as well as the prequel.
  • August 20: The Blue EP is released, including remixes by Zhu. The EP failed to chart.
  • August: Hoenn Month celebration on the Pokémon official international social media accounts
  • September: Johto Month celebration on the Pokémon official international social media accounts
  • September 1: "Game Girl" by French artist Louane for Pokémon 25: The Album is released.
  • September 9: Pokémon Evolutions, a web anime series celebrating the 25th anniversary, aired on YouTube and Pokémon TV
  • September 13: Limited edition Pokémon Oreo packaged cookies were made available. Each cookie featured 1 out of 16 different Pokémon. A Walmart exclusive 12 pack box of mini Oreos was also released.
  • September 22: Pokémon Unite, a spinoff MOBA mobile game, mobile release for iOS and Android[25]
  • October: Kanto Month celebration on the Pokémon official international social media accounts
  • October: New Pokémon cards will be released as part of the celebration.
  • October 15: Release of Pokémon 25: The Album, featuring Post Malone, Katy Perry, Vince Staples, Cyn, Zhu, Mabel, Louane, Tierra Whack, Lil Yachty, Jax Jones, and J Balvin. The album did not chart on the Billboard 200.
  • November 19: Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl worldwide release date for the Nintendo Switch

Pokémon 25th Anniversary Region Exhibit

From March (the full month right after Pokémon Day), each region of the Pokemon world had been celebrated by the official Pokémon international social media accounts. During each month, an online exhibit had been opened on the official Pokémon website.[26] All the regions are arranged in generation reverse order.

Pokémon 25th Anniversary Region Exhibit
Month Region
March Galar
April Alola
May Kalos
June Unova
July Sinnoh
August Hoenn
September Johto
October Kanto

References

  1. ↑ Dempsey, P. (May 1, 2017). "The Teardown: Nintendo Switch gaming system". Engineering & Technology. 12 (4): 82–83. doi:10.1049/et.2017.0430. ISSN 1750-9637.
  2. ↑ Ashmore, Nicholas (May 24, 2021). "The Nintendo 64: Nintendo's Adult Platform? The Dichotomy Of Nintendo And Children's Video Games". doi:10.32920/ryerson.14662242. Retrieved June 21, 2023. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  3. ↑ Shea, Brian (November 27, 2020). "Pokémon Teases 25th Anniversary Celebration In 2021". Game Informer. Archived from the original on January 15, 2021. Retrieved January 16, 2021.
  4. ↑ Ivan, Tom (November 26, 2020). "Pokémon reveals 25th anniversary logo and teases 'very special' celebrations". Video Games Chronicle. Archived from the original on January 18, 2021. Retrieved January 16, 2021.
  5. ↑ N. Adams, Robert (November 25, 2020). "Pokemon promises 'a new form of entertainment' with ISS augmented reality broadcast". Game Revolution. Archived from the original on January 14, 2021. Retrieved January 16, 2021.
  6. ↑ Craddock, Ryan (January 13, 2021). "Pokémon Teams Up With Katy Perry To Kick Off 25th Anniversary Celebrations". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on May 11, 2021. Retrieved January 16, 2021.
  7. ↑ "Katy Perry and Pokémon celebrate its 25th anniversary". CNN. January 13, 2021. Archived from the original on May 10, 2021. Retrieved January 16, 2021.
  8. ↑ Phillips, Tom (January 14, 2021). "New Pokémon Snap releases in April, with over 200 creatures to film". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on January 14, 2021. Retrieved January 16, 2021.
  9. ↑ "Collect 25th Anniversary Pokémon TCG Cards in McDonald's Happy Meals | Pokemon.com". www.pokemon.com. Archived from the original on February 11, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  10. ↑ ""LEVI'S® X POKÉMON" - The Pokémon Company International Official Press Site". pokemon.gamespress.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  11. ↑ "「Pokémon Day」公式サイト". 「Pokémon Day」公式サイト (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 20, 2021. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  12. ↑ Pokémon [@Pokemon] (February 20, 2021). "Grookey's excited, Scorbunny's amped up and Sobble...will figure it out, eventually. The countdown is on, Trainers. Just 8 more days until #PokemonDay! How are you planning to celebrate? https://t.co/YtkrA4Imgr" (Tweet). Archived from the original on May 17, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022 – via Twitter.
  13. ↑ "Get a Pikachu that knows the move Sing in Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield!". 25.pokemon.com. Archived from the original on June 2, 2021. Retrieved February 22, 2021.
  14. ↑ Pokémon [@Pokemon] (February 25, 2021). "❗ Get ready, Trainers. A Pokémon Presents video presentation will be taking place on the official Pokémon YouTube channel tomorrow—Friday, February 26—at 7:00 a.m. PDT. 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe–hit that bell to be the first in the loop! https://t.co/EWuPwUX9s2 https://t.co/zisPK8Xa6e" (Tweet). Archived from the original on August 19, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022 – via Twitter.
  15. ↑ ""POKÉMON UNVEILS VIRTUAL MUSIC CONCERT WITH POST MALONE TO CELEBRATE 25TH ANNIVERSARY" - The Pokémon Company North America Official Press Site". press.pokemon.com. Archived from the original on February 14, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2021.
  16. ↑ Pokémon [@Pokemon] (February 11, 2021). "Pokémon. Post Malone. It's the concert you never saw coming, Trainers. Don't miss your chance to be front row for the Virtual Experience on #PokemonDay! https://t.co/q8YMsliBjI https://t.co/wFTuRfWQFo" (Tweet). Archived from the original on September 3, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022 – via Twitter.
  17. ↑ Pokémon [@Pokemon] (March 3, 2021). "Get ready for Galar! As we celebrate #Pokemon25, we're looking back at the unique regions that exist within the world of Pokémon. This month is all about Galar – and its starting lineup of starter Pokémon! What are some of your favorite memories from this vast, snowy region? https://t.co/aRrGyZNMiW" (Tweet). Archived from the original on May 17, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022 – via Twitter.
  18. ↑ Pokémon [@Pokemon] (April 5, 2021). "Alola, Trainers! In celebration of #Pokemon25, we're revisiting each of the regions that exist within the world of Pokémon. This month takes us back to Alola with Rowlet, Litten and Popplio! Which of these starter Pokémon accompanied you on your journey through Alola? https://t.co/ULu0m2t8DJ" (Tweet). Archived from the original on May 17, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022 – via Twitter.
  19. ↑ Pokémon [@Pokemon] (May 3, 2021). "Tell us you love Poké Puffs without telling us you love Poké Puffs. We're kicking it in the Kalos region all month long, Trainers! What are some of your favorite Kalos memories? https://t.co/oJ5LsV71a5" (Tweet). Archived from the original on May 17, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022 – via Twitter.
  20. ↑ "Go on a Summer Adventure with the Latest Pokémon Season: Pokémon Master Journeys | Pokemon.com". www.pokemon.com. Archived from the original on May 7, 2021. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
  21. ↑ "Pokémon UNITE | Video Games & Apps". www.pokemon.com. Archived from the original on February 1, 2021. Retrieved January 11, 2021.
  22. ↑ "Why Pokémon GO Fest 2021 Is More Important This Year Than Ever". ScreenRant. April 29, 2021. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved May 28, 2021.
  23. ↑ "The next song on Pokemon 25: The Album has been released, "Take It Home" by Mabel". July 16, 2021. Archived from the original on July 16, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  24. ↑ Mamo, Heran (August 5, 2021). "Vince Staples, Cyn & Zhu Tapped by Pokémon for 25th-Anniversary 'Blue' & 'Red' EPs: Exclusive". Billboard. Archived from the original on August 6, 2021. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
  25. ↑ "Pokémon UNITE | Video Games & Apps". www.pokemon.com. Archived from the original on February 1, 2021. Retrieved January 11, 2021.
  26. ↑ "Regions of the Pokémon World". 25.pokemon.com. Archived from the original on June 7, 2021. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
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