Niantic has announced that a Special Raid Weekend will be held from Friday, February 22nd, 2019 until Monday, February 25th, 2019 where players of Pokémon GO will be able to battle the Legendary Pokémon Latias.

Challenge Latias in this Special Raid Weekend!

Trainers, Are you ready for a challenge? From Friday, February 22, to Monday, February 25, there will be a Special Raid Weekend! The Legendary Pokémon Latias will be available in Raid Battles! Take a look at the details below:

Date + Time

• Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, at 1 p.m. PST (GMT −8) to Monday, Feb. 25, 2019, at 1 p.m. PST (GMT −8)

Features

• The Legendary Pokémon Latias will be joining Raid Battles!
If you’re lucky, you may encounter a Shiny Latias!

Looking for Latios? Fear not, Trainer! Latios will appear during its own Special Raid Weekend at a later date!

Do you have what it takes to take on Latias? Get ready to GO, Trainer—and best of luck!

Source: https://www.pokemongolive.com/post/weekendraid2019-latias/

The official Pokémon website has announced some Pokémon Day 2019 Activities for Canada and the United States in addition to the ones that were previously announced for the Nintendo Store in New York City.

Fun Pokémon Day 2019 Activities Abound

Pokémon Day nears! Get ready for a bunch of awesome events and activities.

This Pokémon Day is sure to be huge, with exciting news and events celebrating more than 20 years of Pokémon fun. Pokémon Day itself is February 27, the anniversary of the release of the very first Pokémon games in Japan. But the events planned are too big to fit into just one day—look forward to exciting Pokémon Day festivities throughout the week and beyond.

Pokémon TCG fans, be sure to check out the Trade & Play events happening at GameStop and Best Buy in the United States, as well as at EB Games in Canada. Meet up with fellow players and collectors to battle and trade, and pick up a free oversize booster pack—containing a three-card mini pack and other fun goodies—while supplies last. The fun starts February 23. Click here for complete details on the Trade & Play events.

Settle in to watch all the Pokémon episodes you want when Twitch.tv offers another Pokémon the Series marathon from February 27 through May 5. Fans can head to Twitch.tv/twitchpresents to watch episodes from Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, Pokémon the Series: Black & White, and Pokémon the Series: XY, as well as select movies. Twitch will also showcase some of their favorite episodes and movies all day on February 27, highlighting Pokémon such as Pikachu, Zekrom, Eevee, Snorlax, and others that appear as part of a TAG TEAM in the recently released Pokémon TCG: Sun & Moon—Team Up expansion.

Disney XD in the US will join the fun by airing blocks of fan-favorite episodes on February 27 starting at 3:30 p.m. Plus, YTV in Canada will air a marathon of the final four episodes of Sun & Moon—Ultra Adventures starting at 1 p.m. PST. Check your local listings to confirm time and channel.

To mark this year's Pokémon Day, the Pokémon Center is debuting a new line of premium apparel called Poké Ball Classics. The collection includes clothes and accessories featuring a clean Poké Ball pattern that's perfect for when you want to dress your best but also show off your Pokémon pride. The Poké Ball Classics collection launches February 27 at PokemonCenter.com.

Following last year's big Pikachu Funko Pop! reveal, Bulbasaur is the next Pokémon to get the Funko Pop! treatment. Look for this beloved first partner Pokémon to arrive in Pop! form on February 27.

Have fun celebrating Pokémon Day 2019!

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/fun-pokemon-day-2019-activities-abound/

Pokémon TCG Trade & Play Day Heading to a Store Near You

Bring your Pokémon TCG cards to participating retailers to trade with other fans and get a special oversize pack.

Get an early start on Pokémon Day 2019 festivities by heading to select retailers for a Pokémon Trade & Play Day. Celebrate the fun of playing the Pokémon Trading Card Game with friends, as well as the recent release of the latest Pokémon TCG expansion, Sun & Moon—Team Up.

Visit a participating Best Buy location on February 23 or a participating GameStop on February 23–24 to meet up with other Pokémon fans, receive a special oversize booster pack, and trade Pokémon TCG cards with other attendees. Canadian residents can head to Toys“R”Us on February 16 or EB Games on February 23 to take part in Pokémon Trade & Play Day.

The oversize booster packs contain a 3-card mini pack of Pokémon TCG cards, a Pokémon coin, a fun activity sheet, and a guide to the Pokémon TCG. Everyone is invited to bring their Pokémon TCG cards to trade and show off with other fans. Organizers at each store will also have Pokémon TCG cards that they can trade with guests. There is no cost to participate in this event, but please note that the giveaways are only available while supplies last.

So, organize your trade binders and get ready for Pokémon Trade & Play Day! And be sure to check out the selection of new Sun & Moon—Team Up cards while you're there.

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/pokemon-tcg-trade-play-day-heading-to-a-store-near-you/

Press Release - Pokémon Day 2019

Pokémon Day, the annual pop-culture holiday dedicated to all things Pokémon, arrives on February 27, and The Pokémon Company International has announced a variety of offerings to help fans celebrate. This year, Pokémon Trainers can look forward to Pokémon Trading Card Game events, curated animated content on Twitch and Pokémon TV, new merchandise from Pokémon Center, retail promotions, and more.

On February 27, 1996, the first Pokémon video games, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green, released in Japan, kicking off a global phenomenon that would become one of the most popular entertainment franchises in the world for more than 20 years. In commemoration of this pop-culture milestone, The Pokémon Company International provides fans with activities, products, and promotions that give them additional opportunities to engage with the Pokémon brand.

“Pokémon Day is about celebrating the incredible fans that have made Pokémon one of the most beloved entertainment franchises in the world,” said J.C. Smith, senior director of consumer marketing for The Pokémon Company International. “As a thank-you to the community, we're excited to provide them with more ways to experience all things Pokémon.”

Key Pokémon Day highlights include:

Pokémon Trading Card Game Trade & Play Events
Select retailers, including GameStop and Best Buy in the US and EB Games in Canada, will host Trade & Play events for the Pokémon Trading Card Game in celebration of the latest expansion, Pokémon TCG: Sun & Moon—Team Up. Attendees will receive a free oversize booster pack containing cards and other goodies (while supplies last), and they'll have the opportunity to play the Pokémon TCG and trade cards with other fans. Event details for participating retailers are as follows:

• GameStop: Over 2,500 stores in the US will host events on February 23 and February 24. In addition, GameStop will release an exclusive Lapras plush by Wicked Cool Toys during the events.
• Best Buy: Over 100 stores in the US will host events on February 23.
• EB Games: Over 100 stores in Canada will host events on February 23.

Curated Animated Content on Twitch, Pokémon TV, and Broadcast
Trainers will be able to relive some of their favorite moments from the animated TV series and movies as the Twitch Pokémon Marathon returns on Pokémon Day. From February 27 through May 5, fans can tune in to twitch.tv/twitchpresents to watch Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, Pokémon the Series: Black & White, Pokémon the Series: XY, and select movies.

Twitch will showcase some of their favorite episodes and movies all day on February 27, with content highlighting Pokémon like Pikachu, Zekrom, Eevee, Snorlax, and others that appear as TAG TEAM Pokémon-GX from the recently released Pokémon TCG: Sun & Moon—Team Up expansion.

On Pokémon TV, available via the app for iOS and Android devices and on Pokémon.com, fans can watch episodes featuring Gengar and Mimikyu, which can also be found paired together as a TAG TEAM Pokémon-GX. Disney XD in the US and YTV in Canada will also join the fun by showcasing blocks of fan-favorite episodes on February 27.

Brand-New Collection from Pokémon Center
Pokémon Center will release Poké Ball Classics, a new collection of premium-quality apparel and accessories that are fitting for the workplace and dressy occasions. Sporting a clean and crisp Poké Ball pattern, the line includes a bifold wallet, tie, infinity scarf, polo shirt, messenger bag, and Fossil watches for women and men.


Poké Ball Classics will be available starting February 27 at PokemonCenter.com, the premier destination for Pokémon merchandise in the US.

Pokémon Streetwear Collaboration with 10.Deep
Pokémon will soon debut a US streetwear apparel collaboration with streetwear brand 10.Deep Clothing Inc. The Pokémon Company International and 10.Deep have partnered to create a capsule collection for spring/summer 2019, with apparel featuring the infamous Team Rocket.


The items will be available on February 27 at a pop-up event taking place at the 10.Deep flagship store in New York City and on 10Deep.com. Following the initial launch, the line will be available at select boutiques.

Special Toys and Retail Promotions
On February 27, The Pokémon Company International and Funko will add Bulbasaur to their roster of Funko Pop! Pokémon figures. Fans can sign up at Funko.com to receive updates on product availability.

In addition, Build-A-Bear Workshop will offer an online discount of up to 30 percent off all Pokémon bundles at buildabear.com and buildabear.co.uk from February 25 through February 27.

Niantic has announced that on February 23rd/24th, 2019, players of Pokémon GO will be able to conduct Limited Research on the Water-type Pokémon Clamperl.

Discover more with Limited Research, featuring Clamperl!

Trainers, It’s time to put your research skills to the test! Professor Willow is looking to conduct Limited Research on the Water-type Pokémon Clamperl. Spin the Photo Disc at nearby PokéStops to obtain Field Research tasks that lead to encounters with this tough-shelled Bivalve Pokémon. While you’re completing research, keep an eye out for other Water-type Pokémon, such as Krabby and Wailmer! See more details below:

Event Date + Time

• Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India: Feb. 23, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. UTC (GMT +0)
• The Americas and Greenland: Feb. 23, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. PST (GMT −8)
• Asia-Pacific: Feb. 24, 2019, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. JST (GMT +9)

Features

• Receive 2× Catch Stardust for Water-type Pokémon during the three-hour window.
• Water-type Pokémon will appear more frequently in the wild during the event.
• Limited Research tasks will be available when you spin Photo Discs at PokéStops.
• Completing the Limited Research tasks will award you encounters with Clamperl.

Clamperl might clam up during Limited Research, so exploring is key! As long as you’ve collected the Limited Research during the event window, you can complete it at any time. Don’t forget—you’ll need to venture onward to many PokéStops in order to get new Field Research tasks and encounter as many Clamperl as possible!

Source: https://pokemongolive.com/post/fieldresearch-feb2019

Today The Pokémon Company International revealed three new cards for the Pokémon Trading Card (TCG) game featuring Mr. Mime, JigglyPuff and Psyduck, as seen in the upcoming live-action movie, “POKÉMON Detective Pikachu.” These Pokémon were some of the breakout stars from the highly-viewed first trailer for the movie.

Like the Detective Pikachu, Charizard and Greninja TCG cards previously announced, the newly revealed cards depict the Pokémon in their CGI movie likenesses and will be available at selected retailers across Europe starting on March 29th, 2019.

A First Look at Pokémon TCG: Detective Pikachu Cards

Fans everywhere are anxiously awaiting the theatrical release of the first live-action Pokémon movie, POKÉMON Detective Pikachu. To celebrate the upcoming film, a special selection of 26 new Pokémon Trading Card Game cards will be released, inspired by some of the Pokémon that will appear on the big screen. Let's look at some of the cards that show off these Pokémon as they appear in the film.

Jigglypuff: With its big blue eyes, soft pink fur, and stylish curl, Jigglypuff is the epitome of adorable. This Fairy-type Pokémon isn't a heavy hitter, but its Healing Melody attack will heal 10 damage from each of your Pokémon.

Mr. Mime: Mr. Mime may be sporting a smile, but we can't help but feel a bit unnerved by its vacant stare. Still, we would definitely take advantage of its Pantomime Ability, which allows you to switch one of your face-down Prize cards with the top card of your deck. It's certainly a useful move if you have a powerful card trapped in your Prize cards.

Psyduck: Poor Psyduck seems to be suffering from a major headache! Given its soft-looking feathers, we wouldn't be against comforting it with a big hug. Perhaps Psyduck is suffering from the pain of knowing that it can't attack without becoming Confused. And that just makes us more sympathetic to the little Pokémon!

These are just a few of the cards that fans will be able to find in the Pokémon TCG: Detective Pikachu collection. Stay tuned for more fun reveals! Remember, booster packs for this special set will not be sold separately, so look for them in special collections starting March 29, 2019, where Pokémon TCG products are sold.

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/uk/pokemon-news/a-first-look-at-pokemon-tcg-detective-pikachu-cards/

Warner Bros. Pictures has posted another teaser trailer for Pokémon Detective Pikachu entitled "Big". The movie will be released in theaters on May 10th, 2019.

YouTube Clip - POKÉMON Detective Pikachu - "Big" | In Theaters This May

POKÉMON Detective Pikachu - "Big" | In Theaters This May

The world of Pokémon comes to life!

The first-ever live-action Pokémon movie, “POKÉMON Detective Pikachu” stars Ryan Reynolds as the titular character in the first-ever live-action movie based on the iconic face of the global Pokémon brand—one of the world’s most popular, multi-generation entertainment properties and most successful media franchises of all time.

Fans everywhere can now experience Pikachu on the big screen as never before, as a talking detective Pikachu, a Pokémon like no other. The film also showcases a wide array of beloved Pokémon characters, each with its own unique abilities and personality.

The story begins when ace private eye Harry Goodman goes mysteriously missing, prompting his 21-year-old son Tim to find out what happened. Aiding in the investigation is Harry’s former Pokémon partner, Detective Pikachu: a hilariously wise-cracking, adorable super-sleuth who is a puzzlement even to himself. Finding that they are uniquely equipped to communicate with one another, Tim and Pikachu join forces on a thrilling adventure to unravel the tangled mystery. Chasing clues together through the neon-lit streets of Ryme City—a sprawling, modern metropolis where humans and Pokémon live side by side in a hyper-realistic live-action world—they encounter a diverse cast of Pokémon characters and uncover a shocking plot that could destroy this peaceful co-existence and threaten the whole Pokémon universe.

“POKÉMON Detective Pikachu” also stars Justice Smith (“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”) as Tim; Kathryn Newton (“Lady Bird,” TV’s “Big Little Lies”) as Lucy, a junior reporter following her first big story; and Oscar nominee Ken Watanabe (“Godzilla,” “The Last Samurai”) as Lt. Yoshida. Directed by Rob Letterman (“Goosebumps,” “Monsters Vs. Aliens”), the “POKÉMON Detective Pikachu” creative filmmaking team includes two-time Oscar nominated director of photography John Mathieson (“The Phantom of the Opera,” “Gladiator”), production designer Nigel Phelps (“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Lies”) and Oscar-winning editor Mark Sanger (“Gravity”). Visual effects are by Moving Picture Company (“Wonder Woman”) and Framestore (“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2”).

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= fOvwcxtMaNk

Niantic has announced that there will be some upcoming changes to Pokémon GO starting during Swinub Community Day on February 16th, 2019 and a major change is Stat Boosts. Full details are in the notes below.

Community Note: Upcoming Changes to Pokémon GO

Trainers, We’re excited to announce a major update to Trainer Battles in Pokémon GO—stat boosts! Starting this Saturday during Swinub Community Day, certain Charge Attacks will have a chance to trigger stat boosts in Trainer Battles. These stat boosts will persist on the affected Pokémon until they either faint or are switched out of battle. The first moves this update will impact are below.

• Ancient Power: Chance to raise the user’s Attack and Defense
• Ominous Wind: Chance to raise the user’s Attack and Defense
• Silver Wind: Chance to raise the user’s Attack and Defense

This is just the first of many updates to come, so stay tuned for more communications about Trainer Battles. As a reminder, Piloswine evolved into Mamoswine during Community Day event hours will learn the move Ancient Power, so don’t miss out!

Source: https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/statbooststrainerbattles2019/