These beloved Pocket Monsters have been around for almost 28 years. They first made their debut in 1996 on the Nintendo Gameboy as Pokémon Red and Green in Japan. Today, Pokémon remains the highest-grossing media franchise in history.
Most parents are somewhat familiar with these cute companions, whether through the shows, cards, video games, or comics. It seems almost every form of media has been consumed by these creatures in one way or another, even manhole covers — no really!
Some may remember the first generation when there were only 151 Pocket Monsters. Ash Ketchum was the OG and Jesse and James were always preparing for trouble. As their popularity has grown and surged globally, the need for all things Pokémon has accelerated as well.
Whether your household has been long engrained in everything Pokémon and you can recite the Team Rocket Motto by heart, or you are slowly leaning into a Pika-what and a Mew-who, there are a plethora of activities that encapsulate our favorite Pokémon pastimes. Here are some suggestions on how you can celebrate National Pokémon Day today!
Ideas to Celebrate National Pokémon Day!
Pokémon Video Games
Paying homage to the original media source for Pokémon, these monsters have since been one of the most popular gaming franchises to date. Although mostly exclusive to the Nintendo gaming systems, the popularity of mobile has helped drive the wild success of the series by making it more accessible to other players.
To celebrate today, dust off some of the classics or jump into some of the latest titles of the Pokémon series noted here:
- Detective Pikachu – Nintendo Switch
- Pokémon Scarlet and Violet – Nintendo Switch
- Pokémon Go – Mobile
- Pokémon Trading Card Game Live! – Mac, Windows, Mobile
- New Pokémon Snap – Nintendo Switch
TV/Movies
Outside of the video game realm, most have associated and fallen in love with the Pokémon world through the anime TV show, the first which debuted in 1997. Along with movies (There are now 25 of them!), audiences have followed along with Ash Ketchum and his friends on a journey through the regions to become a Pokémon master.
With the latest news of Ash and Pikachu ending their chapter in the anime series after 26 years, this has laid the groundwork for additional storylines of new adventures, heroes, and creatures for the next generation of fans. The TV series is currently on its 25th season and fans won’t have to wait long for the next installment.
In the meantime, you can always catch up on the originals to celebrate, or enjoy one of these below.
- Pokémon Horizons: The Series (Netflix, March 7, 2024)
- Pokémon Mewtwo Strikes Back Evolution (First CGI Animated film, 2020)
- Pokémon Concierge (Netflix, December 2023)
- Detective Pikachu (First live-action film, 2019)
- Pokémon: The First Movie (1999, First OG Animated film, a classic!)
Pokémon Trading Cards
Another one of the biggest parts of the franchise is the wildly popular Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG). The card game was originally released in Japan in 1996 and shortly followed by the US in 1999. Both for collectors and players, this game can be played amongst friends, local tournaments, or even world championships. Many local hobby/card shops host official Pokémon tournaments as well as how-to-play clinics and trading.
There are currently 98 card sets released in English with 23.6 billion cards being shipped worldwide. Crack a new pack, trade some cards, or tag in a fellow trainer for a Pokémon battle!
Charleston Shops & Events
- Weekly Pokémon Events – Final Round Games, Summerville & West Ashley
- Pokémon Events – Animal House Cards, North Charleston
- Pokémon Fun Days! – Wonder Works, Downtown Charleston & Mount Pleasant
Purchase Cards & Game
- My First Battle – Newly released Pokémon TCG sets for beginners
- Pokémon TCG Battle Academy Pokémon Battle Academy Board Game
Comics/Books
There is a huge library of novels, comics, and encyclopedias/guides — everything a young Pokémon trainer would want to reference or read.
Here are a few of fan favorites:
- Super Extra Deluxe Essential Handbook
- Pokémon Super Special Flip Book Collection
- Classic Chapter Book Collection
- Pokémon Adventures
Music for National Pokémon Day
Recently, artists such as Post Malone, Ed Sheeran, and Katy Perry created video collaborations with Pokémon to celebrate their 25th Anniversary — thrusting Pokémon into the mainstream even further. Lots of songs from the shows, including the iconic Season 1 theme, original Pokérap, and movie soundtracks with various artists should offer more than enough to get your musical fix to celebrate.
- Post Malone – Virtual Pokémon Concert
- Katy Perry – Electric
- Ed Sheeran – Celestial
- Pokémon Themes 1-25 Seasons
- Detective Pikachu Soundtrack
Whether you are a Pokémon master or you are just filling up your Pokédex there are so many ways to celebrate. Grab your fellow trainers, prepare for trouble, and go catch ‘em all!
