30 Years of Pokémon!
In 2026, one of the world’s most beloved franchises celebrates a major milestone—Pokémon turns 30 years old!
What began on February 27, 1996, with the release of Pokémon Red and Green has grown into a global phenomenon spanning video games, television, movies, toys, collectibles, and much more. Today, Pokémon remains one of the most successful entertainment brands ever created, with generations of fans sharing their love for Pikachu and friends.
A 25-Year History with PEZ
For us collectors, Pokémon has always held a special place in the PEZ universe.
While Pokémon merchandise has appeared in countless forms over the past three decades, Pokémon and PEZ have shared a collecting history spanning more than 25 years. It all began in 2001, when the very first Pokémon PEZ dispensers were released in Europe, featuring fan favorites such as Pikachu, Mew, Meowth, Koffing, and Psyduck.
Those early releases quickly found their way into collections and laid the foundation for a Pokémon PEZ series that continues to delight collectors around the world today.
An Incredible Anniversary Lineup
PEZ is pulling out all the stops to celebrate Pokémon’s 30th Anniversary, and collectors are in for an incredible year. With an exciting lineup of brand-new releases, this is shaping up to be one of the biggest Pokémon celebrations we’ve seen from PEZ in years.
While we’re all eagerly counting down the days until the arrival of the brand-new Full Body Pikachu PEZ Dispenser (be sure to check out our dedicated article for all the details), that’s only the beginning of what PEZ has in store.
For years, Pokémon fans and PEZ collectors alike have been asking for more characters, more variety, and fresh additions beyond the familiar favorites.
This September, PEZ is finally making those wishes come true with an all-new Pokémon Gift Box featuring four dispensers, including two brand-new Pokémon characters making their PEZ debut.
Inside the new Gift Box you’ll find:
- Pikachu
- Eevee
- Umbreon (NEW!)
- Espeon (NEW!)
The addition of Umbreon and Espeon is fantastic news for collectors and longtime Pokémon fans. These two beloved Eeveelutions have been high on collectors’ wish lists for years, making this Gift Box one of the most exciting Pokémon PEZ releases in recent memory.
30th Anniversary Giant Pikachu
And that’s still not all!
To celebrate Pokémon’s 30th Anniversary, PEZ Candy USA is also releasing a special Giant Pikachu PEZ Dispenser. Based on the popular 2024 Giant Pikachu, this anniversary edition features an exclusive “Celebrating 30 Years” stem print along with an all-new commemorative package design, making it a worthy addition even for collectors who already own the original.
Unfortunately, there’s one small catch. Aside from the new Full Body Pikachu, both the Pokémon Gift Box and the 30th Anniversary Giant Pikachu will be available exclusively to collectors in the United States.
Check out our story- Full Body Pikachu PEZ Revealed
Updated Pokémon PEZ Pictorial
As always, we’ve already updated our Pokémon PEZ Pictorial to include all of these exciting new additions, ensuring you always have the most up-to-date overview of every Pokémon PEZ dispenser released.
Which of these new additions are you most excited to add to your collection?
Happy Collecting!
