Game Freak, Nintendo, and Universal Music Group are teaming up to release “Pokémon 25: The Album” in Fall 2021. The album is designed to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Pokémon game franchise. It will feature 14 tracks by Katy Perry, Post Malone, J Balvin, and eight other artists. 

The special project was announced on February 27th during a virtual concert seen on Pokémon’s official YouTube channel. As part of the event, Post Malone performed a cover of “Only Wanna Be With You” by Hootie and the Blowfish. Post Malone’s cover will be one of the 14 songs featured on the tracklist. Music videos and merchandise will also be released in tandem with the album. 

This is not the only project in Pokémon’s sights to celebrate the special occasion. There will also be a remake of the 4th generation games Diamond and Pearl, which will now be dubbed Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Additionally, a new open-world roleplaying game called Pokémon Legends: Arceus is set for 2022.  

Fan reactions have been a jubilant mix of both excitement and nostalgia. Many have taken to Twitter with fan drawings or lists of their favorite Pokémon throughout the years. User @ishavenanderic tweeted, “i can already tell you that song of the year will be “only wanna be with you – pokemon 25 version” by post malone.” 

The Pokémon franchise certainly has no shortage of content to dole out to expecting fans. With a bevy of games, toys, movies, TV shows, clothes, and now music, the world of catching pocket monsters appears endless. Additionally, online love for the franchise comes from all over the world in a multitude of languages.

“Pokémon 25: The Album” will be released in the fall of this year. The exact date is yet to be announced.