Pokémon is a franchise that refuses to quit. Since the launch of Red and Green in 1996 (later renamed Blue for its Western release), the series has continued on, getting stronger with every year. Even today, the huge range of games, merchandise, and TV series remain popular in both the adult and child demographics. Now, as the brand celebrates its 20th anniversary, here’s why I believe that 2016 will be the year of Pokémon.

First of all, 2015 was a relatively disappointing year for Pokémon fans, as it was the first year with no major series release in the West since 2010. What we did get, however, were promises of things to come in 2016, ranging from Pokken Tournament for the Wii U and Pokémon Blue, Red and yellow to the eShop, to Pikachu coming to Build-a-Bear and a re-release of the original Pokémon trading cards.

Whilst there has been no announcement of the next main series title as of yet, I think it’s a fair shot to say that we’ll at least be getting a Pokémon Z announcement in the second half of the year, especially judging on how successful the series has been. Another sign I think that points to a potential Pokémon Z is the reveal of Shadow Mewtwo in Pokken Tournament. Mewtwo was a popular Pokémon that was brought back into the games in recent times in order to showcase Mega Evolution. Now the legendary Pokémon is back with a new Shadow form, a brand new appearance that, so far, has no explanation or back story. But that’s not all that’s been revealed, recently the Pokémon quora announced new forms for the Kalos 3^rd legendary Zygarde and a new legendary Pokémon called Magearna that somehow has ties to Volcanion that’s seems likely predictable to be in the next Pokémon game title. Pokémon Z or Diamond and Pearl Remakes anyone?

The biggest, most exciting thing that is coming to the Pokémon franchise next year is without a doubt, Pokémon GO. Nintendo is finally releasing the game that those of us that grew up with Pokémon have been wanting for years. After a $30 million investment, The Pokémon Company has sunk a lot of time and money into this project, as well as partnered with Ingress developers Niantic in order to make the Augmented Reality title. Pokémon GO will be the first major Nintendo game to have been made for mobile devices and, if successful, it could be the start of a something big for the company.

Regardless of whether any new main series title is announced this year, it’s a huge year to be a Pokémon fan. What game are you most excited about this year?