Around a month ago, we reported on retro N64/PS1-style platforming Frogun, a charming title about a girl named Renata who explores a host of ruins with her ritual amphibian grappling hook friend. Well, now we have a release date! The old-fashioned platformer will be leaping onto Nintendo Switch August 2nd….

Rejoice, those who were kids (or young at heart) in the late ’00s! After abruptly becoming inaccessible in March due to what Nintendo vaguely described as “maintenance,” the Wii Shop Channel and DSi Shop are both up and operational! … And mostly functionless, as nobody’s been able to buy anything…

Maybe you’ve caught wind of the recent wave of Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope news and thought to check the game out, but wondered what its predecessor is like. Well, wonder no longer, because Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is the next free Game Trial for Nintendo Switch Online…

Can you believe it’s been six years since Pokémon GO was officially released and took the world by storm? That’s six years of catching Pokémon, battling, trading, playing on the go or at home, and more. To celebrate this milestone, Niantic is hosting another anniversary event. Since this year it’s the 6th anniversary, they’re using that number as part of this year’s theme. Charmander, Charmeleon, and Charizard fans, this one is for you! Each of these Pokémon will be donning party hats during this event and Pikachu will join in on the fun with its own celebratory hat. Check out everything that’s happening for this year’s Pokémon GO Anniversary Event with our guide below:

Begins: Wednesday, July 6th, 2022 at 10 a.m. your local time.

Ends: Tuesday, July 12th, 2022 at 8 p.m. your local time.

Happy 6th anniversary, Pokémon GO! Since it’s the 6th anniversary, Niantic is going with a 6-number theme. Who is sixth in the Pokédex? Why that’s Charizard! To celebrate, Party Hat Charmander can now finally be evolved into Party Hat Charmeleon and Party Hat Charizard. These two new additions will be appearing during the event, along with the return of Party Hat Charmander. That’s not all – as it wouldn’t be an anniversary event with a Costumed Pikachu. This time, Pikachu is sporting a Cake-shaped hat (and referred to as a Cake Costume Pikachu).

Note: The Cake Costume Pikachu, Party Hat Charmeleon, and Party Hat Charizard will be referred to as Costumed Pikachu, Costumed Charmeleon, and Costumed Charizard for the rest of the guide. Standard versions of these Pokémon, as well as the standard Charmander and Party Hat Charmander, will be noted throughout the guide as well.

The Global Challenge issued during Pokémon GO Fest Berlin was met, which means there are some Ultra Unlock bonuses available for this event. They include:

Note: Pokémon marked with an * means that “If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny one!”

Note: Pokémon marked with an * means that “If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny one!”

The following Pokémon will be appearing in Raids:

New event-exclusive Field Research Tasks will be available and the rewards include encounters with Bulbasaur*, Charmander* (standard, no costume), Squirtle*, Chikorita*, Cyndaquil*, Totodile*, Treecko*, Torchic*, Mudkip*, Turtwig*, Chimchar*, Piplup*, Snivy*, Tepig*, Oshawott*, Chespin, Fennekin, Froakie, Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio. These Field Research Tasks can be found when spinning PokéStops (and acquired if you have an open slot in your Field Research menu) when the event is active.

Note: Pokémon marked with an * means that “If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Shiny one!”

There will be an event-exclusive Timed Research focused on catching Water Rotom. Trainers who complete the Timed Research will be rewarded with a Wash Rotom Encounter and more!

Dress up your avatar to the nines (or sixes in this year’s case) and celebrate this year’s anniversary with some classy duds. A white tuxedo clothing set and Cake Hats will be available to purchase via the in-game shop during the event and will be available afterwards.

For this event, there will be an assortment of anniversary-themed stickers! The six stickers feature Pikachu (standard and Costumed), Bulbasaur, Charmander (standard and Costumed), Costumed Charmeleon, Costumed Charizard, and Squirtle. You can get them by spinning PokéStops, opening Gifts, and/or purchasing them from Pokémon GO’s in-game shop during the event.

It’s not a real party until Team GO Rocket crashes the event. From Saturday, July 9th, 2022 at 12 a.m. to Sunday, July 10th, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. your local time, Team GO Rocket will be throwing a party of sorts. Prepare for battles, Giovanni with a Shadow Latios, and more! Check out our separate guide for the event here.

Looking for more help with Pokémon GO? Check out our other guides!

Illustrator, designer, writer and big Nintendo geek, you can find Jennifer with an N3DS within reach 24/7. As the oldest of three, she has survived many Mario Party, Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart sessions intact in addition to getting her brothers hooked on some really weird games. (Cubivore anyone?)