Pokemon Go Holding Team Rocket Event Before Jessie And James Leave Today

Jessie and James from Team Rocket made their debut in Pokemon Go earlier this summer, but they won't be around for much longer. The duo are set to leave the game later today, September 30, but until then, Niantic is holding a little event that gives you more chances to battle them before they blast off for good.

Starting September 22 at 12 PM local time, Jessie and James will appear in Pokemon Go more often than usual, so you'll have more opportunities to challenge them to battles and rescue their Shadow Pokemon. Unlike other Team Go Rocket grunts, Jessie and James will appear above the world map in their signature Meowth-shaped hot air balloon, so you'll know immediately when you've spotted them.

The Team Rocket event runs through the end of the month, until 11:59 PM local time on September 30, when the duo will leave the game. It's not yet clear if Jessie and James will return to Pokemon Go in the future, so if you want to add their Shadow Ekans and Koffing to your collection, you'll need to battle them before they depart. You can read more about the event on the Pokemon Go website.

In other Pokemon Go news, the Legendary bird Zapdos has returned to the game for a limited time. You'll be able to encounter it in five-star Raids until Friday, October 2. Week 3 of Mega September is now underway as well. This week focuses on improving your friendship level with your Mega-Evolved Pokemon.

Niantic has also already announced a couple of Pokemon Go events for October. First, the game is celebrating The Pokemon Company's partnership with fashion brand Longchamp Paris by holding a fashion-themed event from October 2-8. October's Community Day, meanwhile, is set for Saturday, October 17. The featured Pokemon next month will be Charmander, and any that are evolved into Charizard before the event ends will learn the move Dragon Breath.