What's Happening?
The closing ceremony of the 2025 Pokémon World Championships featured several announcements, including the introduction of Mega Evolution in Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket and the debut of Legendary Pokémon Eternatus in Pokémon GO. The event also revealed new additions to Pokémon UNITE, such as Empoleon, Dhelmise, and Vaporeon, and the upcoming Pokémon Champions game set to replace Pokémon Scarlet and Violet in the official Championship Series starting in 2026. A new fan event, PokémonXP, will take place during the 2026 Championships in San Francisco, offering a range of Pokémon-centric festivities.
Why It's Important?
These announcements mark significant changes in the competitive landscape of Pokémon games, with new mechanics like Mega Evolution and the debut of new games such as Pokémon Champions. The inclusion of Mega Pokémon in the TCG and the global debut of Eternatus in Pokémon GO are expected to enhance gameplay and attract new players. The PokémonXP event aims to deepen fan engagement by providing a platform for community interaction and celebration. These developments are likely to impact the Pokémon franchise's market presence and fan base, potentially increasing sales and participation in competitive events.
What's Next?
The PokémonXP event will take place from August 28-30, 2026, alongside the 2026 Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco. Multi-day passes for the event will be available for purchase starting September 17, 2025. Pokémon Champions will become the official game for the Championship Series, introducing new competitive formats and mechanics. Fans can expect further details on the PokémonXP event and the Pokémon Champions game as the 2026 Championships approach.
