Additional Highlights from the Pokémon Presents Event

Whoa, so Big Pikachu was like, super chatty this time. Seriously.

Okay, let’s see where to start. I mean, there’s this new Z-A thing and a massive Pokemon Go event, but then—oh yeah! This wild game appeared on the App Store even before it was officially mentioned at the Pokemon Presents. It’s called “Pokemon Friends.” Totally just popped up outta nowhere. Anyway, you get to make these plush Pokemon by solving puzzles or whatever. But, heads-up, there are microtransactions for more puzzles. So, there’s that. You can snag it for $9.99, give or take, depending on where you live.

Oh, then there’s this bit about the 2025 World Championships, right? August 15 to 17, mark the dates. The big deal is “Championship Sunday” happening at the Anaheim Honda Center. (I used to call it Arrowhead Pond. Memories.) Ducks play there, but on that day? It’s Pokémon’s turf.

And Pokémon on Netflix? Yep, so “Pokemon Concierge” is back with season two on September 4. Later, “Pokémon Tales” by Aardman? Not coming ’til 2027. Yeah, they do those fun clay animations like Shaun the Sheep and Wallace & Gromit. Quite a wait though, huh?

Now, here’s the thing: PokePark Kanto is popping up in Tokyo. Early 2026, just in time to celebrate Pokémon’s 30th birthday. Dang, 30 years! Oh, and for those deep into Pokémon Masters EX, Carmine will show up on July 30, straight outta Scarlet and Violet’s DLC. Cool?

Hang on, almost forgot—there’s an ocean-themed fiesta happening in Pokémon Cafe Remix. Lapras and Totodile are donning costumes and everything. Adorable. Plus, Latias joins Pokémon Unite on August 8, and there’s this weird “Electrode Volleyball” mode live now. Go figure.

Trading cards anyone? The Mega Evolution set previewed new goodies, but, umm, they’re sold out. Go figure again.

Then there’s this whole raid battle scene in Scarlet and Violet starting tomorrow. If you wanna snag shiny versions of the “Treasures of Ruin” legendaries, you gotta beat them a million times collectively. Crazy, huh? Plus, themed Mass Outbreaks are swirling around.

Finally, Pokémon Champions is getting a little overhaul. Renting Pokémon is a thing now—kind of neat. And yes, you still connect to Pokémon Home. Plus, tweaking effort values and natures straight in the game is set for 2026. Sounds kinda futuristic to me. Or maybe I’m just tired.