From Uniqlo to Puma, here are some of the top Pokémerch money can buy … for now.Listen carefully, and you might still discern the stirring 8-bit chiptune that signaled the first adventure for a generation, a challenge to catch them all and be the best, unparalleled. Indeed, 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of Pokémon, which made its debut on Nintendo’s original Game Boy handheld in 1996 with the Japanese release of Pocket Monsters Red and Green. The series didn’t make its worldwide debut until two years later as Pokémon Red and Blue—an updated version of Green—but it was already on the path to becoming the most successful media product ever. With Pokémon now surpassing Mickey Mouse and Star Wars—combined—it’s no wonder that the Pokémon Company’s announcement of exclusive anniversary merchandise, initially only for Japan, sold out instantly. At one point, the official website had multi-hour loading times due to the demand.
Fortunately, the 30th-anniversary celebrations have expanded beyond Pokémon’s homeland and the offerings of Nintendo and the Pokémon Company. As the year has unfolded, more collaborations and crossovers with other brands have been announced, enabling fans to express their passion for all things Pocket Monsters with items ranging from sneakers to high-end gaming chairs. Most of these items have also sold out immediately, so here’s the WIRED roundup of some of the best Pokémerch currently available—and a few coming soon. Prepare your wallets.
If you’re unsure about the hype, why not revisit the origins and see for yourself? Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, enhanced remakes of the first games, were originally released on the Game Boy Advance in 2004. These digital re-releases bring those versions to the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, with a few modern upgrades, like upcoming compatibility with the Pokémon Home app, which will allow players to trade Pokémon caught here to newer games in the series.
It’s unfortunate that the beautiful physical collector’s anniversary edition was limited to the Japanese market, but at $20 each for these downloadable games, they are affordable. Switch and Switch 2 owners seeking another perspective on the original Pokémon adventure might also want to explore 2018’s Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! ($60 each), which offer a more contemporary experience.
The official Pokémon Center site has an overwhelming collection of 30th-anniversary goods on offer, but they keep selling out. It’s worth regularly checking the site for restocks. Some highlights available at the time of writing include the paired Pikachu plush ($35), two adorable Pikas holding hands and dressed in Kanto-themed gear (the setting of the original games).