Pokémon’s 20th Anniversary Celebration starts with Mew

Pokémon’s 20th Anniversary Celebration starts with Mew

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Pokémon Franchise. Rather than bemoaning how old this news makes you feel, the Pokémon Company is encouraging longtime fans and trainers to celebrate by hosting giveaways and limited edition products of legendary proportions. Each month, players will be able to grab download codes for rare Pokémon and purchase limited edition merchandise.

The Mythical Pokemon Mew is kicking off the grand event. This is a fitting start to the festivities, considering that Mew was the very first mythical monster in Pokémon Red and Blue. Starting February 1st, players will be able to get Mew codes at GameStop for their copies of Pokemon X, Y, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire. And, no, you can’t build yourself a Mew Army (believe me: I tried). Only one Mew may be redeemed per title. These codes will be available for pickup until February 24th, and they must be redeemed by May 31st, 2016. Mew is already at level 100, and it comes with the move “Pound” and the special ability “Synchronize.”

The other forthcoming mythical Pokémon (and where you can get them) are as follows:

Celebi: March 1-24 | Nintendo Network

Jirachi: April 1-24 | Nintendo Network

Darkrai: May 1-24 | GameStop

Manaphy: Jun 1-24 | Nintendo Network

Shaymin: July 1-24 | Nintendo Network

Arceus: August 1-24 | GameStop

Victini: September 1-24 |Nintendo Network

Keldeo: October 1-24 | Nintendo Network

Genesect: November 1-24 | GameStop

Meloetta: December 1-24 | Nintendo Network

In addition to these downloadable monsters, limited edition swag and plushies will be available for purchase at various retailers. You should really click that link to get information straight from the Pokemon Company, as there’s a lot of merch to choose from. Gamestop is currently carrying a 2’’ Mew Clip ‘n’ Carry Poke Ball figure, an 8’’ crushed-velvet Mew plush, and an 8” standing Pikachu plush. Walmart, Walgreens, and Toys R Us, also have their own exclusive Pikachus.

Predictably, the other mythical Pokémon will receive their own plushes, figures, and trading card collections when their month arrives.