Pokémon 25th Anniversary: What to Expect?
Pokémon 25th Anniversary: What to Expect?
Source: Nintendo
2021 is set to be celebrated as Pokémon's 25th Anniversary, as February 27, 2021 marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the original Japanese release of Pokémon Red and Green Versions, and therefore the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Pokémon media franchise as a whole.
The 25th anniversary logo was revealed during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 26, 2020.
Music
- Main article: P25 Music
A yearlong campaign titled P25 Music was created as a collaboration between The Pokémon Company International and Universal Music Group and Brands for the 25th anniversary. The first participating artist is Katy Perry.
Trading Card Game
Source: Nintendo
Source: Nintendo
A collection of Jumbo cards featuring starters was released throughout the year. The cards are all reprints of their respective Pokémon's first released card with the 25th Anniversary logo added. A binder to hold them was the first item released on February 26 and included the Pikachu card. First Partner Packs were released in subsequent months, with three cards per pack, ordered by generation.
The First Partner Packs will release every month from the Pokémon TCG, starting in March and leading up to the anniversary set expected to debut this fall. The release schedule currently includes:
- March 5th, 2021: Train On – First Partner Pack: Galar
- April 2nd, 2021: Train On – First Partner Pack: Alola
- May 7th, 2021: Train On – First Partner Pack: Kalos
- June 4th, 2021: Train On – First Partner Pack: Unova
- July 9th, 2021: Train On – First Partner Pack: Sinnoh
- Aug. 6th, 2021: Train On – First Partner Pack: Hoenn
- Sept. 3rd, 2021: Train On – First Partner Pack: Johto
- Oct. 8th, 2021: Train On – First Partner Pack: Kanto
Each of these packs will have three over-sized cards and come with two standard booster packs, but it has not yet been said which of the Pokémon TCG expansions will be featured with those packs. This set will begin its rollout shortly after the mid-February release of the special Shining Fates set, and shortly before the next major Sword & Shield era expansion of Battle Styles. Perhaps one of those two will be featured.
As for the Train On – First Partner Pack cards, they will be exact replicas of classic cards in jumbo form, including the vintage base set. The only visual addition will be the 25th Anniversary logo. Even the set numbering of each card will remain the same. The Pokémon Center will release a special, oversized binder to store and display these cards on February 26th. Both the Train On – First Partner Pack booster packs and the binder will retail at $9.99 MSRP.
Merchandise
A limited edition Bear Walker skateboard was made for the anniversary. It was available for pre-order from PokémonCenter.com starting January 19. You can refer to our previous blog post on tips and trick to order one of these electrifying skateboard.