Pokemon Sun, Moon release date, details announced

Six generations of Pokémon have delighted aspiring trainers for 20 years, and now, a seventh generation is on its way to usher in the the franchise’s future.

Nintendo and The Pokémon Company announced that Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon will be released on the Nintendo 3DS this holiday season. No exact release date was announced, but the Nintendo Direct, which unveiled the announcement, did reveal that those who purchase digital copies of Pokémon Red, Blue, or Yellow on their 3DS, all three of which will be available beginning Feb. 27, will be able to use the online storage systems the franchise has introduced to bring in Pokémon from the original games for use in Sun and Moon.

No other details were offered about the two games, but the Direct comes as part of the franchise’s 20th anniversary on Feb. 27. This year will also see the release of Pokken Tournament on the Wii U and the expected release of Pokémon GO on mobile devices. The reveal of Sun and Moon offered less of a look at the game in motion and more at concept art and designs for what’s to come, so expect more details in the following months.

For more on the announcement, and a remembrance of the series’ two decades, check out the trailer below. And to celebrate the 20th anniversary, check out EW’s ranking of the six Pokémon generations currently available.

And for more, watch the full Nintendo Direct presentation honoring the franchise below.