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The proposed system could begin by August, using smartphone scans of Japan’s My Number Cards to verify Trainer Club accounts for lotteries, online sales and select events.
From August 2026, Japan may require smartphone-scanned My Number Cards for priority product lotteries, some Pokémon Center Online sales, and official event registration.
The proposed system could begin in August 2026, using smartphone scans of My Number Cards for product lotteries, selected Pokémon Center Online sales and official events in Japan.
From around August 2026, select Pokémon Center Online lotteries and purchases will require NFC verification of Japan’s My Number Card; exact products, events and start date remain unannounced.
The mobile game logged 2 billion-plus battles and 490 million-plus showcases in its first 365 days, while AppMagic estimates first-year revenue at $1.3 billion.
Pokémon TCG Pocket has reached 200 million downloads since October 2024, with estimated IAP revenue of $1.16 billion; Japan generated 45% and the US 24%.
The Pokémon Company thanked players after the iOS and Android digital card game crossed the milestone worldwide, signaling continued broad engagement.
The short follows Hana and Rio on an extraordinary delivery, arriving on the official English Pokémon YouTube channel after its February 27, 2025 Asian debut.
The lineup launches May 22 at Chicago’s Field Museum, with many items also online at Pokémon Center U.S.; it features Excavator Pikachu, Fossil Pokémon, apparel, accessories and purchase limits.
Participating GameStop stores will open at midnight ahead of the May 22 worldwide release, which includes booster packs, ETBs and collections; TCG Live access begins May 21.
The Pokémon Deluxe Character Guide arrives August 25 as a 30th-anniversary release, with preorders available through Amazon and Target.
Chaos Rising contains 122 cards and reaches full release May 22, with illustration rares and connected evolution-line artwork positioned as its main collectible appeal.
Leaked Game Freak documents reportedly show dual Johto Legends concepts starring Ho-Oh and Lugia were abandoned when The Pokémon Company chose 2025's Legends Z-A.
From 55 preview packs, the reviewer pulled three SIRs and one Mega Hyper Rare, including both chase Mega Greninja ex cards. The 208-card set has just two major chases, and the sample hints at softer resale values.
The 336-page Deluxe Character Guide arrives August 25 for $59.99, while a $200 limited boxed set adds a TCG playmat, two collectible prints and a certificate of authenticity.
The NHK Symphony Orchestra recorded the main theme for Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, which are scheduled for release in 2027.
Argos will restrict Pokémon card purchases to its app for collection at UK stores, with no in-store ordering or home delivery, amid rapid sellouts, queues and reported fights.
Fourteen National Trust sites in England and Wales will host 10-stop Mega Evolution trails from May 23, with a County Down location joining June 13; admission is included with standard entry.
Pitch Black launches worldwide July 17 with six Mega Evolution Pokémon ex and six special illustration rares; prerelease events begin July 4, followed by TCG Live access July 16.
The 336-page hardcover covers all 1,025 known Pokémon and includes cross-franchise bonus items plus a certificate of authenticity; preorders are open ahead of its Aug. 25 release.