16 June 2026 – The Pokémon Company (headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara) 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 the official information unveiling for PokéXciting!, Pokémon RUN 30, official partnership with KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd (KLCCH), and limited-time Nintendo and Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE at Ombak KLCC.
The preview was attended by representatives from The Pokémon Company, Niantic, Inc., and Nintendo Co.,Ltd. as well as KLCCH. Guests at the press conference were also treated to a special Pikachu dance show and preview showcases of upcoming PokéXciting! activities planned for Kuala Lumpur.
More detailed information of the key announcements are as follows.
1. PokéXciting! in Kuala Lumpur Details Revealed!
2. Pokémon RUN 30: Run into the Future with Pokémon!
3. Ombak KLCC to Feature a First Nintendo POP-UP STORE and First Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE in Malaysia.
1. PokéXciting! in Kuala Lumpur Details Revealed!
To commemorate 30 years since the original Pokémon games, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green video games launched in Japan in 1996 for the Game Boy platform, The Pokémon Company is launching PokéXciting!, a large-scale party-style celebration across five cities in Asia, including Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Singapore, Manila, and Bangkok, bringing together entertainment, nostalgia, and interactive experiences across generations, making it one of the most ambitious Pokémon celebrations to date.
PokéXciting! in Kuala Lumpur will take place on 12 – 13 September at KLCC Park. Making its debut at PokéXciting! KL edition, the first-ever Pokémon drone show in Malaysia is set to light up the KL night sky, with a spectacular display of 3D animations, as beloved Pokémon appear one after another in dazzling illuminated formations.
Visitors can also look forward to a vibrant lineup of entertainment including a special appearance by PokéXciting! Pikachu*, slated to join the live stage show and series of performances lined up for the fans. Admission to the KLCC park remains free of charge for the public for PokéXciting!.
*PokéXciting! Pikachu is a unique Pikachu, bringing vibrant party vibes to every city! To enhance the excitement of PokéXciting!, PokéXciting! Pikachu will appear not only in Kuala Lumpur but at events in each city. PokéXciting! Pikachu will feature a different color costume unique to each city. For Kuala Lumpur, it will debut in a vibrant Turquoise! A special PokéXciting!-related event will also take place in Pokémon GO, where PokéXciting! Pikachu will appear in the game.
Mr. Susumu Fukunaga, Corporate Officer of The Pokémon Company stated: “We wanted PokéXciting! to feel bigger than just an event – it’s a celebration to thank all the fans across Asia for their support over the past three decades, and a chance for fans across the region to truly experience Pokémon together. Starting the tour in Kuala Lumpur makes this especially meaningful for us, and we cannot wait to see fans enjoy everything we have prepared! We would also like to thank our partner, KLCCH, for collaborating with us to launch PokéXciting! in Kuala Lumpur.”
PokéXciting! in Kuala Lumpur event details is as follows:
Event Location: KLCC Park
Event Dates: 12 – 13 September, 2026
Admission: Free (Open to everyone!)
For more information, visit official web page: https://my.portal-pokemon.com/30th/topics/pokexciting_news0/
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. As one of nine Pokémon RUN 30 events taking place across Asia, the event invites participants to embark on an immersive journey through the world of Pokémon in celebration of Pokémon’s past, present, and future.
Participants will begin their adventure by choosing their very first partner Pokémon. Along the immersive run course, 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 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.
Furthermore, a dedicated Festival Zone will be 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.
At the Festival Zone Special Pokémon POP-UP STORE special merchandise will be 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.
3. Ombak KLCC to Feature a First Nintendo POP-UP STORE and First Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE in Malaysia
KLCCH has officially partnered with Pokémon for the upcoming PokéXciting! celebrations. As a highlight of this landmark collaboration, 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 POPUP STORE, from 12 September to the end of December.
Datuk Sr Mohd. Salem Kailany, Group Chief Executive Officer of KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd, stated: “As the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the KLCC Precinct is more than a collection of iconic assets. It is a dynamic ecosystem where people, businesses, culture and tourism come together. This collaboration with The Pokémon Company exemplifies our placemaking approach, leveraging globally recognised intellectual property to create engaging experiences that enrich the visitor journey and contribute to the vibrancy of our city.”
Both POP-UP STORES are expected to draw massive crowds and generate immense excitement among local and international Nintendo and Pokémon enthusiasts. Further announcements regarding official opening dates, venue details, and entry guidelines will be released soon.
Below is an overview of what visitors can look forward to:
Malaysia’s first Nintendo official POP UP STORE
Nintendo will open a limited-time POP-UP STORE at Ombak KLCC, featuring official merchandise from popular Nintendo franchises. The pop-up will showcase a wide selection of products, 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.
Malaysia’s first Pokémon Center POP-UP STORE
Pokémon will 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. In addition, special merchandise commemorating the 30th anniversary is scheduled to go on sale. Additionally, a gaming experience booth will be set up in collaboration with Nintendo.
