Pokémon Day 2024 is here—here's what it is and what's been announced

Gamers, assemble! Today, February 27 is Pokémon Day 2024! Pokémon has been a multimedia sensation for people of all ages for nearly three decades, with games, trading cards, and shows galore! Pokémon Day is all about commemorating the franchise’s fun history, as well as looking toward the future with new announcements shared during the company’s Pokémon Presents presentation.

This year, Pokémon Day looks to be particularly fun with, as the fandom is rejoicing over the announcement of a new, unique game that marks the return of a fan-favorite mechanic. Here’s everything you need to know about Pokémon Day 2024, including where to stream Pokémon, deals to shop, and what we know about Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

What is Pokémon Day?

Pokémon Day is a day that commemorates where it all began for Pocket Monsters— Pokémon Red version and Pokémon Green version, the first two Pokémon games released in Japan on February 27, 1996. Stateside, we wouldn’t be able to catch ‘em all until 1998 with the release of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue.

Pokémon Day celebrates the series’ history and the future, too, as it coincides with Pokémon Presents, which announces new media.

When is Pokémon Day 2024?

Pokémon Day is observed annually on February 27, which is the date the first Pokémon games were released in Japan in 1996.

What was announced this Pokémon Day?

A few things were announced during today’s Pokémon Presents.

There will be new events in the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet games for the Nintendo Switch.

New Pokémon will be available in Pokémon Go to commemorate the release of the latest season of the Pokémon anime series, Pokémon Horizons, which will be released on Netflix on March 11, 2024.

A new app for the Pokémon Trading Card Game called Pokémon Training Card Game Pocket was also announced. Set to be released sometime this year, the app looks to be a more streamlined version of the popular trading card game.

By far the most exciting announcement was the unveiling of the spinoff game Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Here’s everything we know about it so far.

What is Pokémon Legends Z-A?

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a Pokémon game in the Legends subseries. The previous game to hold the Legends moniker was 2022’s Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which was praised for breaking the Pokémon gameplay mold. This game will likely follow Arceus’ style but with a few additions. For one, we know that the fan-favorite Mega Evolution will make its grand return in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set in the Kalos region featured in Pokémon X and Pokémon Y. Specifically, it’s set in Kalos’ capital, Lumiose City.

Watch the teaser trailer here.

When will Pokémon Legends Z-A release?

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set to be released sometime in 2025.

What system will Pokémon Legends Z-A release for?

Pokémon Legends Z-A will be available on the Nintendo Switch.

How to stream Pokémon

Pokémon’s long-running anime can be streamed on various services. Though, frustratingly, you can’t watch the entire series in one place. Prime Video is your best bet for watching the most Pokémon content, as it features seasons two through 22, along with select movies.

Stream Prime Video

Netflix features the first season of Pokémon, the latest Pokémon seasons (23-25), and will be the exclusive home to the upcoming season of Pokémon, Pokémon Horizons, starting in March. Unfortunately, Netflix doesn't have these seasons plus what Prime has. Netflix just has the latest and earliest seasons, so you’ll have to ping-pong between the two services to watch the show in its entirety. At least Netflix also features the cute, stop-motion Pokémon show, Pokémon Concierge, as well as select movies.

Stream Netflix

Some consider Pokémon X and Y (seasons 17-19) to be the best seasons Pokémon has to offer. Not to mention, it might be good to catch up on X and Y, as the game announced today will be based around this season’s setting. If you’re looking to watch X and Y exclusively, you can do so on Hulu.

Stream Hulu

Pokémon products to buy for Pokémon Day 2024

Video games

Pokémon wouldn’t be what it is today if not for its games. The latest console games are Pokémon Scarlet, Pokémon Violet, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus. These games have received praise due to the new gameplay elements they’ve brought to the table.

To play these games, you’ll need a Nintendo Switch. We recommend buying a Nintendo Switch OLED because it has a better screen than a standard Switch and unlike a Switch Lite, you can play it on a television if you so choose.

Trading cards

Looking to get into the Pokémon Trading Card Game ahead of the release of Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket? Check out this Elite Trainer Box of the latest expansion. It has everything you need to get started.

A Funko Pop!

Amazon is offering several great deals on Pokémon-themed Funko pop for Pokémon Day. Whether you fancy, Pikachu, Charizard, or another Pokémon, we’re sure you’ll find one you love.

A Squishmallow

Last year’s Pokémon Day saw the reveal trailer of Pokémon Sleep, a sleep-tracking app starring the perpetually drowsy and hungry Pokémon, Snorlax. Now, thanks to Squishmallow, you can cuddle up next to a real (not to scale, unfortunately) Snorlax.

A backpack

You can carry your Switch, trading cards, and other belongings around in this adorable Pokémon backpack. It even comes with a handy laptop pouch.

A waffle maker

If you’re a real Pokémon fanatic, you can eat what you love, too, by making your waffles into the shape of the iconic Pokéball. With enough jam, frosting, and licorice, you can probably turn your waffle into Pokéball colors, too.