The world of Pokémon Go is set to collide with the Pokémon anime series in a special crossover episode debuting in Japan on September 18. This landmark event will introduce Professor Willow, a central figure in the mobile game, and his partner Pokémon, Meltan, to the animated franchise.
The episode, part of the Pokémon Horizons series, will feature Professor Willow and Meltan interacting with characters from the anime. A trailer released by the official Japanese Pokémon social media account shows Captain Pikachu interacting with a PokéStop, a feature from Pokémon Go that represents real-world locations. The trailer also hints at the appearance of a Kecleon, a Pokémon known for its camouflage abilities, mirroring its in-game mechanics.
While the exact circumstances of Professor Willow's encounter with the series' main protagonists, Roy and Liko, remain to be seen, the crossover highlights the ongoing connection between the game and its animated adaptations. Pokémon Go's canonicity within the broader Pokémon universe has often been left ambiguous, with Pokémon like Meltan and Melmetal, which first appeared in the game, officially listed as having an "Unidentified" region of origin.
Beyond the anime episode, Pokémon Go itself will host a crossover event from September 16 to September 22. During this period, players will have the opportunity to catch a Charizard wearing goggles, inspired by its appearance in the new anime episode, and a returning Captain Pikachu. This in-game event coincides with the episode's premiere in Japan. In the United States, Pokémon Horizons: Season 3 is available on Netflix, while U.K. audiences can watch it on BBC iPlayer.