tech
March 4, 2026
Even for fans like me, the Pokémon 30th anniversary ‘stuff’ is a bit much
With the wait for the new Winds and Waves games set to stretch into 2027, Pokemon’s 30th anniversary celebrations have plugged the gap with a deluge of nostalgia bait. Is the franchise in danger of losing its heart?
TL;DR
- Pokémon's 30th anniversary celebrations have involved a large amount of merchandise and nostalgic promotions.
- The author expresses annoyance with the commercial focus, citing expensive items like a Lego set and a Pikachu plush.
- The article contrasts the focus on merchandise with the author's personal experience of Pokémon as a game about forming attachments and experiencing freedom.
- New game announcements, Pokémon Winds and Waves, are seen as a positive sign, potentially indicating a renewed focus on game quality.
- The extended development time for Winds and Waves might allow creators to focus on quality, with merchandise potentially funding this time.
- The article also briefly discusses the spin-off game Pokémon Pokopia and mentions other gaming news, including Zelda's 40th anniversary and the closure of Highguard.
- A reader question about sticking to older games is addressed, with advice to view new games as "excursions" rather than overwhelming commitments.
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