A 30th Anniversary Collaboration
Polaroid and The Pokémon Company have announced a special edition collection of instant cameras, film, and accessories celebrating the Pokémon franchise's 30th anniversary, as reported by Engadget and Ubergizmo. The collaboration features three distinct camera designs, themed film packs, and coordinated accessories, all styled after iconic Pokémon and the series' signature Poké Ball motif.
The collection is largely a cosmetic redesign of Polaroid's existing hardware, with neither outlet reporting new internal specifications for the devices. Engadget described it as "mostly a reskin of the company's existing products," while Ubergizmo called it "a cosmetic redesign tailored specifically for collectors, photography enthusiasts, and pop culture fans."
The Pokémon Company and Polaroid have officially partnered for this release, according to Ubergizmo, which noted the franchise's global recognition as part of the announcement.
The Cameras
The lineup includes two compact cameras based on the Polaroid Go Generation 3. The Pikachu Edition has a bright yellow body and a wrist strap shaped like a lightning bolt, a detail Ubergizmo highlighted, while Engadget specified it as a strap shaped like Pikachu's tail. The Sylveon Edition features a pastel pink and blue palette, with Engadget describing a white and pink body and a multi-colored strap styled after the Fairy-type Pokémon's ribbons and bows.
Both Go cameras are priced at approximately $100 in the North American market, with Engadget listing them at $100 each and Ubergizmo at $99.99. The larger Polaroid Now Generation 3 – Poké Ball Edition uses the red-and-white color scheme of a standard Poké Ball, complete with a shutter button shaped like a Poké Ball, according to Engadget. It is priced around $140 and uses standard i-Type film for larger prints, as reported by Ubergizmo.
Engadget noted that the Go cameras include the stronger flash and more zoomed-in lens that Polaroid added to its third-generation models, while the Now Generation 3 has improved ranging sensors and a better-placed light meter for optimized exposures, per Polaroid's statements.
Film and Accessories
The collection extends beyond cameras. Engadget reported that the smaller Polaroid Go Film comes with decorative frames featuring Pikachu and Sylveon, while the Polaroid Color i-Type Film includes frames with Togepi, Mew, and Snorlax. Ubergizmo described these as "collectible character silhouettes."
Both outlets noted that the disposable dark slides—protective cards ejected when loading new film—feature custom Pokémon graphics. Engadget added that a web portal allows users to track collected dark slides, turning them into a collectible component.
Accessories include a Pokéball-shaped carrying case for the Go camera, a themed photo album, and a camera strap, according to Engadget. Ubergizmo similarly listed a protective case, an adjustable shoulder strap, and a photo album styled with Poké Ball motifs.
Pricing and Release
Pricing details were consistent across the two reports. The Go cameras are priced at $99.99 or $100 each, the Now camera at $139.99 or $140, Go film double packs at $25, and i-Type film at $23, as reported by Engadget.
Preorders open on August 25, with Engadget noting availability directly from Polaroid or the Pokémon Center. Ubergizmo specified that preorders open across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom via official Polaroid and Pokémon Center online stores. The general release is scheduled for October 5, with Engadget confirming the date and Ubergizmo noting international availability with regional pricing to be confirmed.