Pokémon Go is set to receive a special crossover event with the Pokémon anime series, Pokémon Horizons. Announced via X (formerly Twitter), the event introduces elements from the latest anime, including a distinct Charmander and nods to the show's characters.
The crossover will allow players to capture a unique Charmander that wears Professor Friede’s goggles. This accessory will remain with the creature even as it evolves into Charmeleon and Charizard. Additional event bonuses are tied to the Go Battle Pass. Tier 1 of the pass offers double candy for Pokémon catches. Tier 2 extends the duration of Regular Lure Modules to one hour and increases the chance of attracting featured Pokémon. Tier 3 provides extra Stardust for catching Hatenna and Wattrel.
Further in-game content includes One-Star Raids featuring Pikachu wearing Cap’s hat, and Three-Star Raids that will host event-exclusive Charizard, Meowscarada, Skeledirge, and Quaquaval. This limited-time event is scheduled to run from September 16 at 10 a.m. to September 22 at 8 p.m. local time.
Pokémon Go, now over a decade old, continues to maintain significant popularity, ranking among the top 50 most downloaded free games on the App Store. In a notable business development, Niantic sold its video game division, which included Pokémon Go, to Scopely in March 2025 for $3.5 billion. Scopely is owned by Savvy Games Group, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
Pokémon Horizons, the latest television iteration of the franchise, premiered in 2023 and has since amassed 136 episodes. It distinguishes itself from previous series by not featuring Ash Ketchum as the protagonist. Instead, the show follows new characters Liko and Roy as they journey through the Paldea region, which was introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. The series is currently available for streaming on Netflix.