The Pokémon franchise has usually stunned me through the years — issues just like the introduction of real-time fight in Legends: Z-A and the open world of Scarlet and Violet have been actually a shock to my system, however I might by no means been actively jump-scared by the collection till as we speak. Within the strategy of writing an article, I did a fast Google search to remind myself of the discharge date of Legends Arceus, and was instantly greeted by a giant Poké Ball hovering on the backside of my display and a pang of need in my chest to catch ’em all.
The existence of Google’s Pokédex wasn’t a secret by any means. It first launched in 2025, initially just for cellular customers, as a enjoyable little minigame during which followers may “catch” the unique 151 Pokémon by looking for them. Nonetheless, it wasn’t all the time so overt. Initially, gamers may provoke the sport solely by looking for a Kanto area Pokémon. I hadn’t even included the phrase “Pokémon” in my search, solely Legends: Arceus, however nonetheless was accosted by the specter of procrastination. I work with a number of Pokémon nerds (complimentary) who additionally ceaselessly seek for associated phrases, and none of them have seen it introduced so front-and-center earlier than both.
The sport itself is straightforward, however nonetheless a enjoyable nostalgia journey for followers of the unique 151. As gamers seek for Pokémon, they’re going to be added to their Pokédex, with Grasp Balls being rewarded at sure milestones. These Grasp Balls enable gamers to catch totally different Legendary or Legendary Pokémon, like Zapdos and Mewtwo. Google will provide hints alongside the best way, displaying silhouettes harking back to the unique “Who’s that Pokémon?” phase. There is no final prize for amassing all 151 moreover bragging rights, however it’s a pleasant journey down reminiscence lane.
With Pokémon Day — which marks the franchise’s thirtieth anniversary — quickly approaching on Feb. 27, it makes good sense that the sport would see a heavier dose of promotion on Google. The Pokémon Firm has not held again on the subject of celebration, kicking off 2026 with a bang by asserting a year-long “What’s Your Favourite?” marketing campaign by way of a star-studded Tremendous Bowl business. With a Pokémon Presents deliberate for Feb. 27, followers expect the development to proceed, predicting a myriad of thrilling new bulletins from information concerning the upcoming aggressive recreation Pokémon Champions to a reveal of Gen 10. No matter could occur later this week, the elevated proliferation of the Google Pokémon recreation will undoubtedly derail many followers within the meantime.
