The Legend of Zelda is not the only major Nintendo franchise to celebrate an anniversary this year: Pokemon’s 25th anniversary is on Saturday, February 27, and it’s been 25 years since the release of Pokemon Red and Green in Japan. However, the celebrations started early with all sorts of free ads, announcements about new products and more. If you are planning to pick up a new Pokémon game or collect a collection, this is also a great time to do so as many retailers are currently offering deals on Pokemon Switch games and merchandise.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best Pokémon deals floating around this week ahead of the 25th anniversary celebrations. GameStop is especially worth checking out this week, as it’s a big sale on Pokémon clothing, Funko Pops and other collectibles – although many things are already starting to sell out.
Also remember to catch up on the latest Pokémon anniversary news, including Saturday’s virtual Post Malone concert, the free special Pikachu available in Pokemon Sword and Shield, McDonald’s new Pokémon Happy Meals and the Levi’s x Pokémon clothing line.
$ 45 (was $ 60)
Last year’s Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is secretly one of the best Pokémon games available on Nintendo Switch. A remake of 2006’s Red Rescue Team (Game Boy Advance) and Blue Rescue Team (Nintendo DS), Rescue Team DX gives the first game in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon spin-off series a modern make-up with a beautiful watercolor art style and multiple gameplay enhancements. The roguelike dungeon crawling game and the fantastic story about a human Pokémon remain the same. If you’re looking for a new game to scratch the Pokémon itch before the new Pokémon Snap arrives, try Rescue Team DX. It’s currently on sale for $ 45, a rare discount for the Switch title.
$ 45 each (was $ 60)
Aimed at those new to Pokémon games, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee and Let’s Go, Pikachu offers a journey back to Gen 1’s Kanto region, redesigned with modern 3D imagery and Pokemon Go-inspired capture mechanics. Each game is on sale for $ 45, and although we’ve seen these games go as low as $ 30 during Black Friday sales, you do not see them too often during the year.
$ 45 (was $ 60)
Despite being released in 2017 as an enhanced port for Nintendo Switch, the Pokken Tournament DX is rarely included in game sales for any reason. This week, however, you can pick up a copy of the Tekken-inspired arena fighting game for $ 45, from $ 60.
$ 49.94 each (was $ 60)
Pokemon Sword and Shield are, of course, the most recent major games in the series, and are currently on sale for $ 10 at Walmart. Sword and Shield have received two major expansions since release: The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra, which are available with an expansion map.
$ 60 with free double-sided poster if you pre-order
Despite celebrating Pokemon’s 25th anniversary, so far only one new Pokémon title has been released: the new Pokémon Snap, a sequel to the 1999 N64 Pokémon photography game. Although no discounts are available this week , there is a pre-order bonus available at GameStop, where you can get a double-sided poster with your copy of the game.
$ 40 (was $ 48)
Some of the latest Pokémon Funko Pops are available in GameStop this week, and are even on sale. Ponyta, Raichu, Metal Pikachu and the adorable little Mew are the latest Pokémon vinyl figures, and you can get all four for $ 40 (less than $ 48).
$ 28 (was $ 40)
On the topic of Funko Pops: GameStop’s Pokémon Funko collector’s box is also being discounted this week as part of the retailer’s anniversary. For $ 28, you get a variety of figures, key chains, stickers and pens inspired by two of Gen 1’s most iconic Pokémon: Pikachu and Squirtle.
$ 32 (was $ 40)
Who can resist this adorable Gengar’s demonic grin and o-so-embracing form? If this Ghost-type Pokémon is your favorite, you can add this 24-inch Gengar luxury for $ 32 to your collection.
$ 13.59 (was $ 17)
This Bandai Spirits model set contains two of Pokemon’s best dragons: Charizard and Dragonite. When assembled, each figure is more than 3 inches long and has limited articulation. This is a great gift for young Pokémon fans – or to add to your own shelf.
$ 28.75 (was $ 50)
While Super Smash Bros. Melee from GameCube is almost 20 years old, some Smash fans still prefer the feel of a GameCube controller when they play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate play, the latest game in the series. PowerA’s Wireless GameCube-style Switch controllers are designed for those who want to use the classic controller with Ultimate on Switch, and they also include a larger D-pad and left shoulder button. The Pikachu-style controller is on sale this week for $ 28.75. Note that it uses AA batteries (and with two), although PowerA promises up to 30 hours of play.