If you're on the lookout for rare Pokémon, you should stay up to date on special Pokémon distributions. The Pokémon you get from them are usually quite different from any you can obtain in normal gameplay. Some may be Shiny Pokémon, while others may know moves that Pokémon of their species can't normally learn. They are also often found in a Cherish Ball, a special Poké Ball that can't be obtained by other means.
Check out the list of ongoing events in North America below to find out how you can add some of these rare Pokémon to your collection. These Pokémon may be available via the Nintendo Network, a Pokémon Pass event at a participating retailer, a QR Code, or by visiting a specific real world event. The events that began most recently are listed first.
You can also check out past Pokémon distributions.
Item:
Shiny Baneful Fox Mask
Game: Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Distribution Method: Mystery Gift
Distribution Period: June 22, 2022 – May 31, 2023
Pokémon:
Turtwig
Game: Pokémon HOME
Distribution Method: Mystery Gift (iOS and Android devices)
Distribution Period: Starting May 17, 2022, at 11:00 p.m. PDT
Note: Learn more about this distribution.
Poké Ball: Poké Ball
Gender: Male
Level: 5
Original Trainer: Main Character
Nature: Adamant
Ability: Shell Armor
Moves: Tackle, Withdraw
Pokémon:
Chimchar
Game: Pokémon HOME
Distribution Method: Mystery Gift (iOS and Android devices)
Distribution Period: Starting May 17, 2022, at 11:00 p.m. PDT
Note: Learn more about this distribution.
Poké Ball: Poké Ball
Gender: Male
Level: 5
Original Trainer: Main Character
Nature: Hasty
Ability: Iron Fist
Moves: Leer, Scratch
Pokémon:
Piplup
Game: Pokémon HOME
Distribution Method: Mystery Gift (iOS and Android devices)
Distribution Period: Starting May 17, 2022, at 11:00 p.m. PDT
Note: Learn more about this distribution.
Poké Ball: Poké Ball
Gender: Male
Level: 5
Original Trainer: Main Character
Nature: Modest
Ability: Defiant
Moves: Growl, Pound
Pokémon:
Rowlet
Game: Pokémon HOME
Distribution Method: Mystery Gift (iOS and Android devices)
Distribution Period: Starting May 17, 2022, at 11:00 p.m. PDT
Notes: This Pokémon has maximum effort levels. Learn more about this distribution.
Poké Ball: Poké Ball
Gender: Male
Level: 5
Original Trainer: Main Character
Nature: Jolly
Moves: Gust
Pokémon:
Cyndaquil
Game: Pokémon HOME
Distribution Method: Mystery Gift (iOS and Android devices)
Distribution Period: Starting May 17, 2022, at 11:00 p.m. PDT
Notes: This Pokémon has maximum effort levels. Learn more about this distribution.
Poké Ball: Poké Ball
Gender: Male
Level: 5
Original Trainer: Main Character
Nature: Modest
Moves: Quick Attack
Pokémon:
Oshawott
Game: Pokémon HOME
Distribution Method: Mystery Gift (iOS and Android devices)
Distribution Period: Starting May 17, 2022, at 11:00 p.m. PDT
Notes: This Pokémon has maximum effort levels. Learn more about this distribution.
Poké Ball: Poké Ball
Gender: Male
Level: 5
Original Trainer: Main Character
Nature: Rash
Moves: Tackle
Pokémon:
Arceus
Games: Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl
Distribution Method: Pokémon Legends: Arceus save records
Distribution Period: Starting March 15 at 6:00 p.m. PDT
Pokémon:
Mew
Games: Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl
Distribution Method: Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! save records
Distribution Period: Starting November 19, 2021
Note: Learn more about this distribution.
Level: 1
Nature: Random
Ability: Synchronize
Moves: Pound, Reflect Type
Pokémon:
Jirachi
Games: Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl
Distribution Method: Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield save records
Distribution Period: Starting November 19, 2021
Note: Learn more about this distribution.
Level: 5
Nature: Random
Ability: Serene Grace
Moves: Confusion, Wish
The code cards necessary to invite the Pokémon below to join your team aren't currently available in stores. But if you have one of these code cards, you can still redeem it until the code redemption end date listed below.
Pokémon:
Magearna
Games: Pokémon Ultra Sun, Pokémon Ultra Moon, Pokémon Sun, and Pokémon Moon
Distribution Method: QR Code
Distribution Period: Starting December 5, 2016
Note: You must complete the main story to use this code.
Poké Ball: Cherish Ball
Held Item: Bottle Cap
Level: 50
Nature: Random
Ability: Soul-Heart
Moves: Fleur Cannon, Flash Cannon, Lucky Chant, Helping Hand
