News Archive

a

Wisdom of Sea and Sky released on July 30th, 2025, in Pokémon TCG Pocket

Two Legendary Pokémon from the Johto region, Lugia and Ho‑Oh, headline Wisdom of Sea and Sky, the latest expansion for Pokémon TCG Pocket, released on July 30th, 2025. This new expansion brings over 200 cards to collect, including powerful new Pokémon ex, stunning illustrations, and beloved Johto region characters such as Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile.

An official statement from Pokémon TCG Pocket confirms a production issue in relation to the Ho-Oh featured in the immersive card artwork for Ho-Oh ex ★★★ and Lugia ex ★★★ cards. The artwork has been removed temporarily, while new artwork will be introduced as soon as it's ready. They have also confirmed that they are conducting an investigation to ensure no similar issues exist elsewhere in the game.

Source: Pokémon

Following a recent issue that temporarily prevented Trainers from catching wild Pokémon, which led to missed opportunities for Shiny encounters, Niantic is offering compensation to all players. You can now use the code POKEBALL50 to claim a free item bundle. The code is redeemable via the in-game shop or on the official Niantic rewards page for a limited time.

Source: Pokémon GO in-app notification

To commemorate the final expansions of the Scarlet & Violet series, a limited-time bonus code for Pokémon TCG Live has been shared: TCGLIVEONSOCIAL Enter the code in the app to receive 2,000 Trainer Points and one booster pack from each expansion in the Scarlet & Violet era.

Source: Pokémon TCG Live

A new feature called Expert Mode is scheduled to be introduced to Pokémon Sleep in the next update, planned for early August. This new mode offers a more challenging experience, allowing all types of helper Pokémon to contribute in different ways. Raising Snorlax will become more difficult, but the rewards available in Expert Mode will be more generous than ever. Expert Mode will become available starting the Monday following the next maintenance and version update. To unlock it, players will need to reach Master 18 with Snorlax on Greengrass Isle. Those who have already met this requirement will gain access to the mode automatically once it is added to the game.

Source: Pokémon Sleep

To mark the upcoming Good Sleep Day, a new limited-time bundle will be available in Pokémon Sleep. The bundle includes 9 Great Biscuits, 2 Luck Incenses, 2 Growth Incenses, and 2 Focus Incenses. It will be available from August 7th at 4:00 UTC to August 12 at 3:59 UTC.

Source: Pokémon Sleep

In honor of Pokémon UNITE’s fourth anniversary and the arrival of Battle Pass 33, all players can receive a free Gyarados Unite License. Log in to the game anytime between July 18th and September 4th, 2025, to claim your reward and dive into battle with Gyarados.

Source: Pokémon Unite

Trainers in Japan and Australia who pre-order Pokémon Legends: Z-A, either physically or digitally, will receive an exclusive in-game trench coat customisation item. This bonus will be distributed via serial code and will be available through select retailers, including Amazon Japan and EB Games Australia. Availability may vary by location. At this time, no additional details have been shared about whether this item will be offered in other regions.

Source: Pokémon

Carmine & Sinistcha are making their debut in Pokémon Masters EX for the “Poké Fair Scout” starting July 28th, 2025. This 5★ sync pair features a powerful Grass-type sync move, “Relentlessly Stir Things Up Tera Blast”, bringing new strategic options to your team.

Source: Pokémon Masters EX

A special Hatch Day event featuring Munchlax is on the way in Pokémon GO. During the event, Munchlax will hatch much more frequently from 2 km Eggs, with an increased chance of encountering its Shiny form. Trainers can enjoy event bonuses such as double Candy from hatching Eggs, a higher likelihood of receiving 2 km Eggs from PokéStops, and a greater chance of hatching a Shiny Munchlax. The event will take place on August 9th, 2025, from 11:00 to 17:00 (local time).

Source: Pokémon GO

DJ Pikachu set the stage for Tuesday’s Pokémon Presents, with an hour of tunes mostly focused on Pokémon Red & Blue

The latest Pokémon Presents live stream aired on Tuesday, sharing details on upcoming titles and services from the company. Prior to this, a special Pokémon-themed music stream featuring DJ Pikachu played an hour of remixes from Pokémon Red & Blue. This special set counted down the time remaining until the main event began and was a lot of fun to watch. For those who missed it, or for anyone who wants to relive the moment, you can check out the stream here.

Source: Pokémon

A new puzzle game called Pokémon Friends was announced and released on Tuesday, available for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, iOS, and Android. Players are challenged to solve puzzles and earn yarn, which can then be used to create Pokémon plushies. These toys can then be placed into the player's customisable in-game rooms, with options to rearrange furniture and add wallpaper to give them a different look. The game also has downloadable content, allowing players to access additional puzzles, yarn, and plushies. In total, there are over 1,200 puzzles and up to 150 plush toys to collect. Full details can be found on the official Pokémon Friends website

Source: Pokémon Friends

More information was revealed about the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Z-A title, which releases on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on October 16th, 2025. The latest trailer confirms the return of Emma from Pokémon X & Y, who in Legends: Z-A is a detective who asks the player to track down missing Pokémon and items, as well as take part in battles. Players can also assist Mable, the acting director of the Pokémon Research Lab, who also returns from Pokémon X & Y where she was one of the five Team Flare scientists.

Players will also be invited to join Team MZ, a group dedicated to keeping the peace in Lumiose City. Quasartico Inc., the corporation driving Lumiose City's redevelopment, will task Team MZ with investigating a strange phenomenon happening around Lumiose City, where rampaging Pokémon are Mega Evolving all on their own. If they are successfully calmed, players can obtain Mega Stones as rewards. A brand-new Mega Evolved Pokémon was also revealed in the form of Mega Dragonite!

The Pokémon Company International has confirmed that Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be playable at Gamescom 2025, which runs from August 20th to 24th at Koelnmesse in Cologne. Attendees will have the opportunity to try a hands-on demo of this upcoming game set in Lumiose City.

Source: Pokémon, Pokémon

A teaser for the upcoming stop-motion animated series made in collaboration with Aardman was shown during the latest Pokémon Presents. Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch'd & Pichu will offer a unique look into the Pokémon world, with all the charm, humour, and character that Aardman are well known for. You can watch the trailer on the official Pokémon YouTube channel!

Source: Pokémon

New details relating to PokéPark Kanto, the first-ever permanent outdoor Pokémon attraction, were shared during this week's Pokémon Presents. The park will stretch over 26,000 square meters in the corner of the Yomiuriland amusement park in Tokyo's verdant Tama Hills. PokéPark Kanto will be divided into two areas: Pokémon Forest and Sedge Town.

The Pokémon Forest is a spacious wilderness of nearly 500 meters in length, with paths, tall grass, and tunnels. Attendees will be able to find a wide variety of Pokémon from the Kanto region and beyond, from ones that tower high overhead to Pokémon which hide underground or behind greenery.

Sedge Town will be the place for trainers and Pokémon to gather, which includes a Pokémon Trainers' Market as well as a Pokémon Center, Poké Mart, the Sedge Gym, a Pokémon parade, and other attractions. Over 600 Pokémon will be able to be discovered throughout the attraction when it opens in early 2026.

Source: Pokémon

New details have been revealed for Pokémon Champions, which has been confirmed to arrive in 2026. Trial Recruitment lets players use different Pokémon for a limited time to test their strategies. With Victory Points (VP) gained from playing through Ranked Battles and through other methods, players can permanently add Pokémon to their team (Permanent Recruitment) and train Pokémon to their own preferences, including altering their stats and abilities.

Three different battle modes will be available in Pokémon Champions, which can be played in both Single Battle and Double Battle formats. Ranked Battles allow players to test their skill against other trainers online, while Casual Battles offer a more relaxed environment to play with others online. Finally, Private Battles is the option to choose if you want to battle friends or family.

Source: Pokémon

A series of special Tera Raid Battle Events have started in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, featuring each of the Ruinous Pokémon: Wo-Chien, Chien-Pao, Ting-Lu, and Chi-Yu. This challenge comes with a unique twist, where players must collectively defeat each of these Pokémon one million times before each event has concluded. If successful, the shiny version of that Pokémon will be distributed via Mystery Gift at a later date. Full details on the event, including the time of each Tera Raid, are available on the official Pokémon website.

A special tracksuit is currently being distributed via Mystery Gift. Pokémon Scarlet players can redeem it using the code STRACKSU1T, while Pokémon Violet players can use VTRACKSU1T. No end date was given for this distribution, so players should redeem the code as soon as possible.

Source: Pokémon

In other news, fans are now able to revisit the Unova region in the latest Pokémon TCG expansions: Scarlet & Violet—Black Bolt and Scarlet & Violet—White Flare. Launched on July 18th, 2025, these twin sets each feature exclusive card pools, showcasing every Pokémon originally discovered in Unova.

Source: Pokémon

From August 11th to 17th, 2025, celebrate the upcoming Pokémon World Championships at your local Play! Pokémon League with a 2025 Worlds Celebration Tournament. All participants will receive a Pikachu promo card (while supplies last), and winners in each division—Junior, Senior, and Masters—will earn a special “WINNER” stamped version.

Source: Pokémon

Pokémon Sleep celebrates its second anniversary on July 20, and a special limited-time feature, Festive Flowers, will be available from July 21th at 4:00 a.m. to July 28 at 3:59 a.m. (local time). During the event, Trainers can grow Festive Flowers in the planter near Snorlax’s feet using seeds provided by Professor Neroli. Each flower color grants different research bonuses, active only during the event. Plant a white seed to receive a Neutralizing Mint, a new item that removes the effects of a Pokémon’s Nature on its helping stats.

To mark Pokémon Sleep’s second anniversary, a special short video series titled PokéWake Up will launch, showcasing morning routines with various Pokémon. Episodes will be released weekly for six weeks, which began on Sunday, July 20th at 22:00 UTC. The series aims to bring players closer to the charm of their Pokémon companions as they wake up together.

Source: Pokémon Sleep

Pokémon GO will mark the conclusion of this year's GO Fest with a Max Finale event, which can be enjoyed anywhere in the world for trainers over level 13. The legendary Pokémon Eternatus will make its debut in the game, giving players a chance to own this powerful Pokémon for themselves. Full details of the event can be found on the Pokémon GO website.

A Timed Research code GOFESTMAX is currently available until August 3rd, 2025. By completing the research task, players will earn rewards and encounter a Gigantamax Pokémon of their choice – either Rillaboom, Cinderace, or Inteleon.

Source: Pokémon GO

Finally, Pokémon Concierge Season 2 has been confirmed to release on Netflix on September 4th, 2025. Updates were also given to several other mobile titles, including Pokémon Masters EX, Pokémon Café Remix, and Pokémon UNITE. Be sure to check out the Pokémon Presents stream for yourself so you can discover all of the latest announcements.

Source: Pokémon

Phew! That was quite the news section, wasn’t it? Thanks for sticking with us, everyone!

James Carter Cathcart, the voice of Gary Oak and many other characters in the Pokémon anime, passed away on July 8th, 2025

We begin today's issue with heartfelt sadness at the passing of James Carter Cathcart, the original voice of Gary Oak in the Pokémon anime. He also voiced characters such as James, Meowth, Professor Oak, and Todd Snap over the years. James retired in April 2023 due to throat cancer and passed away on July 8th, 2025. On behalf of the Johto Times team, we offer our sincerest condolences to those closest to him.

Source: TMZ, Facebook

Ahead of next week’s Pokémon Presents live stream, the official Japanese Pokémon Twitter account has teased an image showing Pikachu in front of a turntable, with two speakers on either side of it. At the current time we have no idea what this means, but thankfully, fans don’t have too much longer to wait for answers, as the Pokémon Presents showcase will be live streamed on July 22nd, 2025, at 13:00 UTC. We will be bringing you all the latest news in our next newsletter!

Source: Pokémon

Pokémon TCG Pocket have confirmed further details and a release date for their previously announced changes to the game’s trade feature. From July 30th, 2025, Trade tokens will be discontinued, and players will no longer need to consume cards in order to trade. Instead, shinedust will now be required to trade ◆◆◆, ◆◆◆◆, and ★ rarity cards. When you obtain a card already registered in your card dex, the amount of shinedust that is granted will be increased to double your current amount. Players can exchange trade tokens they already own for pack hourglasses and shinedust at the in-game shop.

A wishlist feature will be added, allowing players to indicate which cards they would like to trade with other players. Up to twenty cards can be added to your wishlist from the My Cards screen, and you can select three of your wishlisted cards to display on your profile.

The trade feature will be unavailable between July 25th until the new system is launched on July 30th. Specific times will depend on the region you are located.

Source: Pokémon TCG in-game news

Pokémon Sleep has been recognised by the Guinness World Records as the "Most Downloaded Sleep Game App", with over 28 million downloads, and over one billion sleeps measured. Mr. Takato Utsunomiya, representative director and chief operating officer at the Pokémon Corporation, accepted the certificate.

Source: Oricon

A brand-new Pokémon Center is due to open this autumn at Marugamemachi Green in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, close to the Kawaramachi Station. The store's mascots will be Pikachu and Slowpoke. More details will be revealed soon on the official website.

Source: Pokémon

A special event is taking place in Pokémon GO from July 19th–22nd, 2025, celebrating the music of Junichi Masuda. Masuda was the composer for Pokémon Red & Green, Gold & Silver, and many other titles, and is currently the Chief Creative Fellow of The Pokémon Company. On each day of the Pokémon GO Summer Concert, between 17:00 and 20:00 local time, special arrangements made up of tracks selected by Masuda-san himself can be heard in-game! Players can activate Lure Modules during the event for an increased chance of encountering several sound- and music-themed Pokémon, including a shiny Chatot! If players are able to complete the event-themed Field Research tasks, they have a chance of encountering Spinda, which can also be shiny.

Source: Pokémon GO

The latest Pokémon TCG Pocket Wonder Pick event is currently underway, featuring promo cards such as Togedemaru and new cosmetic items featuring Gladion and Silvally. The event will continue until July 21st, 2025. More details can be found within the app in the news section.

Source: Pokémon

Key artwork to mark Pokémon Unite’s 4th anniversary was released this week, featuring two new playable Pokémon: Latios and Latias

Ahead of Pokémon Unite's 4th anniversary, the official social media account has released key artwork featuring Gyarados and Charizard with their new holowear as well as Latios and Latias, who will be added to the game.

Source: Pokémon Unite

A code to redeem 24 Pack Hourglasses has been released for Pokémon TCG Pocket, which reduces the wait time for opening new booster packs. The code was shared during the Niisanji PokePoke Cup stream on July 5th, 2025. Use the code 33V33S5MM3R on the Pokémon TCG Pocket website before August 31st, 2025, at 14:59 UTC.

Source: Niisanji PokePoke Cup

Pokémon Sleep celebrates the second anniversary of its global launch, on July 20th, 2025

Pokémon Sleep will be celebrating the second anniversary of its global release on July 20th, 2025. To mark the occasion, Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip will make their game debut during the Second Anniversary Fest, which begins on July 14th, 2025. Prior to that, a Second Anniversary Prelude event will take place with Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly having a greater appearance rate, and a bonus 150 sleep points will be given out each day of the prelude, which will run between July 7th to July 14th, 2025.

For more information, be sure to check out the Pokémon Sleep website

Source: Pokémon Sleep, Pokémon Sleep

Another Sneak Peek event is currently live in Pokémon TCG Pocket, giving players a chance to see one card before making their selection. It's a great way to increase your chances of picking a card you really want! This event runs until July 5th, 2025.

Source: Pokémon TCG Pocket in-game news

As we reported last week, Pokémon GO's 9th Anniversary Party is currently taking place, ending on Sunday, July 6th, 2025, at 20:00 local time. Full details can be found on the Pokémon GO website.

Source: Pokémon GO

The upcoming Pokémon TCG set “Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia” will release in Japan on August 1st, 2025

The next Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion has been announced for Japan. Mega Brave & Mega Symphonia will be released on August 1st, 2025. This marks the start of the MEGA era of the Pokémon TCG, and leaves the Scarlet & Violet series behind. The set returns to MEGA Evolution ex cards, which were teased on Pokémon Day earlier this year. Mega Evolution ex cards in this set will allow players to take three prize cards when they are knocked out.

The next English Pokémon TCG set has been revealed as "Mega Evolution" with more information promised to release on July 10th, 2025.

Source: Pokémon, Pokémon

Details for the 2026 Pokémon Championship series were revealed this week, including information on the international and regional championships, rule changes, and more! Full details can be found on the official Pokémon website.

Source: Pokémon

The Pokémon GO ninth anniversary event has been officially announced. It will debut new costumed Pokémon, including Ivysaur and Venusaur wearing party hats, and a Gimmighoul holding a 9th anniversary coin. There will also be event bonuses, which include increased chances to become Lucky Friends and receive Lucky Pokémon in trades. Last but not least, a Masterwork Research: Wish Granted ticket, which will cost US$4.99 (or the equivalent pricing tier in your local currency), will lead to an encounter with Shiny Jirachi. Full details can be found on the Pokémon GO website.

Players can currently obtain a baseball cap for their avatars as part of a collaboration with MLB by inserting the code MLBxPOKEMONGO into the Code Redemption section of the Pokémon GO website.

Source: Pokémon GO

Pokémon Café ReMix is celebrating its fifth anniversary! In an update released on Monday, players can now customise their Café using items obtained from in-game events.

Source: Pokémon

The latest booster pack for Pokémon TCG Pocket, "Eevee Grove", releases today. Various content creators will be streaming throughout the day to celebrate the occasion, and Twitch Drops containing a gift of 12 pack hourglasses and 12 wonder hourglasses will be available to those who watch those streams for at least 45 minutes. Full details are available on the Pokémon website.

Source: Pokémon

Pokémon TCG Pocket will release a new booster pack themed around Eevee and its evolutions, on June 26th, 2025

A new themed booster pack is coming to Pokémon TCG Pocket on June 26th, 2025. "Eevee Grove" will feature Eevee and its eight Eeveelutions, plus a range of other cards, such as Penny and Alcremie. Considering the popularity of Eevee and its evolutions, this is sure to be a popular one with players!

Source: Pokémon

A new Pokémon distribution has been announced, allowing Pokémon Scarlet & Violet players to receive Wolfe Glick's Incineroar, in celebration of the 2025 Pokémon North America International Championships. Wolfe was the winner of the 2025 Europe International Championships. To obtain the Pokémon via Mystery Gift, players can enter NA1C25C0NPER1SH. You don't have long, as Wolfe Glick's Incineroar is only available until tomorrow, June 20th, 2025.

Source: Pokémon

The official Pokemon Unite social media account has confirmed that Latias and Latios will be coming to Pokémon UNITE on July 21st, 2025, in celebration of the game's 4th anniversary. No specific details about their abilities or stats have been revealed at the time of reporting. Recently, Alcremie was added to Pokémon UNITE as a playable Pokémon, along with new Holowear.

Source: Pokémon Unite

A live broadcasted Pokémon quiz show will air on June 27th, 2025. The Gotta Catch 'Em All! Game Show, hosted by writer, actor, and musician Brian David Gilbert, will lead three contestants through a multiple-choice trivia quiz. Full details on the quiz and how you can get involved, can be found on the official Pokémon website.

Source: Pokémon

The Poké Lid unveiling ceremony in Aichi Prefecture

A new Pokémon distribution has been announced. Pokémon Scarlet & Violet players can obtain a Flutter Mane based on Hyuma Hara's Flutter Mane, with the moves Moonblast, Icy Wind, Trick Room and Taunt. A code will be available during the Japan Championships on June 21st and 22nd. If the distribution is limited, we will attempt to share the code on our Bluesky and Twitch server.

Source: Pokémon

Pokémon Sleep’s social account has thanked their players for their support after confirming the mobile app has exceeded one billion sleep sessions, as of June 11th, 2025. The game, which was released almost two years ago in July 2023, allows players to track and record their sleep by placing their smart device by their pillow. Players are given in-game rewards based on how well they've slept.

Source: Pokémon Sleep

Five new Poké Lid designs were unveiled yesterday for the Aichi prefecture. One of these features Shiny Magikarp, the first Poké Lid to include a shiny Pokémon in its design. Poké Lids are donated by The Pokémon Company to prefectures across Japan, with the intention of encouraging tourism in areas where they are present.

Source: Pokémon