Pokémon Go celebrates Pokémon Day with party hat Pikachu, Pokémon Center reveals new line of figures

Pokémon Go is celebrating Pokémon Day with the addition of a festive party hat Pikachu that you can catch over the next week.

On February 27, 1996, the first ever Pokémon game launched in Japan and to celebrate the occasion, party hat Pikachu will be popping up in Pokémon Go for the next week so be sure catch the little bugger while you can.

He's out in the wild right now and will continue to lurk there until March 6 at 1PM PST/ / 4PM EST/ 9PM GMT. Party hat Pikachu will keep his hat forever, and after the event is over, the Pokémon will revert back to his non-hat wearing form, so wrangle him while you can.

As well as teaming up with Niantic for Pokémon Go themed fun, The Pokémon Company International has a bunch of other treats in store to mark two decades of Pokémon.

The extensive list of events and promotions was posted over on the official website, and one of the most exciting was the announcement of the new Gallery Figures collection.

Created for Pokémon Center in the United States, the Gallery Figures are the first wave in a line of high-quality collectibles, and features four Pokémon mid-attack.

You can grab your Pokémon of choice for $16.99.

The festivities are extending to Pokémon Trading Card Game Online where you'll find an extra-special daily bonus today.

Meanwhile Pokémon TV will be showing Pokémon: The First Movie, Pokémon 4Ever, and Pokémon—Zoroark: Master of Illusions for a limited time.

Pokémon Shuffle has some big promotions on, and heading to participating GameStop stores will get you a Bottle Cap for Pokémon Sun and Moon.

Basically, Pokémon Day is a party and everyone is invited.

Were you alive and cognizant in 1996? If so, share your favourite Pokémon-themed memories in the comments below.