Ever since learning of its announcement at E3 almost two years ago, Pokémon fans have been eagerly awaiting any further morsels of information about the series’ first core RPG outing on the Nintendo Switch and now, that wait could finally be at its end.
In the lead up to Pokémon Day – developer Game Freak’s annual celebration of the original games’ release – the franchise’s official Twitter page has been revisiting the likes of Kanto, Johto and Sinnoh with a new post dedicated to each faraway land every day. As of writing, Unova (Pokémon Black & White) is the latest to be name dropped, leaving just two (Kalos and Alola) to get their well-deserved recognition before Pokémon Day begins in full.
For many Trainers, Kanto represents the beginning of their Pokémon journey. For others? It’s a great place to kick back with a jelly-filled donut. 😉
Tag two friends you’d like to go with you on your Pokémon journey! https://t.co/rNywRuUkvA #PokemonDay pic.twitter.com/TN75GG8NMw
— Pokémon (@Pokemon) February 21, 2019
So, why is any of this relevant to a potential Generation 8 announcement, exactly? Well, it just so happens that Pokémon‘s birthday would land on the same date as that of an eight region highlight, but there isn’t one. At least, not yet.
The timing coincides perfectly with a new game announcement, but Pokefans should, nonetheless, keep their expectations tempered, as the build-up could be nothing more than an innocent trip down memory lane. We like to think Game Freak is acutely aware of the precedent set by what appears to be a countdown to something greater, however, so even if next week comes and goes with no new game announcement in sight, something could be revealed. An event or additional content for Pokémon Let’s Go! Pikachu & Eevee is a genuine possibility, as they’ll continue to be the stop-gap games until a bonafide RPG touches down on the Switch, but we’ll ultimately have to wait and see what the big day brings.
Pokémon Day commences next week, February 27, with the festivities scheduled to continue throughout the rest of the week.
