Honestly, if you're a fan of those colorful pocket monsters, you probably feel like you've been living in a bit of a drought lately. Or maybe a flood? It’s hard to tell. We just came off the massive launch of Pokémon Legends: Z-A back in October 2025, which finally took us back to the streets of Lumiose City. But naturally, the community is already restless.
The big question on everyone's mind is simple: when do new pokemon games come out in 2026?
Well, it’s not just any year. It's the 30th anniversary of the franchise. That means Game Freak and The Pokémon Company are basically legally obligated to go all out. Between a confirmed "sandbox" experiment and the looming shadow of the next generation, 2026 is looking like a fever dream for Trainers.
The Confirmed 2026 Schedule: Enter Pokopia
We actually have a firm date for the next big project. Pokémon Pokopia is scheduled to drop on March 5, 2026.
If you haven't heard of this one yet, it’s... different. It’s a sandbox game. Think Minecraft meets Animal Crossing but with a Charizard helping you smelt iron. For some reason, it's a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, which is a bold move. It’s the first real sign that the old Switch is finally being put out to pasture.
The game lets you build your own world and craft items using Pokémon help. It’s a huge departure from the "beat eight gyms and a champion" formula we've been doing since 1996. It’s weird, it’s experimental, and it’s coming very early in the year.
When Do New Pokemon Games Come Out for Gen 10?
This is the one that causes the most fights on Reddit. We are currently in the 9th Generation (Scarlet and Violet). If history is our teacher, a new generation usually drops every three years.
- Sword and Shield (Gen 8) - 2019
- Scarlet and Violet (Gen 9) - 2022
- Generation 10 - 2025?
Wait. 2025 passed, and we got Legends: Z-A instead.
This delay is actually a good thing. After the technical mess that was Scarlet and Violet, it seems like they actually took an extra year to polish Gen 10 for the new hardware. The rumors—and keep in mind these are leaks from sources like Light_88—point toward a November 2026 release.
The working titles being tossed around are Pokémon Wind and Wave. Supposedly, it’s set in a region inspired by Southeast Asia, focusing heavily on island exploration. There’s even talk of a new "Majin" mechanic and a chubbier Pikachu redesign. Whether or not that's true, November has always been the "Golden Month" for Pokémon. If Gen 10 is coming in 2026, expect it on a Friday in mid-November.
The Pokémon Day 2026 Wildcards
February 27 is Pokémon Day. It’s the anniversary of Red and Green coming out in Japan back in '96.
This is usually when the "When do new pokemon games come out" mystery gets solved. For the 30th anniversary, the hype is through the roof. There are persistent whispers about Game Boy Advance ports finally hitting Nintendo Switch Online. Imagine being able to play the original Emerald or FireRed on your Switch without needing an emulator or a $200 cartridge from eBay.
We’re also potentially looking at another remake. Since we had Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl in 2021, the Unova fans have been screaming for Black and White remakes. Whether it's a "faithful" remake by ILCA or a full 3D reimagining, Pokémon Day 2026 is the most likely place for that reveal.
A Quick Look at the Release Patterns
If you want to guess when the next next game is coming, look at the calendar they’ve used for a decade.
👉 See also: Fire Emblem In Order: How to Actually Tackle This Messy Timeline
- February/March: Spin-offs or experimental titles (Legends: Arceus, Pokopia).
- May/June: DLC announcements or "minor" releases.
- October/November: The "Big Ones." Mainline generations or major remakes.
It's a rhythm. They rarely break it because the holiday shopping season is too valuable to miss.
What You Should Actually Do Now
Look, 2026 is going to be expensive. If you’re trying to stay ahead of the curve, here’s how to prep:
- Save for the Switch 2: With Pokopia already confirmed as an exclusive and Gen 10 likely following suit, the base Switch is officially a legacy console. You'll need the new hardware to play the 2026 lineup.
- Watch the February 27 Presentation: Don't believe every "leak" you see on X. The Pokémon Presents in late February is the only place where the dates become 100% real.
- Check your TCG collection: Since the Ascended Heroes set is dropping around the same time, the 30th-anniversary cards are going to be a nightmare to find at MSRP. Pre-order early if you're into the physical hobby.
The cycle is predictable, but the 30th anniversary adds a layer of chaos we haven't seen in years. Between a sandbox builder in March and the potential for a new generation in November, your Pokédex is about to get a lot bigger.
Keep an eye on the official Pokémon social channels as we approach February. That’s when the silence finally breaks and we get the actual trailers for what's next.