On February 27, the Pokemon franchise will celebrate its 29th anniversary since the launch of Pokemon Red and Green in Japan. Dubbed Pokemon Day, the annual celebration is highlighted by announcements across the Pokemon franchise, from games to merchandise, and sometimes a few surprises to give trainers something to look forward to.

The 2024 Pokemon Day episode of Pokemon Presents saved the best for last, as The Pokemon Company (TPC) revealed Pokemon Legends Z-A for the first time. Although no official information about Legends: Z-A has been offered since the 2024 Pokemon Day festivities, the trailer confirmed that the Mega Evolution battle gimmick would return. While a second Pokemon Presents in a calendar year is usually aired in August, TPC opted not to have an August 2024 broadcast. Ergo, the upcoming 2025 Pokemon Day presentation will mark one year since the previous episode. As such, the 2025 Pokemon Day event should give trainers some surprises and information to sate some appetites.

Pokemon Day 2025 Wish List: News And Surprises For Trainers

Pokemon Legends Z-A Release Date and Gameplay

It's no secret that the 2025 Pokemon Day event should feature Pokemon Legends: Z-A as the main attraction. Given that so many questions about the 2025 title remain, TPC would be wise to give trainers a tentative release date alongside some early gameplay footage. While Mega Evolution has been confirmed, Pokemon Legends: Z-A should also explain how it differs from Pokemon Legends: Arceus, and give trainers a reason to pick the game up. Additionally, Pokemon Legends Z-A should clarify whether the entire game is set exclusively in Lumiose City, or if other parts of the Kalos region will be explored.

More Pokemon Games on the Nintendo Switch Online Apps

While titles such as Pokemon Snap and Pokemon Trading Card Game have appeared on the Nintendo Switch Online service, the mainline Pokemon entries have been notably absent. Although the Nintendo Switch 2 will be available later in 2025, Nintendo confirmed that it will continue to support the original Switch throughout the year. One way that the "Big N" could show support for the Switch system is to finally release the first three Pokemon mainline generations on the Game Boy and Game Boy Advance apps. In short, re-releasing titles such as Pokemon Emerald and Pokemon Crystal would grant fans a long-requested wish.

Continued Updates to Pokemon Live Service Titles

Live service games such as Pokemon Unite, Pokemon Masters EX, and Pokemon Cafe Mix should keep trainers busy throughout 2025 with continued content updates and new playable characters. The mobile hits Pokemon GO and Pokemon TCG Pocket show no signs of slowing down, so trainers should expect to see them during Pokemon Day. Although Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have been sporadic with Tera raids since the Shiny Rayquaza Five-Star Tera Raid in December, a tough Tera Raid against a popular creature is also not out of the question.

If Gen 10 Is Absent, That's a Good Thing

Since the franchise's early days, Pokemon mainline generation games have been released every three years. But, between the imminent release of the Switch 2 and the technical problems that plagued Pokemon Scarlet and Violet during its 2022 launch, the next mainline Pokemon generation is caught between a rock and a hard place. In response to the controversy surrounding the technical performance of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, TPC stated that they would consider player feedback regarding release cadences. With the Switch 2's arrival in 2025, and the 30th anniversary of the Pokemon franchise in 2026, saving the 10th mainline generation for next year on a new system would be the best possible outcome in the long term.