Jirachi is heading to Pokémon Pokopia on June 23, and this one is different from every event that came before it.
The Pokémon Company confirmed the arrival of the Mythical Wish Pokémon via official channels today, June 18. Starting next Tuesday, players can befriend Jirachi, collect a new limited-time currency called shining wish notes, and exchange those notes for items inspired by the starry sky. The Pokémon Center will also get a star-themed makeover for the duration of the event.
Why this event is different from every other
Here's the thing: every limited-time event in Pokémon Pokopia up to this point was already sitting in the game's base data at launch. Players figured that out fast. By manually advancing the system clock, some were able to trigger upcoming events early, including the Sableye and Hoppip events, well before their intended dates.
The Jirachi event breaks that pattern entirely. It wasn't included in the original game data, which means it requires an actual update to download. No clock manipulation will get you there early. You simply have to wait until June 23.
That's a meaningful shift. The Pokémon Company is now actively pushing new content into the game post-launch rather than relying entirely on what shipped on day one. For a game built around seasonal events and community moments, that matters.
What players can actually do during the event
The core loop is straightforward: shining wish notes only appear during the event window, so collecting them is the priority. Those notes are then exchanged for the Jirachi-themed item set. The star-decorated Pokémon Center is a cosmetic touch, but the exclusive items are the real draw for anyone trying to build out their collection.
Jirachi itself is a Mythical Pokémon with roots going back to Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, where it was one of the most sought-after event exclusives of the Game Boy Advance era. Seeing it land in Pokopia as a befriendable Pokémon is a nice callback for long-time fans.
If you want to get ahead on the broader Pokopia event meta, the guide on how to get Hoppip, Skiploom, and Jumpluff covers everything you need to know about one of the earlier limited-time arrivals.
Pokopia's bigger picture is filling in fast
The Jirachi event arrives during a busy stretch for the game. Nintendo and The Pokémon Company recently announced a multi-wave expansion plan: a free August update adds underwater exploration via the new Dive move, letting players build structures and towns on the ocean floor. A paid expansion introduces Bubbly Basin, a new underwater town with fresh outfits, furniture, and Pokémon. A second paid expansion follows in late 2026, with a third arriving sometime in 2027.
A Nintendo Switch 2 bundle including Pokémon Pokopia was also announced this week, pointing to The Pokémon Company's confidence in the game's legs as a platform for ongoing content.
For a full breakdown of what makes Pokopia worth your time, check out our in-depth review of the game. The Jirachi event kicks off June 23, so mark your calendar and get the update ready.
