The official Pokémon website has announced that Pokémon TCG players in Australia and New Zealand will once again be able to compete in in-person tournaments at Play! Pokémon stores in those countries as of March 2021.

Pokémon TCG Play! Pokémon Events Return in Australia and New Zealand

Players will once again be able to compete in in-person tournaments at Play! Pokémon stores in these regions.

Pokémon Trading Card Game players in Australia and New Zealand should prepare themselves as Play! Pokémon events will be returning on March 1, 2021. You'll once again be able to visit stores hosting Play! Pokémon events to participate in Pokémon League and Prerelease tournaments against other players. For questions or concerns regarding events at participating stores, please see the Play! Pokémon COVID-19 requirements.

The brand-new Event Locator is now available to help players discover events. Currently, the Event Locator will only show events for Australia and New Zealand.

In-person events in other areas remain suspended, but conditions will be consistently reviewed for future re-openings. In the meantime, Players Cup, Team Challenge, and League at Home continue to be available to eligible players in all participating countries.

In more Play! Pokémon news, the new Pokémon Event Manager (PEM) has launched and will help Professors and Tournament Organizers create and track Play! Pokémon events. The initial version of the new PEM is available only in English. Event organizers in countries outside Australia and New Zealand can continue to test PEM, but please note that Team Challenge tournaments will continue to run with Tournament Operations Manager (TOM) software.

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/pokemon-tcg-play-pokemon-events-return-in-australia-and-new-zealand/

The official Pokémon website has announced that starting on March 5th, 2021, select retailers will begin selling the Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Battle Styles Build & Battle Box earlier than the expansions release date on March 19th, 2021.

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

Select retailers will offer this Prerelease set ahead of the new expansion’s release date.

The upcoming Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion, Sword & Shield—Battle Styles, will be released on March 19, 2021, but you can get some of these new cards early at your local hobby store. Starting March 5, 2021, select retailers will be selling the Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Battle Styles Build & Battle Box, giving fans the opportunity to check out the expansion before its release date and build a playable deck in the fast-paced Prerelease format.

This format lets players construct and compete with a 40-card deck with four Prize cards set aside at the start of play. It's a great way to get in some quick games with family or friends and begin developing strategies ahead of the expansion's release. Each Build & Battle Box includes a 23-card Evolution pack featuring key cards from current and prior sets, including one of four unique foil promo cards. You also get four Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Battle Styles booster packs and a deck-building tip sheet.

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

The official Pokémon website has announced the full details for the Shiny Toxtricity Event Pokémon distribution. Players in the United States, Canada and Australia can visit participating GameStop or EB Games stores to get a serial code via the Pokémon Pass app from February 19th, 2021 until March 18th, 2021.

Distribution Locations Worldwide:

Canada, Australia, New Zealand: EB Games
United States: Gamestop
Germany, Italy: Gamestop Online
France: Micromania Online
Belgium, Netherlands: GameMania's Online

Visit GameStop and Rock Out with Shiny Toxtricity in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield

Get a code for a Shiny Toxtricity by using Pokémon Pass at GameStop in the United States or by visiting EB Games in Canada and Australia.

Celebrate the February 19 release of Pokémon TCG: Shining Fates and add some punk rock attitude to your battle lineup in your Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield game with a Shiny Toxtricity! Trainers can obtain a code to receive the Punk Pokémon in its Amped Form by visiting participating retailers between February 19 and March 18.

Trainers located in the US can obtain a code by using the Pokémon Pass app inside their local participating GameStop. Curbside pickup is also available. For the no-contact option, park or stand outside the front entrance of your local participating GameStop, open the Pokémon Pass app, and follow prompts for curbside pickup to receive a code for your game.

Trainers in Australia and Canada can obtain a code by visiting EB Games. For curbside pickup in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, upon arriving to the store, please either knock on the front door or call the store to notify the staff that you have arrived and are waiting outside. Request a code from a sales associate, and they will bring one out to you.

Use these steps, along with your code, to get Shiny Toxtricity.

1. Launch your Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield game.
2. Select Mystery Gift on the X menu.
3. Select Get a Mystery Gift.
4. Select Get with Code/Password to connect to the internet.
5. Enter your code.
6. Watch as the gift arrives in your game. (The Pokémon will appear in your party or in your Pokémon Boxes.)
7. Be sure to save your game.

This Toxtricity is ready to get loud with two sound-based moves that are amplified by the Pokémon's Punk Rock Ability and by the Throat Spray it's holding!

Shiny Toxtricity

Level: 50
Ability: Punk Rock
Held Item: Throat Spray
Moves: Overdrive, Sludge Wave, Boomburst, Rising Voltage

Rock on with Shiny Toxtricity, and look for the Amped Pokémon in the Pokémon TCG: Shining Fates expansion!

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/visit-gamestop-and-rock-out-with-shiny-toxtricity-in-pokemon-sword-and-pokemon-shield/

Various retailers have revealed the Pokémon TCG: Victini V and Gardevoir V Battle Decks which will be released on May 7th, 2021 with an MSRP of $14.99 USD each. A separate Double V Battle Deck box which includes both Victini V and Gardevoir V Battle Decks will also be released for an MSRP of $29.99 USD.

Product Description:

Command a New Battle Deck—with Victini V or Gardevoir V!

Get ready to ignite a massive blaze with Victini V, or unleash the powers of the mind with Gardevoir V—they're ready to charge onto the battlefield in two new Pokemon TCG: V Battle Decks! Each 60-card deck is led by a valiant Pokémon V and includes everything you need to play right away. Let the battle begin!

Each Pokémon V Battle Deck includes:

• 1 ready-to-play 60-card deck
• 3 reference cards
• 1 rules booklet
• Single-player playmat
• Damage counters
• 1 large metallic coin
• 1 deck box
• 1 Quick Guide to unlock the strategies within
• 1 code card to play this deck online

Double Deck Bundle Product Description:

Two Strong Pokémon V Stand Ready!

Get ready for a major Pokémon battle with a ready-to-play double deck bundle—with extra Trainer cards! The Pokémon TCG: V Battle Deck—Victini vs. Gardevoir includes a deck for you and one for a friend, so you can face off. You can choose either Victini V or Gardevoir V to lead your team in a heads-up battle against another Trainer. Then, switch up the decks and see what things look like from the other side—can you win with both powerful Pokémon V?

The Pokémon TCG: V Battle Deck—Victini vs. Gardevoir includes:

• 2 ready-to-play V Battle Decks (60 cards each)
• Each deck includes a powerful special Pokemon: Victini V or Gardevoir V!
• 8 additional Trainer cards, including 2 foil cards
• 2 large metallic coins
• 2 deck boxes
• 2 Quick Guides to unlock the strategies within
• 2 single-player playmats
• 6 reference cards
• Damage counters
• 1 guide to upgrading your decks
• 1 code card for the Pokemon Trading Card Game Online

Various retailers have revealed the Pokémon TCG: Galarian Rapidash V Box which will be released on May 7th, 2021 with an MSRP of $19.99 USD.

Product Description:

Unleash the Psychic Prowess of Galarian Rapidash V!

Galarian Rapidash V is known for the devastating Psychic-type attacks it sends out from its long, spiraling horn—and now that power can be yours! Alongside a playable foil promo card featuring this pretty pastel Pokémon, plus an oversize card suitable for display, you'll find extra treasures in a handful of Pokémon TCG booster packs. Chase down this forest beauty with the Pokémon TCG: Galarian Rapidash V Box!

The Pokémon TCG: Galarian Rapidash V Box includes:

• 1 foil promo card featuring Galarian Rapidash V
• 1 foil oversize card featuring Galarian Rapidash V
• 4 Pokémon TCG booster packs
• A code card for the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online

On Friday, March 19th, 2021, the Pokémon Trading Card Game Expansion Pack: Matchless Fighters - Klara and Savory Set (強化拡張パック 双璧のファイター クララ＆セイボリーセット) will be released in Japan. This product will feature a newly drawn illustration of Klara and Savory camping with a Galarian Yadon at a scenic spot.


In addition to the two boxes which includes 60 packs of Matchless Fighters cards, this gorgeous set includes two types of deck shields, a deck case that can hold decks and a card box that can hold up to 700 cards. Both of them are included in the set, with a zoomed-in view of Klara taking a selfie in her pursuit of cuteness and Savory trying their best to eat his curry in a polite manner.


Also, the deck case has a large picture of these two unique people enjoying camping together.


Watch out for the Pokémon surrounding the two of them! While the Galarian Yadon seem to be going at their own pace, the Galarian Yadoran and the Galarian Yadoran Yadoking are giving Savory a look as if they want something from him......


This one Galarian Yadon is wearing Savory's hat and is looking very cute as it relaxes!


The back side of the deck case has the silhouettes of Klara and Savory. You can tell who these two unique people are just by their silhouettes.


The card box has a large two-sided illustration of everyone enjoying camping together.


Oh, here's a Galarian Yadon trying to eat a curry! There may be other Pokémon hiding in the large illustration on the card box, so be sure to check out the real thing and discover them! If you purchase this product, which gives you a lot of powerful cards from the Matchless Fighters collection, along with the wonderful goods featuring Klara and Savory, you'll be ready for battle!

Klara and Savory Set Details:

Pokémon TCG - Expansion Pack: Matchless Fighters - Klara and Savory Set
Available at: Pokémon Centers, Pokémon Stores, Pokémon Center Online, Pokémon Card Gym
Release Date: March 19th, 2021
Suggested Retail Price: 11,550 yen (tax included)

Klara and Savory Set Contents:

• 2 x Matchless Fighters boxes (60 packs)
• 2 x Deck Shields (64 card sleeves)
• 1 x Deck case
• 1 x Card box (outer box)

Source: https://www.pokemon-card.com/info/2021/20210219_002797.html

Pokémon Center Singapore has announced how patrons can buy Pokémon TCG: Shining Fates products which are launching at the Pokémon Center Singapore on February 19th, 2021. Many of these restrictions are in place due to the surging popularity of the Pokémon TCG worldwide and to comply with local COVID-19 heath and safety procedures.

Important Notice

Attention to all Trainers! As Pokémon TCG: Shining Fates products are launching at Pokémon Center Singapore tomorrow, please take note of the following queue guide and regulations:

How to queue
1) Queue for purchase ticket collection will open at 7:00 AM SGT, Friday on 19th February 2021.
2) Guests are to form an orderly line along with a 1-meter distance between each other to receive purchase tickets for their product of choice.
3) After the collection of purchase tickets, guests are encouraged to leave the queue and return during operational hours to make their purchase.
4) Guests may proceed straight to the cashier to process their purchase during store operating hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM SGT on Friday, 19th February 2021.
5) Physical tickets must be presented to the staff for the purchase.

Queuing regulations
※ To comply with safe distancing measures in the mall, no queues will be allowed before 7:00 AM SGT, Friday on 19th February 2021.
※ Please do not queue before 7:00 AM.
※ Queue for purchase ticket collection will close once all tickets have been distributed. Continued queuing before the store opens will not be allowed.
Purchase Tickets
※ Tickets for purchase of each product will be distributed to the guests, subject to the limited quantity available, on a first-come-first-serve basis.
※ Guests will be able to choose the product of their choice, each guest limited to the purchase of 1 piece per product.
※ Each ticket allows the purchase of 1 piece of stated product, and physical tickets must be presented in-store within the stipulated period.
※ Tickets will not be returned after purchase
※ Tickets shown outside of the stipulated period will be deemed invalid and forfeited.
※ Guests must be physically present in the queue to be able to collect the tickets. No collection on behalf or proxy queuing will be allowed.

Purchase Tickets Terms & Conditions
* This ticket guarantees the purchase and purchase quantity of the stated items listed above.
* This ticket is strictly valid for 1 transaction of the product listed above.
* This ticket is limited to 1 per guest, guests that are found to be in possession of 2 of the same ticket will be refused the sales of the specific product, and the tickets will be deemed invalid and will be collected back.
* Tickets found to be torn, or appear to have been forged, damaged, defaced, duplicated, or otherwise tampered with will be considered invalid, and will be collected back.
* This ticket is only valid for the date 19 February 2021, from 10 am - 10 pm, in the event the ticket is presented for purchase outside of the stated time, it will be deemed invalid.
* No exchange of the ticket type is allowed upon issuing of the ticket.
* No returns, exchanges, or refunds will be accepted.
* Sales of Pokémon Trading Card Game: Shining Fates products start on 19 February 2021, Friday at 10 am.
* This ticket is to be handed over to Pokémon Center Singapore Staffs upon purchase of Pokémon Trading Card Game: Shining Fates.
* Guests will not be allowed to collect additional tickets on behalf of other guests.
* In the event of lost tickets, we will not be able to reissue the ticket.
* We seek your cooperation when given instructions by our staff.
* Pokémon Center Singapore reserves the right to refuse admission/evict any guest(s) whose conduct is disorderly or inappropriate or who poses a threat to our staff or security personnel.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/Pokemon.official.Singapore/posts/2836255520034692

Play professionals and toy fans from around the globe gathered virtually on February 12th, 20201 to honor the year's most outstanding playthings and inspiring individuals at The Toy Association's 21st annual Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards and Toy Industry Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Proceeds from the TOTY awards program support the charitable work of The Toy Foundation. The Pokémon Company International won Game of the Year for the Pokémon Trading Card Game Battle Academy.

The Pokémon Company International Wins Game of the Year at the 2021 Toy of the Year Awards

The Pokémon Trading Card Game Battle Academy Recognized for Being an Ideal Board Game for Families

Bellevue, Wash.—Feb. 15, 2021—The Pokémon Company International announced today that the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) Battle Academy, the first-ever board game adaptation of the iconic Pokémon TCG, has been awarded Game of the Year at The Toy Association’s 2021 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards.

Known as the “Oscars” of the toy industry, the annual TOTY Awards celebrate the top toys, games, and children’s properties, with winners decided by votes cast by the public and industry, based on a pool of finalists determined by expert judges. The coveted Game of the Year category is evaluated based on the product’s creativity, design, playability, and marketing.

“The Pokémon TCG is a cornerstone of the brand, and with Battle Academy, our mission is to give families a fun and accessible way to spend quality time together,” said Barry Sams, vice president of Pokémon Trading Card Game at The Pokémon Company International. “We are thrilled that Battle Academy has been recognized for these efforts, and it’s rewarding to see so many kids bonding with parents over their love of Pokémon TCG cards.”

Battle Academy reimagines the classic Pokémon TCG, one of the most beloved and best-selling trading card games in the world, as an easy-to-learn and fun-to-play experience for the whole family, including parents and children who may be new to the game, by providing everything a “Trainer” needs to master the basics of the Pokémon TCG.

The recent resurgence in popularity of the Pokémon Trading Card in combination with the 25th Anniversary TCG sets being released, has made obtaining Pokémon Trading Cards very hard. Scalping prices have made it very unaffordable for many to get cards. As a way to combat this issue, The Pokémon Company has announced that they will be reprinting products. This should help devalue currently scalped TCG prices and make the cards less desirable to scalpers.

Twitter Statement - Play Pokémon (@playpokemon)

We’re aware that some fans are experiencing difficulties purchasing certain Pokémon TCG products due to very high demand. In response, we are reprinting impacted products at maximum capacity to ensure more fans can enjoy the Pokémon TCG.

Source: https://twitter.com/playpokemon/status/1359548922780213249

Update on Pokémon Trading Card Game Product Availability

We’re aware that some of you are experiencing difficulties purchasing certain Pokémon Trading Card Game products due to very high demand and global shipping constraints impacting availability. We understand this inconvenience can be disappointing for fans, and we are working to address it where it is within our control.

In situations where there is limited availability, we are actively working to print more of the impacted Pokémon TCG products as quickly as possible and at maximum capacity to support this increased demand. Reprinted products are expected to be available at retailers as soon as possible.

For new Pokémon TCG expansions launching in the future, we are maximizing production to increase product availability upon release, and we will continue to reprint the products to replenish stock at retailers as soon as possible.

We’d like to thank the community for their continued support and patience as we work to deliver more Pokémon TCG products to fans.

Source: https://support.pokemon.com/hc/en-us/articles/360056644571-Update-on-Pok%C3%A9mon-Trading-Card-Game-Product-Availability

The official Pokémon website and the official McDonald’s Happy Meal website have revealed a 25th Anniversary Pokémon TCG set. Each McDonald’s Happy Meal includes a 4 pack of cards that are exclusive to this set.

Collect 25th Anniversary Pokémon TCG Cards in McDonald’s Happy Meals

Celebrate 25 years of Pokémon with a collection of Pokémon TCG cards featuring Pikachu and first partner Pokémon.

Just because it's mealtime, that doesn't mean you have to stop celebrating 25 years of Pokémon. Starting today, McDonald's Happy Meals will include a 25th Anniversary Special Edition McDonald's booster pack of Pokémon Trading Card Game cards.

Each of these packs includes four exclusive cards. You'll have the opportunity to collect cards featuring all 24 first partner Pokémon from the many regions in the Pokémon world, plus Pikachu. There are standard and foil versions of each card, and all the cards sport the Pokémon 25th logo. In total, there are 50 cards in this set, so have fun collecting and trading with your friends.

These cool Pokémon TCG cards will only be available in McDonald's Happy Meals for a limited time, so don't wait to start your collection.

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/collect-25th-anniversary-pokemon-tcg-cards-in-mcdonalds-happy-meals/

Happy Meal Website

The official McDonald’s Happy Meal website posted a couple videos and an activity sheet to promote this 25th Anniversary Pokémon Happy Meal.


Original Happy Meals Activity Sheet Download Link (PDF): Click Here
Archived Happy Meals Activity Sheet Download Link (PDF): Click Here

25th Anniversary Pokémon McDonald’s Happy Meal Commercial

25th Anniversary Pokémon McDonald’s Happy Meal Unboxing

Source: https://www.happymeal.com/