2016 is really shaping up to be the year of Pocket Monsters.
Last November, it was revealed that the original Pokémon games are coming to the 3DS eShop this February to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Pokémon.
The celebration doesn’t end there though, as Pokémon and Nintendo have revealed a number of new merchandise and promotions.
The biggest is a bundle that includes a New 3DS, and pre-installed versions of Pokémon Red and Blue. Cover plates for the system that features the classic illustrations of Charizard and Blastoise will also be included.
The Pokémon Company has yet to comment if the Gameboy-inspired 2DS bundles revealed earlier for Japan are coming to America, but this New 3DS bundle is awesome nonetheless.
Gamestop will also help celebrate the upcoming anniversary with distribution events for Mythical Pokémon like Mew, Darkrai, Arceus, and Genesect, which will roll-out monthly.
It doesn’t stop there, as a new expansion to the trading card game, called “Generations,” will launch later this month, and digitally remastered versions of the first three Pokémon films will become available on iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon around this time as well.
Retailers will even restock select Pokémon amiibo (Jigglypuff, Charizard, Greninja, and Lucario); a couple of which have been very difficult to find lately.
With the rerelease of the classic games, Pokkén Tournament for Wii U, Pokémon GO on mobile, all these promotions, and perhaps some surprises, 2016 is a going to be a big year for Pokémon.
It seems like yesterday we were waking up early to watch the first season of the anime, and trading cards during recess…When did we get so old?
Pokémon will celebrate its 20th anniversary on February 27.
