Not every Pokemon from the original games has remained equally recognizable three decades later, but that cannot be said of the beloved Gastly, Haunter, and Gengar evolution line. Pokemon now has more than 1,000 species, with new generations continually adding characters that compete for attention for some, though not all, Pokemon. Some of the earliest designs have become closely tied to the identity of the franchise itself, continuing to appear in new games, merchandise, cards, and other parts of Pokemon long after their debut.
The 30th anniversary has provided plenty of reminders of how long some of those characters have stayed relevant. The Pokemon Trading Card Game’s 30th Celebration expansion recently released with nearly 200 cards, including 30 different Pikachu cards and a 30-card Classic Collection. Other anniversary celebrations have also brought attention back to older Pokemon through returning games and new projects planned throughout 2026 and 2027, with perhaps the biggest Pokemon 30th anniversary release being a December art book collection for all Pokemon games.
Gengar’s New Design Shows Off Unique Display of Move
Gengar is one of the clearest examples of an original 151 Pokemon that has never really disappeared from the spotlight. The Generation 1 Ghost/Poison-type has kept its familiar design since debuting in 1996, but now Pokemon partner Sideshow is giving it another appearance in collectible form with a new Gengar Diorama unveiled at PokemonXP 2026 in San Francisco, as first reported by Screen Rant. For fans of Gengar, the unique new diorama turns his most recognizable features into a larger display piece, with the biggest attention going to the double-fisted Shadow Balls (it would seem). It’s not a massive overhaul, but it’s a unique design for the beloved Ghost Pokemon.
New Questions Added!
GameRant Quiz
Sideshow revealed it alongside a new Mewtwo statue, although the company has not yet announced the Gengar Diorama’s price, dimensions, preorder date, or release window. Fans can currently RSVP through Sideshow to receive availability updates.
While some folks would prefer more recent Pokemon get this kind of attention, it bears repeating that Pokemon celebrating its 30th anniversary with some of the most popular Pokemon from the OG 151 makes sense. Its popularity also almost makes it a shoo-in for the returning Pokemon in Pokemon Winds and Waves. That said, the logic is there that some older Pokemon (like Charizard) still get a little too much attention at the neglect of other viable Pokemon.
For a Pokemon that has looked largely the same since the franchise began, Gengar has still received plenty of ways to stand out over the years thanks to its powerful, original design. The SideShow Diorama’s playful double Shadow Ball attack is just a fun interpretation of how it could use moves, not necessarily a canonical form, recreation, or tease of any sort. At the end of the day, anniversaries are for celebrating, and celebrating Gengar is mighty fine by most folks.
- Released
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2027
- Multiplayer
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Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
