Celebrate 20 Years of Pokemon
It is a year to celebrate Pokemon! February 27th, 2016 marks the 20th Anniversary Pokemon. Twenty years ago the original Pokemon Red and Green versions were released in Japan. There are events happening world wide to commemorate these great games. The year is also packed with new ways to experience Pokemon. From new games, to new merchandise, and more, there are plenty of things to spend your money on.
Play them again!
The Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow game boy games are being re-released in an almost original state. They will be released on the 3DS via download on Feb. 27th. They will have new wireless built in trading, but will NOT support Pokemon Bank. Each version will cost $9.99. (That is $9.99 for just one of the 3 games) This re-release has me excited for nostalgic reasons. As a Generation 1 fan myself, these are the games I grew up on, so what better way to celebrate Pokemon, than by playing them again.
Free Pokemon to collect every month!
You heard right! Nintendo is handing out one FREE Pokemon every month for the whole year of 2016. (Apparently January isn’t a month)
Feb – Mew – Gamestop
March – Celebi – Nintendo Network
April – Jirachi – Nintendo Network
May – Darkrai – Gamestop
June – Manaphy – Nintendo Network
July – Shaymin -Nintendo Network
Aug – Arceus – Gamestop
Sep – Victini – Nintendo Network
Oct – Keldeo – Nintendo Network
Nov – Genesect – Gamestop
Dec – Meloetta – Nintendo Network
In case you skimmed, and didn’t see the pattern, it looks like 1 Gamestop code to every 2 Nintendo Network downloads. I found the Gamestop near me to be very friendly, as they gave me 3 Mews, instead of 1. These pokemon codes are redeemable in game. The only games that can redeem these codes are Pokemon X/Y and Omega Ruby/Alpha Saphire. Once redeemed in game, they cannot be traded. Also make sure to save your game after redeeming. Nintendo stated that interrupted redemption’s will be invalid.
New Pokemon Merchandise!
There is tons of new merchandise to buy on Pokemon.com. A new 3DS bundle will become available on Feb. 27th, and will feature Red & Blue digital downloads. It also comes with matching 3DS face plates! You can also find dozens of stuffed toys, posters, action figures, and more.
Trading Card Game
Toys R Us is giving away free Pikachu and Magikarp Promo cards. You can get these between the hours of 12-2pm on Feb. 27th at participating Toys R Us stores! There are also several new packs being released throughout the year. Breakpoint came out on Feb. 3rd, and Generations comes out on Feb. 22nd. Expect more packs to be announced soon.
Pokemon GO
Pokemon GO is a new phone/tablet game coming out sometime this year. The official release date has not been announced, but fans everywhere are already getting pumped. The game looks to be location based. Players can run around in the real world looking for Pokemon. When your phone finds a Pokemon near you, you can follow the directions, and go catch it. There will also be player trading and battling in game. Not much else is known, but keep your eyes on the internet for more information coming soon.
Let the Celebration Begin!
With so many fun Pokemon things happening this year, there is plenty to keep fans entertained. The long anticipated Pokemon Z is also rumored to be on the horizon, so keep watch for a release date. Pokemon Z will likely be the next Generation in the Pokemon game franchise. If you ever want to battle or trade, you can find me in game as J3di DJ.
However you plan to celebrate, I wish you the best! Get out there, and TRAIN ON!
