A new line of merchandise will be sold at the Pokémon Center called: Pokémon Leisurely Life (Pokémon nonbiri life) and will be available starting February 8th, 2020. The totes and pouches are made of fine Kurashiki Hanpu and they are accented with bright embroidery. The simple and gentle design is perfect as a gift for all ages! Stuffed toys, mascots, and face cushions featuring Pikachu and Pochama are part of this line up.

In addition, there is a wide range of goods you many want to use every day, such as wooden coaster mugs, stainless steel bottles that can also be used as lids, hoodies, kids' size T-shirts, acrylic charms, face shape cookies in cute cans and more! Some of the items will also be available on the Amazon.co.jp Pokémon Store starting on February 15th, 2020 with pre-orders starting on February 8th, 2020 and are denoted with a （★） in the items list.

Artist: Kurashiki Hanpu (倉敷帆布) - Chiharu Sakazaki 坂崎千春（さかざき ちはる）

A classy canvas full of warmth that has been woven from generation to generation in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture since 1888. The canvas, made with traditional techniques and craftsmanship, goes beyond the boundaries of textiles and is attracting worldwide attention in various fields such as apparel, furniture, and miscellaneous goods.

After working in the production room of a stationery maker, he became independent in 1998. Since then, he has worked as a freelance illustrator and picture book writer. He has been involved in character production for many companies and municipalities, including JR East's "Suica Penguin", and has gained popularity from a wide range of fans.

Items:

Item List:

Kurashiki Hanpu Tote (Large) Pokémon Leisurely Life - 8,580 yen (★)
Kurashiki Hanpu Tote (Small) Pokémon Leisurely Life - 4,400 yen (★)
Kurashiki Hanpu PC / Tablet Case Pokémon Leisurely Life - 4,400 yen (★)
Kurashiki Hanpu Pouch Pokémon Leisurely Life - 3,080 yen (★)
Kurashiki Hanpu Coin case Pokémon Leisurely Life Pikachu - 1,980 yen (★)
Kurashiki Hanpu Coin Case Pokémon Leisurely Life Pochama - 1,980 yen (★)
Plushie Pokémon Leisurely Life Pikachu - 2,200 yen (★)
Plushie Pokémon Leisurely Life Pochama - 2,200 yen (★)
Mascot Plush Pokémon Leisurely Life Pikachu - 1,320 yen (★)
Mascot Plush Pokémon Leisurely Life Pochama - 1,320 yen (★)
Face Cushion Pokémon Leisurely Life Pikachu - 2,750 yen (★)
Face Cushion Pokémon Leisurely Life Pochama - 2,750 yen (★)
Mug with Coaster Pokémon Leisurely Life Pikachu - 1,650 yen (★)
Mug with Coaster Pokémon Leisurely Life Pochama - 1,650 yen (★)
Stainless Steel Bottle Pokémon Leisurely Life - 2,750 yen (★)
Hoodie Pokémon Leisurely Life (M / L) - 6,160 yen each (★)
T-shirt Pokémon Leisurely Life 130 - 2,750 yen (★)
T-shirt Pokémon Leisurely Life Hinoarashi and Pikachu 130 chu - 2,750 yen (★)
Selectable 3 pairs of Short Socks Pokémon Leisurely Life - Size: 23㎝ to 25㎝ - 1,100 yen
Acrylic Charm Collection Pokémon Leisurely Life - 715 yen
10 types selected at random.
Face Shape Cookies Pokémon Leisurely Life - 1,080 yen
Mini Tote with Candy Pokémon Leisurely Life - 880 yen
A4 Clear File (Set of 3) Pokémon Leisurely Life - 770 yen (★)
Raised Stickers Pokémon Leisurely Life - 550 yen (★)
Postcard Set Pokémon Leisurely Life - 1,320 yen (★)
Set of 4 clips Pokémon Leisurely Life - 825 yen (★)
Pocket Croquis Book Pokémon Leisurely Life - 440 yen
Ballpoint Pen Pokémon Leisurely Life Pikachu - 660 yen (★)
Ballpoint Pen Pokémon Leisurely Life Pochama - 660 yen (★)
Masking Tape (Set of Two ) Pokémon Leisurely Life - 660 yen (★)
Soft jacket for iPhone 8/7/6s/6 Pokémon Leisurely Life - 2,068 yen (★)
Soft Jacket for iPhone Xs/X Pokémon Leisurely Life - 2,200 yen (★)
Hand Towel Pokémon Leisurely Life Pikachu - 550 yen (★)
Hand Towel Pokémon Leisurely Life Pocchama - 550 yen (★)
Towel Blanket Pokémon Leisurely Life 7,480 yen (★)
Room Shoes Pokémon Leisurely Life - 2,200 yen (★)
Dolman Sleeve T-shirt Pokémon Leisurely Life (M / L) - 3,300 yen each (★)
Tissue box Cover Pokémon Leisurely Life - 1,980 yen (★)
Set of Three Sealable Containers Pokémon Leisurely Life - 1,540 yen (★)
Plastic Cup Pokémon Leisurely Life - 660 yen (★)
Chopsticks with Case Pokémon Leisurely Life - 990 yen (★)
Drawstring Pouch Pokémon Leisurely Life - 880 yen (★)
Lunch Cloth Pokémon Leisurely Life - 880 yen (★)


Sources: https://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2020/01/200124_p01.html

The official Pokémon website has revealed 5 new cards from the upcoming Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield and they are: Morpeko V (079), Morpeko VMAX (080), Galarian Obstagoon (119), Galarian Perrserker (128) and Metal Saucer (170).

Pokémon V, Pokémon VMAX, and More in the Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield Expansion Launching February 7

Take a look at more impactful cards arriving in the next expansion on February 7.

Steel yourself for bigger battles when the Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield expansion launches on February 7 with Pokémon from the Galar region, tough Pokémon V and Pokémon VMAX, and helpful Trainer cards. Get an early peek at some of these great cards below, and start thinking about new ways to win as we get closer to launch. And if you missed it, check out our first round of featured cards from the Sword & Shield expansion.

Morpeko V (079)

The determined face of Morpeko V shows just how serious this Pokémon is about helping you in battle. You can ding your opponent's Bench for very little Energy with the Spark attack, useful when paired with the numerous Pokémon in this expansion that take advantage of targeting damaged Pokémon. Morpeko V can also deliver a more shocking blow with Electro Wheel, which has the added effect of switching it out of the Active Spot. A well-timed attack-and-retreat can be an incredible tactical move in any match, and that's just what Morpeko V provides.

Morpeko VMAX (080)

Morpeko VMAX has only one attack, but it's a good one, scattering damage all over your opponent's side of the board. The Max Discharge attack shocks each of your opponent's Benched Pokémon for 20 damage while hitting the Active Pokémon for a hefty 180 damage. And don't worry about a quick retaliation against Morpeko VMAX; its 300 HP is enough to weather virtually any return attack.

Metal Saucer (170)

There are a number of really good Metal-type Pokémon in the Sword & Shield expansion, and they're made all the better with Metal Saucer. This Item card lets you grab a basic Metal Energy out of your discard pile and attach it to a Benched Metal-type Pokémon. This kind of Energy acceleration has been the key to many decks in the past, and now once again you get to take advantage of this powerful effect.

Galarian Obstagoon (119)

If you're looking to get away with a little mayhem in your next match, Galarian Obstagoon is here to help. The fun begins when the Pokémon evolves from Galarian Linoone, triggering its Untamed Shout Ability to drop 3 damage counters on 1 of your opponent's Pokémon. You have the chance to do even more scot-free damage with its Obstruct attack, which does 90 damage and prevents any return volleys from Basic Pokémon.

Galarian Perrserker (128)

Although Galarian Perrserker looks excited to rush into battle, this Pokémon may do its best work from your Bench. Its Steely Spirit Ability adds 20 damage to any of your Metal-type Pokémon's attacks, and that stacks if you have multiple Galarian Perrserker in play. Its Metal Claw attack probably won't win many battles on its own, but remember that Steely Spirit does affect Galarian Perrserker's own attack, immediately increasing it to 90 damage.


Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/pokemon-v-pokemon-vmax-and-more-in-the-pokemon-tcg-sword-shield-expansion-launching-february-7/

The Pokémon Company International today confirmed that this year’s Pokémon World Championships will be held at ExCeL London from August 14–16, 2020. The best Pokémon Trading Card Game and video game players from around the world will be invited to compete, with fans welcome to purchase spectator passes and witness the excitement of the most prestigious event in the Pokémon Championship Series.

The 2020 Pokémon World Championships will also be home to a Pokémon Center store, where fans will be able to purchase a wide variety of products including a range of items themed around the tournament.

Pokémon GO has been updated to Version 0.131.0 on iOS and Version 0.165.0 on Android. Niantic has posted a detailed release notes for this version with lists of new features, updates and bug fixes.

What’s New in Version 0.165.0 (Android) and 0.131.0 (iOS)

• In this update, we’re excited to announce more changes focusing on Trainer Battles!
• Over the next couple of weeks, you’ll see some changes in Pokémon GO’s various combat systems.
• We’re excited to see the teams you build with these changes, Trainers. Stay tuned, as we’ll be sharing more updates like these in the future. Good luck on the battlefield!

Release notes may be posted before the release is available to all players. Please check your app store for the latest version of Pokémon GO available to you.

Updates

• Pokémon eligible for trade Evolution can now be searched using the search term “tradeevolve”
• Attack and Defense stats changes are now cleared after swapping during combat
• During battle, when two Pokémon use Charged Attacks at the same time, the Pokémon with the higher Attack stat will go first. If two Pokémon have the same Attack stat, a random Pokémon will go first.
• Removed EX Raid-eligible tag on Gyms with already scheduled EX Raids
• Updates to Team Go Rocket Leader Shadow Pokémon encounter logic
• Minor visual and audio updates to the Buddy Adventure feature
• New ways to engage in Trainer Battles

Bug Fixes

• Resolved an issue causing Galaxy S10 devices running Android 10 to crash when entering AR+ mode
• The “Walk together” category under “Total Activities” now updates more frequently
• In-game notifications for when your buddy collects a candy now direct you to the new Buddy Profile page
• Fixed a bug where the “Swap Buddies” button on the Buddy Profile page was incorrectly greyed out
• Fixed an issue where buddy walk distance could display as a negative value The “Total days” counter now accurately tracks total days spent with your buddy on the
• Buddy Profile page
• Feeding berries to a buddy is now possible on a rotated device
• Fixed instances when the Rocket Radar view could be superimposed on the normal Map View
• Fixed an issue where a Team GO Rocket dialogue screen could appear when attempting to exit a Team GO Rocket battle
• Added improvements to the Pokémon GO Plus automatic disconnect function
• Your buddy must now be on the Map to receive a “Battle together” Affection heart, matching the existing description of the activity
• Fixed a bug where Trainers could earn a “Visit a new place” Affection heart by spinning the Photo Disk at a previously visited Gym
• Fixed an issue where a Best Buddy Ribbon would not appear on Buddy Pokémon when first reaching the Best Buddy level

Source: https://niantic.helpshift.com/a/pokemon-go/?s=release-notes-known-issues&f=0-165-release-notes&l=en&p=web

Niantic has announced some general Trainer Battle bug fixes and updates to attacks to Pokémon GO.

Pokémon GO - Community Note: Attack updates and more

Trainers, In this community note, we’d like to share some info about general Trainer Battle bug fixes and updates to attacks.

Updates to the combat system
We have one last batch of changes to Trainer Battles to set the stage for an exciting upcoming feature.

• Charged Attacks and switching will now be queued and activated at the end of the current Fast Attack and won’t be overridden by any following Fast Attacks.
• Certain visual bugs in battles have been fixed.

Updates to existing attacks in Pokémon GO
There have been updates to the following existing attacks in Pokémon GO.

• Megahorn - This Bug-type Charged Attack now deals more damage.
• Volt Switch - This Electric-type Fast Attack now activates and generates energy more quickly.

Attacks new to Pokémon GO
Certain Pokémon will soon be able to learn attacks that hadn’t yet been seen in Pokémon GO!

• Flying Press - We hear this Fighting-type Charged Attack has cropped up in the world of Pokémon GO! However, we haven’t figured out which Pokémon is able to learn it yet. Stay tuned as we investigate!

Pokémon that can learn more attacks
The following Pokémon will be able to learn attacks they couldn’t before.

• Plusle and Minun: Grass Knot - This Grass-type Charged Attack will help the Cheering Pokémon deal with Ground-type Pokémon that could give them trouble in the Great League.
• Lanturn: Spark - Lanturn didn’t previously have an Electric-type attack that was comparable to its Water-type attacks in power. Spark will help make Lanturn a strong lead and help it counter Azumarill with supereffective damage and hit Altaria with neutral damage.
• Ampharos: Thunder Punch - This Charged Attack will make Ampharos a powerful Electric-type attacker in the Great and Ultra Leagues.
• Masquerain: Bubble Beam - This Water-type Charged Attack will give Masquerain a good coverage attack to counter Fire- and Rock-type Pokémon that could otherwise give this Bug- and Flying-type Pokémon trouble.
• Vespiquen: Fury Cutter and Air Slash - The addition of these Bug- and Flying-type attacks gives Vespiquen a boost in power since these attacks match Vespiquen’s types, making Vespiquen more viable in battle.

Pokémon that can learn old attacks once again
As part of the group of Pokémon to debut with Pokémon GO, some Pokémon originally discovered in Kanto have had their attacks change a lot over time! We’re adding back some of the stronger attacks a few of these Pokémon used to learn back in 2016 to make sure these attacks are accessible to players who have joined since then. We’ll look at bringing back more of these attacks over time.

• Raichu: Thunder Shock
• Magneton: Thunder Shock, Discharge
• Venomoth: Poison Fang
• Haunter: Shadow Ball
• Hypno: Shadow Ball

Source: https://pokemongolive.com/en/post/combatrebalance-jan2020/

The official Japanese Pokémon website has a presentation of the Pokémon Booth at the Next Generation World Hobby Fair '20 Winter. Translations follow:

The Next Generation World Hobby Fair '20 Winter

The Next Generation World Hobby Fair '20 Winter will be held at four locations across Japan starting Sunday January 19th. There, we will present the latest Pokémon info, which of course includes info on "Pocket Monsters Sword/Shield", but also on the "Pokémon Card Game", the "Pocket Monsters" anime, and more!

The Max Raid Battle Experience Section
In the "Pocket Monsters Sword/Shield" section you'll be able to experience "Max Raid Battles" against Kyodaimaxed Sekitanzan and Laplace.
Those of you who challenged Sekitanzan (Kyodaimax form) will be given a serial code with which you can get a Kyodaimaxing Sekitanzan, and those of you who challenged Laplace (Kyodaimax form) will be given a serial code with which you can get a Kyodaimaxing Laplace! You'll be able to experience these battles even if you don't have a Nintendo Switch or the game, so make sure to try it out, okay?



*You will need the Nintendo Switch game "Pocket Monsters Sword/Shield" and a place where you can connect your Nintendo Switch to the Internet in order to receive the Pokémon.
*The system's user needs to be linked to a Nintendo Account in order to connect to the Internet. (The user does not need to be subscribed to "Nintendo Switch Online".)
*Please note that this is a one time gift for a single save data in a single game. It can not be received more than once.
*The expiration date for the serial codes to receive the Kyodaimaxing Sekitanzan/Laplace is Saturday February 29th 2020. Make sure to receive it before the deadline is up.
*For info on how to receive Pokémon, go here.

The "Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Rescue Team DX" Section
"Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Rescue Team DX" is the newest Pokémon video game, and it's set for release Friday March 6th. If you answer a special quiz exclusive to this event, you'll receive some items that will help you on your adventure! Not only that, you can also look forward to the Scarfed Pikachu that appears in the game dropping by this section in between the stage shows!



The "Pocket Monsters Sword/Shield" Max Raid Battle Stage Show
During the "Pocket Monsters Sword/Shield" stage show, four extravagant performers, some of them Pokénchi residents, will work together to take on a "Max Raid Battle". Make sure to come watch.

Battle Abareru-kun with the Pokémon Card Game Starter Set V!



Abareru-kun will be at the Pokémon Card stage show, and battles using the "Starter Set V" are going to take place there! Abareru-kun's opponents will be selected from you guys in the audience that are grade school age or younger. Master how to play the Pokémon Card Game and come battle Abareru-kun.

*We will lend you a "Starter Set V" you will use during the match, so there is no need to bring your own deck or any other equipment.
*The schedule has one person from the audience battling Abareru-kun per stage show.

The Special "Pocket Monsters" Anime Stage Show
Play fun games you know from TV, like "PokéRiddles" and "Pokémon Shiritori"! We'll have extravagant prizes too. The super popular Pokénchi residents will be there during the show at the Tokyo fair!



Go Meet Sarunori, Hibanny, Messon and Tachifusaguma!
Sarunori, Hibanny, Messon and Tachifusaguma will be visiting the "Next Generation World Hobby Fair '20 Winter"! Look forward to that.



Next Generation World Hobby Fair '20 Winter Event Info

The Nagoya Fair
Date and time: Sunday January 19th, 9am to 4pm (admission closes at 3:45pm)
Venue: Nagoya Dome
*Approx. 5 minutes by foot from Nagoya Dome-mae Yada Station on the Municipal subway line.
*Approx. 15 minutes by foot from Ozone Station on the JR/Municipal subway/Meitetsu lines.

The Tokyo Fair
Date and time: Saturday January 25th and Sunday January 26th, 9am to 4pm (admission closes at 3:45pm)
Venue: Exhbition Hall 9, 10 and 11, Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall
*Approx. 5 minutes by foot from Kaihim Makuhari Station on the JR line.
*Approx. 15 minutes with the Kaihim Makuhari Station bus from Makuhari Hongo Station on the JR line. Approx. 17 minutes with the Makuhari Messe Chuo bus or the ZOZO MARINE STADIUM/Iryo Center bus.

The Fukuoka Fair
Date and time: Sunday February 2nd, 9am to 4pm (admission closes at 3:45pm)
Venue: Fukuoka Yahuoku! Dome
*Approx. 15 minutes by foot from exit 3 at Tojinmachi Station on the Municipal subway line.
*Take the bus from Tenjin Station on the Municipal subway line or Hakata Station on the JR/Municipal subway lines to Yahuoku! Dome, Kyushu Medical Center or Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk.

The Osaka Fair
Date and time: Sunday February 8th, 9am to 4pm (admission closes at 3:45pm)
Venue: Kyocera Dome Osaka
*A short walking distance from Dome-mae Chiyozaki Station on the Municipal subway line and Dome-mae Station on the Hanshin Electric Railway line.
*Approx. 7 minutes by foot from Taishō Station on the JR line.
*Approx. 9 minutes by foot from Kujo Station on the Municipal subway lines.

Notes:
*Admission is free at all venues.
*The fairs will not be postponed for rain.
*Please see the official Next Generation World Hobby Fair '20 Winter website for precautions and information regarding your visit.
*Please note that photos taken at the Pokémon Booth may be posted on The Pokémon Company's website or on social media.

Source: https://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2019/11/191129_e01.html