It has officially been nearly five years since Pokemon GO first released on mobile devices back in July of 2016. While the mobile game hit a bit of a rut after its initial craze, it has steadily built up its biggest concurrent player base yet, keeping Pokemon GO fresh with a flurry of updates, new Pokemon, events, and new features as well. Pokemon GO's 5th anniversary also happens to fall on the 25th anniversary of the Pokemon franchise as a whole.
The franchise has celebrated its 25th anniversary in a variety of ways this year, from new game announcements, to promotions and in-game events, and this year, Pokemon GO Fest 2021 plans to celebrate both Pokemon and Pokemon GO's anniversary simultaneously. Now, some special commemorative merchandise for the mobile game's 5th anniversary has been officially revealed.
The Pokemon Company's official Japanese website has revealed a special line of merchandise for Pokemon GO's anniversary, featuring clothing and other accessories. Jackets based on the game's Level 50 Jacket will be available, as well as sash pouches, a Premier Ball-themed Poke Ball Plus case, the annual Pokemon GO Fest t-shirt, and pedometers featuring the game's different teams.
For the time being, aside from the Pokemon GO Fest 2021 t-shirt which will release in Japan, the United States, and Canada, none of the other Pokemon GO 5th anniversary merchandise has been confirmed to release outside of Japan. While the t-shirt is currently available for purchase online, the rest of the items will officially release on July 22 on the Pokemon Center Japan website, while some of the items will release on Amazon Japan at a later date and may become available for international shipping for those outside of Japan. The jackets will run fans about $160 USD, while the sash pouches will cost around $35 and the Poke Ball Plus Premier Ball case will be available for $15.
Also in commemoration of Pokemon GO's 5th anniversary, Niantic has lowered the cost of tickets for Pokemon GO Fest 2021 from $15 down to $5. Like last year's event, this year's Pokemon GO Fest will be held virtually around the world, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have lasting effects on many countries. Also like Pokemon GO Fest 2020, this year's event will feature rotating biomes and a new Mythical Pokemon: Meloetta.
Pokemon GO Fest 2021 will be musical festival-themed and will feature new in-game music composed by Pokemon producer Junichi Masuda. Trainers will have the chance to complete Global Challenges as they work through limited-time Special Research to help Professor Willow capture certain Pokemon in order to put on a concert.
Pokemon GO is available on Android and iOS.
Source: The Pokemon Company