The Pokémon Company hosted a highly anticipated press conference and preview on 16th June 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, making major milestone announcements for some first-ever series of events and activities debuting in the region to celebrate the Pokémon 30th Anniversary.
Amongst the highlights shared during the conference included new details for PokéXciting!, Pokémon RUN 30, an official partnership with KLCCH, and a limited-time Nintendo and Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE at Ombak KLCC. Here’s a quick rundown of everything that was revealed:
1. PokéXciting! in Kuala Lumpur
PokéXciting! is a large-scale party-style celebration across five cities in Asia, including Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Singapore, Manila, and Bangkok. The Kuala Lumpur edition will take place on 12 – 13 September at KLCC Park, featuring the first-ever Pokémon drone show in Malaysia.
Visitors can also look forward to a vibrant lineup of entertainment including a live stage show and performances featuring PokéXciting! Pikachu, a special version of Pikachu who will appear in different coloured costumes unique to each city. Admission to the KLCC park remains free of charge for the public for PokéXciting!. More information is available on the official website.
2. Pokémon RUN 30: Run into the Future with Pokémon!
Pokémon RUN is an interactive Fun Run experience that brings together Pokémon fans and runners in a themed adventure format. First held as the Pokémon RUN Carnival 2015 in Taiwan, the run is now making a comeback to more Asian countries, including Malaysia, as part of the celebrations for Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
Pokémon RUN 30: Malaysia Edition will be held on 21 – 22 November, where Trainers will encounter themed challenges inspired by the Pokémon world, including Gym Battles, encountering wild Pokémon, opportunities to fill their Pokédex Search Sheet, and chances to evolve their chosen partner Pokémon. Themed checkpoints and interactive elements throughout the course are designed to create a dynamic storytelling experience that brings the Pokémon journey to life.
A dedicated Festival Zone will also be made open to both participants and non-participants of the Pokémon RUN 30 with free admission. A walk-through memory lane will await visitors at the “Time Tunnel”, a special feature showcasing Pokémon’s history over the past 30 years, alongside immersive experience zones highlighting Pokémon’s latest content.
The Festival Zone will also feature a pop-up store where special merchandise will be made available for purchase. Participants of Pokémon RUN 30 will also receive a Special Pokémon RUN 30 Runner’s Kit, including a T-shirt sponsored by UNIQLO, as part of their registration benefits. Those interested can visit the Pokémon RUN 30 website for more details.
3. Nintendo & Pokémon Center Pop-Up Stores
KLCC’s highly anticipated new retail mall, Ombak KLCC, will play host to both a limited-time Nintendo pop-up store and Malaysia’s very first Pokémon Center pop-up store, running from 12 September to the end of December.
At the Nintendo pop-up store, visitors can look forward to official merchandise from popular Nintendo franchises, including popular items from Japan as well as the latest releases. In addition, exclusive merchandise will also be available with bright and energetic designs of Mario and friends in vibrant artwork.
Pokémon will also open its first-ever Pokémon Center pop-up store in Malaysia at Ombak KLCC for a limited time. The pop-up store will feature a wide range of products, including Pokémon Center Original merchandise, popular items such as trading cards and plush toys, and the latest releases. Visitors can also expect special merchandise commemorating the 30th anniversary, as well as a gaming experience booth organised in collaboration with Nintendo.
More information is available on the Pokémon Asia 30th Anniversary Official Site.
