The Pokémon Company has announced that for the first time in nearly two years, Play! Pokémon Live competitions are back and players can earn Championship Points toward an invitation to the 2022 Pokémon World Championships in London, England. Competitors must adhear to the COVID-19 policy which requires that all potential attendees and staff must show proof of vaccination and present a negative COVID-19 test for admittance to Premier Events.

Play! Pokémon Live Competitions Are Back!

For the first time in nearly two years, Pokémon TCG Championship Series and Pokémon Video Game Championship Series players can sign up to play in live events. Battle to earn Championship Points toward an invitation to the 2022 Pokémon World Championships in London, England. Use the Event Locator to find a Pokémon TCG or video game competition near you and register to play.

Note that large events have limited capacity and require spectators and participants to have badges, as well as comply with our COVID-19 policy.

Take a look at the Pokémon TCG and Video Game Championship Series info pages to prepare for Play! Pokémon events.

Good luck competing at events in the 2022 Pokémon Championship Series!
Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/play-pokemon-live-competitions-are-back/

The Pokémon TCG: Pikachu V Box will be available Q1 2022 at the Pokémon Center and where Pokémon TCG products are sold.

Pokémon TCG: Pikachu V Box

Pikachu is all charged up and ready to leap into battle as an electrifying Pikachu V in the Pokémon TCG: Pikachu V Box. This foil Pikachu V promo card will shock your opponents with its Lightning Blast attack: For the cost of 2 Lightning and 1 Colorless Energy, Lightning Blast does 100 damage to the opponent's Active Pokémon. To give the move a quick burst of power, you can opt to discard all Lightning Energy that you've attached to Pikachu V to do an extra 120 damage. Given that sly grin on Pikachu V's face, we should have known that it had a trick in store.

In addition to Pikachu V, the Pikachu V Box also includes a foil card featuring Mimikyu along with a foil oversize card featuring Pikachu V that will look great on display in your collection. You'll even get four Pokémon TCG booster packs to add to your deck. With Pikachu V on your team, you're sure to have a blast.

The Pokémon TCG: Pikachu V Box includes:

• 1 foil promo card featuring Pikachu V
• 1 foil card featuring Mimikyu
• 1 foil oversize card featuring Pikachu V
• 4 Pokémon TCG booster packs
• A code card usable in either the Pokémon TCG Online or Pokémon TCG Live

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/product-gallery/pikachu-v-box/

Starting on February 12th, 2022, select retailers will begin selling the Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield - Brilliant Stars Build & Battle Box early ahead of its official February 25th, 2022 release date.

Get the Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Brilliant Stars Build & Battle Box Early

Select retailers will offer this box as a Prerelease ahead of the Brilliant Stars February 25 release date.

The latest Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion, Sword & Shield—Brilliant Stars, will arrive on February 25, 2022, but you can get an early chance to play with some of the new cards at your local hobby store. Starting February 12, 2022, select retailers will begin selling the Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Brilliant Stars Build & Battle Box, giving fans the opportunity to check out the latest expansion before its wider release date as well as build a playable deck in the fast-paced Prerelease format.

The Prerelease format lets players first construct and then compete with a 40-card deck, setting aside four Prize cards at the start of play. It's a great way to get in some quick games with family or friends and to begin developing strategies ahead of the expansion's general release. Each Build & Battle Box includes a 40-card ready-to-play deck featuring key cards from current and prior sets and features one of four unique foil promo cards. It also contains four Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Brilliant Stars booster packs and a deck-building tip sheet.

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/get-the-pokemon-tcg-sword-shield-brilliant-stars-build-battle-box-early/

The Pokémon Trading Card Game Battle Academy will be available Q1 2022, March 25th, 2022 at the Pokémon Center and where Pokémon TCG products are sold. High resolution pictures from the press release have been added to an Imageboard thread.

Pokémon Trading Card Game Battle Academy (2022)

Enjoy the thrill of battling right out the gate with the latest version of the ready-to-play Pokémon Trading Card Game Battle Academy! Updated with fun new decks and cards, this version contains everything that two players need to charge headlong into battle, along with guides to the decks so your first game is easy to follow.

Choose between fiery, feisty Cinderace or electrifyingly engaging Pikachu to lead your team in a heads-up battle against another Trainer. Then, switch up the decks to play adorable Eevee against Cinderace or Pikachu, and lead a different team of Pokémon into the arena!

With a little strategy, a little luck, and the contents of this incredible box, you can battle with the best and have a blast while doing it. Best of all, this latest version of the Battle Academy is fully compatible with other Pokémon TCG products, including the first Battle Academy.

The Pokémon Trading Card Game Battle Academy includes:

• 3 complete Pokémon TCG decks (60 cards each)
• Each deck includes a powerful special Pokémon: Cinderace V, Pikachu V, or Eevee V
• Eevee deck includes 2 copies of an all-new promo card featuring Galarian Obstagoon
• 1 instruction sheet to help you set up to play
• 2 tutorial guides to lead you through the decks
• 1 two-player game board
• 3 deck boxes to keep the cards organized
• 1 rulebook
• 1 large metallic coin featuring Cinderace, Pikachu, and Eevee
• 1 set of damage counters
• A code card usable in either the Pokémon TCG Online or Pokémon TCG Live

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/product-gallery/pokemon-trading-card-game-battle-academy-2022/

NEW VERSION OF AWARD-WINNING POKÉMON TRADING CARD GAME BATTLE ACADEMY NOW AVAILABLE

March 25, 2022 — Today, The Pokémon Company International released the latest iteration of the Pokémon Trading Card Game Battle Academy, available at Pokémon Center in the US, Canada and UK, and at participating retailers around the world. NEW VERSION OF AWARD-WINNING POKÉMON TRADING CARD GAME BATTLE ACADEMY NOW AVAILABLE

Battle Academy (2022) is an updated board game adaptation of the best-selling Pokémon TCG, which makes it easy and fun for the whole family to learn the classic tabletop game, and comes after the original version was awarded Game of the Year at The Toy Association’s 2021 Toy of the Year Awards.

The new version introduces the Pokémon V gameplay mechanic and an updated lineup of fan-favorite Pokémon, including Pikachu, Eevee and Cinderace. Each Battle Academy (2022) product comes with everything needed to master the basics of the Pokémon TCG — including a two-player game board, three 60-card decks, tutorial guides and gameplay accessories — making it an ideal activity for family and friends.

YouTube Clip - Welcome to the Game | Pokémon Trading Card Battle Academy 2022

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0R4iiFYz-c

The Pokémon Company International announced sales data for 2021 in Europe which was also the 25th anniversary of the franchise. The brand had a stellar year especially with the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

THE POKÉMON COMPANY INTERNATIONAL SEES SALES SOAR IN 25TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR FOR POKÉMON TRADING CARD GAME AND TOYS IN EUROPE

London, UK—07 February 2022—The Pokémon Company International announced today that Pokémon celebrated a fantastic year at retail in 2021, seeing a significant increase in sales across Europe for its Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) and toy ranges as it celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Named Best Gaming Licensed Property at the 2021 Licensing Awards, Pokémon was the #1 property for 2021 in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, and saw the highest year-on-year sales increase across all listed properties in the UK, France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, according to figures recorded by NPD Group*. Pokémon is the #1 gaining property in 2021 across the EU8** according to NPD, growing by +106% vs. 2020.

Pokémon was the #1 NPD toy property in France with sales almost double that of the #2 brand, achieving 102% growth YOY. Pokémon also had five items in the top 50 toys of the year, including Pokémon TCG Battle Academy, the first-ever board game adaptation of the TCG which won the Best Game category at the 2021 US Toy of the Year Awards, coming in at #7 with over €5m in sales. In 2021, Pokémon achieved its highest-ever annual position in both Germany and the UK. It was #9 in Germany with 100% growth, and #7 in the UK with 78% growth.

Pokémon was #1 in both Belgium and the Netherlands, achieving an amazing 183% growth in the Netherlands and 125% in Belgium, where its sales were almost double those of the #2 brand. In addition to Pokémon’s success in western Europe, TPCi is currently eyeing future growth and is extending its localised marketing efforts for the hugely popular Trading Card Game to Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Israel.

The new Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Brilliant Stars expansion, which introduces the Pokémon VSTAR mechanic, launches on 25 February.

Pokémon offers a fantastic and varied toy range for fans. Latest highlights include Mattel’s Mega Construx Celebration Pikachu, the absorbing strategy game Pokémon Labyrinth from Ravensburger, and the award-winning range from Jazwares including the popular Pokémon Carry Case Volcano Playset backpack.

“2021 was an exceptional year for Pokémon,” said Mathieu Galante, Licensing Director EMEA for The Pokémon Company International. “Our packed programme of exciting activity and new and different best-in-class product launches, including a host of fabulous anniversary items, resulted in huge demand and surging sales. We are delighted with the superb performance at retail which demonstrates the brand’s continued iconic cultural relevance, and we continue to work hard to bring more innovation to fans over the coming months.”

“Pokémon TCG sales were simply sensational in 2021, breaking all previous records,” said Simon Benton, VP Pokémon TCG Sales Europe. “We would like to thank our retail partners and distributors for their continued support in showcasing the products to consumers. Pokémon is the #1 NPD property in three countries and also saw astonishing three-digit year-on-year gains across the majority of our key territories. These figures have cemented the phenomenal success of the brand’s 25th anniversary year. With increased TCG distribution set to launch in Eastern Europe, we look forward to expanding our reach in 2022.”

The global phenomenon of Pokémon was first launched in Japan in 1996 as a role-playing game for Nintendo’s Game Boy system and reached the United States and Europe in 1998–99. Pokémon has since grown into one of the most popular entertainment properties in the world, encompassing video games, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, mobile games and apps, animation and movies, Play! Pokémon competitive events, and licensed products.

It is one of the most successful video game franchises of all time with more than 368 million video games sold worldwide. In addition, more than 22 billion Pokémon TCG cards have been shipped to 77 countries in 13 languages, while the mobile game sensation Pokémon GO has received more than one billion downloads globally since launch in 2016. More than 1000 episodes of the animated TV series span 24 seasons, licensed for broadcast in 176 countries and regions in more than 30 languages.

*Source: The NPD Group / Toys / Retail Tracking Service / EU8
**UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Spain & Russia

Various retailers online have revealed the Pokémon TCG: Boltund V Box which will be released on April 22nd, 2022 for $19.99 USD.

Pokémon TCG: Boltund V Box

Charge Toward Victory with Boltund V! By channeling electricity into its legs, Boltund V can run nonstop for three full days! Using versatile moves, this quick Pokémon has the speed you need to unleash electrifying combos in your next Pokémon TCG match. In addition to a foil promo card featuring Boltund V, you’ll find extra treasures in Pokémon TCG booster packs.

The Pokémon TCG: Boltund V Box includes:

• 1 foil promo card featuring Boltund V
• 1 foil oversize card featuring Boltund V
• 1 foil promo card featuring Wooloo
• 4 Pokémon TCG booster packs
• A code card for Pokémon Trading Card Game Live

On Friday, February 4th, 2022, the Pokémon Card Game Pokémon Coin Album will go on sale, containing the five Pokémon Coins that won the top prize in the Pokémon Coin 25th Anniversary Poll held in September and October 2021! The Pokémon coins that made the top five in the poll, Chansey, Eevee, Gardevoir, Umbreon and Mew, will appear in new versions with a golden glow.


You can store up to 18 Pokémon coins in the Coin Album. File away your favorite Pokémon coins and keep them safe!

Product Details:

Pokémon Card Game Pokémon Coin Album (ポケモンカードゲーム ポケモンコインアルバム)
Price: 1,500 yen (tax included)
Contents: Coin File x 1, Pokémon Coins x 5
Release date: February 4th, 2022
Available at: Pokémon Centers
There is a possibility that the product will be sold at the Pokémon Store at a later date.

Source: https://www.pokemon-card.com/ex/25th/news/#anchor-box-20220131

The Pokémon Company has announced the Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield Pokémon GO Expansion will be released in Japan on June 17th, 2022 and the rest of the world in the Summer of 2022.

Announcing the Pokémon TCG: Pokémon GO expansion!

Trainers,
This summer, a collaboration between the Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokémon GO will be released! The Pokémon TCG: Pokémon GO expansion will feature cards themed after the popular mobile game. You can get an early look at the expansion’s package design below.

More details will be released soon, so make sure to check back for the latest updates. For more information about the Pokémon Trading Card Game, please visit the official Pokémon TCG website.

Source: https://www.pokemon-card.com/info/003282.html

Japanese Product Details:

Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield Pokémon GO Expansion
ポケモンカードゲーム ソード&シールド 強化拡張パック Pokémon GO
Price: 260 yen (tax included)
Contents: 6 cards
Release Date: June 17, 2022 (Friday)

Source: https://www.pokemon-card.com/info/003282.html

YouTube Clip - Pokémon TCG x Pokémon GO Expansion Teaser Trailer

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89EehU32z6o

YouTube Clip - Pokémon TCG: Pokémon GO Expansion Announcement

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0Ml-o3X4SU

Various retailers online have revealed the Pokémon TCG: Lucario VSTAR Premium Collection which will be released on April 8th, 2022 for $39.99 USD.

The mighty Lucario is ready to battle in the Pokémon TCG: Lucario VSTAR Premium Collection. This set includes two stunning etched promo cards featuring the popular Pokémon. First up is Lucario V, whose Crushing Punch lets you discard a Special Energy from your opponent's Active Pokémon, and whose Cyclone Kick does an impressive 120 damage. Lucario V can then evolve into Lucario VSTAR, who has the Fighting Knuckle attack that does 120 damage and an extra 120 more if your opponent's Active Pokémon is a Pokémon V. Lucario VSTAR's incredible VSTAR Power Aura Star does 70 damage for each Energy attached to your opponent's Active and Benched Pokémon, so wait until they've powered up their team to unleash this punishing move.

In case those two cards aren't enough, this Premium Collection also includes an etched oversize card of Lucario VSTAR that will look great on display along with the included collector's pin, metallic coin, and acrylic VSTAR marker. You'll also get six Pokémon TCG booster packs to swell your ranks. It's a terrific collection for Lucario fans or anyone looking to dole out some damage in the Pokémon TCG.

Pokémon TCG: Lucario VSTAR Premium Collection

Become an Aura Star with Lucario VSTAR!

Channeling all of its determination and might, Lucario VSTAR unleashes an Aura Star for the ages! In this collection, you get playable foil cards featuring Lucario V and Lucario VSTAR, plus an oversize version of Lucario VSTAR for display. You’ll also find a Lucario pin featuring a unique design, a glimmering Lucario coin, and Pokémon TCG booster packs with even more cool and powerful Pokémon.

Each Pokémon TCG: Lucario VSTAR Premium Collection includes:

• 1 etched promo card featuring Lucario V
• 1 etched promo card featuring Lucario VSTAR
• 1 etched oversize card featuring Lucario VSTAR
• 1 colorful collector’s pin featuring Lucario
• 1 metallic coin featuring Lucario
• 1 acrylic VSTAR marker
• 6 Pokémon TCG booster packs
• A code card usable in either the Pokémon TCG Online or Pokémon TCG Live

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/product-gallery/lucario-vstar-premium-collection/

Various retailers online have revealed the Pokémon TCG: Morpeko V-UNION Special Collection which will be released on April 8th, 2022 for $29.99 USD.


Harness the power of a Pokémon V-UNION with the hangry Morpeko in the Pokémon TCG: Morpeko V-UNION Special Collection. With a little help from Professor Burnet, you can assemble the four included cards to form Morpeko V-UNION. Then unleash a smorgasbord of attacks while gobbling up Energy and other useful cards! Morpeko V-UNION takes up just one place on your Bench, but it boasts four versatile attacks. In addition to Morpeko V-UNION, this collection includes an oversize card for display, Pokémon TCG booster packs, and more!

Pokémon TCG: Morpeko V-UNION Special Collection

Serve Up a Big Buffet of Attacks with Morpeko V-UNION!

Feisty little Morpeko makes a big impression as a Pokémon V-UNION! With help from Professor Burnet, you can assemble Morpeko V-UNION and its smorgasbord of attacks that let you gobble up Energy and other useful cards, and then aim for victory with massive amounts of damage! You also get an oversize card for display, plus a handful of Pokémon TCG booster packs containing more surprises.

The Pokémon TCG: Morpeko V-UNION Special Collection includes:

• 4 promo cards that make up a single Morpeko V-UNION
• 1 oversize card featuring Morpeko V-UNION
• 1 helpful Supporter card featuring Professor Burnet
• 4 Pokémon TCG booster packs
• A code card usable in either the Pokémon TCG Online or Pokémon TCG Live

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/product-gallery/morpeko-v-union-special-collection/