February 27

National Pokemon Day

A fan and corporate observance on February 27 honoring the Pokemon franchise and its global community of fans through themes of friendship, teamwork, and perseverance.

Yearly Date

February 27

Observed

Internationally

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate National Pokémon Day on Feb. 27! This special day was created in 1998 to commemorate the release of the original Pokémon games and has since become a yearly tradition for millions of fans around the world. For many, this is an opportunity to revisit their childhood with some nostalgia or even introduce their kids to one of gaming's most beloved franchises!

National Pokemon Day Timeline

1996

Pokémon's Debut

Nintendo released the first Pokémon games, Pokémon Red and Green, for the Game Boy in Japan, marking the beginning of the Pokémon franchise.

1998

Expansion to the United States

The Pokémon franchise expanded to the United States with the release of the video games Pokémon Red and Blue and the start of the Pokémon television series.

1999

First Pokémon Film

"Pokémon: The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back" was released, becoming the first film in the Pokémon franchise.

2016

Release of Pokémon Go

The release of Pokémon Go, a mobile augmented reality game, caused a significant resurgence in Pokémon's popularity worldwide.

2019

Detective Pikachu Movie

"Pokémon Detective Pikachu", the first live-action movie in the Pokémon franchise, was released, introducing the world of Pokémon to a new generation of fans.

2020

25th Anniversary of Pokémon

Celebrations and special events occurred across the Pokémon franchise for the series' 25th anniversary, including collaborations with notable artists and the release of special merchandise.

How to Celebrate National Pokemon Day

1 Create a Pokemon themed meal

Gather your ingredients and create a Pokemon themed meal. From Pikachu burgers to Pokeball rice balls, there are plenty of ideas for creative dishes.

2 Throw a Pokemon party

Invite your friends over and have them dress up as their favorite Pokemon character. Serve Pokemon snacks and play some related games.

3 Watch the anime series

Get together with some friends or family and spend the day watching some classic Pokemon episodes. You can even make a drinking game out of it.

4 Play the video games

Whether it's the classic Nintendo Game Boy version or the newer mobile games, playing the original video games is an excellent way to celebrate National Pokemon Day.

5 Visit a Pokemon cafe

If you're lucky enough to live near one, a visit to a Pokemon cafe is the perfect way to celebrate National Pokemon Day. Enjoy some delicious food and drinks while surrounded by all things Pokemon.

Why We Love National Pokemon Day

It celebrates creativity and imagination

One of the things that makes Pokémon so great is its vibrant world and characters. From the adorable Pikachu to the legendary Charizard, each creature brings a special kind of charm that encourages creativity and inspires imaginative play. On National Pokemon Day, fans can celebrate these classic characters and express their own individualistic style!

It's an opportunity to interact with fellow fans

On National Pokemon Day, everyone from hardcore enthusiasts to casual viewers come together to reminisce about old school episodes or challenge each other in friendly Pokémon battles. It's a great time to meet new people, make connections, and even speak in Poké-lingo!

It fosters nostalgia for the 90s

From the OG television series to the card game phenomenon, Pokemon first achieved popularity in the 1990s and has held a special place in many people's hearts ever since. Each year on National Pokemon Day, we take time to look back fondly on those simpler times and all the fun memories!