I have a unique relationship with Pokémon. Back when the original games were released in 1996, I was working for Walmart (seems like a lifetime ago), so I was on the ground floor when the craze begain. It all started on February 27, 1996 with the release of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green in Japan, and because of that The Pokémon Company International commemorates this date with new products and promotions that give Pokémon fans around the world new ways to interact with the Pokémon brand. Pokémon Day could be called “every Trainer’s favorite pop-culture holiday,” and it’s today – 2/27/2018! Pokémon Trainers can now access the Pikachu Talk skill for Amazon Alexa and Pikachu Talk action for Google Home. Fans can also join Pokémon Day celebrations on social media with all-new Snapchat Lenses featuring the original first partner Pokémon—Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle—while also enjoying new Pokémon merchandise, opportunities to watch iconic Pokémon animation, and the chance to catch a special Pikachu in Pokémon GO. See all the details on this year’s festivities below…
“Pokémon Day is not only a celebration of the franchise, but also of Pokémon’s incredible fan community,” said J.C. Smith, senior director of consumer marketing for The Pokémon Company International. “This year we’re offering Pikachu Talk, social media activations, and more across the brand to help Trainers around the world express their love of all things Pokémon.”
The following are highlights of happenings this Pokémon Day from The Pokémon Company International.
Pikachu Talk
Fans can converse “live” with Pikachu as the iconic Pokémon makes its debut on Amazon Alexa and Google Home with Pikachu Talk. Fans can pose a question or request to Pikachu, and the much-loved Electric-type Mouse Pokémon will respond with classic lines like “pika?”, “pika pika!”, and “pikaaaaa.” Already released in Japan, Pikachu Talk is now available for Amazon Alexa-enabled devices in most countries, and for Google Home-enabled devices in the US.
New Snapchat Lenses
Starting today and for a limited time, three new Snapchat Lenses featuring the first partner Pokémon from the Kanto region will start to roll out around the world, beginning with Bulbasaur. Charmander will arrive later, followed by Squirtle.
Pokémon Center
Last year on Pokémon Day, the Pokémon Center launched Pokémon Gallery Figures—an exclusive line of premium display-ready figures. For Pokémon Day 2018, it’s going even bigger by introducing a new, larger-scale line of these collectibles. Charizard is featured as the first-ever Pokémon Gallery Figure DX, with the iconic Fire-type Pokémon unleashing its signature Blast Burn move in a dynamic pose.
This is also the year of Legendary Pokémon, and on Pokémon Day, the Pokémon Center is joining the celebration by debuting the first in a series of special Legendary Pokémon Pins. Starting today, fans can order new Dialga and Palkia pins, which will be followed by a new pair of pins each month through November (while supplies last). For information about these products, which can be shipped to US addresses, visit PokemonCenter.com.
Animation
Beginning today, the latest animated feature-length Pokémon film, Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You!, will be available on Pokémon TV for the first time. The hit movie will be available to view on the app, available for iOS and Android, and on Pokemon.com/TV for a week.
Pokémon GO
When exploring their world in search of wild Pokémon, Pokémon GO Trainers can keep an eye out for a special Pikachu wearing a festive striped purple hat. For Pokémon Day 2018, this Pikachu will know the move Present and will give players triple the usual Stardust when caught. Trainers can look for Pikachu wearing a party hat through February 28 at 1 p.m. PST.
Social Media
In addition to the Snapchat festivities, fans are invited to join the conversation online with #PokemonDay. Fans who use this hashtag might have their posts featured on the official Pokémon Day hub at www.Pokemon.com/PokemonDay, where more information about the day’s fan-focused festivities can be found.
