Pokemon GO 10th Anniversary Event (March 2026) 30 Years of Pokemon Celebration
The Pokemon GO 10th Anniversary Event marks an incredible milestone – celebrating both a decade of augmented reality gaming excellence and three decades of Pokemon franchise history! As we dive into 2026, Niantic has pulled out all the stops with an unprecedented celebration that combines cutting-edge AR technology with nostalgic Pokemon moments. Whether you’re a seasoned Trainer or just starting your journey, this event offers something special for everyone.
What Makes This Anniversary Event Special?
This isn’t just another Pokemon GO event – it’s a historic celebration bridging two major milestones: Pokemon GO’s 10th anniversary and Pokemon’s 30th anniversary. The centerpiece is the revolutionary “What’s Your Favorite?” feature, which lets you capture memorable moments with almost ANY Pokemon in existence – even ones you haven’t caught yet! This groundbreaking feature represents the pinnacle of Pokemon GO’s AR technology evolution since its launch in [cy-9].
Table: Pokemon GO 10th Anniversary Event Quick Facts
| Event Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Date | February 9, 2026 at 10 AM PST (Global) |
| End Date | March 31, 2026 at 8 PM local time |
| Main Feature | “What’s Your Favorite?” AR photography |
| Duration | Nearly 2 months of celebration |
| Social Hashtag | #Pokemon30 |
| Special Research | Available for all players |
The Revolutionary “What’s Your Favorite?” Feature
How This Changes Pokemon GO Forever
The “What’s Your Favorite?” feature represents a paradigm shift in Pokemon GO’s social and AR capabilities. Unlike traditional GO Snapshot, this feature allows you to:
- Take photos with ANY Pokemon (over 900 species available!)
- Access without logging in (perfect for new players)
- Use advanced customization with stickers and frames
- Share across social media with official hashtag support
- Create lasting memories with friends and family
Access Methods for Every Player Type
For New Players (Not Logged In):
- Download Pokemon GO from App Store/Play Store
- Open the app and enter your date of birth
- Tap “Take a Photo” on the sign-in screen
- Choose your favorite Pokemon and start snapping!
For Existing Players:
- Tap the Main Menu (Poke Ball) in Map View
- Select the Camera icon at the bottom
- Tap the “What’s Your Favorite?” banner
- Pick your Pokemon and create magic!
Step-by-Step Guide to Using “What’s Your Favorite?”
Creating Your Perfect Pokemon Moment
- Select Your Pokemon Partner
- Browse through nearly all Pokemon species
- Even unreleased Pokemon like Mimikyu are available
- Note: Shiny forms and special costumes are not available
- Perfect Your Shot
- Use only your phone’s back camera (technical requirement)
- Utilize the 5-second timer for group photos
- Ensure floor visibility for proper AR placement
- No AR scanning required – just point and shoot!
- Customize and Enhance
- Choose from multiple Pokemon poses and positions
- Add decorative stickers and themed frames
- Customize label stickers with personal messages
- Create unique compositions with friends and family
- Save and Share
- Download your masterpiece to your device
- Share on social media with #Pokemon30
- Join the global Pokemon community celebration
Exclusive Rewards and Special Research
New Player Welcome Package
If you’re completely new to Pokemon GO, this anniversary event offers an incredible welcome package:
- Gengar Encounter (one of the most popular Ghost types)
- 100 PokeCoins (premium currency)
- 30 Poke Balls (to start your collection)
- Additional Items (varies by account creation)
Requirements: Create account within 3 days of using “What’s Your Favorite?” feature
Existing Player Rewards
For dedicated Trainers who’ve been playing, Niantic hasn’t forgotten you:
- 10,000 Stardust (essential for powering up Pokemon)
- 5 Rare Candy (convert any Pokemon candy)
- 1 Lucky Egg (double XP for 30 minutes)
Important: This Special Research doesn’t expire – complete at your own pace!
Celebrity Endorsements and Global Reach
Super Bowl LX Star Power
The Pokemon 30th anniversary celebration kicked off with a bang during Super Bowl LX, featuring celebrities sharing their favorite Pokemon:
- Lady Gaga – Jigglypuff
- Trevor Noah – Psyduck
- Maitreyee Ramakrishnan – Luxray
- BLACKPINK’s Jisoo – Eevee
- Lamine Yamal – Zygarde
- Charles Leclerc – Arcanine
- Young Miko – Gengar
This celebrity involvement demonstrates Pokemon’s incredible cultural impact across generations and demographics.
Technical Requirements and Troubleshooting
Device Compatibility
To ensure the best “What’s Your Favorite?” experience:
- Android: Requires ARCore support
- iOS: Requires ARKit compatibility
- Both: Device must have gyroscope
- Camera: Only back camera supported (front camera not available)
Common Issues and Solutions
Feature Not Available:
- Ensure your device supports AR+ technology
- Install Google Services for AR (Android)
- Update Pokemon GO to latest version
- Restart the app after initial use
Photo Quality Problems:
- Use in well-lit environments
- Ensure floor is visible for proper AR placement
- Keep device steady during capture
- Try different angles and distances
Special Research Not Appearing:
- Restart Pokemon GO after taking photo
- Check Special Research tab (not Timed Research)
- Wait up to 24 hours for research to appear
- Contact support if issues persist
The Broader 30th Pokemon Anniversary Context
Beyond Pokemon GO
This anniversary celebration extends far beyond mobile gaming:
- Pokemon Day Out Events: Family-friendly real-world gatherings
- Pokemon Night Out Events: Special experiences for longtime fans
- Pokemon Center Merchandise: Exclusive 30th anniversary collection
- Cross-Game Celebrations: Events across all Pokemon titles
- Community Collaborations: Global fan engagement initiatives
Why This Matters for Pokemon’s Future
The “What’s Your Favorite?” campaign represents Pokemon’s evolution from a simple game franchise to a global community platform. By focusing on personal connections and shared experiences, The Pokemon Company is strengthening bonds between fans while introducing Pokemon to new generations.
Advanced Tips and Pro Strategies
Maximizing Your Anniversary Experience
- Create Multiple Photos: Experiment with different Pokemon combinations
- Social Media Engagement: Use #Pokemon30 for potential feature by official accounts
- Community Events: Organize local Pokemon photo meetups
- Documentation: Create an anniversary photo album of your favorites
- Trading Opportunities: Connect with other players for exclusive trades
Photography Pro Tips
- Golden Hour: Shoot during sunrise/sunset for best lighting
- Composition: Use rule of thirds for professional-looking shots
- Background Selection: Choose locations that complement your Pokemon
- Group Photos: Use timer feature for creative group compositions
- Storytelling: Create photo series that tell a narrative
Comparison with Previous Anniversary Events
Learning from the Past
Pokemon GO’s anniversary events have evolved significantly:
- 9th Anniversary: Faced technical issues with Golden PokeStops
- 8th Anniversary: Introduced new Pokemon spawns and bonuses
- 10th Anniversary: Revolutionary social AR feature integration
This year’s event represents the most ambitious anniversary celebration yet, focusing on community engagement rather than just in-game bonuses.
Future Expectations and Roadmap
What’s Next for Pokemon GO?
Based on official announcements and community insights:
- Year-long Celebration: Additional events throughout 2026
- New Pokemon Releases: Potential anniversary-exclusive species
- Enhanced AR Features: Continued technological improvements
- Global Events: Real-world celebrations in major cities
- Cross-Platform Integration: Enhanced connectivity with other Pokemon titles
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use “What’s Your Favorite?” without a Pokemon GO account?
A: Yes! This feature is accessible to everyone, even without logging in. Simply download the app and tap “Take a Photo” on the sign-in screen.
Q: Are all Pokemon available in “What’s Your Favorite?”?
A: Nearly all Pokemon are available, but certain forms like Shiny Pokemon, costumed variants, Mega Evolutions, and Max Pokemon are not included.
Q: Do the Special Research rewards expire?
A: No, the Special Research is permanent and doesn’t expire. You can complete it at your own pace, though you must claim it by March 31, 2026.
Q: Can I use my front camera for photos?
A: No, the feature only supports the back camera. However, you can use the 5-second timer to include yourself in photos.
Q: Will there be more anniversary events throughout 2026?
A: Yes, this is just the beginning. Pokemon has announced year-long celebrations with additional events and surprises planned.
Q: How do I get the celebrity-endorsed Pokemon?
A: The celebrity favorites are for reference and inspiration. You can take photos with any available Pokemon through the “What’s Your Favorite?” feature.
Conclusion
The Pokemon GO 10th Anniversary Event represents more than just another in-game event – it’s a celebration of a decade of augmented reality innovation and three decades of Pokemon magic. Whether you’re capturing your first Pokemon photo or your thousandth, this event offers unique opportunities to connect with the global Pokemon community in ways never before possible.
Remember, this celebration runs until March 31, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to be part of Pokemon history! Take advantage of the free rewards, create memorable photos with your favorite Pokemon, and join millions of Trainers worldwide in celebrating this incredible milestone.