The Pokémon Company International officially unveiled the new Pokémon VSTAR gameplay mechanic for the best-selling Pokémon Trading Card Game. Pokémon VSTAR will appear in the upcoming Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield - Brilliant Stars expansion, arriving at participating retailers worldwide on February 25th, 2022. High resolution product pictures from the press release have been added to an Imageboard thread.

New Pokémon Trading Card Game: Sword & Shield—Brilliant Stars Expansion to Feature Pokémon VSTAR Gameplay Mechanic

Nov. 3, 2021 — Today, The Pokémon Company International unveiled the new Pokémon VSTAR gameplay mechanic for the best-selling Pokémon Trading Card Game. Pokémon VSTAR will appear in the upcoming Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Brilliant Stars expansion, arriving at participating retailers worldwide on February 25, 2022.

Pokémon VSTAR evolve from Pokémon V and will play a major role in the Pokémon TCG metagame. Each Pokémon VSTAR has a VSTAR Power — an Ability or attack — with an extremely powerful effect that can decide the outcome of a battle. Players can use only one VSTAR Power per game, and those who use a VSTAR Power must flip over a VSTAR marker during the battle.

In addition to their VSTAR Powers, Pokémon VSTAR have high HP and high-damage attacks, and they give up two Prize cards when Knocked Out.

Trainers can look forward to seeing Arceus VSTAR, Charizard VSTAR, Shaymin VSTAR and Whimsicott VSTAR in Sword & Shield—Brilliant Stars. The expansion will also include a special Trainer Gallery subset of 30 cards with artwork featuring fan-favorite Trainers and Pokémon.





Available in booster packs, Elite Trainer Boxes and special collections, Sword & Shield—Brilliant Stars will include the following:

• 20 Pokémon V and 15 full-art Pokémon V
• Four new Pokémon VSTAR
• Three new Pokémon VMAX
• 22 Trainer cards and six full-art Supporter cards
• One new Special Energy card

In addition, Trainers can find Pokémon VSTAR in the Pokémon TCG: Leafeon VSTAR Special Collection and Pokémon TCG: Glaceon VSTAR Special Collection when they become available in the first quarter of 2022. Each of these VSTAR Special Collections includes a promo card featuring Leafeon V or Glaceon V, an etched promo card and etched oversize card featuring Leafeon VSTAR or Glaceon VSTAR, an acrylic VSTAR marker and five Pokémon TCG booster packs.

HYPEBEAST is celebrating Pokémon TCG‘s 25th anniversary with an exciting capsule collection and a host of activations in Hong Kong. This special collection dives into the trading card game‘s rich history for an eclectic offering of playful goods. Conjuring up the nostalgic feeling and the excitement felt when Pokémon TCG first hit the market, this collection homes in on that very special moment when you or a friend first pulled a Base Set Charizard. Pictures from the press release have been added to an Imageboard thread.

These past years have seen Charizard’s popularity rocket to new heights, becoming a staple card in the decks of many collectors and players alike. While Pikachu is arguably the most known Pokémon overall, in the TCG world, Charizard is now a household name among all TCG fans, even appearing as the centerpiece to Logan Paul’s fight fit when facing off against Floyd Mayweather.

With items that span from T-shirts, hoodies, stickers, phone cases, and home accessories, the Fire-Type Pokémon Charizard is highlighted via graphics that transport fans back to the ’90s. On top of the individual soft goods offered, special bundle sets containing card booster packs will be available where fans have the chance of pulling a rare holofoil-print Charizard tee.

The capsule collection launch will take place in Hong Kong with two pop-up events marking the occasion. The first one will take place on the basement floor of Sino Centre, Mong Kok, a popular gaming and manga/anime hub, on October 20 for two days. The second pop-up will take place from October 23 at BELOWGROUND LANDMARK, Central, featuring an interactive space where Pokémon fans can gather and view the full collection on display.

For those looking to celebrate Pokémon TCG’s 25th Anniversary with HYPEBEAST outside of Hong Kong, the collection will also be available via HBX on October 22. Stay tuned to HYPEBEAST for further updates.

Sino Centre Popup (October 20-21)
B48, Basement
582-592 Nathan Road
Mong Kok, Kowloon

BELOWGROUND Popup (October 23 – November 21)
Shop 7
B/F Landmark Atrium
15 Queen’s Road Central
Hong Kong

Source: https://hypebeast.com/2021/10/pokemon-tcg-25th-anniversary-hypebeast-collab-lookbook

HYPEBEAST x Pokémon TCG 25th Anniversary Capsule Collection

In celebration of Pokémon Trading Card Game’s 25th anniversary, HYPEBEAST has collaborated on a special capsule collection that spotlights the iconic Base Set Charizard, which has been seen teased in a lookbook preview, and on trams and posters around Hong Kong.

The APAC-exclusive collection includes a range of apparel and accessories that are priced between $10–90 USD. The full list of products available is as follows:
— Sweatshirt (Gray, Black)
— Hoodie (Gray, Black)
— T-shirt (Gray, Black, White)
— Cap (Black)
— Cushion (Black)
— Mug (White)
— iPhone 12 Pro Case (Black, White)
— iPhone 12 Pro Max Case (Black, White)
— Rug (Color, Mono)
— Bandana (Black, White)
— Sticker Pack (Set A, Set B)
— Pokémon TCG 25th Anniversary Cards (Singular Pack, Box Set)











There will also be a rare black-holofoil tee that fans will have to test their luck and pull from a bundle set, which comes with one Pokémon TCG 25th anniversary card pack, and one random colored tee.

Another thing to note is that the card packs are region specific, so be it as a single pack, box set or bundle set, you can only purchase or will receive your region’s cards.

Source: https://hypebeast.com/2021/10/pokemon-tcg-25th-anniversary-hypebeast-full-collection-release-info

HYPEBEAST Gears up for Pokémon TCG 25th Anniversary With Custom Hong Kong Tram

“Catch a ride, Catch a smile,” and try to “Catch ‘Em All.”

After covering its iconic trams in Pantone’s HK Tram Green, HK TRAMWAYS is back in the spotlight with a new wrap for HYPEBEAST’s Pokémon TCG 25th anniversary celebration.

A Hong Kong commuting staple, the Hong Kong tram has been in operation since 1904 and has a rough daily ridership of 180,000. Usually for those with time on their hands, the form of transportation cost just $0.35 USD, and to many, is the slower, scenic method of travel. From its first stop in Kennedy Town to the last station in Shau Kei Wan, each double-decker tram passes by each of the 180 stations on the Hong Kong Island and is part of the world’s largest fleet of trams at 165 vehicles.

Celebrating 25 years of the trading card game, the custom tram makes its debut just days before HYPEBEAST‘s special activations in Mong Kong and Central. The tram itself takes on a dark design that’s themed on the build-out of the BELOWGROUND pop-up space taking place from October 23 – November 21. Clad mostly in black, HYPEBEAST’s collaborative Pokémon TCG logo in signature yellow along with a 25th-anniversary card pack and smokey Charizard outline add contrast to the tram’s design.

Source: https://hypebeast.com/2021/10/pokemon-tcg-25th-anniversary-hypebeast-tram-poster-hong-kong

The official Pokémon website has announced that a new gameplay mechanic is coming to the Pokémon Trading Card Game called Pokémon VSTAR. Full details will be announced at a later time.

Pokémon VSTAR Are Coming to the Pokémon TCG

Take a sneak peek at the upcoming Arceus VSTAR and a new mechanic for the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

An exciting new gameplay mechanic is coming to the Pokémon Trading Card Game. This teaser video gives an early look at Arceus VSTAR, one of the first Pokémon VSTAR. How will these new cards affect your battle strategy? Stay tuned for more details about how you can use the power of Pokémon VSTAR to take on your opponents.

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/pokemon-vstar-are-coming-to-the-pokemon-tcg/

YouTube Clip - The Pokémon TCG Introduces Pokémon VSTAR

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXnZ7M851Qk

The official Japanese Pokémon Card Game website has announced a new High-class pack set called VMAX Climax (VMAXクライマックス) which will be released on December 3rd, 2021. The set features full art CSR (Character Super Rare) remake cards which will certainly be popular with fans and collectors.

CSR (Character Super Rare) - Red:

Red, a trainer from the Kanto Region, is standing proudly in the middle of a battle. Even in the midst of battle, he never loses his cool, and his dignified appearance seems to indicate his strong will and pride.

CHR (Character Rare) - Kamitsure, Gym Leader of Raimon City

Kamitsure, the gym leader of Raimon City in the Isshu region, is reflected in the mirror with Mokoko. Perhaps she's getting dressed up for the mirror, but she's holding a brush in her hand, and Mokoko's expression looks happy.

CHR (Character Rare) - N

N, a trainer from the Isshu region, is riding on Zekrom's back. As they ride through the sky together, it looks as if they have a strong relationship of trust.

CHR (Character Rare) - Doctor

The Doctor is sitting at his desk behind Sirnight. The look in Sirnight's eyes is gentle, perhaps showing its appreciation for the doctor's hard work.

CHR (Character Rare) - Masaki

Masaki is scratching his head because of Eievui's behavior. His expression looks dumbfounded, but it's also smiling gently, showing that he loves Eievui's pranks.

Product Details:

Pokémon Card Game Sword & Shield High Class Pack VMAX Climax
ポケモンカードゲーム ソード＆シールド ハイクラスパック「VMAXクライマックス
Release date: December 3rd, 2021
Suggested Retail Price: 550 yen per pack (tax included)
Set includes: 11 cards per pack. Cards are included at random. A Basic Energy card is always included.

Source: https://www.pokemon-card.com/ex/s8b/

The Pokémon TCG: Single Strike Urshifu VMAX League Battle Deck and Pokémon TCG: Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX League Battle Deck will be available on November 12, 2021, at the Pokémon Center and where Pokémon TCG products are sold.

Pokémon TCG: Single Strike Urshifu VMAX and Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX League Battle Decks

Choose your moment, and strike with raw power! Or strike a thousand times—each hit bringing you one step closer to victory! Single Strike Urshifu VMAX or Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX is yours in a powerful, League-ready deck for skilled Trainers and Pokémon TCG players. With a slew of cards including premium foil cards, sought-after power cards, and a well-tuned set of Pokémon and Trainer cards, these League Battle Decks do more than feature one of the most popular Pokémon of the Galar region: they put together all the elements to support you in your next match against friends and neighbors, in person or online! This deck is ready to play and loaded with the potent combos of either Single Strike Urshifu VMAX or Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX!

Each Pokémon TCG: League Battle Deck includes:

• A full, playable 60-card deck loaded with power cards
• 2 foil cards featuring either Single Strike Urshifu V or Rapid Strike Urshifu V
• 2 foil cards featuring either Single Strike Urshifu VMAX or Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX
• 2 coin condition markers
• 6 damage-counter dice and 1 competition-legal coin-flip die
• 1 Pokémon TCG rulebook
• 1 Quick Guide to unlock the strategies within
• 1 code card to play this deck online

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/product-gallery/single-strike-urshifu-vmax-and-rapid-strike-urshifu-vmax-league-battle-decks/

Full details of the Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield Fusion Strike Elite Trainer Box have been announced and it will be available on November 12, 2021, at the Pokémon Center and where Pokémon TCG products are sold.

Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Fusion Strike Elite Trainer Box

Dive into the latest Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion, Sword & Shield—Fusion Strike, with an Elite Trainer Box. This convenient collection contains all sorts of useful goodies that will get you started. You'll get eight Sword & Shield—Fusion Strike booster packs, giving you loads of new cards to enhance your collection. There are also 45 Energy cards to power your Pokémon's many attacks. The 65 included card sleeves (which feature the Mythical Pokémon Mew) will keep your deck in tip-top shape, and items like damage-counter dice and acrylic condition markers let you play in style. There's even a player's guide to the new expansion that can help you fine-tune your strategies. It all comes packaged in a sturdy collector's box that's perfect for storing your cards.

The Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Fusion Strike Elite Trainer Box includes:

• 8 Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Fusion Strike booster packs
• 65 card sleeves featuring Mew
• 45 Pokémon TCG Energy cards
• A player's guide to the Sword & Shield—Fusion Strike expansion
• A Pokémon TCG rulebook
• 6 damage-counter dice
• 1 competition-legal coin-flip die
• 2 acrylic condition markers
• A collector's box to hold everything, with 4 dividers to keep it organized
• 1 code card to play this deck online

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/product-gallery/sword-shield-fusion-strike-elite-trainer-box/

The Pokémon TCG: Hoopa V Box will be available on November 12, 2021, at the Pokémon Center and where Pokémon TCG products are sold.

Pokémon TCG: Hoopa V Box

The Mythical Pokémon Hoopa has arrived as a powerful Pokémon V that's ready to juggle rings, reach across hyperspace, and find a place in your collection! The Pokémon TCG: Hoopa V Box includes the Fusion Strike Hoopa V whose Two-Faced Ability turns it into a Psychic- and Darkness-type Pokémon as long as it's in play (it's normally just a Darkness type). When the time comes for Hoopa V to unleash an attack, its Shadow Impact hits for 170 damage, but in return, you must place three damage counters on one of your Pokémon.

Just in case Hoopa V wasn't enough on its own, this set also includes an oversize version of Hoopa V that makes a great display piece. Plus, you'll get four Pokémon TCG booster packs to boost your deck. If you want to make a powerful impression, grab Hoopa V for your next deck, and put a little magic into your moves!

The Pokémon TCG: Hoopa V Box includes:

• 1 foil card featuring Hoopa V
• 1 oversize card featuring Hoopa V, suitable for display
• 4 Pokémon TCG booster packs
• 1 code card to play this deck online

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

This set allows you to enjoy playing with Zacian and Zamazenta as they battle Mugendina, recreating the experience of the games Pokémon Sword and Shield. With a full set of items to play the Pokémon Card Game, it's the perfect end-of-the-year gift!


Alternate-colored Zacian and Zamazenta are now available as Pokémon V! You can get them by purchasing this product! Zacian V is an offensive Pokémon V with the powerful move Brave Blade and the Ability Intrepid Sword while Zamazenta V is a defensive Pokémon V that fights with the trait Dauntless Shield and the move Assault Tackle!

Contents:

The contents include two Deck Cases, two Pokémon Coins, a sheet of Damage Markers, a Playmat, two Player's Guides, a Damage Case, and a Card Box. With these items, you can play more smoothly, carry your Pokémon cards more conveniently, and play more comfortably!

Product Details:

Pokémon Card Game Sword & Shield Special Deck Set: Zacian Zamazenta vs Mugendina
ポケモンカードゲーム ソード＆シールド スペシャルデッキセット ザシアン・ザマゼンタ vs ムゲンダイナ
Release date: November 5th, 2021
Suggested retail price: 5,500 yen (tax included)
1 x Zacian V and Zamazenta V deck (60 cards)
1 x Mugendina VMAX" deck (60 cards)
2 x Deck Cases (4 dividers)
2 x Pokémon Coins
1 sheet x Damage / Marker
1 x Playmat
2 x Player's Guide
1 x Damage case
1 x Card box

Source: https://www.pokemon-card.com/products/s/sj.html

Full details of the Pokémon TCG: Celebrations Elite Trainer Box have been announced and it will be available October 8th, 2021 in the Pokémon Center and where Pokémon TCG products are sold for $49.99 USD.

Pokémon TCG: Celebrations Elite Trainer Box

Celebrate 25 years of Pokémon battles, adventures, and memories with a festive parade of Pokémon including Mew, Ho-Oh, Lunala, and Zamazenta. With 10 Celebrations-themed booster packs and five additional TCG booster packs, there are plenty of opportunities to indulge your nostalgia while building a deck that celebrates everything the Pokémon TCG has to offer. And with a collector's box to keep your new cards safe, you'll be making new Pokémon TCG memories for years to come.

The Pokémon TCG: Celebrations Elite Trainer Box includes:

• 10 Pokémon TCG: Celebrations 4-card booster packs
• 5 additional Pokémon TCG booster packs
• 1 special foil card featuring Greninja ☆
• 65 card sleeves featuring the Pokémon 25 logo and lightning tail design
• 45 Pokémon TCG Energy cards
• A player's guide to the Celebrations expansion
• A Pokémon TCG rulebook
• 6 damage-counter dice
• 1 competition-legal coin-flip die
• 2 acrylic condition markers
• A collector's box to hold everything, with 4 dividers to keep it organized
• 1 code card to play this deck online

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/product-gallery/celebrations-elite-trainer-box/

The Pokémon Company International unveiled Pokémon TCG Live, a new app that allows Trainers to enjoy the Pokémon Trading Card Game in an updated digital format which will be playable on smartphones, tablets, PCs, and Macs. High resolution images and artwork from the press release have been added to an Imageboard thread.

The Pokémon Company International Reveals Latest Innovation for the Pokémon Trading Card Game with New Pokémon TCG Live App

Pokémon TCG Gameplay Comes to Smartphones for the First Time

Today, The Pokémon Company International unveiled Pokémon TCG Live, a new app that allows Trainers to enjoy the Pokémon Trading Card Game in an updated digital format. Releasing as a free-to-play game, Pokémon TCG Live also marks the first time that the Pokémon TCG will be playable on smartphones, in addition to tablets, PCs, and Macs.

The announcement comes as The Pokémon Company International continues its yearlong celebration of the brand’s 25th anniversary by engaging fans with innovative Pokémon experiences and products.

“As we look back on 25 wonderful years of Pokémon, we are once again reminded of how the Pokémon Trading Card Game has always been a strong pillar of the franchise and beloved by young and veteran Trainers alike,” said Barry Sams, vice president of the Pokémon TCG at The Pokémon Company International. “Pokémon TCG Live will go hand in hand with the tabletop version that fans know and love, and welcomes a new era of digital play where Trainers around the world can play together regardless of their preferred platform.”

Pokémon TCG Live is designed to be easy for beginners to learn how to play the game, while offering fresh challenges for existing players to improve and test their skills. Players will be able to enjoy some of their favorite Pokémon TCG activities, including building decks and battling other Trainers around the world. They will also be able to tailor their experience with customizable avatars and Pokémon TCG accessories, participate in daily quests, and more. In addition, Pokémon TCG Live will continue to be updated with new content and features following launch.

Pokémon TCG Live will be coming soon to supported iOS and Android devices, as well as PCs and Macs via Pokemon.com. Trainers looking to preview the game prior to broad availability will be able to participate in the mobile soft launch in Canada and the global open beta for PCs and Macs later this year.

Source: https://tcg.pokemon.com/en-us/tcgl/

YouTube Clip - Pokémon Trading Card Game Live [SNEAK PEEK] | Official Trailer

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ooBE5AQODY

Pokémon TCG Live FAQs

Do I need to link my Pokémon Trainer Club account to a Nintendo Account to participate in Pokémon TCG Live events?
No, Pokémon TCG Live does not require a Nintendo Account or Nintendo device, so it is not necessary to link your Pokémon Trainer Club account to a Nintendo Account to participate in Pokémon TCG Live events.
Please note: A Pokémon Trainer Club account is required to play Pokémon TCG Live on Windows or Mac.

Will I be able to transfer my Pokémon TCG Online avatar and items to Pokémon TCG Live?
No, Pokémon TCG Online avatars or avatar-related items will not be transferred to Pokémon TCG Live.

What if I do not want to migrate my account from the Pokémon TCG Online to the new Pokémon TCG Live?
All players will be migrated to Pokémon TCG Live, and the Pokémon TCG Online will eventually be retired.

What will happen to my Pokémon TCG Online friends list? Will I be able to transfer it to Pokémon TCG Live?
No, you will not be able to transfer your friends list from the Pokémon TCG Online to Pokémon TCG Live.

Do I need to have a Pokémon TCG Online account first, before I can play Pokémon TCG Live? A previous Pokémon TCG Online account is not necessary in order to play Pokémon TCG Live, but a Pokémon Trainer Club account is required. In addition, Pokémon TCG Live requires a Screen name to sign in, so please be sure to designate a Screen name if you are creating a new Pokémon Trainer Club account.

Will I be able to trade my cards to other players within Pokémon TCG Live?
Players will not be able to trade cards with other players within Pokémon TCG Live.

What will happen to the in-game chat feature in Pokémon TCG Live?
Pokémon TCG Live will not have an integrated chat feature.

Which items will not be able to migrate from the Pokémon TCG Online to Pokémon TCG Live?
Please find below a list of items that will not be migrated from the Pokémon TCG Online to Pokémon TCG Live.

• Any card from the HeartGold & SoulSilver Series or the Call of Legends expansion, including Black Star Promo cards
• McDonald’s Happy Meal cards
• Non-foil basic Energy cards from pre-constructed decks
• Cards from earlier Trainer Kit products that don’t appear in the Black & White, XY, or Sun & Moon Series

Deck Cosmetics
Deck cosmetics that are not associated with a product or promotion from Black & White or later

Unopened Products
Unopened booster packs from the HeartGold & SoulSilver Series or the Call of Legends expansion will not be migrated.

Player Account Data

• Friends list
• Avatar items
• User-created decks
• Currency

Also note that banned accounts will not be migrated.

What items will I be able to migrate from the Pokémon TCG Online to Pokémon TCG Live?
Cards

• All cards from the Black & White, XY, Sun & Moon, and Sword & Shield Series; however, please note that players will see unimplemented cards as owned in Deck Manager, but they will not be accessible to add to decks or play until implemented.

Deck Cosmetics

• Coins included with preconstructed decks. Note that several Pokémon TCG Online coins share the same art, so all owned Pokémon TCG Online coins will be mapped to a single Pokémon TCG Live coin with same art.

Organized Play

• 2013–2019 World Championships card sleeves, deck boxes, and coins
• XY, Sun & Moon, and Sword & Shield Series League card sleeves, deck boxes, and coins
• XY, Sun & Moon, and Sword & Shield Series incremental products
• Elite Trainer Box (ETB) card sleeves, deck boxes, and coins
• Premium Collection card sleeves, deck boxes, and coins. Example: Dragon Majesty Super-Premium Collection.

Unopened Products

• Unopened Black & White, XY, Sun & Moon, and Sword & Shield Series booster packs, preconstructed decks (expansion and incremental), Build & Battle Boxes, and League reward products will be converted to Pokémon TCG Live in-game currency on migration. Note that there will be a cap on the amount of in-game currency you can receive.
• Unopened XY and Sun & Moon Series tin products that unlock a 60-card deck in the Pokémon TCG Online will be converted to one copy of that tin's promo card on migration.

Source: https://support.pokemon.com/hc/en-us/sections/360011828611-FAQs