Pokémon has officially and unexpectedly announced a brand-new game that’ll be releasing later this year. While details are a bit scarce, the new Pokémon game will be based around Team Rocket, the iconic villains from the Gen 1 games and anime. It looks like players will join Team Rocket’s ranks and attempt to rise through the organization’s ranks.
The announcement was officially revealed over on X, and then shared by numerous fan accounts and leakers. Details are pretty hush-hush at the moment. In fact, fans can’t even seem to agree on the translation. While most sites are calling it “Are You Perhaps With Team Rocket?,” others have branded it “Are You Perhaps A Team Rocket Grunt?” That really comes out to about the same thing. And either way, we know the game will be arriving sometime in 2026.
“Are You Perhaps With Team Rocket?” is a brand-new and officially-licensed Pokémon board game. The official artwork shows off a character, presumably the protagonist, in a hoodie and sneering. A mean-looking Pikachu and a Koffing are on either side of them. We’ve also seen some cards from the board game, although they admittedly don’t reveal too much.
We reported on the trademark filing for the game last month, and other than seeing the official confirmation that the game exists, we really don’t know much more about it now. Based on the cards we’ve seen, this isn’t related to the Pokémon TCG, but rather is a brand-new kind of board game that seemingly lets you join the ranks of Team Rocket. Right now, there’s no word on when (or if) the new game will arrive in the States, but considering Pokémon‘s global popularity, the odds seem good that we’ll get it Stateside in the future.
This year is Pokémon‘s 30th anniversary, and “Are You Perhaps With Team Rocket?” is just one of many new releases for 2026. From Pokémon Champions releasing on Switch and mobile to the upcoming Pokémon TCG‘s 30th Celebration set, there’s a lot over on the gaming side. We’ve also seen new figurines, apparel, and other merchandise collabs — with more on the way.
In other words, even if “Are You Perhaps With Team Rocket?” doesn’t end up outside of Japan in 2026, this has still been a great year for Pokémon fans. And with the year only halfway over, expect to see other new releases and announcements happening before 2027 arrives.
- TV Show(s)
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Pokémon
- Video Game(s)
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Pokemon Red and Blue, Pokemon Yellow, Pokemon Gold and Silver, Pokémon Crystal, Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, Pokemon Sapphire, Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, Pokemon Platinum, Pokemon Black and White, Pokemon Black and White 2, Pokemon X and Y, Pokemon Sun and Moon, Pokemon Sword and Shield, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Pokemon Winds and Waves, Pokemon Legends Arceus, Pokemon Legends Z-A
- First Film
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Pokemon: The First Movie
- First TV Show
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Pokémon
- First Game
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Pokemon Red and Blue
- Genres
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RPG
Pokémon is a Japanese multimedia franchise created by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori, launched by Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures in 1996. Centered on fictional creatures called Pokémon, the series spans video games, trading cards, animation, films, merchandise, and competitive events. Players assume the role of Trainers who capture, battle, and trade Pokémon. It is one of the highest-grossing entertainment franchises in history.