It's clear, based on a recent post on social media, that Pokémon has big plans for 2026 ahead, as the franchise will celebrate a huge milestone. 2026 will be a big year for The Pokemon Company as it is hugely popular Pokémon franchise will celebrate its 30th anniversary. Having originally launched in Japan in 1996, the IP has gone on to become a massive media franchise, branching out from the original line of video games to cover almost everything from anime, books, trading cards and toys.
The Japanese edition of the Pocket Monsters Red and Green actually launched in February 1996 before debuting as Pokemon Red and Blue in North America two years later, meaning the franchise will officially turn 30 in 2026. While the launch of Pokemon Legends: ZA was the big game release of 2025, it seems The Pokemon Company has big plans for 2026, with many expecting to see what's in store for the anticipated launch of the 10th generation video game.
Say goodbye to Pokemon Gen 10, Legends Galar Leaks 2026
You will have to say goodbye to leaks regarding the Pokemon Gen 10 and Legends Galar game in 2026 for a rather unexpected reason.
2026 is going to be a big one for Pokemon
In a new post just before the dawn of the new year, the official Japanese account for Pokémon teased fans with his plans for 2026. Highlighted the post by confirming the franchise's 30th anniversary with the release of Pokemon Red and Greenthe account goes on to tease that 2026 “will be the best yet” and that fans should “look forward to it!” The post ended with a short animation showing the original design and sound effects for Pikachu transforming into the new anniversary logo that fans will likely see a lot of in 2026.
Unfortunately, that's where the details end, leaving fans to speculate on what the franchise is planning for all of its games and other content. Although it is possible Pokemon Legends: ZA announcing more DLC to go along with Mega Dimension, all eyes are now on the upcoming mainline Generation 10 game, which has continued to see potential leaks and rumors circulate online. Alongside that, LEGO and Pokémon planning major set releases, and if the rumors are true, Pokemon TCG will also release a huge 30th anniversary compilation.
As for Gen 10, fans have come to know the upcoming games that Pokemon wind and wavealthough nothing is official right now. New leaks have continued to come online, with the latest details showing what's next Pokémon the title's massive city and potential Rotom-enabled crossover. While the leaked materials appear to be in an earlier stage of development, the city appears to offer players a mix of modern, with traditional glass and steel buildings, and traditional, through the existence of pagoda-style architecture. A leaked silhouette of the Gen 10 professor has also surfaced, teasing an older man with bushy eyebrows and a beard. Fans are expecting a potential reveal in February 2026 through some Pokemon Presents event that coincides with the actual franchise anniversary date, but nothing has been confirmed at this time.
Although there is still a lot of mystery surrounding Pokémons ultimate plans for its 30th anniversary in 2026, there are a couple of previously announced pieces of content that fans can look forward to. Pokemon champion seems to focus more on the trainer battles of previous games like Stadium and has become the main hub for all VGC related activities. Alternatively Pokopia is more in the “cozy games” genre, allowing players to customize and build their own space to invite other Pokemon to visit. Both games have confirmed release dates of 2026, but it's highly likely that they'll be joined by the much-anticipated next mainline Pokémon title.
