BELLEVUE, WA—February 20, 2019—Pokémon Day, the annual pop-culture holiday dedicated to all things Pokémon, arrives on February 27, and The Pokémon Company International has announced a variety of offerings to help fans celebrate. This year, Pokémon Trainers can look forward to Pokémon Trading Card Game events, curated animated content on Twitch and Pokémon TV, new merchandise from Pokémon Center, retail promotions, and more.
On February 27, 1996, the first Pokémon video games, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green, released in Japan, kicking off a global phenomenon that would become one of the most popular entertainment franchises in the world for more than 20 years. In commemoration of this pop-culture milestone, The Pokémon Company International provides fans with activities, products, and promotions that give them additional opportunities to engage with the Pokémon brand.
“Pokémon Day is about celebrating the incredible fans that have made Pokémon one of the most beloved entertainment franchises in the world,” said J.C. Smith, senior director of consumer marketing for The Pokémon Company International. “As a thank-you to the community, we’re excited to provide them with more ways to experience all things Pokémon.”
Key Pokémon Day highlights include:
Pokémon Trading Card Game Trade & Play Events
Select retailers, including GameStop and Best Buy in the US and EB Games in Canada, will host Trade & Play events for the Pokémon Trading Card Game in celebration of the latest expansion, Pokémon TCG: Sun & Moon—Team Up. Attendees will receive a free oversize booster pack containing cards and other goodies (while supplies last), and they’ll have the opportunity to play the Pokémon TCG and trade cards with other fans. Event details for participating retailers are as follows:
- GameStop: Over 2,500 stores in the US will host events on February 23 and February 24. In addition, GameStop will release an exclusive Lapras plush by Wicked Cool Toys during the events.
- Best Buy: Over 100 stores in the US will host events on February 23.
- EB Games: Over 100 stores in Canada will host events on February 23.
Curated Animated Content on Twitch, Pokémon TV, and Broadcast
Trainers will be able to relive some of their favorite moments from the animated TV series and movies as the Twitch Pokémon Marathon returns on Pokémon Day. From February 27 through May 5, fans can tune in to twitch.tv/twitchpresents to watch Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, Pokémon the Series: Black & White, Pokémon the Series: XY, and select movies.
Twitch will showcase some of their favorite episodes and movies all day on February 27, with content highlighting Pokémon like Pikachu, Zekrom, Eevee, Snorlax, and others that appear as TAG TEAM Pokémon-GX from the recently released Pokémon TCG: Sun & Moon—Team Up expansion.
On Pokémon TV, available via the app for iOS and Android devices and on Pokemon.com, fans can watch episodes featuring Gengar and Mimikyu, which can also be found paired together as a TAG TEAM Pokémon-GX. Disney XD in the US and YTV in Canada will also join the fun by showcasing blocks of fan-favorite episodes on February 27.
Brand-New Collection from Pokémon Center
Pokémon Center will release Poké Ball Classics, a new collection of premium-quality apparel and accessories that are fitting for the workplace and dressy occasions. Sporting a clean and crisp Poké Ball pattern, the line includes a bifold wallet, tie, infinity scarf, polo shirt, messenger bag, and Fossil watches for women and men.
Poké Ball Classics will be available starting February 27 at PokemonCenter.com, the premier destination for Pokémon merchandise in the US.
Pokémon Streetwear Collaboration with 10.Deep
Pokémon will soon debut a US streetwear apparel collaboration with streetwear brand 10.Deep Clothing Inc. The Pokémon Company International and 10.Deep have partnered to create a capsule collection for spring/summer 2019, with apparel featuring the infamous Team Rocket.
The items will be available on February 27 at a pop-up event taking place at the 10.Deep flagship store in New York City and on 10Deep.com. Following the initial launch, the line will be available at select boutiques.
Special Toys and Retail Promotions
On February 27, The Pokémon Company International and Funko will add Bulbasaur to their roster of Funko Pop! Pokémon figures. Fans can sign up at Funko.com to receive updates on product availability.
In addition, Build-A-Bear Workshop will offer an online discount of up to 30 percent off all Pokémon bundles at buildabear.com and buildabear.co.uk from February 25 through February 27.
Fans are invited to join the conversation online by using the hashtag #PokemonDay on social media.
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About Pokémon
The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing and marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children’s entertainment properties in the world. For more information, visit www.pokemon.com.