Today is October 3, 2026, and we have a massive roundup of Pokémon news spanning next-gen physical releases, major mobile events, and high-level raid updates that players should know about this week.
Next-Gen Physical Bundle and Retro Rumors
Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have announced a physical cartridge bundle for Pokémon Legends: Z-A and its Mega Dimension DLC. Titled the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, this cartridge releases on October 29, 2026, and is fully backward-compatible with the original Nintendo Switch, complete with a bonus code for 100 Ultra Balls. Meanwhile, rumors suggest that the classic Game Boy Advance titles Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire may arrive on Nintendo Switch Online as early as October 8.
Massive Events in Pokémon GO and Twitch Drops
Today, October 3, marks the Gigantamax Cinderace Max Battle Day from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM local time, giving players a chance to catch a Shiny Gigantamax Cinderace. This kicks off an action-packed October that includes World Space Week featuring Astronaut Pikachu and a Harvest Festival event with Shadow Zekrom. Additionally, trainers who watch 30 minutes of the Pokémon Night Out livestream on Twitch on October 24 will earn an exclusive in-game baseball jersey.
Scarlet and Violet Powerhouse Tera Raids
In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Game Freak has initiated a series of high-level 7-star black crystal Tera Raid reruns featuring ten fully evolved powerhouse Pokémon carrying the Mightiest Mark. The first phase featuring a Normal-type Mighty Dragonite concluded on October 1, and players should prepare their teams as the next powerhouse rotation is expected to cycle into Paldea very soon.
To make the most of these updates, log into Pokémon GO today during the local event window to battle Gigantamax Cinderace, link your Twitch account to your Pokémon Trainer Club account before October 24, and keep your best battle-ready teams prepped in Scarlet and Violet for the next 7-star Tera Raid boss.