Official Confirmation of New Pokémon Release for 30th Anniversary

When Pocket Monsters Red and Green debuted in Japan back in 1996, virtually no one could have foreseen that a modest concept about capturing and battling fantastical creatures would blossom into a cultural juggernaut. Even Tsunekazu Ishihara, CEO of The Pokémon Company, failed to predict its astronomical trajectory. In a retrospective interview with the Wall Street Journal, Ishihara candidly noted, “None of us really thought Pikachu was particularly special.”

Three decades onward, the Pokémon empire shows no signs of slowing down. Having yielded upwards of 100 video game titles, 150 trading card expansions, countless cinematic adaptations, and high-profile collaborations with brands like Lego and McDonald’s, the brand remains ubiquitous. As the milestone 30th anniversary approaches—celebrated passionately by millions who grew up alongside the franchise—Game Freak is rolling out an extraordinary lineup of commemorative goods. Alongside limited-edition merchandise and plushies, the studio has quietly unveiled an ultimate tribute for dedicated collectors.

Commemorating Three Decades With Definitive Pokémon Art Books

Game Freak has officially confirmed plans to publish a trio of exhaustive art books chronicling the rich legacy of the franchise. Revealing the covers earlier this week, the publisher opted for a fittingly nostalgic color scheme: the first volume is styled in striking red, the second in vibrant green, and the third in classic blue, paying direct homage to the foundational releases. Scheduled to hit shelves across Japan on December 18, 2026, each volume will retail for 5,500 yen (roughly $35). Combined, the collection will span an awe-inspiring 1,500 pages of curated visual history.

While details regarding an international translation or a formal western release date remain unannounced, Game Freak has detailed the generational scope of each installment. The inaugural volume covers the pioneering foundational eras—encompassing Generations 1 through 4. This includes Pokémon Red and Green, Pokémon Blue, Pokémon Yellow, Pokémon Gold and Silver, Pokémon Crystal, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, Pokémon Emerald, Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, Pokémon Platinum, and Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver.

The second volume shifts its lens toward the prolific Nintendo DS and 3DS eras, spanning Generations 5 through 7. Featured titles in this collection comprise Pokémon Black and White alongside their direct sequels Black 2 and White 2, Pokémon X and Y, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Pokémon Sun and Moon, and Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. Finally, the third book dives into modern entries, spotlighting Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee, Pokémon Sword and Shield (alongside their expansions), Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (plus DLC), and Pokémon Legends: Z-A (and its respective add-ons).

Whether acquired individually or as a complete prestige set, these volumes promise an unprecedented treasury of official game artwork, pristine assets, rare conceptual sketches, and insightful, exclusive interviews with the developers at Game Freak.

Source: Polygon