Pokemon recently celebrated its 25th Anniversary on 27 February 2021. It’s surprising to think that the Early History of Pokemon wasn’t always so easy. Regardless, to the delight of all fans, they made some big reveals about their upcoming plans. It’s quite incredible to think that it has been 25 years since Red and Blue were first released on the GameBoy. Yet, I still remember vividly, as a very young One Chilled Gamer, struggling through hordes of Zubats in the Kanto Rock Tunnels, whilst my Geodude was on perilously low HP… They actually still remain as the Best Selling Pokemon Games Ever. Fast forward to 2021 and we’ve all just finished playing the expansions to the first games in the Eighth Generation, Sword and Shield.
With the passing of the 25th Anniversary, the series is perhaps even more popular than ever. Both young and old now enjoy these games in huge numbers. As such, the brand has started to break some incredible records in recent years. The collectible cards are selling for huge sums, such as the Shadowless First Edition Charizard cards. Additonally, the popularity of the legendary banned cards is always growing. Not to be overshadowed by the recent announcement of account punishments on Pokemon Go for cheating, the 25th Anniversary lived up to expectations and made some big reveals. Read below for all the key details.
Pokemon 25th Anniversary – The Big Reveals
New Pokemon Snap
The first game revealed at the 25th Anniversary is the New Pokemon Snap. The game is pitched as a sequel to the original that was released in 1999. I must admit, I never played this one. The young One Chilled Gamer was more interest in catching them than photographing them. I am not sure what that says about me… In this game, the player takes the role of a photographer, who must travel the Lental region photographing Pokemon. The aim is to build a Photodex to aid the research project of a Professor Mirror. Although a young One Chilled Gamer probably wouldn’t have picked this, the game does look extremely relaxing and the graphics are beautiful. Definitely one for those fans looking for a calmer experience. New Pokemon Snap will be released on 30 April 2021 for the Nintendo Switch.
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
The second game announced at the 25th Anniversary was Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. These are enhanced remasters of the original Pokemon Pearl and Diamond which were released on the Nintendo DS in 2006. This will be the first chance that fans get to play these games again since their release 15 years ago. Nintendo know their fans, and Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl should prove an easy win for the company. Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl will be released in late 2021 for the Nintendo Switch.
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Pokémon Legends: Arceus
The biggest reveal of the 25th Anniversary was the announcement of the next game in the eight generation – Pokemon Legends: Arceus. It serves as a prequel to Diamond and Pearl and therefore complements the remasters of these games well. Set long before Diamond and Pearl, Pokemon Legends: Arceus takes place in a Sinnoh region inspired by feudal Japan. In the 25th Anniversary Event, they state that a main driving force behind this game is to create Sinnoh’s first Pokedex, with the legendary Pokemon, Arceus, playing a major role in the story. It was also revealed that the three starters will be Rowlet, Oshawott and Cyndaquil – this will be the first game to feature a starter from three different generations of the game. Pokemon Legends: Arceus is scheduled to be released in early 2022 for the Nintendo Switch. Check out the reveal trailer for Pokemon Legends: Arceus, below.
If you missed the 25th Anniversary event you can watch the key video below with all the big reveals. Let us know what you’re most excited about and what you hope to see in Pokemon Legends: Arceus.
Pokemon is not the only massive Nintendo title to have a big day recently, check out our post on the best Mario Kart games in celebration of Mario Day!