The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Part 1: The Teal Mask DLC for Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet is now available for the Nintendo Switch. A new release trailer was posted to promte the DLC. Catch up on all the main story events in the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet games! Plus, continue your adventure in the paid DLC, The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Part 1: The Teal Mask (available now!) and Part 2: The Indigo Disk (available this winter).

YouTube Clip - Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet – Story Recap & DLC Overview – Nintendo Switch

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LDdNNpqtVI

The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Part 1: The Teal Mask DLC for Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet is Available Now

Explore the land of Kitakami, meet a host of new faces and discover an array of Pokémon that can’t be found in the Paldea region!

Bellevue, WA — September 13, 2023 —The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Part 1: The Teal Mask DLC for Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet is now available, exclusively for Nintendo Switch™ systems via Nintendo eShop. [1]

Part 1: The Teal Mask features a range of exciting features for players to enjoy.

• Experience a whole new land – Welcome to the land of Kitakami, a tranquil place whose quaint rice fields and apple orchards set it apart from the wilds of Paldea. You’ll visit this lush countryside area as a part of your academy’s school trip, joining students from another academy in an outdoor study program that has you travel the land in search of signboards depicting one of Kitakami’s oldest folktales.
• Meet a variety of fantastic characters – Adventure together with new characters like Carmine and Kieran, a brother and sister duo who attend Blueberry Academy but call Kitakami home; Perrin, a camera-loving traveler who is on the hunt to snap a shot of a mysterious Pokémon; and Ms. Briar, the teacher in charge of your school trip who shows a keen interest in the Terastal phenomenon.
• Discover new Pokémon – Catch newly discovered Pokémon from the land of Kitakami, including the Matcha Pokémon, Poltchageist; the Candy Apple Pokémon, Dipplin; and a trio of Pokémon said to have protected Kitakami in the past – Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti. You can also look forward to encountering a host of previously discovered Pokémon like Vulpix, Snorlax, Poochyena, and more.
• Explore with your Pokémon and friends together in new ways – Ogre Oustin’ is a fun minigame in which you collect Berries by popping Ogre Balloons. You’ll receive mochi that can alter the base points of your Pokémon’s stats as a reward. Play solo or with friends and come up with a strategy to take on higher difficulty levels! Taking photos has also never been more fun – the new Roto-Stick accessory for your Rotom Camera will allow you to take photos at wider angles, and a new feature will allow you to direct Pokémon to help set up the perfect shot.

Players must own the base Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game to access The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC. [2]

[1] To purchase The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero from the in-game menu, players must have updated their Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game. Full version of game required to use DLC for that game. Sold separately.

[2] To begin the main story of Part 1: The Teal Mask, players must begin their Treasure Hunt in Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet. The Treasure Hunt starts after about three hours of gameplay, though individual gameplay time may vary.

Source: https://press.pokemon.com/en/releases/The-Hidden-Treasure-of-Area-Zero-Part-1-The-Teal-Mask-DLC-for-Pokemon-

The Pokémon Company International announced Pokéween to promote merchandise offerings and in-game experiences that are taking place during the Halloween 2023 season in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. High resolution images from the press release have been added to an Imageboard thread.

Press Release - POKÉMON TO EVOLVE HALLOWEEN SEASON INTO POKÉWEEN, BEGINNING WITH LAUNCH OF POKÉMON TRADING CARD GAME: TRICK OR TRADE BOOster BUNDLE TODAY

Additional Pokémon Merchandise, In-Game Experiences, and Other Activations Across the Franchise Launching Soon to Celebrate Pokéween

Bellevue, Wash. — September 1, 2023 — The Pokémon Company International is inviting Trainers to celebrate Pokéween this spooky season with the launch of this year’s Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG): Trick or Trade BOOster Bundle, available now at participating retailers and online at Pokémon Center in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.


Introduced for the first time in 2022, the Trick or Trade BOOster Bundle is back by popular demand and includes an assortment of mini booster packs that provides kids and parents with a fun alternative to candy for trick-or-treaters. Each Trick or Trade BOOster Bundle contains three cards from the Pokémon TCG—embellished with a Pikachu jack-o’-lantern stamp—and features a new assortment for 2023, including fan-favorite Pokémon Pikachu and Mimikyu. Trick or Trade BOOster Bundles will be newly available in the U.K. this year, in addition to the U.S., Canada and Australia.

“The best-selling Pokémon Trading Card Game continues to be one of the most sought-after items by kids and families,” said Barry Sams, vice president of the Pokémon Trading Card Game at The Pokémon Company International. “Following the success of the Trick or Trade BOOster Bundle in 2022 in the U.S., not only can trick-or-treaters look forward to getting the Pokémon TCG in their Halloween hauls again this year, but they can also celebrate Pokéween in a variety of ways as we continue to lean into the spooky season across the brand.”

To continue celebrating Pokéween all season long, Trainers can also look forward to the following merchandise offerings and in-game experiences.

New Pokéween Merchandise Launching Soon

In honor of Pokéween, Pokémon Center—the premier online destination for official Pokémon merchandise—will launch a new collection of seasonal merchandise. The collection includes festive home décor, costumed Pokémon plush and a range of bewitching apparel. Featuring spooky Pokémon-styled pumpkins and designs inspired by vintage pulp horror movies, Pokémon Center’s new home décor products, along with the new seasonal plush, will be available in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. beginning September 6, followed by the moody, pop-punk apparel line launching on September 14.


Trainers can also show off their love for Pokémon and Pokéween with more products launching this season, including “Pokémon Primers: Ghost Types,” a new addition to the “Pokémon Primers” book series, available for preorder now and releasing on October 17 where books are sold; the Pokémon Halloween Calendar 2023 from Jazwares, available now at participating retailers; a Mimikyu plush from Build-A-Bear Workshop, available now in Build-A-Bear Workshop stores and online; and a wide array of Halloween costumes and accessories from Disguise, available now online and at participating retailers.

Get an Electric–Tera Type Mimikyu in Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet

Trainers in the U.S. and Canada can stop by their local GameStop store to pick up a code that will let them add an Electric–Tera Type Mimikyu to their team in Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet. Codes will be available in-store in October, and only while supplies last. Additional details will be revealed at a later date.

Pokéween-themed Activities in Pokémon GO

To celebrate Pokéween in Pokémon GO, players will see an increased number of Ghost-type Pokémon in addition to costumed Pokémon, receive various bonuses, and more. Pokémon GO in-game events will take place throughout October, and additional details will be revealed at a later date.

Pokéween Coming to Pokémon Sleep

Pokéween will be coming soon to Pokémon Sleep. Players will find more Ghost-type Pokémon gathered when they conduct sleep research in the morning, receive various bonuses, and more. In addition, players can look forward to a Pokémon Sleep in-game event in late October. Additional details for the event will be revealed at a later date.

Mimikyu and New Battle Pass Coming to Pokémon UNITE

Mimikyu will join the fray in Pokémon UNITE on October 19. In addition, the next Pokémon UNITE battle pass will be available from October 24 until December 4. Players will be able to complete unique missions to earn rewards, including the Phantom Thief Style: Inteleon Holowear.

Celebratory Animation Marathon Coming to Twitch

Trainers can tune in to Twitch.tv/Pokemon for a weekly animation marathon every Tuesday between October 3 and October 31 to stream spooktacular episodes of the Pokémon animated series.

A collaboration project between Hatsune Miku, a virtual singer developed by Crypton Future Media, and Pokémon created by The Pokémon Company, began on August 31st, 2023. The project is called Pokémon feat. Hatsune Miku Project VOLTAGE 18 Types/Songs.

Using the 18 different Pokémon types as a reference, 18 music creators will release a series of sampled songs and music videos based on the official Pokémon game soundtracks over several months starting on September 29th, 2023. Prior to the release of the songs and music videos, 18 illustrations and setting materials featuring Hatsune Miku as a Pokémon trainer will also be released starting on Monday, September 4th, 2023.

INTRODUCTION

Pokémon started as a video game in 1996. In 2007, Hatsune Miku began as singer using voice synthesizing software.

The two have connected and enriched both the real and virtual worlds, and creators that are full of individuality have collaborated together to challenge their expression.

With 18 different "types" like cool, cute, mysterious, and fun...... a variety of music and illustrations await you.

This is where dreams, adventures, the future, and sound meet in a worlds first. Turn up the voltage high and please enjoy.

Pokémon feat. Hatsune Miku Project VOLTAGE 18 Types/Songs, starts now!

CONTENTS:

Illustrations and setting materials of the 18 types featuring Hatsune Miku and her Pokémon partners will be released from September 4th, 2023 to September 28th, 2023. One type per day will be released at 19:00 every weekday! Check out the official X account!

Six artists have drawn 18 illustrators under the theme, "If Hatsune Miku was a ___-type Pokémon Trainer.......?"

The participating illustrators will be announced at the same time as the release of each illustration and setting material.

Over the next few months, 18 songs and music videos by 18 Vocaloid Ps will be released sequentially on each Vocaloid P's YouTube channel.

The common theme of the project is Pokémon feat. Hatsune Miku and feature samples of BGM and sound effects from the Pokémon games.

Teaser Illustration:

The illustrator in charge of the teaser visuals is KEI, who worked on the character design of Hatsune Miku. He drew Kamonegi and Pikachu along with Hatsune Miku holding a monster ball. The teaser visual is filled with a sense of anticipation, signaling the beginning of a collaboration that no one has seen or heard of yet.

Comment from KEI:

I was surprised and happy because I never thought I would be asked to draw Pokémon illustrations. Thank you very much for this amazing experience.

Sources: https://www.project-voltage.jp/ and https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000248.000052709.html

Artwork:

The pictures are also available on an Imageboard thread.

Announcement	Main Art	Character Sheet	Info

PokéMiku Support Illustrations:

Starting on October 27th, 2023, support illustration artwork based on a theme were revealed.

Announcement	Main Art	Character Sheet	Info

1. DECO*27 - Volt Tackle feat. Hatsune Miku

Lyrics: DECO*27 / Project VOLTAGE
Music: DECO*27
Arrangement: DECO*27 & tepe
Orchestral Arrangement: Satoshi Setsune
Bass: Kei Nakamura
Movie by: OTOIRO
Director: awashima
Illustrator: omutatsu
SD Illustrator: rozuki
Animator: kee
Art Director / Graphic Designer: DMYM
Graphic Designer: lowpolydog
Assistant Designer: Mitsumi Yanokawa
Movie Editor: Shimpei Oniki
Sound Product Manager: Yusuke Sato
Chief Producer: Iori Majima

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-7TIDIKc98

2. INABAKUMORI - Electric Forecast feat. Hatsune Miku

Lyrics: INABAKUMORI (稲葉曇) / Project VOLTAGE
Music: INABAKUMORI (稲葉曇)
Vocal: Hatsune Miku (初音ミク)
Illustration: Nukunuku nigirimeshi (ぬくぬくにぎりめし)

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-7TIDIKc98

3. INABAKUMORI - What kind of future awaits feat. Hatsune Miku

Lyrics: Mitchie M / Project VOLTAGE
Composer: Mitchie M
Arranger: Mitchie M

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG05Sm68z4s

4. PinocchioP - The Pokémon Inside My Heart feat. Hatsune Miku

Music, Character & Pokémon Illustration: PinocchioP
Lyrics: PinocchioP, Project VOLTAGE
Music Video Direction: Shun Yamaguchi
Illustration, Animation: Sowiti, mise, Shun Yamaguchi
Graphic Design: Katsuki Yoshinaga

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIoi2r3f5fU

5. Battle! (Hatsune Miku)

Music: cosMo@bousouP
Lyrics: cosMo@bousouP / Project VOLTAGE
Illustration: Yuichi Murakami
Background Art: meso
Movie: omu

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knxWl1LzJ10

6. Fly With You (きみとそらをとぶ) (Hatsune Miku, Megurine Luka)

Lyrics: Tota Kasamura / Project VOLTAGE
Composer: Tota Kasamura / machiomiii
Illustration: Akako

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dq2HJl5vKbY

7. I GOT YOU! (ガッチュー！) (Hatsune Miku, Rin, Len)

Vocal : Miku・Rin・Len
Zukan Dex:KAITO
Music: Giga
Lyrics: q*Left,Giga / Project VOLTAGE
Illust: △○□×
Movie: お菊,筆者
Special Thanks : Sena Kiryuin, rachie

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dq2HJl5vKbY

8. JUVENILE (Hatsune Miku, Rin, Len)

©Crypton Future Media, INC.
Music: じん
Lyrics: じん / Project VOLTAGE
Rhythm Guitar: じん
Lead Guitar: しょけん
Bass: ナツメ ユウキ
Drum: ジャンク
Piano: まらしぃ
Arrangement Assist: 緩斗
Vocaloid EDIT: びび
Music Video Direction/Storyboard/Animation/Composite: 山下RIRI
Character Design/ Illustration/Logo Design: たま
Background Art: NaBaBa
Animation Paint: 海月/Reon/山下RIRI

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2-HzUpMY7c

9. DECO*27 - Volt Tackle (Jewel Remix) feat. Hatsune Miku

©Crypton Future Media, INC.
©DECO*27/OTOIRO
Lyrics: DECO*27 / Project VOLTAGE
Music: DECO*27
Remix: DECO*27 & tepe
Movie by OTOIRO
Director / Composite / 3DCG: GA
Logo Designer: DMYM
Original Music Video Credit
Director: awashima
Illustrator: omutatsu
SD Illustrator: rozuki
Animator: kee
Art Director / Graphic Designer: DMYM
Graphic Designer: lowpolydog
Assistant Designer: Mitsumi Yanokawa
Movie Editor: Shimpei Oniki
English Translator: Iori Majima

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVcqFMDG2UM

10. I'm a Ghost Type

Song: syudou
lyrics: syudou / Project VOLTAGE
Video/Picture: Kuroume
©Crypton Future Media, INC.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVSSFcP90k0

11. GO! Team BIPPA

©Crypton Future Media, INC.
Music: じーざす
Lyrics: じーざす / Project VOLTAGE
Illust: グライダー
Movie: aco

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtSKbj_Nz_c

12. Hyu~dorodoro feat Hatsune Miku & MEIKO (ひゅ〜どろどろ feat 初音ミク＆MEIKO / 栗山夕璃ろ)

Music,Arrange,MIX＆MAS：栗山夕璃
Lyrics：栗山夕璃 / Project VOLTAGE
Guitar：Nagasaki
Bass：tmsw
Vocaloid Programming：端倉鑛（Van de Shop）
Animation：sakiyama

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D_7-jNaErg

13. Encounter

©Crypton Future Media, INC.
Music: Orangestar
Lyrics: Orangestar / Project VOLTAGE
Illustration: M.B
Guitar: 遼遼

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUMn-kJbNc0

14. Eon Ticket - Hatsune Miku × KAITO (むげんのチケット / まらしぃ × 初音ミク)

©Crypton Future Media, INC.
Music & Piano：まらしぃ
Lyrics ：まらしぃ / Project VOLTAGE
Arrange & Mix：KOUICHIさん
Vocaloid-Edit：びびさん
Illustoration: 望月けいさん
Video: にへさん
Sub Illustration: そゐちさん

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7Y30h8S7Uw

15. PARTY ROCK ETERNITY feat. Hatsune Miku

©Crypton Future Media, INC.
Music: 八王子P
Words: 八王子P / Project VOLTAGE
Illustration: 赤倉
Movie: omu

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyV8DhouDXY

16. Journey's Prequels, Journey's Traces / Iyowa feat. Hatsune Miku (たびのまえ、たびのあと / いよわ feat.初音ミク)

©Crypton Future Media, INC.
Music : いよわ
Lyrics : いよわ / Project VOLTAGE

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbS1T4d1P70

17. Nayutan Seijin - Esper Esper (ft. Hatsune Miku) (ナユタン星人 - エスパーエスパー (ft.初音ミク))

©Crypton Future Media, INC.
Music : ナユタン星人
Lyrics : ナユタン星人 / Project VOLTAGE
Pokémon Illustration : 火種
Movie : ナユタン星人

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA35FGCCX0E

18. Kairiki bear - MELLOMELLOID (ft. Hatsune Miku) (メロメロイド／かいりきベア feat.初音ミク))

©Crypton Future Media, INC.
Music : かいりきベア
Lyrics : かいりきベア / Project VOLTAGE
Illust：のう

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFpizvPDbec

19. Glorious Day feat.Hatsune Miku (Glorious Day feat. 初音ミク)

©Crypton Future Media, INC.
Vocal：初音ミク
Lyrics：Eve / Project VOLTAGE
Music：Eve
Arrangement：Numa / Zingai

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABQvefYR9ec

New details for the 2024 Pokémon Championship Series Season have just been announced! Details are subject to updates and changes.

Further Updates to the 2024 Pokémon Championship Series Season

Find out where this season’s Internationals will take place, and learn about a huge boost to Championship Series prize pools!

We recently announced changes to the 2024 Pokémon Championship Series, including the addition of Pokémon GO to the Championship Points qualification system and adjustments to the World Championships qualification system. This time around, we’re sharing additional details about the long-awaited increase to prize-pool numbers at premier events, CP bars for the 2024 Pokémon GO Championship Series, and info on the upcoming International Championships.

Prize Pool Adjustment

Prizes for top finishes at events are going up in 2024! Player attendance for the Pokémon TCG and Pokémon VGC has ballooned across the board at Regional Championships and International Championships since we last assessed prize pools. To reflect current attendance numbers, we are implementing a major prize-pool increase for Regional, International, and World Championships. Attendance will no longer affect prize money, so players will know exactly how much prize money is on the line before they know how many other players there are in the tournament.

These changes are most prominent in the Masters Division for Pokémon TCG and VGC competitions—where the increase in player participation is most pronounced—while Juniors, Seniors, and Pokémon GO players will earn equivalent or higher prizing than they received last season at their expected attendance tiers.

Key highlights include:

• The International Championships prize pool is now over half a million dollars across TCG, VGC, and Pokémon GO.
• The Worlds prize pool is now over 2 million dollars across TCG, VGC, Pokémon GO, and Pokémon UNITE.

Pokémon GO Championship Points Bars Revealed

Players in the Pokémon GO Championship Series all compete together regardless of age, so the CP bars for World Championship qualification only differ by region. See below for a table of the World Championship qualification CP bars for each region.

US & Canada: 500
Europe: 400
Latin America: 300
Oceania: 300
MESA: 200

2024 International Championships Dates

Save the dates! International Championships in Latin America, Europe, and North America are now locked in for the 2024 Pokémon Championship Series. Look forward to the Latin America International Championships in São Paulo, Brazil; the Europe International Championships in London, United Kingdom; and the North America International Championships in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States.

Event	Venue	Address	Date
LAIC	Expo Center Norte - Pavilhão Amarelo	Av. Otto Baumgart​ 1000 - Vila Guilherme​ São Paulo - SP, 02049-000​, Brazil	Nov. 17–19, 2023
EUIC	ExCeL Center London	1 Western Gateway​ London E16 1XL, United Kingdom	April 5–7, 2024
NAIC	Ernest N. Morial Convention Center	900 Convention Center Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70130	June 7–9, 2024

The International Championships were introduced in the 2017 season and were designed around the sizes of our four major rating zones at the time: Europe, Latin America, North America, and Oceania. Following the restructuring of the Oceania rating zone in 2020, that region was split into two smaller rating zones: Asia-Pacific and the newly defined Oceania rating zone. Since then, we have been assessing how we can best serve our global player base, and we have made the difficult decision to remove the Oceania International Championships from our circuit.

We will continue to support this rating zone with Regional Championships (stay tuned for details), and players from this rating zone are still eligible to earn travel support to other International Championships and Worlds. We hope that the other changes you see come out of the 2024 season show our resolve to improve the Play! Pokémon experience for Trainers around the world.

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/further-updates-to-the-2024-pokemon-championship-series-season

On August 21st, 2023, the offical Japanese Pokémon Twitter account posted an announcement and a promotional poster was revealed to promote the haunting tale of a Pokémon in the land of Kitakami. The trailer was posted on YouTube on August 22nd, 2023 at 22:00 JST / 9:00 EST. High resolution screenshots and artwork from the press release has been added to an Imageboard thread.

Poster:

YouTube Clip - Poltchageist Revealed: A Spooky Sighting from The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero!

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3vkJcPFlz4

YouTube Clip - The Haunting Tale of Poltchageist

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMWrwe9fJJk

NEW POKÉMON DISCOVERED IN THE LAND OF KITAKAMI, THE SETTING FOR THE HIDDEN TREASURE OF AREA ZERO FOR POKÉMON SCARLET OR POKÉMON VIOLET

​​​​​​​Although It Bears a Resemblance to Sinistea, Poltchageist Is an Entirely Different Species of Pokémon

Bellevue, WA—August 22, 2023—Today, The Pokémon Company International announced the discovery of a new Pokémon: Poltchageist! This Pokémon was discovered in the land of Kitakami, the setting for The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Part 1: The Teal Mask DLC for the Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet video games that launches exclusively on the Nintendo Switch family of systems on September 13, 2023. Poltchageist was featured in a new cinematic trailer that can be viewed here.

Poltchageist has a swirl pattern not unlike Sinistea’s—but unlike Sinistea, its swirl is not a weakness. After a target is sprinkled with some of Poltchageist’s powdery body or eats food dusted with it, Poltchageist drains their life-force and absorbs it as energy.​

Poltchageist

Category: Matcha Pokémon
Type: Grass/Ghost
Height: 4"
Weight: 2.4 lbs.
Ability: Hospitality

Poltchageist takes up residence in old houses where it is sometimes known to patch up broken objects. Its Ability, Hospitality, allows Poltchageist to restore a small amount of its ally’s HP when it enters a battle.

Chinese singer Lay Zhang has released a new single titled Pokémon Party and a music video for the song was also released. Pokémon Party was produced by a creative team from China and was arranged and produced by Lay Zhang. He is one of the hottest artists in China, as his 9 albums/EPs released so far still hold the record for the highest cumulative album sales by a Chinese artist on Tencent Music. His favorite Pokémon is Kabigon, the sleeping Pokémon.

The single has been added to our Audio database and is available on the following platforms: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music

The main character and his Pokémon friends prepare delicious food and throw a party. The song and music video depicts a serious and sincere protagonist, who lives surrounded by Pokémon, and his lively and energetic Pokémon friends enjoy a party together as part of their everyday life.

YouTube Clip - Lay Zhang - Pokémon Party

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiCMcAzHhFE

Press Release - Chinese pop icon Lay Zhang partners with Pokémon on new single

Chinese pop sensation Lay Zhang has teamed up with the globally beloved entertainment franchise Pokémon to launch a new single and accompanying music video titled "Pokémon Party," scheduled for release on Aug. 4.

In this upbeat track, Zhang takes on the role of a "Pokémon trainer" and brings together the worlds of music and Pokémon fandom. Produced by Capitol Records China, a preeminent label under Universal Music Group China, this groundbreaking collaboration underscores the strengthening relationship between the international franchise and Chinese creatives.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the partnership, Zhang stated, "I'm thrilled to have been invited by Pokémon and Universal Music to co-create this musical piece. It not only fulfilled my dream of becoming a Pokémon trainer, but I'm even happier that I can bring my favorite Pokémon into my musical world. I hope everyone can feel the joyous energy of Pokémon from the music, and I hope more people fall in love with Pokémon alongside me."

As an internationally recognized Chinese pop superstar, Lay Zhang has carved out a multifaceted career as a singer-songwriter, producer, actor, and dancer. With nine original albums/EPs in his discography, he has accumulated over 13 million sales, more than any other Chinese mainland artist on the Tencent Music platform. Notably, he ranked sixth on the Forbes China Celebrity 100 list and was the first Chinese artist to break into the top five on the iTunes World Album Chart. He also ranked in the top 25 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart. Collaborations with renowned artists such as Steve Aoki, Jason Derulo, and 24kGoldn, along with roles in films amassing over $430 million at the box office, bolster his profile. His upcoming film, "No More Bets," is set for release on Aug. 11.

The "Pokémon Party" music video combines live-action performance with CGI, portraying Zhang as a meticulous Pokémon trainer living alongside a delightful group of Pokémon. The visuals and sound of "Pokémon Party" encapsulate the inclusive and family-oriented spirit synonymous with Pokémon, delivering a heart-warming experience. Zhang, with his deep knowledge and passion for the Pokémon universe, was deeply involved in the creative process, contributing to every facet of the production. Chinese director Qian Ninghuang, known for the popular animated mini-series "Egg Yolk Man," wrote and directed the video's script. The production signifies Pokémon's innovative approach to promoting localized creativity within China.

Managing director of Capitol Records China, Tom Tang, added, "We're honored to team up with Pokémon and invite Lay Zhang to participate in this special music project. Pokémon's persistent refining of creativity and Lay Zhang's relentless pursuit of quality made the creation process full of challenges and fun. We look forward to Pokémon fans worldwide experiencing Lay's immense talent and charm through this new track, as well as appreciating the high quality of Chinese creativity as they join this joyous party. We are further excited about building more creative bridges between local artists and international brands through the medium of music."

Capitol Records China, a crucial player in this innovative collaboration, has facilitated the production and distribution of the new song, marking a substantial milestone as Pokémon expands its global relationship with Universal Music Group in the Chinese market.

Source: http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2023-08/04/content_98516471.htm

Similar to the agreement that The Pokémon Company and Mercari signed in June 2023, Yahoo! JAPAN and The Pokémon Company also signed a Memorandum of Understanding for Joint Cooperation to Create a Safe and Secure Trading Card Trading Platform on July 20th, 2023.

Press Release:

On July 20th, 2023, The Pokémon Company and Yahoo! JAPAN signed a Memorandum of Understanding for Joint Cooperation to implement measures to improve the platform so consumers can safely and securely conduct trading card transactions in a safer market environment.

Yahoo! JAPAN operates the online auction service Yahoo! Auctions and the flea market app PayPay Flea Market. They have signed this memorandum of understanding to cooperate with each other through constant consultation and cooperation while implementing measures with the aim of making a safe and secure trading card transaction environment.

Main cooperation measures between the two companies

Pokémon

• Provide new product launch information, product details to Yahoo! JAPAN
• Reporting to Yahoo! JAPAN listings posted on Yahoo! Auctions and PayPay Flea Market that violate the terms of use of those services and infringe on the rights of The Pokémon Company.

Yahoo! JAPAN

• Based on the information provided by The Pokémon Company, they will alert users on the Yahoo! Auction and PayPay Flea Market sites to comply with the Terms of Use.
• Deleting listings that violate the Terms of Use.

Examples of items that violate the Terms of Use

• Listing of items without having the actual product in hand, such as items sold before the release date
• Listing of items that violate The Pokémon Company copyrights.
• Selling trading cards with ambiguous contents.

Based on this agreement, Pokémon will work with Yahoo! JAPAN to create an environment where customers can use the products and services of both companies more safely and securely.

Press Release (Japanese) - ポケモンとYahoo! JAPAN 安全安心にトレーディングカードの取引を行える社会の実現を目指し相互協力の覚書を締結

株式会社ポケモン 2023年7月25日 11時00分
株式会社ポケモン（以下、ポケモン）とヤフー株式会社（以下、Yahoo!
JAPAN）とは2023年7月20日にトレーディングカードを取り巻く市場環境が変化する中で、消費者が安全安心にトレーディングカードの取引を行える社会の実現を目指し、相互に協力をして対策を実施することについて覚書を締結しました。

Yahoo!
JAPANは、ネットオークションサービス「ヤフオク!」とフリマアプリ「PayPayフリマ」を運営しており、これまでも両サービスにおいて、独自のガイドラインを設け、規約違反の商品の削除やパトロールなどによって、売り場の安全を徹底してきました。

今回、Yahoo!
JAPANが独自で対応している取り組みにくわえて、この覚書に基づき、「ヤフオク!」および「PayPayフリマ」において、安全安心にトレーディングカードの取引ができる環境の実現を目指し、両社継続的に協議・連携のうえ対策を実施します。

◆両社の主な連携・対策
＜ポケモン＞
・Yahoo! JAPANに対して、新商品の発売情報、商品情報などの情報を提供すること
・Yahoo! JAPANに対して、ポケモンの権利を侵害する出品など「ヤフオク!」および「PayPayフリマ」の利用用規約等に違反する出品について通報すること

＜Yahoo! JAPAN＞
・ポケモンからの情報提供に基づき、「ヤフオク!」および「PayPayフリマ」のサイト等において利用規約等の遵守を注意喚起すること
・利用規約等に違反する出品の削除対応をすること

【利用規約等に違反する出品の例】
・発売日前の出品など、商品の現物を手元に確保していない出品
・権利侵害品の出品
・内容が不明瞭な複数枚のトレーディングカードの出品

ポケモンは、本協定に基づき、Yahoo!
JAPANとともに、お客さまがより安心・安全に両社の商品・サービスをご利用いただける環境の構築に努めてまいります。

Source: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000513.000026665.html

The Pokémon UNITE 2nd Anniversary starts on July 21st, 2023! Take a look at all the fun you can have on Aeos Island! Battle Pass 17 is now available in Pokémon UNITE! Obtain the Battle Pass to immediately unlock Marine Style: Greedent, and rank it all the way up to receive Captain Style: Zacian! High resolution images from the press release have been added to an Imageboard thread.

YouTube Clip - Celebrate the Pokémon UNITE 2nd Anniversary!

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq2qyZwbapg

YouTube Clip - Mewtwo X Moves Overview | Pokémon UNITE

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIhLScHg1L4

YouTube Clip - Mewtwo X Character Spotlight | Pokémon UNITE

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd1tiElRsWM

YouTube Clip - Battle Pass 17 - Captain Style: Zacian | Pokémon UNITE

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnN4oMW3ROQ

Press Release - Mewtwo Enters the Arena of Pokémon UNITE to Celebrate 2nd Anniversary

New Battle Pass and Limited-Time Battle Type Available Now

London, United Kingdom – 21 July 2023 – Today, the Pokémon Company International announced exciting updates coming to Pokémon UNITE to celebrate its 2nd Anniversary. Since its launch in 2021, Pokémon UNITE has amassed over 100 million downloads worldwide, and 56 playable Pokémon have joined the fray. To celebrate two years of exhilarating Pokémon UNITE battles, a brand-new type of battle and a fan-favourite returning Pokémon are available now!

Mewtwo Joins the Fray! Mega Evolve into Mega Mewtwo X

The Legendary Pokémon Mewtwo is now available in Pokémon UNITE. Mewtwo can Mega Evolve into Mega Mewtwo X during battle and can use its attacks in quick succession to attack relentlessly. Players can get a Unite license for Mega Mewtwo X at no cost in the Mewtwo’s Crystal Cave Challenge event that is currently under way.

Additionally, the Unite license for Mega Mewtwo Y is scheduled to become available in mid-August, giving Trainers additional ways to play as this fan-favourite Pokémon.

A New Type of Battle: Panic Parade

Different from the standard 5-on-5 battle format, Panic Parade has players work together to protect Tinkaton from an onslaught of attacks from panicking Pokémon. Some defeated Pokémon can even be called back for a burst of help in battle!

Event periods:

• First event: Friday, 21 July, at 1:00 a.m. BST to Tuesday, 1 August, at 12:59 a.m. BST
• Second event: Friday, 4 August, at 1:00 a.m. BST to Monday, 7 August, at 12:59 a.m. BST
• Third event: Friday, 11 August, at 1:00 a.m. BST to Monday, 14 August, at 12:59 a.m. BST​
• Fourth event: Friday, 18 August, at 1:00 a.m. BST to Monday, 21 August, at 12:59 a.m. BST

Battle Pass 17, Captain Style: Zacian Begins

Battle Pass 17 is also now available. Players can get the adorable Captain Style: Greedent and the chivalrous Captain Style: Zacian Holowear—as well as Captain Set Trainer fashion items—from this season’s premium pass.

Event period: Friday, 21 July, at 1:00 a.m. BST to Monday, 11 September, at 12:59 a.m. BST​

Additional Events

• Purchases made on Pokémon Center UK starting 21 July will include an Armor Style: Charizard 1-day Holowear rental code, available whilst stocks last.*
• A new ranked match season is also under way. Season period: Thursday, 20 July, at 5:00 a.m. BST to Monday, 11 September, at 12:59 a.m. BST
• WCS Prediction Event: Players can predict the top-ranked teams for the Pokémon World Championships 2023 and win fantastic rewards. This is a great opportunity to obtain popular Trainer fashion items. Available Friday, 28 July, at 8:00 a.m. BST to Friday, 11 August at 12:59 am. BST

* Excludes preorders. UK purchases only. 18+. First 14,500 customers only. Code redemption instructions printed on the card.

Celebrate Pokémon UNITE’s 2nd Anniversary with Mega Mewtwo X

Log into Pokémon UNITE during the 2nd Anniversary to play a new type of battle, level up a new battle pass, and witness the power of the Genetic Pokémon on Aeos Island.

Feel the power of Mega Evolution with Mewtwo in Pokémon UNITE! Mewtwo will be the first Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution on Aeos Island. This Mewtwo specializes in powerful basic attacks and can Mega Evolve into Mega Mewtwo X by filling its Mega gauge after reaching Lv. 5. The Legendary Pokémon from the Kanto region makes its debut during Pokémon UNITE’s 2nd Anniversary as part of a special event: Mewtwo’s Crystal Cave Challenge. In this event, a Unite license for Mewtwo can be obtained without spending Aeos coins or Aeos gems. The Mewtwo’s Crystal Cave Challenge event will be held in Pokémon UNITE until Tuesday, August 15, at 4:59 p.m. PDT.

Pokémon UNITE’s 2nd Anniversary

It’s Pokémon UNITE’s 2nd Anniversary and as part of the celebration, players can enjoy a new type of battle: Panic Parade! These clashes are different from the usual 5-on-5 battles enjoyed in Mer Stadium and the Theia Sky Ruins—players will work together to protect Tinkaton as panicking Pokémon attempt to disrupt the Hammer Pokémon. Players can even the odds by receiving a burst of help from certain Pokémon they defeat in battle and receiving special buffs using the new Aeos Shooter feature.

A new battle pass season has also begun! Through Sunday, September 10, at 4:59 p.m. PDT, the battle pass for season 17 will offer exciting new rewards, stylish Trainer fashion items, and new Holowear such as Captain Style: Greedent and Captain Style: Zacian.


Each Pokémon UNITE battle pass consists of 200 battle pass levels, with thrilling missions and corresponding rewards until level 100. After level 100, players can earn bonus items including Trainer fashion items and boost emblems every 10 levels. Completing daily, weekly, and seasonal battle pass missions to obtain battle pass points will increase your battle pass level and unlock new rewards. Players can also exchange Aeos gems for a premium pass, which automatically increases the battle pass level by 10 and provides additional rewards, such as rare Holowear, each time the battle pass level increases thereafter.

Read on to learn more about everything Mewtwo has to offer in Pokémon UNITE’s latest update—and to pick up some tips before you Psystrike the competition.

Mewtwo Basics

Ability: Pressure - When Mewtwo deals damage to an opposing Pokémon with a basic attack, the Mega gauge increases. The more the Mega gauge increases, the more Mewtwo’s Attack, Defense, and Sp. Def increase. If the Mega gauge becomes full when Mewtwo is Lv. 5 or higher, Mewtwo Mega Evolves into Mega Mewtwo X for a set amount of time. When Mewtwo Mega Evolves, its Attack, Defense, and Sp. Def increase even more, and its movement speed increases.

Basic Attacks

When Mewtwo’s basic attacks deals damage to an opposing Pokémon, the Mega gauge increases. When Mega Evolved, Mega Mewtwo X’s basic attacks become melee attacks that restore a portion of its HP based on the amount of damage they deal.

Lv. 1 & 3 Moves

Confusion - Mewtwo deals damage to an opposing Pokémon and leaves it unable to act for a short time.
Barrier - Grants Mewtwo a shield for a short time. While the shield effect is active, Mewtwo’s movement speed is increased.

Lv. 5 Moves

Future Sight - Mewtwo pulls the designated opposing Pokémon toward itself and locks on to it. The locked-on Pokémon will have its movement speed decreased and take increased damage. After a set amount of time, this move deals damage to the locked-on Pokémon based on the amount of damage it took while locked on. Future Sight can be upgraded so that the locked-on opposing Pokémon takes increased damage.
Psystrike - Mewtwo directs psychic waves at the designated opposing Pokémon, dealing damage to it and decreasing its movement speed. While Mewtwo is directing psychic waves, it takes reduced damage. At the end of the move, Mewtwo hits the designated opposing Pokémon and nearby opposing Pokémon with a strong psychic wave, throwing and dealing damage to all opposing Pokémon it hits. Psystrike can be upgraded to strengthen the movement speed decrease.

Lv. 7 Moves

Recover - Grants the user a shield for a short time. While the shield effect is active, Mewtwo’s movement speed is increased, and Mewtwo recovers HP based on the amount of damage it takes from opposing Pokémon. When Mewtwo takes enough damage from opposing Pokémon for the shield effect to be removed, all of Mewtwo’s move cooldowns are reduced, and the Mega gauge increases. Recover can be upgraded to increase the amount of HP recovered.
Teleport - Mewtwo teleports to the designated location. For a short time, Mewtwo’s movement speed and damage dealt increase, and its basic attacks increase the Mega gauge by a greater amount. Teleport can be upgraded to increase the damage dealt to opposing Pokémon.

Mewtwo’s Unite Move, Infinite Psyburn

Mewtwo brings down one powerful psychic blast upon each opposing Pokémon. Opposing Pokémon around each point of impact take damage, are left unable to act, and have their Defense decreased for a short time.

Metagame Watch

Strong Against: Zoroark - Mewtwo’s moves allow it to deal consistent damage against Melee Pokémon that either have trouble responding with enough damage of their own or lack the defenses to challenge Mewtwo head-on. Speedsters such as Zoroark have plenty of damage and mobility, but a well-timed Future Sight or Psystrike combined with Mega Evolution can spell an easy knockout for the Genetic Pokémon. These moves also enable Mewtwo to create situations where its teammates can layer hindrances on an otherwise slippery target.

Weak Against: Umbreon - Ordinarily, All-Rounders struggle against Ranged Attackers, but Mewtwo has plenty of moves that can help it deal with them. Melee Defenders, however, can create space for those same Ranged Attackers to deal damage from a safe distance. Umbreon is one of the strongest Melee Defenders in Pokémon UNITE, and with the hindrances it can apply using Foul Play and Snarl, it can be a huge nuisance to Mewtwo in smaller team fights. Both Teleport and Recover can help Mewtwo in overcoming strong Melee Defenders in general, so good timing is important to knock this Pokémon out.

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/celebrate-pokemon-unites-2nd-anniversary-with-mega-mewtwo-x

For more than 27 years, Pokémon has remained one of the most popular and successful entertainment franchises in the world, encompassing video games, mobile apps, the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), animation and movies, Play! Pokémon competitive events, publishing, as well as licensed merchandise spanning gaming, toys, apparel and accessories, designer collaborations, home decor, publishing, and more.

Pokémon was the top-selling toy property for all of 2022 in the U.S.1, driven by the popular Pokémon TCG and award-winning licensing programs from The Pokémon Company International (TPCi), which earned the brand the 2022 License of the Year accolade by The Toy Association. TPCi is continuing to expand its consumer products lineup that excites and delights fans around the world and across generations.

BRAND HIGHLIGHTS

• More than 480 million units of Pokémon-related software have sold worldwide, making Pokémon one of the most successful gaming franchises of all time.2
• The mobile game sensation Pokémon GO has received more than one billion downloads globally since launching in July 2016.3
• The Pokémon TCG is one of the most popular trading card games in the world and has been shipped to 89 countries and regions in 14 languages.4
• To date, Pokémon animation spans 23 animated Pokémon movies and two animated series—the current series which follows the iconic Ash Ketchum and his Pikachu in over 1,000 episodes spanning 25 seasons, and the new animated series coming soon around the world in 2023 and beyond. Pokémon animation is licensed for broadcast and streaming in 177 countries and regions in over 30 languages.
• Pokémon global retail sales totaled $8.5 billion in 2021.5

1 The NPD Group, 2022 Toy Industry Performance Awards for the Americas
2 The Pokémon Company, through March 2023
3 Niantic Inc., 2018
4 The Pokémon Company, through March 2023
5 The Pokémon Company, July 2022

Pokémon Play Lab

This year, TPCi is inviting all Sweet Suite attendees to experience Pokémon Play Lab, a fun and engaging guided play experience to teach beginners and casual players how to play the Pokémon TCG. Located in the Terrace at Sweet Suite, Play Lab offers modular experiences at no cost to event attendees, each ranging in duration and play level to suit all Pokémon TCG players. Play experiences at Sweet Suite include:

• Poké Catch: Poké Catch is a fun, new way to play with your favorite Pokémon TCG cards by catching Pokémon. It is a basic teaching tool designed to introduce players to Pokémon and Energy types.
• Catch & Attack: After catching Pokémon in Poké Catch, players will start a battle and learn new play mechanics to get started in their Trainer journey!

Source: https://press.pokemon.com/en/Sweet-Suite-2023/Focus/Pokemon-at-Sweet-Suite-2023-Fact-Sheet-July-2023

On Thursday, July 20th, 2023 from 11:45am to 12:45pm in Room 6BCF at Comic-Con 2023 San Diego, The Pokémon Company International will be holding a panel about localizing the Pokémon anime and will have a behind the scenes look at the upcoming show Pokémon Horizons: The Series.

Pokémon: Bringing Iconic Animation to Global Audiences

Thursday, July 20 • 11:45am - 12:45pm
The Pokémon Company International (TPCi) takes a behind-the-scenes look at how the beloved Pokémon animated series is localized from its original Japanese version to one of the most popular series enjoyed by international audiences. In a panel moderated by streamer and comic book writer Meghan Camarena (also known as Strawburry17), TPCi's Taito Okiura (vice president of marketing and business development), Andy Gose (senior director of media production), and Hilary Thomas (senior producer) will discuss optimizing the series for global viewers, provide fans with a sneak peek at the special collection of episodes that will conclude Ash and his Pikachu's 25-season storied journey in Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series, and share new behind-the-scenes insights regarding the highly anticipated Pokémon Horizons: The Series coming soon to fans around the world.

Source: https://www.comic-con.org/cci/thursday

Press Release - Pokémon Reveals Plans for Comic-Con International Featuring First-Ever Panel Celebrating the Legacy and Future of Its Iconic Animation

The Pokémon Company International to Provide Behind-the-Scenes Insights into How It Delivers Animation from Japan to Fans Around the World, Including ‘Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series’ Finale and the Upcoming ‘Pokémon Horizons: The Series’

​​​​​​​Additional Fan-Focused Pokémon Experiences Available During Comic-Con International

Bellevue, Wash. — July 6, 2023 — Today, The Pokémon Company International announced that it is headed to San Diego and will host its first-ever panel at Comic-Con International 2023. The panel, titled “Pokémon: Bringing Iconic Animation to Global Audiences,” comes ahead of a historic milestone for the Pokémon brand and animated series — the upcoming conclusion of Ash Ketchum’s story arc and the highly anticipated beginning of a new era with “Pokémon Horizons: The Series.”

Taking place on Thursday, July 20 from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. PDT in Room 6BCF of the San Diego Convention Center, the panel will offer a behind-the-scenes look at how the beloved Pokémon animated series is localized from its original Japanese version to one of the most popular series enjoyed by international audiences. In addition, attendees will receive sneak peeks of the final part of “Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series” — also known as the special collection of episodes concluding Ash and his Pikachu’s storied, 25-season journey — as well as the highly anticipated “Pokémon Horizons: The Series” coming soon around the world.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for the Pokémon brand and animated series as we celebrate Ash Ketchum’s legacy while gearing up for new adventures with Liko and Roy in ‘Pokémon Horizons: The Series,’” said Taito Okiura, vice president of marketing for The Pokémon Company International. “Comic-Con International is the premier pop culture event and the perfect place to celebrate these icons who have made an indelible mark on popular culture. As we embark on this new chapter, we invite attendees to join us as we share never-before-seen insights into how we localize the beloved animated series so that Trainers around the world can enjoy their favorite stories and characters.”

In addition to the animation panel hosted by The Pokémon Company International, Trainers can look forward to the “Jazwares Spotlight” panel hosted by Pokémon master toy licensing partner Jazwares. This panel will highlight the toymaker’s hottest products for 2023, including new Pokémon collectibles. More details on timing and location will be announced soon.

Outside of panels, Trainers will be able to engage with the Pokémon brand through various experiences on the show floor, such as photo opportunities, fan-focused giveaways and product previews, at the Jazwares booth #3513, Mattel booth #3029 and Bandai Namco booths #3329 and #301 (featuring Pokémon products from Bandai Spirits and Kawada, respectively) that are unique to Comic-Con International attendees. In addition, Trainers can purchase official Pokémon merchandise unique to Comic-Con International at the Jazwares and Mattel booths. Lastly, publishing partner Insight Editions will pass out recipe cards from its upcoming “Pokémon Baking Book” at their booth #2129, while supplies last.

Source: https://press.pokemon.com/en/releases/Pokemon-Reveals-Plans-for-Comic-Con-International-Featuring-First-Ever