Pokémon GO celebrated its 10th anniversary [1] with a large-scale Mewtwo raid that took over Times Square in New York City on July 9, 2026.
The event highlights the enduring popularity of augmented-reality gaming and the ability of digital experiences to mobilize thousands of people in physical urban spaces.
Organizers Niantic and The Pokémon Company coordinated the takeover to recreate the game's original trailer [1, 2]. The immersive experience transformed the heart of the U.S. city into a real-world adventure, utilizing the massive digital billboards of Times Square to display the raid battle [3].
Attendance figures for the gathering varied across reports. Some sources said that hundreds of players participated [4], while other reports said nearly 2,000 players were present [5]. This scale of participation underscores the community's continued engagement a decade after the game's initial release.
The event concluded at 9:45 p.m. EDT on July 9 [6]. The celebration served as a milestone for the franchise, marking 10 years of integrating virtual creatures into the physical landscape of cities worldwide.
By bringing a high-profile raid to one of the most visited locations on earth, the organizers aimed to bridge the gap between the game's digital mechanics and a shared physical spectacle. The Mewtwo raid served as the centerpiece of the anniversary festivities, drawing crowds to collaborate in a synchronized effort to defeat the legendary Pokémon.
“Pokémon GO celebrated its 10th anniversary with a large-scale Mewtwo raid that took over Times Square.”
The scale of the Times Square event demonstrates that augmented-reality (AR) technology remains a powerful tool for driving foot traffic and creating large-scale social events. By leveraging a 10-year legacy, Niantic and The Pokémon Company are proving that AR can maintain long-term user retention and successfully merge digital entertainment with physical tourism on a global stage.
