Join a Local Pokémon League

On February 27, 2026, participating hobby stores countrywide will host events for fans of all things Pokémon. Whether you’re into trading cards to fill out your collection, taking part in fun battles, joining a Raid Battle in Pokémon GO, or just hanging out with other Pokémon fans—there will be lots to enjoy at these celebrations.

Born in 1996 as a Nintendo Game Boy title and catapulted to fame through its wildly popular animated series, Pokémon has become a cultural juggernaut and the highest-grossing media franchise in the world. But beyond its billions in revenue and global brand dominance lies a well-established global community and many micro-communities.

Philip Galliford, spokesperson for Solarpop – distributor of Pokémon trading cards and merchandise in South Africa, believes that the brand has grown globally because it easily connects people of different ages, languages and backgrounds. “More than a game, it’s a pop culture touchstone. Kids grow into teens, teens into adults, and somehow, the love for Pokémon remains. We see it at gaming events where regulars have been playing for years.”

There are many Pokémon micro-communities in South Africa and they are growing and thriving. Join your closest one on Pokémon Day and celebrate in the festivities and game playing. See below for a list of participating stores, and contact them for more details.

The Big Bang Shop: Umhlanga Rocks

Wizards Collection: Johannesburg
The Jokers House: Cape Town
Pandemonium Games: Cape Town
Mirage Gaming: Pretoria
Mossdog Games: Paarl
Imperium Games: Somerset West
The Batcave Comics n Games: Durban
Oracle Gaming: Bloemfontein
Battle Bunker: Tygervalley

Follow @solarpopsouthafrica