The Pokémon GO 8th Anniversary Party ran from June 28 to July 3, 2024, and is over. Its headline additions were party-hat Grimer and Muk, while using the Mystery Box during the event could bring a Shiny Meltan encounter. This retrospective guide covers the event schedule, rotating bonuses and research offers as they were announced.
When was the Pokémon GO 8th Anniversary Party?
The event ran from Friday, June 28, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. through Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 8:00 p.m., all in local time. Its bonuses, purchase windows and event Timed Research have ended. Niantic’s event announcement has the original details.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Pokémon GO Plus + | $144.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Pokémon GO Plus + | $124.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Pokemon Go Plus + | $149.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Silicone Case for Poke Go Plus + (2023), Go Plus Plus Cover Case with Strap, Soft Protective Case... | $12.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Pokemon Go Plus + (Renewed) | Buy on Amazon |
What were the main event features?
Party-hat Pokémon and Shiny Meltan
Party-hat Grimer and Muk debuted during the event, and shiny versions could appear. Using the Mystery Box during the event could produce a Shiny Meltan encounter; the box could also be opened more frequently than usual during the event.
Wild encounters
Featured wild Pokémon included Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle and Eevee wearing party hats, Pikachu wearing a cake hat, and Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly. Alolan Grimer could also appear.
#1 Best Overall
- The packaging is Japanese, but item works the same as the US version.
- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
How did the bonuses change by date?
Friendship and Golden Lure bonuses applied throughout the event. Starter appearances and the daily bonus rotated on the following schedule. All dates and times below are local time.
| Event period | Featured starters | Rotating bonus |
|---|---|---|
| June 28 at 10:00 a.m. through June 29 at 11:59 p.m. | Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile, Treecko, Torchic and Mudkip | Half Egg Hatch Distance for eggs placed in Incubators during this period |
| June 30 through July 1 | The next generation of starters | Double catch XP |
| July 2 through July 3 | Chespin, Fennekin, Froakie, Rowlet, Litten and Popplio | Double catch Stardust |
Bonuses that lasted throughout the event
- Increased chances of becoming Lucky Friends and receiving Lucky Pokémon in trades.
- Friendship levels increased faster through opening Gifts, trading and battling.
- Spinning a PokéStop with a Golden Lure Module could award 8 or 88 (or more) Gimmighoul Coins.
What research and offers were available?
These were historical paid offers, not current deals. The official announcement listed the following prices and access rules. See Niantic’s announcement for the original offer information.
Rank #2
- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
- Spin PokéStops or throw Poké Balls automatically in Pokémon GO for hands-free gameplay (and Great Balls and Ultra Balls can be thrown too!)
| Offer | Historical price | Rewards or access rule |
|---|---|---|
| Event Timed Research | US$2 or equivalent local pricing tier | Tasks included spinning eight PokéStops or evolving eight Pokémon. Listed rewards included an Incubator, Super Incubator, Premium Battle Pass, Lucky Egg, Rocket Radar, Star Piece, Incense, Poffin, 88,888 XP and a Meltan encounter. Tasks had to be completed and rewards claimed by July 3, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. local time; the research expired when the event ended. |
| Whispers in the Woods Masterwork Research | US$5 or equivalent local pricing tier | Led to a Shiny Celebi encounter. Players had to open Pokémon GO during the event window to receive the story; after receiving it, they could complete it later. Players who had already received Distracted by Something Shiny could not buy the new story. |
| Anniversary Box in the Web Store | US$4.99 or equivalent local pricing tier | Three Remote Raid Passes, one Incubator and three Premium Battle Passes. The bundle and price were historical. |
Incense and Lucky Egg duration
Players who owned Whispers in the Woods, as well as players who had received Distracted by Something Shiny, got twice the duration for Incense, Daily Adventure Incense and Lucky Eggs for the event’s duration.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
- Spin PokéStops or throw Poké Balls automatically in Pokémon GO for hands-free gameplay (and Great Balls and Ultra Balls can be thrown too!)
Rank #4
- Designed for GO Plus +: The case is specially designed for GO Plus + and its size fits the GO Plus + so well that the gaming switch will not move around and tumble in the case.
- Premium Silicone Material for Comfort & Safety: Crafted from high-quality silicone, this case delivers a soft, pleasant touch while shielding your Poke GO Plus+ from scratches, dirt, and daily wear.
- Portable Design with Wrist Strap: The built-in hand strap allows you to wear the case on your wrist, ensuring easy portability and hands-free convenience during outdoor adventures.
- Designed for GO Plus +: The case is specially designed for GO Plus + and its size fits the GO Plus + so well that the gaming switch will not move around and tumble in the case.
- Package: Silicone Case x1; Hand strap x1. If you need any support please feel free to contact us.
Rank #3
- Catch Pokémon and track your rest rhythm with the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory!
- Keep track of your sleep with the press of a button
- Press and hold the central button on the Pokémon GO Plus + accessory and place it by your pillow to track your rest rhythm on the Pokémon Sleep app
- There’s a Pikachu within your Pokémon GO Plus + that can sing you lullabies and act as your morning alarm; Pikachu grows friendlier the more you sleep, unlocking even more sounds!
- Spin PokéStops or throw Poké Balls automatically in Pokémon GO for hands-free gameplay (and Great Balls and Ultra Balls can be thrown too!)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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