“Pokémon” Goes Analog With New Polaroid Collaboration

At this point, is there anything Pokémon cannot do?

For 30 years, the franchise has managed to evolve right alongside its fans. From video games and animation to trading cards, toys, fashion and collaborations that seemingly touch every corner of pop culture, Pokémon has become one of those rare properties that simply refuses to slow down.

And now, as everything old continues to become new again, Pokémon is catching another cultural wave.

This time, we are going analog.

As younger generations continue to rediscover physical media, instant photography and the simple fun of actually holding something in their hands, Pokémon is teaming up with Polaroid for a new limited-edition collection of cameras, film and accessories.

Because apparently catching Pokémon is not enough.

Now we need to capture our memories with them too.

Created as part of Pokémon’s ongoing 30th anniversary celebration, the Polaroid x Pokémon collection includes nine special-edition products centered around Pikachu, Sylveon and, naturally, the iconic Poké Ball.

Leading the collection are three instant cameras.

The Polaroid Now Gen 3 gets transformed with a Poké Ball-inspired design, while the smaller Polaroid Go Gen 3 receives two different Pokémon makeovers featuring Pikachu and Sylveon.

And the Pokémon touches do not end with the cameras themselves.

Fans will also be able to pick up special-edition instant film featuring Pokémon-themed frames and custom dark slides. The lineup includes Color i-Type Film Pokémon Edition alongside Go Color Film double packs inspired by Pikachu and Sylveon.

For those wanting to completely Pokémon-ify their new photography obsession, there are accessories too.

A Pokémon Edition Go Camera Case, Go Photo Album and Camera Strap round out the collection, giving fans somewhere to carry their camera and, more importantly, somewhere physical to keep all those photos once they have been snapped.

It is a collaboration that arrives at a rather perfect time.

For all the technology constantly surrounding us, analog experiences have found an interesting new life. Vinyl records are cool again. Physical media has its dedicated collectors. Older cameras have found new fans, and instant photography offers something a phone camera simply cannot replicate: one photograph, printed right there in your hand.

There is no camera roll filled with 30 nearly identical attempts.

There is just the moment.

And Pokémon fits surprisingly well into that idea.

The franchise itself has always been about collecting experiences as much as collecting Pokémon. Traveling somewhere new. Meeting someone unexpected. Finding something you were not looking for. Creating memories with the friends accompanying you along the way.

Now fans can turn some of those real-world adventures into their own tangible keepsakes.

It is also another example of just how seemingly unbeatable Pokémon remains three decades after its debut.

Pokémon does not have to rely solely on nostalgia to stay relevant. Instead, it continues finding ways to take that nostalgia and connect it with whatever fans are enjoying now. In this case, a decidedly retro form of photography has become the latest playground for Pikachu and friends.

And somehow, it works.

The limited-edition Polaroid x Pokémon collection will launch globally, with pre-orders opening August 25 through Pokémon Center in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, as well as through Polaroid. The full collection is set to release October 5.

So maybe put the phone away for the next adventure.

Pikachu is ready for their close-up — and this time, there is only one shot.