New York's Times Square experienced a dramatic 'malfunction' on 9 July 2026, as the area's iconic screens turned blank before displaying a red warning message. The unusual event was part of a surprise live event to mark the 10th anniversary of Pokémon GO, hijacking the bustling square for a historic raid battle.
Thousands gather for live raid battle
Thousands of fans lined the streets of New York City to participate in the event, which brought the game's 2015 launch trailer to life. Players worked together to take down the legendary Pokémon Mega MewTwo Y in a real-world, immersive battle. Over 1,000 players collaborated, making it one of the largest gatherings in Pokémon GO history.
Daily Star reporter Bekka Barnard, who was on the scene, even managed to catch a bright green shiny version of MewTwo at the battle's climax. The event saw many participants successfully capturing the legendary Pokémon.
Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Global continues
The adventure continues with Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Global, running from 11th to 12th July across the world, free to all Trainers. Every participant will receive access to exclusive Special Research that leads to an encounter with the Mythical Pokémon Zeraora. Increased Shiny Pokémon encounter rates and event-specific gameplay bonuses are also available without needing a paid premium ticket.
Additionally, more than two dozen Pokémon GO community celebrations are taking place worldwide to bring the live experience to even more communities. For further details on local events, players are directed to the official Pokémon GO blog.
