For the first time ever, PokemonXP and the 2026 Pokemon World Championships shared the same weekend, and the inaugural event delivered one announcement after another. Trainers gathered in San Francisco to crown this year’s champions — and to hear big news about where Pokemon is headed next.
From a brand-new animated movie to a historic tournament location reveal, here’s everything that was announced.
## 2027 World Championships Head to Singapore
The 2027 Pokemon World Championships will take place at Singapore EXPO, marking the first time the event journeys to Southeast Asia. Fans can track further details as they’re released on the official Worlds site.
## ‘Pokemon: Wild Card’ — A New Animated Movie
The most jaw-dropping reveal was “Pokemon: Wild Card,” an all-new feature-length animated film slated to begin rolling out in 2027. It’s the first Pokemon movie in years, and the story takes a fresh direction: it follows an aspiring Pokémon Trading Card Game player paired with Mimikyu, the Disguise Pokémon. The film is being produced in collaboration with STORY inc. and CloverWorks, one of Japan’s most respected animation studios.
## Z Mega Evolution Arrives in Pokemon Champions
Trainers eager for more power will get what they’ve been waiting for. Pokémon capable of Z Mega Evolution make their debut in Pokemon Champions on Sept. 9, 2026. The lineup includes Mega Lucario Z, Mega Garchomp Z, and Mega Absol Z, alongside Baxcalibur and Rillaboom. Heatran is also teased as a future addition to battle.
## A Pokémon GO Milestone with Mega Evolution Upgrades
Pokemon GO just turned 10, and it’s celebrating with meaningful gameplay changes. For the first time, eligible Mega-Evolved Pokémon will gain access to a third Charged Attack, opening up new battle strategy. Starting next season, Mega-Evolved Pokémon can be used at all levels in GO Battle League. Armored Mewtwo is also returning to Pokemon GO soon.
## The Pokémon TCG Gets Z Mega Evolution and the ex★ Series
The Trading Card Game is getting its own Mega Evolution moment. Mega Lucario Z ex debuts now, with more Mega attack cards coming soon, including Mega Rayquaza ex, Mega Darkrai ex, Mega Greninja ex, and Mega Zygarde ex.
Fans also got a first look at the new ex★ Series, featuring the legendary beasts Raikou, Entei, and Suicune. Meanwhile, Pokemon TCG Pocket will introduce dual-type Pokémon starting in October 2026.
## More Across the Pokémon Universe
– **Pokemon UNITE:** Morpeko, Toxtricity, Jolteon, and Flareon are joining as playable Pokémon, with more details on their moves and roles to come.
– **LEGO Pokémon:** Five new LEGO Pokémon creatures are teased for 2027. The event also showcased the world’s biggest LEGO Pokémon builds — including a community-made Rayquaza using over 400,000 bricks — plus record-setting Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise structures.
## This Weekend’s Champions
Beyond the announcements, the competition concluded with a new set of titleholders. Notable winners include Vikram Thiagarajan (UK) in the Video Game Senior Division, Takuma Yamazaki (JP) in Masters, and Jake Ng (AU) in the TCG Senior Division.
With PokemonXP now established as a landmark event and the Worlds pointed toward Singapore, the next year promises to be one of the biggest in Pokémon history.
For the latest, visit PokemonXP.com and the official World Championships site.
