Pokémon franchise media and competitive updates

The Pokémon franchise is implementing a crossover event between the mobile game Pokémon Go and the anime series Pokémon Horizons. An episode scheduled to debut in Japan on September 18 will feature the debut of Professor Willow, a character from the mobile game, alongside his partner Pokémon, Meltan. The episode is expected to incorporate in-game elements such as PokéStops and the Pokémon Kecleon.

To support this broadcast, Pokémon Go will host a collaborative event from September 16 to September 22, 2026. The event features the debut of a new costumed Pokémon: Charmander wearing Friede’s goggles, which can be evolved into Charmeleon and Charizard wearing the same attire.

During the in-game event, players can expect increased chances of encountering Kecleon at PokéStops. Additionally, the event GO Pass will offer various bonuses, including increased candy for catching Pokémon, extended Lure Module durations, and extra Stardust for catching Hatenna and Wattrel.

In separate franchise developments, Belgian player Rune Heiremans secured fifth place at the Pokémon Trading Card Game World Championships in San Francisco.