The Pokémon Company announced on January 26th, 2026, that they were updating the end-of-round procedures at Pokémon TCG Championship events starting on February 13th, 2026, at the 2026 Europe International Championships where competitors would be given +3 turns to complete their match.

An Update to End-of-Round Procedures at Pokémon TCG Championship Events

Three turns in overtime are back.

End-of-round procedures were updated on September 1, 2025, so when time was called in a round at a Championship event, the competitors would have one additional turn to complete their match. In addition to this, an “overtime clock” of 10 minutes was instituted to ensure that both players had plenty of time to complete that final turn and to provide structure to enact slow-play penalties where applicable. Following months of competition and significant community feedback, it’s clear that the current procedures aren’t hitting the mark, and we’re updating the rules for the rest of the season.

Starting on February 13, 2026, at the 2026 Europe International Championships, end-of-round procedures for Pokémon TCG Championship events will return to a system where competitors are given +3 turns to complete their match. When time is called, the active competitor will finish their current turn, and then three additional turns will be played, starting (and ending) with the opponent.

Maintaining round time consistency at Championship events is still important, so the current “overtime clock” is being increased to 15 minutes, providing ample time for competitors to complete their match. For more details on end-of-round procedures, please refer to the official Play! Pokémon Tournament Rules Handbook.

Good luck during the remainder of the 2026 Pokémon Championship Series season, Trainers!

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/an-update-to-end-of-round-procedures-at-pokemon-tcg-championship-events

New Pokémon Card Game accessories are now on sale at the Pokémon Center Online in Japan! Deck shields and deck cases featuring Mega Starmie, as well as Canary & Mega Shibirudon, are here to make your Pokémon TCG matches even more fun!

Illustrator Yuriko Matsuda (マツダユリコ) confirmed on January 23rd, 2026, that they did the artwork for this line of goods which they packed the art full of the characters charm, cuteness, colors, and outfit!

Items:

Item List (English):

Pokémon Trading Card Game Deck Shield Mega Starmie - 889 yen
Pokémon Trading Card Game Rubber Playmat Canary & Mega Shibirudon - 2,970 yen
Pokémon Trading Card Game Deck Shields Canary & Mega Shibirudon - 889 yen
Pokémon Trading Card Game Deck Case Canary & Mega Shibirudon - 500 yen
Pokémon Trading Card Game Deck Case Mega Starmie - 500yen

Item List (Japanese):

ポケモンカードゲーム デッキシールド メガスターミー 889円
ポケモンカードゲーム ラバープレイマット カナリィ＆メガシビルドン 2,970円
ポケモンカードゲーム デッキシールド カナリィ＆メガシビルドン 889円
ポケモンカードゲーム デッキケース カナリィ＆メガシビルドン 500円
ポケモンカードゲーム デッキケース メガスターミー 500円

Sources: https://www.pokemoncenter-online.com and https://x.com/pokemoncenterPR/status/2014503348628521004

The official Play! Pokémon website has been updated announcing an update for the Ace Trainer Rewards for the 2026 Pokémon Championship Series.

2026 Pokémon Championship Series Update: Ace Trainer Rewards

Learn about eligibility, qualification, and reward updates for the 2026 Championship Series.

The Ace Trainer Rewards program celebrates Trainers who participate in tournaments in Championship Point–earning regions, operating on a Championship Point (CP) threshold—meaning there is no limit to the number of players who can earn rewards. Today, we’re thrilled to share some exciting changes to eligibility and qualification for the 2026 Championship Series, plus details on the rewards Ace Trainers receive.

Eligibility & Qualification Updates

The Ace Trainer Rewards program is evolving, and players in the Latin America Rating Zone are now eligible to receive Ace Trainer Rewards! Any physical rewards earned by Trainers in the Latin America Rating Zone will be distributed in person at select Regional and/or Special Championships during the 2027 Championship Series. However, Trainers who earn Ace Trainer status during the 2026 Championship Series are eligible to receive all digital rewards, subject to regional eligibility and game age rating.

In the 2026 Championship Series season, Trainers in all eligible Rating Zones will need to earn 200 Championship Points for the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet video games, Pokémon Trading Card Game, or Pokémon GO to be eligible to qualify for Ace Trainer status. Remember, Championship Points do not accumulate across games and are nontransferable.

Ace Trainer Rewards for the 2026 Championship Series

Ace Trainers who qualify will receive a Celebratory Fanfare card, which has been awarded as a promo card to Trainers in Asia since 2021. It often features artwork that celebrates the spirit of the season, and we’re excited to once again offer this previously exclusive card to eligible Ace Trainers.

In addition, qualifying Ace Trainers may be eligible to receive a suite of digital rewards depending on regional eligibility and game age rating. For 2026, digital rewards include the following:

• A set of exclusive Ace Trainer Rewards deck box and sleeves in Pokémon TCG Live
• A custom Play! Pokémon 2026 Ace Trainer Badge in the Play! Pokémon Access app
• A code to redeem the following items in Pokémon GO:
  • Elite Fast TM ×2
  • Elite Charged TM ×2
  • Fast TMs and Charged TMs
  • 100,000 Stardust

More rewards will be announced later, but we hope you’re already looking forward to the potential!

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/2026-pokemon-championship-series-update-ace-trainer-rewards

The Pokémon Company has announced the 2026 Pokémon TCG Standard Format Rotation and it will go into effect on April 10, 2026.

2026 Pokémon TCG Standard Format Rotation Announcement

The Standard format rotation for 2026 competitive play will go into effect on April 10, 2026.

Every Championship Series season, Play! Pokémon removes older cards from competition in the Standard format with the goal of maintaining a healthy competitive environment. This rotation challenges existing players to create new strategies and enables new players to get involved in Play! Pokémon events using the most recent releases. Pokémon TCG Live also follows this rotation, so players can experience a consistent ruleset no matter where they compete.

The Standard Format for 2026

Cards with the “G” regulation mark will no longer be legal for play in the 2026 Standard format. Cards with “H," “I,” and “J” regulation marks will be legal to use (as will any future regulation marks that may be released). A card’s legality status is not based on which expansion it’s from. Even if a card is from a recently released expansion, players will need to refer to the regulation mark on the bottom of the card to see whether that card is legal for play. New cards still must follow the appropriate waiting period to become tournament legal, which is typically two weeks after their release.

For in-person Play! Pokémon events, the Standard format rotation will go into effect on April 10, 2026. For digital play on Pokémon TCG Live, the Standard format rotation will go into effect on March 26, 2026. This will give players an official platform to test out the new Standard format before participating in any in-person events.

Older versions of cards that don’t have a regulation mark can still be used if the card is currently legal for play. For example, the card Rare Candy from the Sun & Moon expansion can still be used because the card Rare Candy from the Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution expansion has an “I” regulation mark. And even though the card Boss’s Orders from the Sword & Shield—Rebel Clash expansion has a “D” regulation mark (which has rotated out of the Standard format), it can still be used because the card Boss’s Orders from the Mega Evolution expansion has an “I” regulation mark. Be sure to check the Play! Pokémon Tournament Rules Handbook for further clarification on which reprints are OK to use.

The Expanded Format for 2026

The Expanded format will remain unchanged, maintaining the Black & White Series and forward. Players should double-check which format is being used before choosing a deck to bring to their events. Just like the Standard format, new expansions become legal for tournament play two weeks after release.

Please note that Pokémon TCG Live does not currently support all Expanded format cards for active play. Backwards compatibility plans are ongoing, and phased support for additional Expanded format cards is expected to begin later this year. As the full set of Pokémon TCG rules is large and complex, a phased rollout of greater Expanded support in Pokémon TCG Live will help maximize quality and ensure minimal disruptions to ongoing gameplay.

Please note that several cards are currently banned from the Expanded format. You can find the list of banned cards here.

Pokémon TCG Expanded Banned Card List

• Archeops (Black & White—Noble Victories, 67/101; Black & White—Dark Explorers, 110/108)
• Chip-Chip Ice Axe (Sun & Moon—Unbroken Bonds, 165/214)
• Delinquent (XY—BREAKpoint, 98/122, 98a/122, and 98b/122)
• Duskull (Sun & Moon—Cosmic Eclipse, 83/236)
• Flabébé (Sun & Moon—Forbidden Light, 83/131)
• Forest of Giant Plants (XY—Ancient Origins, 74/98)
• Ghetsis (Black & White—Plasma Freeze, 101/116 and 115/116)
• Hex Maniac (XY—Ancient Origins, 75/98 and 75a/98)
• Island Challenge Amulet (Sun & Moon—Cosmic Eclipse, 194/236 and 265/236)
• Jessie & James (Hidden Fates, 58/68 and 68/68)
• Lt. Surge’s Strategy (Sun & Moon—Unbroken Bonds, 178/214; Hidden Fates, 60/68)
• Lysandre’s Trump Card (XY—Phantom Forces, 99/119 and 118/119)
• Marshadow (Shining Legends, 45/73; Black Star Promo, SM85)
• Maxie’s Hidden Ball Trick (XY—Primal Clash, 133/160 and 158/160)
• Milotic (XY—Flashfire, 23/106)
• Mismagius (Sun & Moon—Unbroken Bonds, 78/214)
• Oranguru (Sun & Moon—Ultra Prism, 114/156)
• Puzzle of Time (XY—BREAKpoint, 109/122)
• Red Card (XY, 124/146; Generations, 71/83)
• Reset Stamp (Sun & Moon—Unified Minds, 206/236, 206a/236, and 253/236)
• Sableye (Black & White—Dark Explorers, 62/108)
• Scoop Up Net (Sword & Shield—Rebel Clash, 165/192 and 207/192)
• Shaymin-EX (XY—Roaring Skies, 77/108, 77a/108, and 106/108)
• Unown (Sun & Moon—Lost Thunder, 90/214)
• Unown (Sun & Moon—Lost Thunder, 91/214)

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/about/pokemon-tcg-banned-card-list

The Pokémon Trading Card Game - First Partner Illustration Collection - Series 1 will be released on March 20th, 2026.

Promo Cards:

First Partner Illustration Collection - Series 1

30 Years of First Partner Pokémon!
Every Pokémon Trainer's journey begins with a first partner-a loyal friend who stands by your side through thick and thin! Relive your own adventures and celebrate the bond between Trainer and Pokémon with a booster pack containing 3 of 9 illustration rare-style promo cards consisting of beloved first partner Pokémon from the Kanto, Sinnoh, or Alola region.

You'll also find two more Pokémon TCG booster packs and a fun sticker sheet featuring first partner Pokémon friends.


The Pokémon TCG: First Partner Illustration Collection - Series 1 includes:

• 1 Pokémon TCG booster pack containing 3 of 9 promo cards
• 2 Pokémon TCG booster packs
• 1 sticker sheet

The Pokémon Company International announced on January 9th, 2026 the Pokémon Trading Card Game: Mega Evolution Perfect Order expansion set and revealed it would be released on March 27th, 2026 at participating retailers worldwide. A press release with high quality product pictures has been added to an Imageboard thread.

Pokémon Trading Card Game: Mega Evolution—Perfect Order Launching Soon, Featuring Debut of New Mega Evolution Pokémon ex in the Pokémon TCG

Jan. 8, 2026 — The Pokémon Company International announced today that a new expansion for the bestselling Pokémon Trading Card game (TCG), Mega Evolution—Perfect Order, will be available at participating retailers around the world beginning March 27, 2026.

Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution—Perfect Order will introduce more Mega Evolution Pokémon, as first discovered in the Pokémon Legends: Z-A video game, to the Pokémon TCG. In addition, this will be the first Pokémon TCG expansion from the Mega Evolution Series to be set in Lumiose City, where the Pokémon Legends: Z-A video game intrigue takes place.


In Mega Evolution—Perfect Order, players can look forward to discovering four powerful Mega Evolution Pokémon ex appearing in the Pokémon TCG for the first time: Mega Zygarde ex, Mega Starmie ex, Mega Clefable ex and Mega Skarmory ex. Mega Evolution Pokémon ex are powerful Pokémon cards equipped with high HP and attack damage, but they give up three Prize cards when Knocked Out.

Noteworthy cards from the expansion include:

• Four Mega Evolution Pokémon ex
• Nine Pokémon ex
• 11 illustration rare Pokémon
• 18 ultra rare Pokémon and Trainer cards
• Six special illustration rare Pokémon and Supporter cards

Players can find Mega Evolution—Perfect Order in booster packs, Elite Trainer Boxes and various collections at participating retailers worldwide.


Pokémon TCG players will have the opportunity to play with Mega Evolution—Perfect Order before launch by attending one of the many Prerelease tournaments held as part of the Play! Pokémon program, taking place beginning March 14, 2026, at participating independent retailers.

Ahead of the release of the tabletop version, players will be able to play with Mega Evolution— Perfect Order digitally starting March 26, 2026, via the Pokémon TCG Live app for iOS, Android, macOS and Windows devices. Players can collect and battle with new Mega Evolution Pokémon ex and receive in-game bonuses when logging in to the app.

Source: https://press.pokemon.com/en/releases/MEDIA-ALERT-Pokemon-Trading-Card-Game-Mega-EvolutionPerfect-Order-Laun

Merchandise details have been officially announced for the Pokémon × Natural History Museum pop-up shop which will be open from January 26th, 2026 through April 19th, 2026. A jumbo Pikachu at the Museum Pokémon TCG promo card will be available as a gift with a purchase. The Pokémon Center UK plus select UK retailers will also have the Pikachu at the Museum oversized Pokémon TCG promo card. High resolution pictures from the press releasae have been added to an Imageboard thread.

The oversize Pokémon TCG promo card will be available at the following retailers: Curry’s, Eason, Frasers, GAME, Hamleys, HMV, John Lewis, Ken Black, Miniso, Ryman, Selfridges, Smyths Toys, TG Jones, The Entertainer, The Original Factory Store, Waterstones, WH Smith Travel and local independent game stores.

Pokémon × Natural History Presents Pokécology

While tickets to attend this epic collaboration in person are no longer available, there are still plenty of ways fans of Pokémon and the natural world can take part in the excitement.

The Pokémon × Natural History Museum pop-up shop is slated to open at the Cranbourne Boutique from 26 January through 19 April 2026. The space’s recently-announced theme, “Pokécology,” is inspired by the acclaimed Japanese publication Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, and expresses Pokémon’s and the Natural History Museum’s shared appreciation for nature, from evolution to environment—a concept echoed in the products that comprise this unique collection.


As usual, Pikachu is taking center stage—or center exhibit—with a commemorative oversize Pokémon TCG promo card, Pikachu at the Museum, as a gift with purchase, which will also be available at select UK retailers as a gift with purchase on 30 January. This exclusive collection includes artwork, stationery, clothing, pins, bags, posters, and plush. Aesthetic inspiration ranges from scientific illustrations to architectural details of the museum itself.


For those unable to visit the pop-up store, there are still opportunities to shop and celebrate! Select items from the collection will be available at the Pokémon Center—to learn more about which products will be available and when, sign up for the Pokémon Center newsletter. Products from the collection will also be available on the Natural History Museum’s online shop, which ships worldwide while stocks last.

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/uk/pokemon-news/pokemon-natural-history-presents-pokecology

Pokémon x Natural History Museum Reveal ‘Pokécology’ theme and products for sold-out Pop-Up, running 26 January - 19 April 2026

• Oversize Pokémon TCG Promo Card featuring ‘Pikachu at the Museum’ unveiled, available at UK retailers from 30 January 2026
• Selected products will also be available online at Pokémon Center, the official UK store for fans nationwide, and the Natural History Museum online shop while stocks last
• All tickets have been claimed for extended Pop-Up following incredible demand

London – UK – Wednesday 07 January - The Pokémon Company International and the Natural History Museum, London have unveiled new details about the highly anticipated pop-up shop first announced in September 2025, including a commemorative oversize Pokémon TCG Promo Card featuring Pikachu at the Museum, available as a gift with purchase, and a first look at the range of brand-new products.


The pop-up celebrates the theme of ‘Pokécology’, and reflects the brands’ shared fascination for and focus on the natural world and its creatures, from their evolution to their environment.

Running from Monday 26 January to Sunday 19 April in the Museum’s Cranbourne Boutique shop, the free ticketed pop-up was extended to give more fans the chance to attend. Time slots are all fully booked and walk-ins will not be possible.

For Trainers who have secured their spot, purchase limits will apply to ensure fair access for fans throughout the pop-up’s run.

The theme of the special pop-up space is inspired by the acclaimed Japanese publication ‘Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology’, which explores how Pokémon live, interact with their environments, and adapt to habitats from deep forests to shadowy caves. As well as themed merchandise, the space touches on this concept through an artwork display.

The pop-up collection features exclusive items created in collaboration with the Natural History Museum, inspired by elements such as the building’s iconic Hintze Hall and its beautiful botanical ceiling panels, reimagined with Grass-type Pokémon like Ivysaur and Victreebel.


Fans will also find artwork inspired by the classic naturalist books and scientific illustrations that fill the Museum’s archives, showcasing Pokémon from Water-type to Bug-type as well as designs celebrating Eevee’s evolutions. Products range from stationery, clothing, pins, bags, posters, gold-plated decorations and special Pikachu plush.


Many of the products will also be available online through the Natural History Museum’s online shop from midday on 26 January 2026, while stocks last. Select ranges will also launch on Pokémon Center, the official UK store for Pokémon merchandise in early February. Fans can sign up for Pokémon Center emails to be alerted when products become available. Purchase limits will also apply to online orders.

Purchases made in‑store at the pop‑up will include the new Pikachu at the Museum oversize Pokémon TCG Promo Card as a gift with purchase. From Friday 30 January, the oversized card will also be available as a gift with purchase at select UK retailers, giving more fans the chance to share in the excitement of Pokémon’s first collaboration with a UK museum. It will not be available via Pokémon Center.

All profits from purchases made in the Museum shop and from its online store, including Pokémon products, support the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission, including the work of 400 scientists conducting research and finding solutions to the planetary emergency.

1 The Pokémon x Natural History Museum pop-up shop is not a Pokémon Center store.
2 In-store and online purchases will be limited to 1x of each item per customer and a maximum of 5x items per customer.
3 Oversize Pokémon TCG promo card featuring Pickachu at the Museum will be available as a gift with purchase at The Pokemon x Natural History Museum pop-up shop and are limited to 1x per customer only. It will then be available at select retailers nationwide as a gift with purchase from Friday 30 January 2026. It is not available online.
4 For customers to the Natural History Museum’s online shop, the Pokémon x Natural History Museum plush is only available for online delivery in the UK.

Source: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/press-office/press-releases/pokemon-x-natural-history-museum-reveal--pokecology--theme-and-p.html

The Pokémon Card Game MEGA Expansion Pack Nihil Zero (ポケモンカードゲーム MEGA 拡張パック「ムニキスゼロ」) was first announced at the end of the Pokémon Card Game Elite Four Great Appreciation Festival (ポケカ四天王大感謝祭) broadcast which aired on December 20th, 2025 and it was broadcast live on the official Pokémon Card Channel YouTube channel. The details were then revealed on the offical card game website. The set will be released in Japan on January 23rd, 2026 for 180 yen per pack of 5 cards.

Revealed Cards:

Mega Zygarde ex - Mega Zygarde ex is a Cell Pokémon and its Mega Evolution has two powerful moves. Its move Nihil Zero flips a coin once for each of the opponent's Pokémon. If it's heads, the attack deals 150 damage to that Pokemon! Support it by attaching the Energy needed for this move using an Ability like Gamenodes' Stone Arms which once during a players turn, allows the player to place 1 Fighting Energy from their hand to 1 of their Fighting type Pokémon.


Core Memory is a powerful Pokémon Tool when attached to Mega Zygarde ex. A Mega Zygarde ex with this card attached can use the move Geo Buster dealing a massive 350 damage but the player must discard all Energy attached to this Pokémon.

A Fighting-type Pokémon with the Rock Fighting Special Energy card attached prevents all effects of attacks used by an opponent's Pokémon. Damage is not an effect and existing effects are not removed. It's a special Energy that pairs well with Fighting-type Pokémon other than Mega Zygarde ex too! Use it to support your Pokémon.


Nyarth ex - The Ability Trump Card Catch lets you choose 1 Support card from your deck and add it to your hand when you play Nyarth ex from your hand to your Bench! Being able to add the perfect Support card for your strategy from your deck to your hand makes this incredibly powerful!

Mega Gallade ex - Early in the game, deal damage with the move Swift Slash which costs just one Fighting Energy. If this Pokémon doesn't have any damage counters on it, this attack does 150 more damage. Then, once this Pokémon has damage counters on it, use the move Marvelous Edge to deal massive damage!

Pokémon Card Game MEGA Special Card Set Mega Ellade ex

The Pokémon Card Game MEGA Special Card Set Mega Ellade ex (ポケモンカードゲーム MEGA スペシャルカードセットメガエルレイドex) will be released on January 23rd, 2026, on the same day as the Expansion Pack Nihil Zero for 1,980 yen!

The Pokémon Card Game MEGA Special Card Set Mega Ellade ex is here! It includes 8 packs of the Expansion Pack Nihil Zero, the shiny promo cards Mega Ellade ex and Power Protein, promo cards for Kirlia and Ralts that evolve to Mega Ellade ex, and a Pokémon coin featuring Mega Ellade.

Mega Gallade ex - Swift Slash - If this Pokémon doesn't have any damage counters on it, this attack does 150 more damage.
Marvelous Edge - 240 Damage

Contents:

• Promo Card Mega Ellade EX (Holo) - 1x card
• Promo Card Power Protein (Holo) - 2x cards
• Promo Card Ralts - 1x card
• Promo Card Kirlia - 1x card
• 8x Booster Expansion Pack Nihil Zero packs. Each expansion pack contains 5 randomly selected cards.
• Pokémon Coin

Sources: https://www.pokemon-card.com/ex/m3/

The Pokémon TCG: Pokémon Day 2026 Collection was available on January 30th, 2026, in the Pokémon Center and where Pokémon TCG products are sold for $14.99 USD.

Pokémon TCG: Pokémon Day 2026 Collection

Every year on February 27, Pokémon fans around the world celebrate Pokémon Day to commemorate the release of the very first Pokémon video games in Japan. You can mark the occasion with a specially stamped foil promo card featuring Pikachu and a metallic coin featuring a special logo, plus three booster packs from different Pokémon TCG expansions.

Product Pictures:

Product Details:

The Pokémon TCG: Pokémon Day 2026 Collection includes:

• 1 foil card featuring Pikachu with a Pokémon Day stamp
• 1 Pokémon coin
• 3 Pokémon TCG booster packs

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/product-gallery/pokemon-day-2026-collection

The Play! Pokémon Prize Pack Series Eight will be distributed at events starting on January 1st, 2026.

Receive Play! Pokémon Prize Pack Series Eight at Play! Pokémon Stores

Attend plenty of events and get your hands on plenty of awesome cards. The next Prize Pack Series is on the way, Trainers—starting January 1, 2026, Pokémon TCG Prize Pack Series Eight will be available at participating Play! Pokémon Stores. At your local Play! Pokémon Store, you can socialize, battle, make new friends (and maybe even a few rivals) while showing off your Pokémon Trading Card Game skills, earning awesome cards from these prize packs when you play.

Each Prize Pack contains six cards from a pool of over 100—all of which are legal in the Standard format. Series Eight includes strong Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, Trainer’s Pokémon, and even utility cards revitalizing fun archetypes from the Scarlet & Violet era, each with the Play! Pokémon logo.

Here are just some of the cards you can expect to find in Series Eight:

• Ethan’s Typhlosion
• Lunatone
• Lillie’s Determination
• Mega Kangaskhan ex
• Mega Absol ex

For both competitive and casual Trainers, Prize Packs offer a path to build your collection while making the most of Play! Pokémon events at your local store. Prize Pack distribution varies from location to location. The more active a store’s events are, the more Prize Packs will be available, so be sure to attend plenty of events.

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/receive-play-pokemon-prize-pack-series-eight-at-play-pokemon-stores