Pokémon game reveals are expected this week as series celebrates 25 years

The Pokémon Company is expected to announce new games this week, as the series celebrates its 25^th anniversary on February 27.

According to sources cited by fan site Centro Pokémon last month, remakes of Nintendo DS games Diamond and Pearl are part of this year’s release plans. The publication recently reiterated its claims on Twitter, that it expected the games to be announced before the 27^th (this weekend).

Originally released in 2006, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl were the first instalments in the fourth generation of the Pokémon video game series.

Potentially lending weight to the report was the discovery that a diamondpearl.pokemon.com domain had been enabled, before being swiftly taken offline last month.

A noted Nintendo insider, who has previously leaked accurate timings related to Nintendo Directs, also recently claimed that Pokémon remakes would be released in November 2021.

Mainline Pokémon instalments Red & Blue, Gold & Silver, and Sapphire & Ruby have all been remade, so fourth generation Diamond & Pearl is theoretically next in line for the same treatment.

On DS, Diamond & Pearl introduced internet play over the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, several changes to the core battle mechanics and the addition of over 100 new Pokémon.

The games take place in the fictional region of Sinnoh, an island based on the Japanese island of Hokkaidō, characterised by its large, snow-covered mountains.

Last November, The Pokémon Company began teasing plans for a “very special upcoming celebration of Pokémon’s 25th anniversary in 2021”.

As revealed on an anniversary website last month, The Pokémon Company will be collaborating with singer Katy Perry, releasing special merchandise, and reprinting classic Pokémon cards.

New Pokémon Snap, the Switch sequel to the classic N64 game, will be released on April 30, Nintendo announced last month.