Pokémon Day 2023 is here, and fans are buzzing with excitement! The Pokémon Company kicked off the celebrations by revealing big news for all Pokémon platforms and games. As a die-hard Pokémon fan for over two decades, I can’t help but share the thrill about what’s launched today, Feb. 27.
New Scarlet and Violet DLC: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are getting exciting new content with “The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero” DLC. This DLC will come in two parts. The first part, “The Teal Mask,” features the legendary Pokémon Ogerpon and is set to release in Fall 2023. The second part, “The Indigo Disk,” introduces another legendary, Terapagos, and will be available in Winter 2023. Three new Pokémon – Munkidori, Fezandipiti, and Okidogi – will join along with over 230 returning Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet thanks to this DLC.
Paradox Pokémon Suicine and Virizion
Scarlet and Violet now have Paradox forms of legendary Pokémon Suicune and Virizion. These forms, called Walking Wake and Iron Leaves, are featured in Tera Raids until March 12. Walking Wake is exclusive to Scarlet, and Iron Leaves is exclusive to Violet. However, you can catch them in either version by joining online Tera raids.
Pokémon Go Gimmighoul and Scarlet and Violet Sync
You can now link Pokémon Scarlet and Violet with Pokémon Go to hunt and catch Gimmighoul. After collecting 999 coins by spinning golden PokéStops and using Gimmighoul as your buddy in Pokémon Go, you can evolve it into Gholdengo.
Pokémon TCG Classic and New Netflix Anime Series
Pokémon TCG is launching a Classic set, bringing back some of the first-ever released cards. Also, Netflix announced a new Pokémon anime series, “Pokémon Concierge,” coming soon. It seems to be a spin-off of the main series.
Pokémon Sleep is Really Happening
Pokémon Sleep is finally coming, years after its first announcement. It will work with Pokémon Go through a new device called Pokémon Go Plus+, which is now up for pre-order.
Besides these major announcements, some updates and new features were added to Pokémon UNITE, Pokémon Café ReMix, and Pokémon Masters EX in celebration of Pokémon Day. Despite the excitement, some fans felt let down by the lack of announcements for old Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch and no news on spin-off series.
Reminder: the Scarlet and Violet DLC, “The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero,” will release its first part, “The Teal Mask,” in Fall 2023, introducing new legendary and returning Pokémon to the games.