Pokémon expands franchise with anime crossover and new Switch 2 content

The Pokémon franchise is expanding its multimedia presence through new anime collaborations and game content. Professor Willow, a character from the mobile game Pokémon Go, is set to make his debut in the Pokémon Horizons anime series. This crossover episode, scheduled to premiere in Japan on September 18, will feature Professor Willow alongside his partner Pokémon, Meltan, and include elements such as PokéStops.

In gaming, The Pokémon Company and Nintendo have released ‘Bubbly Basin’, the first part of the Expansion Pass for Pokémon Pokopia on the Nintendo Switch 2. This expansion introduces an underwater setting where players, acting as Ditto, can use a new ‘Dive’ mechanic to restore habitats and build structures both above and below the water's surface.