While many fans were surprised when Pokemon Winds and Waves revealed they were not releasing in 2026 in celebration of the franchise’s 30th anniversary, the year itself has celebrated it with numerous special releases, and one more has suddenly been revealed. This latest celebration of the franchise includes new artwork for the three Pokemon Winds and Waves starters: the Grass-type Browt, the Water-type Gecqua, and the Fire-type Pombon.
Pokemon‘s proper 30th anniversary was February 27 earlier this year, coinciding with the Pokemon Day debut of Pokemon Winds and Waves, but the media franchise has celebrated it across the year. For example, Pokemon TCG has a 30th anniversary celebration release coming in September, while a special Pokemon artbook spanning all the games is coming in December 2026. And yet, of course, there are more anniversaries to celebrate than just Pokemon’s.
NHK Celebrates Its 100th Alongside Pokemon’s 30th Anniversary
The NHK Symphony Orchestra in Japan was originally founded as the New Symphony Orchestra in 1926, making this October its 100th anniversary, and it has teamed up with Pokemon to celebrate both its 100th anniversary and the franchise’s 30th anniversary. The NHK Symphony Orchestra × Pokemon Classic Concert Tour is an official collaboration for the franchise, taking place nationwide in Japan, and it has also released new official artwork of all the Pokemon starters, including Gen 10’s.
New Questions Added!
GameRant Quiz
This official artwork, seen above, was commissioned by the companies involved from Illustrator SowSow. Perhaps because of how limited they are, for artistic reasons, and/or for several other possibilities, the illustrator did not pair any of the new Pokemon Winds and Waves starters with an instrument, as they did for the other starters. Still, it’s an official look at these Pokemon, and it’s a fun style for Pokemon in general. Of course, many fans are eager to see these Pokemon in action or to even see new Pokemon for the Gen 10 region, but it stands to reason that’s some time away. Pokemon Winds and Waves represents the future, and much of the year has been dedicated to the past in honor of its anniversary.
For example, Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen coming to Switch consoles was a relatively “easy” way to celebrate the franchise. These re-releases are incredibly popular, and according to a reliable leaker, it seems that Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald will also join Switch consoles sometime in September or October.
Who’s That Character?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Overall, it’s a good time to be a Pokemon fan. Pokemon Winds and Waves represents the franchise’s future on the Nintendo Switch 2, while the addition of older games to the Switch consoles, as well as the celebration of the franchise as a whole, only bodes well for its presence. Seeing organizations like the NHK Symphony Orchestra hit 100 is also awe-inspiring, and perhaps in another 70 years, Pokemon will be celebrating that and Gen 30 (Gen 33…?) too.
- Released
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2027
- Multiplayer
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Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer