Welcome to this week's Pokémon news roundup for August 15, 2026. We have a massive wave of updates spanning the main series, mobile spin-offs, the Trading Card Game, and the upcoming World Championships. Here is everything you need to know to stay ahead of the game this week.
Scarlet and Violet Tera Raids and Outbreaks
From August 14 to August 20, 2026, players can challenge a level 100 Ghost Tera Type Annihilape in 7-star black crystal Tera Raid Battles. This formidable opponent features the Mightiest Mark and the Defiant Ability. While you can battle it multiple times for rewards, you can only catch it once per save file. At the same time, special Mass Outbreaks of Mankey, Primeape, and Annihilape are active across Paldea and Kitakami, offering a boosted chance to find them with the Angry Mark.
Spin-Off Milestones and Legends Z-A Debuts
The Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive social-simulation game Pokémon Pokopia has officially surpassed 5 million units sold globally since its March 2026 launch. This milestone follows the release of its first paid DLC, Bubbly Basin, alongside a free update allowing Ditto to explore underwater. Meanwhile, Pokémon Masters EX has kicked off its Marvelous Mega Run-Up to 7 event on August 13, introducing characters from the late-2025 title Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Players can now scout Harmony and Feraligatr (capable of Mega Evolving into Mega Feraligatr) as well as Urbain and Meganium as EX Fair-Exclusive Sync Pairs.
TCG Releases and World Championship Celebrations
On the physical side, the First Partner Illustration Collection Series 3 launched on August 7, featuring rare-style promo cards of starters from Hoenn, Kalos, and Paldea. Local Play! Pokémon stores will also host 2026 Worlds Celebration Tournaments from August 21 to August 30, where participants can earn an exclusive Pikachu promo card.
World Championship and PokémonXP Events
Finally, preparation is underway for the 2026 Pokémon World Championships and the new PokémonXP convention in San Francisco from August 28 to August 30. In-game celebrations start early, with Pokémon GO hosting an event from August 25 to August 28 featuring Pikachu wearing a Cosmog-themed spacesuit and World Championships 2026 Pikachu. Pokémon TCG Live is also running a themed Battle Board event from August 6 to September 3.
What Players Should Do Next
To make the most of these events, make sure to log into Pokémon Scarlet or Violet before August 20 to update your Poké Portal News and prepare a team for the 7-star raid. Check with your local game stores to register for the upcoming Worlds Celebration Tournaments to secure your promo card. Lastly, log into Pokémon Masters EX to claim free scout tickets and prepare for the World Championships livestreams starting August 28 to claim exclusive Twitch Drops.