Tag Archives: Pokemon Sleep

Game News

Captain Pikachu and Tinkaton Come to Pokémon Sleep on 17 August

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Pokémon Sleep is getting its biggest crossover yet: starting 17 August at 4:00 a.m. local time, the app teams up with Pokémon Horizons: The Series for a week-long collaboration that brings four new Pokémon into the game — including the long-awaited debut of Captain Pikachu and the Tinkaton line. The event runs until 24 August at 3:59 a.m., and Singapore players on iOS and Android can jump straight in.

Pokémon Sleep 😴 x Pokémon Horizons: The Series 🌅 | New Collaboration — via The Official Pokémon YouTube channel

Who Is Captain Pikachu — and Why Does This Collab Matter?

Captain Pikachu official art in Pokémon Sleep style
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

Captain Pikachu is the partner Pokémon of Friede, the enigmatic trainer who leads the Rising Volt Tacklers crew at the heart of Pokémon Horizons: The Series. Cool-headed and intensely loyal, he is one of the most distinctive Pikachu to appear in the franchise in years — and for fans watching Horizons on Netflix, seeing him show up as a helper Pokémon in Sleep is genuinely exciting. He marks the first crossover between the current anime series and the mobile sleep-tracking game.

Also debuting are Tinkatink, Tinkatuff, and Tinkaton — the Fairy-type evolutionary line closely associated with Dot, another core member of the Rising Volt Tacklers. All three are Snoozing sleep-type Pokémon, and this is their first appearance in Pokémon Sleep anywhere in the world.

New Pokémon and Where to Find Them

Captain Pikachu in action in Pokémon Horizons: The Series
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

Starting 17 August at 3:00 p.m. UTC, the Tinkatink line and Pikachu (Captain) will appear across several research areas:

  • Tinkatink, Tinkatuff, Tinkaton — Greengrass Isle (Regular & Expert), Cyan Beach (Regular & Expert), and Old Gold Power Plant
  • Pikachu (Captain) — Greengrass Isle during the event; accessible via Incense at other areas until 31 August

For berry collectors: the Tinkaton line gathers Pecha Berries, while Pikachu (Captain) gathers Grepa Berries. After the event ends on 24 August, Pikachu (Captain) remains permanently available at Greengrass Isle — so if you miss him during the event week, you can still track him down there later.

Event Bonuses: How to Make the Most of the Week

Pokémon Sleep Cyan Beach Expert Mode research area
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

For the full duration of the collab (17–24 August), all Researchers get:

  • Helper Pokémon main skills ×1.25 more likely to trigger
  • ×1.25 Sleep EXP for Helper Pokémon
  • ×1.25 Dish Strength (×2.5 for Extra Tasty dishes)
  • At least one hungry Pokémon guaranteed in your first sleep session of each day
  • All sleep types are encountereable regardless of your own sleep type

There are also mid-event boosts to watch for: on 21–23 August, Drowsy Power gets a ×1.3 multiplier, and on 23 August dish strength jumps to ×3.75 for Extra Tasty dishes — a good night to cook your best recipe.

Professor Neroli Crosses Over to the Anime Too

The collab runs in both directions. The Pokémon Horizons episode airing in Japan on 21 August features a guest appearance by Professor Neroli — the sleep research professor from Pokémon Sleep, voiced by Natsuki Hanae — who visits Liko, Roy, Dot, and Ult to offer sleep-related advice. It is rare for a mobile game character to cross over directly into an anime episode, and it underscores how seriously The Pokémon Company is treating the Sleep app as a long-term franchise property.

Note that the Pokémon Horizons anime is currently streaming on Netflix, though as we covered earlier this year, not all regions — including Singapore — have had simultaneous access to every new arc. Check your local Netflix library for current availability.

Game News

Mewtwo Is Coming to Pokémon Sleep This September

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The Pokémon Company has officially announced that Mewtwo — the original Legendary — is coming to Pokémon Sleep in a special event this September. It is the first Legendary Pokémon to bring a brand-new gameplay skill to the app, and for long-time researchers in Singapore, that means one thing: start building a Psychic-type team right now.

Mewtwo Heads to Greengrass Isle — What the Pokémon Sleep Event Involves

The Pokémon Sleep Mewtwo event will be held at Greengrass Isle and Greengrass Isle (Expert), with Psychic-type helper Pokémon performing particularly well throughout the encounter window. Mewtwo arrives carrying a brand-new Main Skill called Psystrike (Berry Zone): when it procs, Snorlax gains strength and a Berry Zone is created at your current sleep research location. While that zone is active, Mago Berries collected by Psychic-type helpers generate bonus energy — and the effect persists even after Mewtwo leaves the party, so long as you stay put.

Mewtwo is classed as a Special Pokémon, meaning only one can be active on a team at a time (Latias and Latios are the sole exceptions to this rule). Full event details, including the exact start date within September, will be published in a future update on the official Pokémon Sleep news page.

Pokémon Sleep | Mewtwo Event Coming Soon! — via The Official Pokémon YouTube channel on YouTube

Mew Gets a Second Chance — Good News for Newer Researchers

Alongside the Mewtwo announcement, the Pokémon Sleep team confirmed a separate New Moon Day event that will let researchers who have not yet befriended Mew encounter the Mythical Pokémon before the Mewtwo event goes live. The announcement notes that Mew will be assisting in researching Mewtwo’s sleep style, so having Mew on your roster beforehand may well be relevant to the event mechanics. The developers are also exploring a quality-of-life feature to prevent friendship points from being wasted once Mew is finally befriended — a much-requested fix from the community.

How to Prepare in Singapore Before September

Pokémon Sleep is free on iOS and Android worldwide, Singapore included. If you have been away from the app, now is the right time to return: log back in, check which Psychic-type helpers you have accumulated, and start levelling them up. The Psystrike Berry Zone mechanic rewards depth in your Psychic roster — Ralts, Drowzee, Gardevoir, and Espeon are good starting points. More team-building details will follow once the full event guide drops closer to September.

For the exact event date and any bonus mechanics revealed in future patches, follow the official announcement. Check our game news section for the rest of this week’s highlights.

Event, Game News

Giant Snorlax Hits Yokohama — Pokémon Sleep’s 3rd Anniversary Real-World Event Is Now Open

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Three years of tracking Pokémon sleep styles — and The Pokémon Company is celebrating with something you can actually walk into. Pokémon Sleep’s 3rd Anniversary real-world event, “Yokohama de Mikkē! Pokémon Negao Research,” officially opened today at two venues in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai district, and it runs all the way through 23 August 2026. If you are visiting Japan this summer, this is the easiest detour from Tokyo you will make.

Giant Snorlax installation at Yokohama Landmark Plaza for Pokémon Sleep 3rd anniversary event
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

Giant Snorlax Napping in Yokohama Landmark Plaza

The centrepiece of the event is impossible to miss: a massive Snorlax installation at Landmark Plaza’s ground-floor garden square, right in the heart of the Minato Mirai shopping district. The big guy is surrounded by sleeping Pokémon cards and berry-shaped message boards — visitors can write anniversary wishes and leave them around the display. It is exactly the kind of over-the-top adorable set-up that makes for perfect photos, and entry to see Snorlax is completely free.

Free Stamp Rally Across Both Venues

The main activity is a free stamp rally spread across Landmark Plaza and MARK IS Minato Mirai next door. Seek out sleeping Pokémon — including Dedenne, Mimikyu, Numel, and Kangaskhan — hidden throughout both shopping centres, collect all the stamps, and redeem them for either a 200-yen in-app shopping discount (limited to 1,000 per day, so go early) or exclusive event stickers. Both venues are open 10am–7pm daily.

[Official] Pokémon Sleep is nearing its third anniversary! Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup arrive! — via Pokémon Asia ENG on YouTube

Merch, Drinks, and a Gacha Corner

Pokémon Sleep 3rd anniversary exclusive merchandise at Yokohama MARK IS, including Snorlax and Eevee cushions
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

MARK IS Minato Mirai hosts the official merchandise shop (1F) with 29 exclusive products, including a Snorlax-shaped cushion at 70cm × 60cm, 3rd-anniversary pin badges, tote bags, apparel, pouches, and clear bottles — all featuring sleeping Pokémon art. The shop runs on a timed-entry lottery for 17–26 July, so check the official site in advance if you are heading there in the opening weeks. Merchandise is limited and first-come, first-served once you are inside.

A themed drink stand also sits on the 1F of MARK IS, serving four event-exclusive beverages (¥1,000–¥1,400) — flavours include “Early Rising Coffee Jelly” and “Demon’s Kiss Fruit Oat” — each with a randomly distributed coaster from six designs. There is also a gacha machine with Pokémon-type muffler towels at ¥2,000 per go.

Sleep Inside a Poké Ball — The TOTONE Nap Pod

Pokémon Sleep × TOTONE Poké Ball-shaped strategic nap pod at MARK IS Minato Mirai Yokohama
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

Perhaps the most unexpected attraction is the Pokémon Sleep × TOTONE “Nap Recovery Device” on the 5th floor of MARK IS. Toyota’s TOTONE is a strategic nap pod styled as a Poké Ball — you climb in, relax, and can optionally use the brainwave measurement function to get a personalised sleep report. Entry is free with proof of the Pokémon Sleep app download, though you will need to grab a same-day slot on arrival. It is genuinely one of the most uniquely Japanese experiences you will find in Yokohama this summer.

Planning Your Visit from Singapore

Yokohama’s Minato Mirai is around 30 minutes by train from Shibuya on the Tokyu Toyoko Line (direct to Minato Mirai station), making it an effortless day trip or half-day add-on to any Tokyo itinerary. Both event venues sit right at the station exit. With the event running through 23 August, it is a natural fit for Singapore families visiting Japan over the school holiday period — especially since the stamp rally and Snorlax photo spot cost nothing.

If you are already playing Pokémon Sleep, open the app while you are there — the in-game 3rd Anniversary Fest, which brings Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup to the game for the first time, runs concurrently. Check out more gaming and pop-culture events on GameTrader, and let us know in the comments if you are planning a Yokohama trip this summer.

Game News

Pokémon Sleep 3rd Anniversary: Sinnoh Starters Arrive on 13 July

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Three years in, and Pokémon Sleep is still finding new ways to keep you glued to the app. This time, it’s big: the Sinnoh first-partner Pokémon — Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup — are arriving in Pokémon Sleep for the very first time, kicking off the Third Anniversary Fest on 13 July 2026. If you’ve been holding out for a Piplup, your wait is almost over.

[Official] Pokémon Sleep is nearing its third anniversary! Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup arrive! — via Pokémon Asia ENG on YouTube

Third Anniversary Prelude: Running Now Until 13 July

Before the main event, the Third Anniversary Prelude is already live and runs until 13 July. This warm-up phase brings increased spawn rates for the Hoenn first-partner Pokémon — Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip, and all their evolutions — alongside boosted Dream Shards and Research EXP from sleep sessions. It’s a good window to stock up resources before the bigger celebration kicks in.

Pokémon Sleep Third Anniversary Fest event visual
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

Pokémon Sleep 3rd Anniversary Fest Week 1 — 13 to 19 July

The headline is straightforward: Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup appear in Pokémon Sleep for the first time ever during Week 1, with greater encounter rates across all areas. Alongside the Sinnoh starter debuts, Week 1 rolls out a solid set of helper-focused bonuses:

  • Main skill trigger chance ×1.5 for all helper Pokémon
  • Helper Pokémon Sleep EXP ×1.5
  • Candy from sleep research ×1.5 (once per day)
  • A limited-time Dream Gift from Snorlax each day

Limited-time missions also go live during Week 1, rewarding Pokémon Incense for all three Sinnoh starters. If Turtwig or Chimchar aren’t spawning in your current research area, the incense is your best route to guaranteed encounters.

Pokémon Sleep anniversary event bonuses
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

Pokémon Sleep 3rd Anniversary Fest Week 2 — 20 to 26 July

Week 2 expands the Sinnoh roster significantly: the full evolution lines join the game, so Grotle, Torterra, Monferno, Infernape, Prinplup, and Empoleon all appear with greater rates. It’s the week to build out your Sinnoh team beyond the base forms. The bonuses shift to powering up your helpers:

  • Dish Final Strength ×1.5 (up to ×3 for Extra Tasty dishes, and ×4.5 on Extra Tasty dishes on Sundays)
  • Limited-time Mini Candy Boost and Festive Flowers
  • Neutralising Mints, plus a new feature that will stay available permanently after the event ends

On 20 July — the actual third anniversary of Pokémon Sleep’s global launch — the developers are sending a special gift to every player as a thank-you for three years of sleeping together with Snorlax.

Pokémon Sleep Sinnoh starters event artwork
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

Generation IV Finally Comes to Pokémon Sleep

The arrival of the Sinnoh starters is a milestone for collectors who have been waiting since the game launched in July 2023. Pokémon Diamond and Pearl remain beloved games for Singapore’s 20-something and 30-something Pokémon fans — a generation that grew up with the Sinnoh region — and Turtwig in particular has been a long-requested favourite. The Pokémon Asia ENG official channel has been hyping the anniversary directly at its Southeast Asian audience, which tells you where a big chunk of the app’s engagement is coming from.

The Third Anniversary Fest runs from 13 to 27 July 2026 in two weeks of distinct bonuses, with the Sinnoh starter evolutions unlocking fully in Week 2. Check the Pokémon Sleep official site for any schedule updates, and catch up on more Pokémon and Nintendo news at Game News.

Game News

Pokémon Sleep Turns 3 — Sinnoh Starters Debut on 13 July

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Three years ago, an app convinced millions to take their sleep seriously — turning bedtime into a Pokémon research expedition. On 20 July, Pokémon Sleep marks its third birthday, and to celebrate, the Sinnoh region’s beloved starter trio is finally stepping into the game for the first time.

Prelude Campaign: 1.5× Bonuses From 6 July

The countdown kicks off with the Third Anniversary Prelude Campaign, running from 6 July (Monday) at 4:00 AM to 13 July (Monday) at 3:59 AM. Log in each day during this window and you will receive 150 bonus Sleep Points, while all sleep research yields:

  • 1.5× Dream Shards
  • 1.5× Research EXP

Returning for a cameo during the Prelude: the Hoenn starters — Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip — along with their full evolutionary lines, with increased encounter rates across all research areas. A solid warm-up week for stacking resources before the main event.

Pokémon Sleep 3rd Anniversary announcement — via ポケモン公式YouTubeチャンネル (Pokémon official YouTube) (Japanese)

Turtwig, Chimchar and Piplup Make Their Pokémon Sleep Debut on 13 July

The main celebration — the Third Anniversary Fest — begins on 13 July at 4:00 AM, introducing nine Pokémon to the game for the very first time:

  • Turtwig, Grotle, and Torterra (Grass)
  • Chimchar, Monferno, and Infernape (Fire)
  • Piplup, Prinplup, and Empoleon (Water)
Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup celebrate in the Pokémon Sleep 3rd Anniversary Fest key artwork
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

All three complete Sinnoh starter lines arriving in one event is a significant milestone for the app. The Fest is expected to run through 27 July, based on the two-week anniversary pattern from previous years — though official field locations and any additional Fest multipliers are still to be confirmed ahead of 13 July.

Gen 4 holds a special place for many Singapore Pokémon fans. Diamond and Pearl landed on the Nintendo DS in 2007 and remain among the most beloved entries in the series. Whether you are team Torterra, Infernape, or Empoleon, this anniversary is your moment to finally add your Sinnoh companion to the research team.

Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup plush figures from the Pokémon Sleep 3rd Anniversary trailer
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

Japan Celebrates with a Giant Snorlax in Yokohama

In Japan, The Pokémon Company and Mitsubishi Estate Group are taking the anniversary offline. The real-world event Yokohama Nap Research (横浜でみっけ！ポケモンねがおリサーチ) runs 17 July to 23 August 2026 across two venues in Minato Mirai — Landmark Tower’s Landmark Plaza and MARK IS Minato Mirai (daily 10:00 AM–7:00 PM), as reported by Dengeki Online (Japanese).

Highlights include a massive sleeping Snorlax installation, a free stamp rally across both venues, a limited Pokémon Sleep merchandise shop, themed drinks, and a collaboration with Toyota’s TOTONE — a semi-private, air-cushion recliner developed to support comfortable short naps. Entry to the stamp rally and main event areas is free.

Pokémon Sleep 3rd Anniversary Yokohama Nap Research event banner featuring the Yokohama skyline
Image courtesy of The Pokémon Company

Singapore players cannot make the trip to Yokohama, but all in-game anniversary events are global. The Prelude Campaign opens on 6 July and the Sinnoh starter debut kicks off on 13 July for everyone with the app installed. Watch the official Pokémon Sleep website for full Fest bonus details as they drop — and for more Pokémon coverage, browse GameTrader’s game news section.