Welcome to this week's Pokémon news roundup for October 6, 2026. We are tracking major announcements across the franchise, including a massive physical bundle for the next generation of hardware, the start of a highly competitive ranked season, fresh digital card updates, and space-themed mobile events.
Legends Z-A Switch 2 Bundle and Ranked Season 18
Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have announced a physical cartridge bundle for Pokémon Legends: Z-A and its Mega Dimension DLC. Releasing on October 29, 2026, this cartridge is optimized for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 but remains fully backward compatible with the original Nintendo Switch, offering 100 Ultra Balls as a Mystery Gift. Meanwhile, Ranked Battles Season 18 kicks off on October 7, 2026, limiting players to one special Legendary like Xerneas, Yveltal, or 'Zygarde' from the Lumiose and Hyperspace Pokédexes.
Pokémon TCG Pocket Dual-Typing and October Pass
The digital card game Pokémon TCG Pocket is rolling out dual-type cards this October, headlined by Mega Mewtwo X ex as a dual Psychic and Fighting-type. Players can also look forward to first partner ex cards like Piplup and Fuecoco. Additionally, the October 2026 Premium Pass is now live, giving players a chance to earn a Darkrai Art Rare Promo card and exclusive Mega Charizard X-themed accessories.
Pokémon GO Space Week and October Pass
In Pokémon GO, World Space Week 2026 is live until October 10 in partnership with the European Space Agency, featuring the debut of Astronaut Pikachu. Today also marks the launch of the GO Pass: October, which offers encounters with Kyogre and the return of the Lucky Trinket. Finally, a Team GO Rocket Taken Over event has refreshed Giovanni's lineup, meaning trainers must now prepare to face Shadow Zekrom.
To make the most of these updates, log into Pokémon GO before October 10 to catch Astronaut Pikachu and prepare ground- or dragon-type counters to defeat Giovanni's Shadow Zekrom. In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, prepare your Level 50 team for Ranked Battles Season 18 starting October 7, and keep an eye out for physical pre-orders of the new Switch 2 bundle. Finally, check your Pokémon TCG Pocket missions to start progress on the October Premium Pass for that Darkrai promo.