Tag Archives: Pokémon 30th Anniversary

Game News

Rumour: Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald Are Coming to Switch This Autumn

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Hoenn fans, it may be time to warm up the Mach Bike. Reliable leaker Shpeshal Nick is claiming that Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald are headed to Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 this autumn — and there is enough circumstantial evidence sitting behind the rumour to make it worth paying close attention to.

What Shpeshal Nick Claims

Pokémon Ruby gameplay — trainer on bicycle with Latias in Hoenn
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

On 12 August, Nick posted on X that ports of Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald are currently planned for late September or October 2026. He did not specify whether the three games would arrive simultaneously or be staggered, and no pricing or eShop details were given. The Pokémon Company has not commented.

Nick’s track record gives the claim weight. He accurately leaked the Zelda-themed Nintendo Switch 2 console and the 40th Anniversary Pro Controller before either appeared officially — so while his word is not law, the history is hard to dismiss outright.

The Evidence Behind the Rumour

Rayquaza GBA battle sprite from Pokémon Emerald
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

Two pieces of supporting evidence make this rumour feel credible rather than speculative:

Dataminer discovery: Shortly after Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen launched on Switch on Pokémon Day (27 February 2026), dataminers found connectivity strings inside those ports explicitly referencing Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. The same kind of inter-game linking existed in the original GBA releases, and the presence of that code in the Switch versions suggests Game Freak built in hooks for Hoenn games that were already in the pipeline.

Rayquaza marketing push: The Pokémon Company has been running a high-visibility Rayquaza campaign through mid-2026 — Mega Rayquaza anchored the Pokémon TCG Pocket Ruler of the Skies expansion (July 30) and the TCG Storm Emeralda set (with Mega Rayquaza ex). Rayquaza is the cover legendary of Pokémon Emerald. A coordinated card push without a game announcement would be unusual; a push that dovetails with an eShop port would be textbook Pokémon Company marketing.

The FireRed/LeafGreen Blueprint

Pokémon FireRed on Nintendo Switch — Wild Snorlax battle screenshot
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company / Nintendo

The Gen 3 ports would almost certainly follow the approach Nintendo used for FireRed and LeafGreen in February 2026: faithful recreations of the GBA originals, slightly upscaled for Switch resolution, with no remade visuals or added features beyond eShop convenience. FRLG cost US$19.99 each — equivalent to roughly S$26–27 at current eShop rates for Singapore. Expect similar pricing for Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald if they arrive.

What This Would Mean for Singapore Trainers

If the ports are real, Singapore players should expect:

  • Nintendo eShop download only — as with FRLG, no physical cartridge is likely
  • SGD pricing around S$26–30 per game based on the FRLG precedent
  • Nintendo Switch Online not required to play, though it may unlock connectivity features
  • Pokémon HOME compatibility likely to follow — the October HOME 4.1.0 update already confirmed expanded Gen 1 (FRLG) connectivity; Gen 3 linking would be a natural next step

One important caveat: these would almost certainly be digital-only Switch ports of the original GBA releases — not remakes. If you were hoping for Hoenn reimagined in the Legends style, this isn’t that. What you would get is the authentic 2003–2004 experience on a modern screen, which for many players is exactly what they want.

Neither Nintendo nor The Pokémon Company has confirmed anything. Treat this as a strong, evidence-backed rumour until an official announcement lands. We will update this post if that happens. Keep an eye on our news section for any Pokémon Presents developments.

Event

PokéXciting! Singapore: Jewel Parade, Blue Pikachu and the Full November Event Guide

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The Pokémon RUN 30 at The Kallang already has Singapore trainers excited, but the bigger picture is even wilder. On 7 and 8 November 2026, Singapore becomes the third stop on The Pokémon Company’s PokéXciting! Asia-Pacific tour — a citywide 30th anniversary celebration that fills Jewel Changi Airport’s Forest Valley with all 27 First Partner Pokémon, drops an exclusive blue Pikachu into Pokémon GO, and turns Changi Airport Terminal 3 into a stage-show venue for the weekend. And if you miss the two-day event itself, a Pokémon shopping campaign at Changi and Jewel runs all the way into February 2027.

What Is PokéXciting! — and Why Singapore Is Stop Three

PokéXciting! 30th anniversary official event art featuring Pikachu, Eevee, Charmander, Squirtle and more
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

PokéXciting! is The Pokémon Company’s flagship live-event tour to mark three decades of Pokémon. Five Asia-Pacific cities each host a two-day celebration — and each city gets its own exclusive Pikachu costume, inspired by that region. The full schedule:

  • Kuala Lumpur — 12–13 September 2026 (KLCC Park)
  • Taipei — 10–11 October 2026 (Xinyi District)
  • Singapore — 7–8 November 2026 (Changi Airport & Jewel)
  • Manila — 23–24 January 2027 (SM Mall of Asia surroundings)
  • Bangkok — 13–14 February 2027 (details TBA)

The Philippines and Taipei editions will have already wrapped by the time Singapore’s weekend arrives, so you’ll be able to see what worked, what sold out, and what hype to calibrate against — useful intel given that Manila’s RUN edition sold out before Singapore’s was announced.

At Jewel Changi: The First Partner Parade

The centrepiece of Singapore’s PokéXciting! is a Pokémon Parade at Jewel Changi Airport’s Forest Valley, featuring all 27 First Partner Pokémon across nine generations — every starter from Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle (Kanto) through to Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly (Paldea). Live events at Jewel also include Meet & Greet sessions with Pokémon characters, themed photo spots, and exclusive merchandise available only at the venue.

The Jewel component of PokéXciting! is free to attend, separate from the ticketed Pokémon RUN at The Kallang — so even if you’re not running, the Jewel experience is open to everyone.

At Changi Airport Terminal 3: Stage Shows

Changi Airport Terminal 3 hosts stage shows across both days of the event. Alongside the live performances, a Pokémon Experience Zone (part of the extended shopping campaign) features Nintendo Switch 2 gameplay demos and Pokémon Trading Card Game trial sessions — a low-barrier way to try the card game if you’ve been curious but never picked up a pack.

The Changi-Jewel Shopping Campaign (3 November 2026 – February 2027)

Singapore-exclusive Pokémon RUN 30 Pikachu plushie in blue Singapore t-shirt, shown from three angles
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

The campaign kicks off on 3 November — four days before the main PokéXciting! weekend — and runs until:

  • Jewel Changi Airport: through 31 January 2027
  • Changi Airport: through 28 February 2027

Shoppers with qualifying receipts from participating outlets at Changi and Jewel can purchase or redeem original Pokémon merchandise with designs exclusive to Singapore. Through the holiday season, Changi’s decorations will carry Pokémon 30th anniversary theming, transitioning from Christmas to Lunar New Year in early 2027. Jewel features a Trading Card Game Quiz Rally with enlarged card displays throughout the mall.

Pokémon GO: Singapore’s In-Game Event (7–8 November)

If you’re a Pokémon GO player, PokéXciting! Singapore runs a fully integrated in-game event alongside the real-world activities. Singapore’s exclusive encounter is the PokéXciting! Pikachu in a blue costume, inspired by Singapore’s local identity — different from every other city’s variant.

GO Stamp Rally: During the event weekend, designated PokéStops around Singapore become stamp locations. Collect five stamps to receive an encounter with the Singapore PokéXciting! Pikachu, which includes a Location Background unique to this event. The Rally remains active for one month after the event starts, so you have time beyond just the weekend — but you must be physically in Singapore to collect stamps.

Timed Research (free): Two complimentary research tasks are available, rewarding encounters with the PokéXciting! Pikachu, a Premium Battle Pass, and event-exclusive stickers.

Wild encounters: Over 24 species appear more frequently, including starter Pokémon wearing party hats. Lure Modules attract evolved forms (Gyarados, Tyranitar, Garchomp), while Incense draws starter Pokémon and specific Unown letters. Five GO Snapshot encounters are available daily, and hourly bonus Team GO Rocket balloons appear throughout the event.

Gigantamax Battles: Gigantamax Venusaur, Gigantamax Charizard, and Gigantamax Blastoise all appear in Raids — a clean sweep of the three Kanto starters in their biggest forms, fitting for a 30th anniversary celebration.

A separate Cross-Region GO Stamp Rally launches across all five cities from 12 September 2026, letting you collect stamps from any PokéXciting! city — so if you travel to KL or Taipei before November, your stamps carry over. Details are on the official Pokémon GO Stamp Rally page.

Manga Anime

POKÉTOON Returns Tonight — Wartortle Stars in New 30th Anniversary Short

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Two brand-new POKÉTOON shorts are arriving on the official Pokémon YouTube channel as part of the ongoing 30th Anniversary celebration — and the first one drops tonight at 9 pm SGT. If you have not yet discovered POKÉTOON, this is a great time to start.

POKÉTOON Wartortle, Mabosstiff and Whimsicott in the two new 30th Anniversary episodes
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

What Is POKÉTOON?

POKÉTOON is an anthology of short animated films produced by The Pokémon Company, each one putting a single Pokémon at the centre of a self-contained story. Episodes run anywhere from a few minutes to roughly fifteen minutes, and each one is drawn in a distinctive visual style — no two look quite the same. Past entries have starred Scraggy & Mimikyu, Gengar, Chansey, and more recently Gardevoir and Altaria. They debut on the official Japanese Pokémon YouTube channel and typically land on the Pokémon South Asia Official channel in English shortly after — so Singapore fans can catch them dubbed as well. It is one of the most charming corners of the Pokémon franchise, and completely free to watch.

Episode 1: Wartortle — Tonight at 9 pm SGT

Wartortle official art
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

The first of the two new episodes is titled Wartortle and the Continuation of Summer (Japanese: カメールと、夏のつづき). Fitting for mid-August, the story follows Wartortle through the waning days of summer — details beyond the title have been kept under wraps, which is part of the fun. It premieres as a YouTube Premiere on Wednesday, 12 August at 10 pm JST / 9 pm SGT / 1 pm UTC. Head to the official Pokémon Kids TV YouTube channel to watch live or catch up on demand.

This is part of a broader wave of anniversary content from The Pokémon Company: POKÉTOON was among several anime strands that have been revived and expanded throughout 2026 to mark the franchise’s 30-year milestone.

Episode 2: Whimsicott vs Mabosstiff — Next Wednesday

Whimsicott official art
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

The second episode, Will Mabosstiff Let the Prankster Whimsicott Off? (Japanese: いたずらエルフーンとさせるかマフィティフ), pairs the mischievous Fairy-type Whimsicott against the no-nonsense Dark-type Mabosstiff for what sounds like a comedic showdown. It premieres one week later on Wednesday, 19 August at 10 pm JST / 9 pm SGT.

Mabosstiff official art
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

Mabosstiff made its main series debut in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, where it was Arven’s beloved partner — so seeing it get its own POKÉTOON spotlight should resonate with anyone who played through that game’s story. Whimsicott, meanwhile, is a fan favourite for its impish personality, making the pairing feel tailor-made for comedy.

How to Watch from Singapore

Both episodes are free to watch on YouTube with no regional restrictions. The Japanese original airs on the Pokémon Kids TV channel; English dubbed versions typically follow on the Pokémon South Asia Official channel — the same channel that carried the Snorunt’s Summer Vacation short. Set a reminder for tonight if you want to catch the Wartortle premiere live.

News

Pokémon Visual Art Books: 1,500 Pages of 30 Years Coming 18 December

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The Pokémon Company and Overlap Inc. have confirmed three simultaneous hardcover art books landing 18 December 2026: the Pocket Monsters Visual Art Book 30th Anniversary Art Book of Pokémon Video Games developed by GAME FREAK. Three volumes, roughly 500 pages each, covering thirty years of mainline game artwork from Red / Green all the way to Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A. That is approximately 1,500 pages of official Pokémon art in a single release — and it includes material that has never been published before.

What’s Inside the Three Volumes

Each volume covers a distinct era of the mainline series:

  • Volume 1 — Red / Green through HeartGold / SoulSilver
  • Volume 2 — Black / White through Ultra Sun / Ultra Moon
  • Volume 3 — Let’s Go, Pikachu! / Let’s Go, Eevee! through Pokémon LEGENDS Z-A
Pokémon Visual Art Book volumes 1, 2 and 3
The three volumes of the Pokémon Visual Art Book 30th Anniversary series. Credit: The Pokémon Company / Overlap

The content goes well beyond a standard art collection. Alongside pixel art, 3DCG renders, promotional illustrations, and in-game setting artwork, each volume contains unreleased design documents from GAME FREAK’s archives — developmental material that has not appeared in any previous official publication. Each volume closes with a creator interview from inside GAME FREAK, making this as much a historical record of how the games were made as it is a gallery of the finished art.

Format: B5, full colour throughout. Supervised by Shusuke Motomiya of Overlap. Price: ¥5,500 per volume (tax included), sold individually — no bundle pricing is available. The announcement came from the official Overlap website and was simultaneously covered by 4Gamer, Dengeki Online, and Game Watch.

This Is Not the National Pokédex Book

If this sounds familiar, it is worth being precise: Overlap published a different Pokémon anniversary title earlier this month — the National Pokédex 1996–2026. That is a separate product. The visual art books announced today are a distinct set with a different scope, different content focus (game development artwork rather than Pokédex entries), and a December release date. Two big Pokémon books from Overlap this year, two different things.

Pokémon Visual Art Book 30th Anniversary announcement banner
Official announcement banner for the Pokémon Visual Art Book 30th Anniversary series. Credit: The Pokémon Company / Overlap

Singapore: Import Route Is the Play

No English-language edition has been announced, and the 18 December release is Japan-only. For Singapore fans, the most reliable options are the usual suspects: Kinokuniya Singapore’s special-order counter handles Japanese artbooks well, and staff can place orders for titles not stocked on the floor. Direct-ship alternatives include CDJapan, Yesasia, and Rakuten Books if you prefer managing it yourself.

At ¥5,500 per volume — roughly S$55–60 at current exchange — each book is priced in line with other premium Japanese artbooks. Factor in shipping and you’re looking at somewhere in the S$70–80 range per volume imported, or around S$220–240 for the full set. Kinokuniya’s pricing would likely be similar to slightly higher after their import margin, but without the shipping uncertainty.

Given the scale of the Pokémon 30th anniversary licensing push globally, an English-language edition or regional printing would not be surprising — but nothing has been announced. We’ll update this post if that changes.

Event

Pokémon RUN 30 Singapore: Everything You Need to Know

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A 4km Pokémon adventure run through a gym obstacle course, Pikachu meet-and-greets, a free festival zone open to the public, and a runner’s kit loaded with exclusive merch including a TCG 30th Celebration Booster Pack — Pokémon RUN 30 Singapore Edition is landing at Stadium Roar, The Kallang, on 7 and 8 November 2026, and registration is open right now.

What Is Pokémon RUN 30?

To mark the franchise’s 30th anniversary, The Pokémon Company is taking a themed interactive fun run across eight cities in Asia — Singapore, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Hong Kong — between October 2026 and January 2027. Every stop follows the same format: you step into the role of a Pokémon trainer, pick a starter type, and work your way through an interactive 4km course packed with franchise touchpoints. The Philippines edition has already sold out, so don’t assume Singapore will be different.

Participants crossing the start arch at a Pokémon RUN event
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

How the 4km Run Works

Before the race, each participant chooses a starter type — Grass, Fire, or Water — which determines the colour of their race bib and the lenticular card they receive. The route features a Pokémon Gym with obstacle challenges and Pokémon Center hydration stations along the way. Carry the Pokédex Run Search Sheet and collect stickers at each stop to earn Gym Badges and lenticular cards featuring the Kanto starters.

Race slots run from 7am to 11:30am on both days in staggered 30-minute intervals. Both days share the same format.

What’s in the Runner’s Kit

Pokémon RUN 30 Runner's Kit flat lay showing jersey, bag, bib, lenticular cards and Pikachu medal
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

Every registered runner receives an exclusive kit on race day:

  • Limited-edition Dry-Fit race jersey
  • Pokémon-themed drawstring bag
  • Type-themed race bib (Grass / Fire / Water)
  • Pokédex Run Search Sheet and Gym Badge lenticular cards featuring the Kanto starters
  • Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Booster Pack
  • Pikachu-design finisher medal
Pokémon RUN 30 promotional graphic: TCG 30th Celebration Booster Pack and special edition Pikachu plushie add-on
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

For S$22 more, add a special edition Pikachu shoulder plushie at checkout — limited to three per participant.

The Free Festival Zone — No Ticket Required

Families celebrating at the finish of a Pokémon RUN event
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

Non-runners are welcome too. The Pokémon Festival Zone is free and open to the public from 8am to 2pm on both days — no registration needed, just show up at The Kallang. What’s inside:

  • Pokémon Center pop-up store — exclusive merchandise on sale
  • Pokémon Time Tunnel — a walk-through celebrating 30 years of Pokémon across the main series games, TCG, and anime
  • Character photo spots and themed installations
  • Pikachu meet-and-greet parade
  • Nintendo Switch 2 game demo stations
  • Pokémon GO and Pokémon TCG activity zones

Families with younger fans can head straight to the Festival Zone for a full morning of Pokémon content without needing to register for the run.

Pokémon GO Bonuses on Event Day

Pokémon GO trainers get in-game perks while at The Kallang: doubled Incense duration, enhanced XP for PokéStop spins, reduced Egg hatching distances, and two free Timed Research tasks yielding Pokémon encounters — including Pikachu — plus Stardust and Poké Balls. Keep the app running as you explore the festival grounds.

Tickets and How to Register

Early bird slots (S$118) are sold out. Current pricing:

  • Normal Entry: S$138
  • Late Entry: S$158

Register at Race Roster. Choose your preferred day (7 or 8 November), your starter type, and whether to add the plushie. Given how quickly the Philippines edition filled up, waiting for a better price isn’t a great strategy.

Singapore sits mid-tour among the Asia-Pacific stops, followed by Malaysia (21–22 November), Indonesia (12–13 December), Thailand (9–10 January 2027), and Hong Kong (23–24 January 2027). For more events Singapore gamers and pop-culture fans won’t want to miss, check our events archive.

News, Shop and Merchandise

Pokémon’s 30-Year Pokédex Is Out Now in Japan — All 1,025 Species, One Book

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Thirty years, nine console generations, and 1,025 Pokémon later, publisher Overlap has done what fans dreamed about since the days of Red and Green: put every single species in one official book. The Pokémon Official National Pokédex 1996-2026 (ポケモン公式ぜんこく図鑑 1996-2026) went on sale in Japan on 7 August 2026, and if you collect anything Pokémon-related, this one belongs on the shelf.

Pokémon 30th Anniversary Special Movie — via Pokémon Asia ENG on YouTube

What the Pokémon National Pokédex 1996-2026 Contains

This is not a strategy guide. Supervised by The Pokémon Company and produced in cooperation with Game Freak, the 448-page full-colour B5 volume covers all 1,025 species with data current as of March 2026 — meaning it includes the Pokémon introduced in LEGENDS: Z-A. Each entry lists type, classification, height, weight, abilities, hidden abilities, and Pokédex descriptions drawn from the latest games. Every species name appears in both English and Japanese, which makes the book genuinely usable even if you don’t read Japanese.

Evolution chains flow naturally across each spread, and explanatory columns walk readers through mechanics that can trip up casual players — Mega Evolution, Dynamax, Terastallization, and Regional Forms all get their own breakdowns. Navigation is handled by a National Pokédex number index and a 50-syllable (gojuon) alphabetical index. Price: ¥2,750 (tax included). Publisher: Overlap Inc.. ISBN: 978-4-8240-1717-8.

Sample spread showing Pichu, Pikachu and Raichu evolution chain including Alolan Raichu and Mega forms from the Pokémon Official National Pokédex 1996-2026
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company / Overlap

Three 30th Anniversary Art Books Land in December

Alongside the Pokédex, Overlap has announced three companion art books, all due 18 December 2026 at ¥5,500 each. They split 30 years of franchise history into three eras:

  • Volume 1: Red/Green through HeartGold/SoulSilver (Generations I–IV)
  • Volume 2: Black/White through Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon (Generations V–VII)
  • Volume 3: Let’s Go through LEGENDS: Z-A Mega Dimension (Generation VIII onwards)

Combined, the three volumes total 1,500 pages of sprites, 3D models, illustrations, and promotional artwork spanning the full run of the franchise. No international release has been announced for any of the four books — so Japan is currently the only source.

Index grid pages showing hundreds of Pokémon thumbnails from No. 739 to No. 954 in the Pokémon Official National Pokédex 1996-2026
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company / Overlap

How Singapore Fans Can Get a Copy

The Pokémon Official National Pokédex is available now at Pokémon Center Online Japan and major Japanese booksellers. Amazon Japan ships internationally, and specialist import retailers stock it as well — factor in shipping when comparing prices, since the base ¥2,750 (roughly S$26–28 at current rates) goes up once postage is added. No Singapore retail or local distributor has been confirmed, so import is the route for now.

The good news for non-Japanese readers: with English species names throughout, the Pokédex is a practical reference rather than just a display piece, even if you skip the Japanese descriptions. If you’ve ever wanted a single book that answers “which generation introduced that Pokémon?” or “what’s the English name for that form?”, this is it.

Sample spread featuring Kyogre and Groudon including their Primal Reversion forms from the Pokémon Official National Pokédex 1996-2026
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company / Overlap

The December art books are available for pre-order through importers. With the Pokédex and all three art volumes together, Singapore collectors would have a complete visual archive of 30 years of Pokémon — the kind of set that does not come around twice. Keep an eye on our merchandise coverage for updates if an English edition or regional distributor is ever announced.

Game News, Shop and Merchandise

Pokémon TCG First Partner Series 3 Out Now — All 27 Starters Finally Collected

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The wait is over — Pokémon TCG: First Partner Illustration Collection Series 3 is out today, 7 August 2026, and it brings the 30th Anniversary trilogy to a close. After Series 1 (Kanto, Sinnoh, Alola) in March and Series 2 (Johto, Unova, Galar) earlier this year, the final wave covers the three regions fans have been waiting for: Hoenn, Kalos and Paldea. All 27 starter Pokémon are now represented across the collection, each immortalised as an Illustration Rare promo card.

What Is the First Partner Illustration Collection?

All three regional boxes for Pokémon TCG First Partner Illustration Collection Series 3 — Hoenn, Kalos and Paldea
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

Each box in the First Partner range focuses on one region’s trio of starter Pokémon. Inside every box you get:

  • 1 special promo booster pack containing 3 of 9 Illustration Rare promo cards (randomly drawn from that region’s three starter lines)
  • 2 regular Pokémon TCG booster packs
  • 1 sticker sheet featuring first-partner Pokémon

It’s a tidy package for both collectors and players — the promo cards are the star of the show, and the regular boosters add a little lottery excitement on top.

The Nine Starters of Series 3

Pokémon TCG First Partner Illustration Collection Series 3 banner featuring Hoenn, Kalos and Paldea starters
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

Here’s the full lineup for Series 3, card numbers MEP 055–063:

  • Hoenn: Treecko (MEP 055), Torchic (MEP 056), Mudkip (MEP 057)
  • Kalos: Chespin (MEP 058), Fennekin (MEP 059), Froakie (MEP 060)
  • Paldea: Sprigatito (MEP 061), Fuecoco (MEP 062), Quaxly (MEP 063)

All nine cards are illustrated by Saboteri, the same artist behind the Series 1 and 2 promos. The standout feature: within each regional trio, the three cards slot together to form a connected panoramic scene. Collect all three Hoenn starters and they become a single wide illustration — it’s the kind of detail that makes the set genuinely worth chasing rather than just buying one box and calling it done.

What’s Inside Each Promo Pack

Pokémon TCG First Partner Series 3 illustration rare promo packs for all nine starters
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

Because each promo pack gives you 3 of the 9 possible starters at random (sorted by region within the box you buy), completionists will likely want all three regional boxes to maximise their chances at the full panoramic sets. The total MSRP is USD $14.99 per collection box — note this is the US price, and Singapore retailers may price slightly higher. For context, Series 1 and 2 were similarly priced at the same USD MSRP and were readily available at local game and TCG shops across Singapore.

Where Singapore Trainers Can Pick It Up

First Partner Illustration Collection Series 3 sticker sheet featuring all the first partner Pokémon
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

Series 3 is available globally from today at Pokémon Center and wherever Pokémon TCG products are sold. In Singapore, major game retailers and TCG specialty shops should be stocking this alongside the wave of 30th Anniversary releases — worth calling ahead or checking online listings before heading out, as the series has seen strong demand at launch in previous waves.

If you’ve been collecting the full set since Series 1 back in March, today is the day to complete it. And if you’re jumping in fresh, the good news is all three series are currently in print — you can grab the whole 30th Anniversary starter run together. The other Pokémon 30th Anniversary releases keep coming, with the 30th Celebration TCG expansion set for a simultaneous global drop on 16 September 2026 to look forward to next.

Game News, Shop and Merchandise

Pokémon x Baskin-Robbins Japan: 31 Poké Summer Campaign Is Live

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Pokémon’s 30th anniversary is still going strong, and Japan’s Baskin-Robbins just turned up the sweetness. The annual 31 Poké Summer Campaign (31ポケ夏！キャンペーン) is now live at Baskin-Robbins Japan — and this year’s lineup celebrates three decades since Pokémon Red and Green first launched in 1996. For Singapore fans making the Japan trip this August school holidays, this one is a worthy side-quest.

What Is the 31 Poké Summer Campaign?

Running throughout August 1–31, 2026 at B-R サーティワン locations nationwide in Japan, the 31 Poké Summer Campaign is an annual collaboration between Baskin-Robbins Japan and The Pokémon Company. Each year it draws long queues, and the 2026 edition makes it the biggest yet: the 30th anniversary of Pokémon Red and Green means Kanto’s original starter Pokémon — Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle — take centre stage, joined by Pikachu, Eevee, Ditto, Slowpoke, and starter Pokémon from all nine main-series regions.

Check out more Pokémon news on GameTrader as we head into a packed August for the franchise.

The Signature New Flavour: Pikachu’s Volt Tackle

The star of the 2026 lineup is Pikachu’s Volt Tackle Pine Squash (ピカチュウのでんきショック！パインスカッシュ), priced at ¥420 per scoop. It’s a pineapple-and-cider sorbet laced with popping candy — 31% more than Baskin-Robbins Japan’s own popular Popping Shower flavour — so it fizzes and crackles on your tongue like a miniature Electric-type attack. It’s one of those flavours that sounds gimmicky on paper but reportedly delivers.

Joining it is the Ditto Crush Soda (メタモンクラッシュソーダ) at ¥760: grape and pineapple soda poured over crushed ice with a Ditto stirrer stick and grape gelatin. Mix the red and blue layers until they bleed into purple, and you’ve got a drink that transforms in real time — just like its namesake. A scoop of your choice flavour can be added on top.

Baskin-Robbins Japan Pokémon 2026 ice cream cone with Pikachu-themed decoration
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company and Baskin-Robbins Japan

Poké Ball Sundae, Double Cups, and All Nine Regions

The most coveted item this year is the Poké Ball Sundae (モンスターボールサンデー) at ¥820. It’s a scoop of any flavour topped with Pikachu-shaped chocolate whipped cream, sprinkles, and served inside a reusable Poké Ball container — the kind you’ll want to keep. The spoon is a random one of three Kanto starters (Bulbasaur, Charmander or Squirtle). Catch: it’s only available through 9 August and is limited to three cups per group, so plan ahead if you’re in Japan early this month.

The Pokémon Double Cup (ポケモンダブルカップ, from ¥510) lets you pick two scoops, and the cups are decorated with starter Pokémon from all nine main-series regions — Kanto to Paldea. For group orders, the Summer Special Set (from ¥3,520) packs nine scoops with stainless steel Pikachu and Eevee spoons; an upgraded version includes nine plastic starter spoons as well.

Pokémon Variety Box 6 Flavors at Baskin-Robbins Japan 2026 featuring Pikachu and Slowpoke
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company and Baskin-Robbins Japan

Pokémon Ice Cream Cakes for the 30th Anniversary

Returning for another summer are the Pokémon face-shaped ice cream cakes, available to pre-order. The Pikachu Ice Cream Cake (¥3,800) is a spot-on sculpted Pikachu head in yellow fondant and chocolate, filled with Popping Shower and strawberry ice cream. There’s also an Eevee Ice Cream Cake for fans of the Evolution Pokémon, filled with caramel ribbon and milk chocolate — arguably the more sophisticated option of the two.

Pikachu face-shaped ice cream cake at Baskin-Robbins Japan 31 Poké Summer 2026
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company and Baskin-Robbins Japan

Singapore Fans: Plan That Japan Trip

The 31 Poké Summer Campaign is Japan-exclusive — B-R Japan is a separate franchise from Baskin-Robbins outlets here in Singapore, and none of these Pokémon products will appear at local stores. However, August is school-holiday season and one of the most popular months for Singapore families to visit Japan. Baskin-Robbins branches are everywhere in Japan’s major cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka), so picking up a Poké Ball Sundae or a Ditto Crush Soda is an easy Japan trip addition.

The Pokémon Variety Boxes — available in 4, 6, 8, and 12-scoop configurations in Pokémon-branded boxes — also make decent takeaway gifts if you’re heading back to Singapore after your trip, though ice cream logistics on a flight are naturally your own adventure.

The 31 Poké Summer Campaign runs August 1–31, 2026 at participating Baskin-Robbins Japan stores nationwide. Full product details and a store locator are available on the official site (Japanese). Via SoraNews24 and Game Watch (Japanese).

Game News, Singapore Gaming Scene

Pokémon Worlds 2026: SEA Players, Free Stream Guide and PokémonXP

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The 2026 Pokémon World Championships arrive in San Francisco from 28 to 30 August — and for the first time ever, they run alongside PokémonXP, an all-new official fan convention celebrating 30 years of the franchise. Whether you are a competitive player tracking your region’s qualifiers or a fan who simply wants to watch the world’s best trainers battle it out, here is everything Singapore and Southeast Asia fans need to know.

Exhibitor Reveal | PokémonXP & 2026 Pokémon World Championships — via The Official Pokémon YouTube channel

Four Formats, One Stage — Including Pokémon Champions’ Debut

This year’s championship features four competitive formats. The big addition is Pokémon Champions, The Pokémon Company’s new video game title, which makes its debut at Worlds 2026 for the VGC format. Alongside it, the Pokémon Trading Card Game runs on the 2026-27 Standard format, Pokémon GO uses Great League rules, and Pokémon UNITE brings team-based MOBA competition to the stage.

Preliminary rounds and Swiss matches take place at the Moscone Center on 28–29 August. Championship Sunday on 30 August is the Grand Finals — and for the first time at Worlds, the VGC and TCG finals move to the Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors, for a proper arena experience.

Incineroar faces off against Arceus in Pokémon Champions
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company
Pokémon Champions | World Overview Trailer — via The Official Pokémon YouTube channel

Southeast Asia at Pokémon Worlds 2026

Southeast Asia is well represented this year. In Pokémon UNITE, the Singapore and Malaysia combined qualifier sent TeamMYS (Malaysia) through to San Francisco. Other SEA teams making the trip include Team Nemesis from the Philippines, Strong Basketball Player 1 from Thailand, and ONIC Rise and Tryhard from Indonesia.

For Pokémon GO, Singapore players competed through the Pokémon GO Asia Championship Series 2026 Great League qualifier, which covered Singapore as part of the APAC bracket; top-ranked players from that series earned a Day 1 spot at Worlds. For VGC and TCG, SEA players earned Championship Points through sanctioned live tournaments across the 2025-26 season to qualify individually.

PokémonXP and World Championships 2026 logos
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

PokémonXP — Pokémon’s First Fan Convention Alongside Worlds

New this year: PokémonXP, an official fan event running concurrently with the championships at the Moscone Center and the adjacent Yerba Buena Gardens. It is Pokémon’s first dedicated convention experience tied to a World Championships, and it is open to fans who are not competing — you do not need to be a qualified competitor to attend.

The programming spans panels with TCG illustrators and franchise creators, a hands-on Workshop Zone where attendees can make their own Pokémon crafts, a PlayLab for beginners, an Autograph Room with special guests, and cosplay showcases. There is also a pop-up Pokémon Center store selling exclusive merchandise and the Worlds 2026 Champion Line.

2026 Pokémon World Championships Competitor Welcome Kit including backpack, Pikachu plush, cap, and more
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

Qualified competitors receive a Welcome Kit on-site that includes a San Francisco 2026 backpack, a Crown Pikachu plush, a lanyard, a Competitor cap, a Pokémon TCG deck box, a playmat, and a t-shirt. The kit also includes an exclusive promo TCG card: Paradise Resort, a Trainer Stadium card illustrated by Naoki Saito that reduces Psyduck retreat costs — and already looks like a must-have collectible.

Paradise Resort TCG Trainer Stadium card included in the 2026 Worlds Competitor Welcome Kit
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

How to Watch Pokémon Worlds 2026 Free from Singapore

All four formats are streamed live and free. Tune in at the Play! Pokémon Broadcast Hub, on the Official Pokémon YouTube channel, or on the Official Pokémon Twitch channel. A Japanese-language stream also runs on YouTube and Niconico.

Be prepared for late nights: preliminary rounds begin at roughly 9am PDT (midnight–1am SGT) each day, with matches running through to late afternoon PDT. Championship Sunday on 30 August starts with Pokémon UNITE, followed by Pokémon GO, the TCG final, and finally the VGC Grand Final — the last match could run into the early hours of 31 August SGT.

The upside: Twitch Drops are active. Watch via a linked Twitch account during the live streams to earn a battle-ready Blastoise in Pokémon Champions, special illustration rare cards in Pokémon TCG Live, and more in-game rewards. Details are on the Pokémon Championship Series site.

Heading to San Francisco? The pre-event Pokémon Worlds Night at Oracle Park with the San Francisco Giants takes place on 27 August — the night before Worlds opens — with a limited Pikachu jersey giveaway and a post-game drone show. Ticket info is available through the Giants’ official site.

More details and the full daily schedule are available at worlds.pokemon.com and pokemonxp.com. For more Pokémon coverage, check out our game news section.