Pokémon Direct Coming Soon & Multiple Events on February 27

On February 27, 1996, video game fans were asked to choose between Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander for the first time. This would be the beginning of a global phenomenon that has continued for two decades, through different regions, on multiple platforms, and the first of countless memorable moments. Exactly twenty years later, on Pokémon Day, Saturday, February 27, the adventure continues as Pokémon celebrates its 20th year with special events and activities. The fun begins with the Pokémon Photo Booth app that is now available for download at no charge from the App Store. Fans can show their Pokémon 20th spirit by customizing their portraits and adding captions in the style of classic Pokémon games. The photos can then be shared via social media sites or used to create Pokémon-themed profile photos. The app is also coming soon to Google Play.

A celebration of 20 years of Pokémon would not be complete without some big news! On Friday, February 26, at 9:00 a.m. (Central Time), a special Pokémon Direct presentation can be viewed at www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct.

Twitch will be hosting a massive Pokémon event starting at 10:00 a.m. (PST) on Saturday. Fans can tune in to watch Pokémon discussion, gameplay, and other activities. At 6:00 p.m. (PST), Twitch will kick off an animation marathon for 24 hours that will include movies, favorite episodes, and animation specials around the clock until 6:00 p.m. (PST) on Sunday.

All Pokémon fans are invited to attend a special Pokémon 20th celebration at the newly renovated Nintendo NY store located at 10 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. On Saturday, February 27, from noon to 3:00 p.m. (EST), fans can participate in special Pokémon-themed activities and even take a photo with Pikachu.

Retailers around the country will also celebrate 20 years of Pokémon on Saturday, February 27. At participating Toys“R”Us locations, fans can receive special foil Pokémon TCG cards featuring Pikachu and Magikarp from the Pokémon TCG: Generations expansion, a Pokémon activity book, and a poster of the original 151 Pokémon, while supplies last. Fans can also purchase an exclusive Generations-themed binder at Toys“R”Us to store the new expansion. GameStop stores are offering a Mythical Pokémon poster with purchase of any Pokémon product while supplies last.

More details can be found at Pokemon.com/20. Fans visiting the site throughout the year will find information about monthly Mythical Pokémon distributions, retail events, special products, and messages from some of Pokémon’s biggest fans.

Pokémon. Twenty Years. Train On.™