Welcome to this week's Pokémon game news roundup for October 1, 2026. We have a massive week of announcements, from physical Nintendo Switch 2 bundles to packed in-game events in Pokémon GO and Scarlet and Violet. Here is everything you need to know to stay ahead.
New Switch 2 Physical Bundles Announced
Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have announced a physical cartridge bundle for Pokémon Legends: Z-A and its Hoopa-centric Mega Dimension DLC, releasing on October 29, 2026. Optimized for the Nintendo Switch 2 but backwards compatible with the original Switch, this single-cartridge release includes a bonus code for 100 Ultra Balls. Additionally, a physical Game-Key Card for Pokémon Pokopia and its Expansion Pass will launch on the same day in Japan and Korea, featuring a bonus Berry Furniture set code.
Pokémon GO Events and HOME Updates
Pokémon GO is hosting a jam-packed week starting with the Harvest Festival: Applin Picking event featuring the debut of Shiny Applin. Players can also look forward to a GO Rocket takeover starting October 2 to rescue Shadow Zekrom, a Gigantamax Cinderace Max Battle Day on October 3, and a Seedot Spotlight Hour tonight with double catch XP. Meanwhile, Pokémon HOME will undergo maintenance on October 7 to roll out update 4.1.0, adding compatibility for the FireRed and LeafGreen re-releases.
Last Chance for Mightiest Mark Dragonite
For Gen 9 players, the 7-star black crystal Tera Raid Battle featuring the Level 100 Normal-type Dragonite with the Mightiest Mark is ending today, October 1, at 23:59 UTC. This marks the end of the first rerun in a planned series of Powerhouse Pokémon events, so make sure to challenge it before time runs out.
To make the most of this week, jump into Pokémon GO tonight between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM local time for the Seedot Spotlight Hour, and prepare your Max Battle teams for the Gigantamax Cinderace event on October 3. If you are playing Scarlet and Violet, defeat the Mightiest Mark Dragonite immediately before the raid ends tonight. Finally, keep an eye out for pre-orders of the upcoming physical Switch 2 bundles releasing on October 29.