Pokémon Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Events Across NYC

Fans line up for special merchandise, trading, and bidding at Pokémon-themed celebrations.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Pokémon fans across New York City gathered to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the beloved franchise, with special events, merchandise, and appearances by voice actors and content creators. The Pokémon-themed celebrations included long lines, trading, and bidding on original items, as well as the giving away of $50,000 worth of Pokémon merchandise by local retailer Trainer Court.

Why it matters

The Pokémon franchise has become a cultural phenomenon, transcending generations and providing a sense of nostalgia and community for fans. The 30th anniversary celebrations in New York City highlight the enduring popularity of the brand and its ability to bring people together, even in the face of challenges like a recent robbery at Trainer Court's store.

The details

Trainer Court, a Pokémon-focused retailer in the Meatpacking District, organized many of the 30th anniversary events. The store, which started as an e-commerce site three years ago, was recently robbed of $100,000 worth of items, but has since received an outpouring of support from the Pokémon community. As a thank you, Trainer Court and its partners are giving away $50,000 worth of Pokémon merchandise.

  • Pokémon launched 30 years ago, in 1996.
  • Trainer Court was founded three years ago.
  • In January 2026, Trainer Court was robbed at gunpoint of $100,000 worth of items.
  • The 30th anniversary celebrations in New York City took place on February 28, 2026.

The players

Courtney Chin

The founder of Trainer Court, a Pokémon-focused retailer in the Meatpacking District of New York City.

Peter Du

The head of partnerships at Trainer Court.

Chase Pinheiro

A Pokémon fan from Queens who has been involved with the franchise for his entire life.

Lucky Card Erik

A content creator from Los Angeles who flew in for the 30th anniversary events.

Sarah Natochenny

A voice actress from Queens who voiced the Pokémon protagonist Ash Ketchum for 17 years.

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What they’re saying

“Really nice to see a franchise that is so long-lasting, so genuine, so wholesome.”

— Courtney Chin, Founder, Trainer Court (cbsnews.com)

“We're literally getting care packages, boxes of cards, messages from people.”

— Peter Du, Head of Partnerships, Trainer Court (cbsnews.com)

“I've just been in, like, every aspect of Pokémon my entire life.”

— Chase Pinheiro (cbsnews.com)

“It's the thing that everybody kind of gravitates towards when they're going through hard times or just enjoying their childhoods.”

— Sarah Natochenny, Voice Actress (cbsnews.com)

“It just like kinda lets us live our childhood over again.”

— Sheila Tovar, Mom (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Trainer Court and its partners plan to continue hosting Pokémon-themed events and giveaways throughout the year to celebrate the franchise's 30th anniversary.

The takeaway

The Pokémon franchise's 30th anniversary celebrations in New York City demonstrate the enduring popularity and community-building power of the brand, which has transcended generations and provided a sense of nostalgia and joy for fans, even in the face of challenges like the recent robbery at Trainer Court's store.