THE POKÉMON COMPANY INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES RECORD-BREAKING UK SALES FOR POKÉMON TRADING CARDS AND TOYS

London, UK— January 24, 2017 —The Pokémon Company International announced today that Pokémon has achieved record-breaking sales figures at retail in the UK throughout 2016, for its Trading Card Game (TCG) and toys from master toy partner TOMY, as reported by the NPD Group.

According to figures recorded by the NPD Group Toys retail tracking service, the Pokémon property recorded a 285% increase in sales throughout 2016 against market growth of 6% in the whole UK toy market. In the last three months, October to December, Pokémon increased sales by 512% versus the 7.7% market growth.

Also, in the Christmas week, Pokémon TCG smashed through the one million pounds sterling barrier, achieving retail sales of £1.29m in a seven-day period, a 733.7% increase on the previous year.

Mathieu Galante, Senior Market Development Manager for The Pokémon Company International, said: “Thanks to the activities celebrating Pokémon’s 20th year, plus the huge impact of our video game releases, interest in the brand has escalated, ensuring figures for TCG and toy sales have been incredible. We fully expect that demand for the product will remain high throughout 2017 as new expansions are introduced to tie in with our new Nintendo 3DS games Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon.”

Steve Buckmaster Managing Director of Esdevium Games - UK distributor of the Pokémon TCG - said: “We are delighted to announce these sensational figures just ahead of Toy Fair and look forward to talking to our retail partners at the show about ways that we can keep the phenomenal demand going. We are very excited about our first Pokémon TCG: Sun & Moon expansion, which will be released in February.”

Camilla MacQueen, UK Brand Manager at TOMY Europe said: “We’re excited to be part of Pokémon’s fantastic achievement. We’re expecting 2017 to be another huge year for Pokémon and we’re looking forward to unveiling two new product lines at Toy Fair London that will appeal to collectors of all ages.”

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. The first generation of Pokémon games introduced the original 151 Pokémon. Today the Pokémon universe includes more than 800 Pokémon that players can catch, trade, and battle against their opponents in the quest to become the best Pokémon Trainer.

Pokémon has since grown into one of the most popular entertainment properties in the world. It is one of the most successful video game franchises of all time, with more than 279 million video games sold worldwide. In addition, 21.5 billion TCG cards have been shipped to 74 countries in 11 languages, and over 450,000 players take part in Pokémon events every year. There are also more than 900 episodes of the animated TV series, now starting its 20th season.

Various retailers have begun pre-orders for the Pokémon Z-Ring and Z-Crystal 3-Pack. The items are compatible with the upcoming games Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon and are being sold by TOMY. Pre-orders for the Z-Ring on Ebgames Canada are $39.99CND for the Z-Ring and $7.99CND for each 3-pack of Z-Crystals.

Pokémon Z-Ring

Experience the world of Pokémon in a new way with the unique POKÉMON Z-RING and Z-CRYSTALS! Compatible with the latest video game titles in the POKÉMON series for Nintendo 3DS Family Systems: Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, the Z-RING can interact and synchronize to enhance the game play experience with new Z-MOVES! In Nintendo 3DS/2DS Mode, Z-CRYSTALS are used in the Z-RING to react simultaneously to the devastating Z-MOVES in the video game with sounds, lights and vibrations! Each Z-CRYSTAL represents a different element type. When an Electric-type Z-CRYSTAL is inserted into the Z-RING, this exciting interactive feature enables players to feel the Electric-type Z-MOVE at the same time as it appears in the video game! Insert different type Z-CRYSTALS into the Z-RING to experience the colors, vibration and sound effects for each.

The POKÉMON Z-RING can be used without the video game in Role-Play mode! Bring the battle play to life by pressing the button on the Z-RING to experience the different colors, lights and vibration with each Z-CRYSTAL! The Z-RING can hold up to six additional Z-CRYSTALS with the active Z-CRYSTAL in place.

The POKÉMON Z-RING SET includes the Z-RING, 3 Z-CRYSTALS and a 2” Pikachu figure. Additional Z-CRYSTALS sold separately.

• Feel the thrill of battle as the POKÉMON Z-RING lights up, makes sounds, and vibrates!
• The type based attack icons on each Z-CRYSTAL become visible as they light up when inserted into Z-RING.
• When synchronized in Nintendo 3DS/2DS Mode and with the Z-CRYSTAL element type matching the Z-MOVE type performed in the video game, the type based attack icon will appear automatically and players will be able to hear the dedicated type attack sound.
• Z-RING features two ways to play: synchronized with the video game for 4D experience or in role play.
• Video game synchronization allows the player to feel the full power of the Z-MOVE!
• Get different Z-CRYSTALS to unlock different colors, sounds and vibrations.
• Two AAA batteries are required and included with the set.

Pokémon Z-Crystal 3-Pack

You can utilize other type Z-MOVE lights, sounds and vibrations on the POKÉMON Z-RING with the POKÉMON Z-CRYSTAL 3-Pack! Pair the Z-RING and the Z-CRYSTALS to the latest video game titles in the POKÉMON series for Nintendo 3DS Family Systems: Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon to experience the devastating new Z-MOVES. For an Electric-type Z-MOVE in the video game, place the Electrium Z into the Z-RING to see the Electric-type icon vibrantly appear as the Z-CRYSTAL lights up! Each Z-CRYSTAL has a different element attack and features its own color, sound and vibration. Get all of the Z-CRYSTALS to experience each type with the game or in role play!

***POKÉMON Z-RING and additional Z-CRYSTALS sold separately.***

• Each POKÉMON Z-CRYSTAL 3-PACK comes with 3 different Z-CRYSTALS.
• Z-CRYSTALS are linked to specific Z-MOVES in the POKÉMON series for Nintendo 3DS Family Systems: Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon.
• Each Z-CRYSTAL activates different lights, sounds and vibrations on the POKÉMON Z-RING.
• The type based attack icon associated with each Z-CRYSTAL is revealed when inserted into the Z-RING.

When synchronized in Nintendo 3DS/2DS Mode and with the Z-CRYSTAL element type matching the Z-MOVE type performed in the video game, the type based attack icon will appear automatically and players will be able to hear the dedicated type attack sound.

Source: https://www.ebgames.ca/Toys-Collectibles/Games/725021/pokemon-z-ring

ToyFair 2016 NY16 is being held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City from February 13th, 2016 until February 16th, 2016. TOMY has a booth at 2271 where they are showcasing this years line of Pokémon toys and The Pokémon Company International, Inc. also has a booth at 646 showcasing the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

Toy Fair 2015 opened its doors to thousands of registered global play professionals to explore a record-breaking 422,000+ net square feet of exhibit space filled with hundreds of thousands of toys, games and youth entertainment products.

Source: http://www.toyfairny.com/

TOMY Commemorates 20 Years of Pokémon; Debuts Exclusive Product at the 2016 International Toy Fair

Retailer-Exclusive Mythical Pokémon Figures and Plush to be Released Each Month in Honor of Milestone Anniversary

OAK BROOK, Ill., Feb. 11, 2016 - TOMY International, the master toy licensee and distributor for Pokémon in categories including figures, figure accessories, plush, playsets and role-play, debuts its all-new line for one of the world's leading entertainment franchises. With 2016 marking 20 years of Pokémon, TOMY introduces commemorative products and celebrates this milestone with retailer-exclusive promotions throughout the year. On February 27, 2016 Pokémon celebrates 20 years since the first video games, Pokémon Red and Green, launched in Japan for the Game Boy system.

To celebrate, TOMY will release one retailer-exclusive Mythical Pokémon each month, from February to December 2016. In the Pokémon universe, Mythical Pokémon are considered extremely rare. Select Mythical Pokémon will be released as 8" plush in a special crushed velvet material, and as 2" pearlescent-finished figures with their own unique pearlescent-finished Poké Balls. In addition to the monthly Mythical Pokémon, various limited-edition Pikachu products will also be featured as retailer-exclusives throughout the year. TOMY's attention-to-detail and unique stylizing captures Pokémon in a line that offers something for every Pokémon fan.

"The Pokémon property is seeing incredible momentum at retail and the 20th anniversary will only add more excitement to the brand for 2016," said Shehnaz Safiuddin, Senior Vice President of Toy & Hobby at TOMY. "This year the Mythical Pokémon and retailer-exclusives will bring even more attention to the property and we're thrilled that we get to bring the incredible Pokémon to life in a variety of figures, plush and more."

"TOMY is giving fans a new way to celebrate 20 years of Pokémon," said J.C. Smith, Senior Director of Consumer Marketing at The Pokémon Company International. "Their Mythical Pokémon and Pikachu products are a great addition to this year's festivities."

Over the past 20 years, fans have discovered over 700 Pokémon characters while buying more than 275 million video games and 21.5 billion trading card games. To commemorate 20 years of Pokémon, classic video games Pokémon Red, Pokémon Blue and Pokémon Yellow will come to the Nintendo 3DS on February 27, 2016. Additionally, Pokkén Tournament for the Wii U will launch on March 18, 2016. Pokémon GO, a ground-breaking mobile game that will encourage fans to search far and wide in the real world to discover Pokémon, launches later this year.

Date	Product	Retailer
February 2016	2" Pikachu figure with Clip 'n' Carry Poké Ball, both with a special pearlescent finish 8" Pikachu Plush, in a special crushed velvet material 10" Pikachu Plush, in a special jacquard weave with a step-and-repeat Poké Ball and Pikachu pattern	Toys "R" Us
February 2016	2" Mew figure with Great Ball, both with a special pearlescent finish 8" Mew Plush, in a special crushed velvet material 8" Pikachu Plush, in a special crushed velvet material	GameStop
February 2016	(2) Pikachu Figure 4 Pack, with special pearlescent finish 10" Pikachu Plush, in a special jacquard weave with a special step-and-repeat Poké Puff and Pikachu pattern	Walmart
March 2016	2" Celebi figure with Great Ball, both with a special pearlescent finish 8" Celebi Plush, in a special crushed velvet material	Toys "R" Us
April 2016	2" Jirachi figure with Premier Ball, both with a special pearlescent finish 8" Jirachi Plush, in a special crushed velvet material	Toys "R" Us
May 2016	2" Darkrai figure with Premier Ball, both with a special pearlescent finish 8" Darkrai Plush, in a special crushed velvet material	GameStop
June 2016	2" Manaphy figure with Poké Ball, both with a special pearlescent finish 8" Manaphy Plush, in a special crushed velvet material	Toys "R" Us
July 2016	2" Shaymin figure with Ultra Ball, both with a special pearlescent finish 8" Shaymin Plush, in a special crushed velvet material	Toys "R" Us
August 2016	2" Arceus figure with Master Ball, both with a special pearlescent finish 8" Arceus Plush, in a special crushed velvet material	GameStop
September 2016	2" Victini figure with Master Ball, both with a special pearlescent finish 8" Victini Plush, in a special crushed velvet material	Toys "R" Us
October 2016	2" Keldeo figure with Luxury Ball, both with a special pearlescent finish 8" Keldeo Plush, in a special crushed velvet material	Toys "R" Us
November 2016	8" Genesect Plush, in a special crushed velvet material	GameStop
December 2016	2" Meloetta figure with Quick Ball, both with a special pearlescent finish 8" Meloetta Plush, in a special crushed velvet material	Toys "R" Us

The official announcement for the Pokémon Center Online (ポケモンセンターオンライン) was posted on the official Japanese Pokémon website on February 5th, 2016. Most physical Pokémon Center locations had posters up since early January 2016 announcing the new service. The website will open at 10am on Tuesday, February 16th, 2016 at https://www.pokemoncenter-online.com/.


In 2012, the Amazon Japan Pokémon Store was opened. That store will also be available for purchases online. The Pokémon Center Online originally opened in the early 2000's but the service did not last too long.

What is the Pokémon Center Online?

The Pokémon Center Online is the official shop for the Pokémon Centers. Original toys and miscellaneous goods such as stationery are available to purchase. In addition, it offers limited goods and will also have gift campaigns.

Those that sign-up for the membership before February 14th, 2016 at 23:59 will receive 100 PokéPoints (ポケポイント). The form to sign-up is available on the website for users to register.

The First Series: Pokémon Red and Green Campaign

From February 16th, 2016 at 10:00 until March 18th, 2016 at 23:59, patrons can purchase a GYM BADGES OF KANTO set for 19440 yen. It is a display case with the badges from the Pokémon Red and Green games. It will be delivers in mid-June 2016.

Shopping Present

During the Pokémon Red and Green Campaign, those that purchase at least 5000 yen worth of merchandise including tax will receive one of three different A4 sized Original Document Cases (オリジナルドキュメントケース) featuring Pokémon Center Online artwork.

Free Shipping

For those that order at least 3000 yen worth of merchandise during the Pokémon Red and Green Campaign will receive free shipping on their order. The normal purchase plateau to receive free shipping though will be 5000 yen.

Source: http://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2016/02/160205_p01.html

The official Japanese Pokémon webiste announced the details for Pikachu Mega Campaign Part 2 (強★カワ ピカチュウのメガキャンペーン第2弾) which will took place at the Pokémon Centers in January of 2016. Details of the first part of the campaign are available by clicking here.


From January 1st, 2016 until January 31st, 2016, players of Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire can receive 1 of 5 different Pokémon at random each period. There were 5 separate distributions periods, so players could return to try and get one of the other Pokémon. Tabunne, Lucario, Tyltalis, Yadoran and Yamirami where the distributed Pokémon, each of which could Mega Evolve from the Mega Stone they were holding.

Distribution Periods

Period 1: January 1st, 2016 until January 8th, 2016
Period 2: January 9th, 2016 until January 15th, 2016
Period 3: January 16th, 2016 until January 22nd, 2016
Period 4: January 23rd, 2016 until January 29th, 2016
Period 5: January 30th, 2016 until January 31st, 2016

Poncho Pikachu Figures

All seven Pikachu Poncho figures will be appearing in popular capsule toy vending machines at all the Pokémon Centers starting on January 16th, 2016.

Pokémon Card Game Limited Goods

Various Pokémon Trading Card Game goods will be available for a limited time in January 2016 only at the Pokémon Centers and are unattainable elsewhere. A box set of card shields featuring the artwork of Pikachu wearing Ponchos was available.

Business Cards and Events

Various business cards featuring the Pikachu wearing Ponchos were available while supplies lasted to patrons of the stores. Poncho wearing Pikachu mascots also appeared to allow people to take pictures with them.

Sources: http://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2015/12/151211_p02.html and http://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2015/12/151211_p02.html

McDonalds and the official Pokémon Omega Ruby or Pokémon Alpha Sapphire website have announced that Hoopa will be available for players of Pokémon X, Pokémon Y, Pokémon Omega Ruby or Pokémon Alpha Sapphire in the United States and Canada from November 27th, 2015 until December 23rd, 2015 at McDonald's via the Nintendo Zone. Hoopa is currently being distributed around the world.


Also being released around the same time as Hoopa at McDonald's is a new line of Pokémon Happy Meal toys and TCG cards. The toys being distributed are: Mega Latios, Pikachu, Lugia, Primal Groudon, Wobbuffet, Hoopa, Primal Kyogre and Rayquaza. There will also be 12 TCG cards distribution.

Get Hoopa for Your Game!

Get the Mythical Pokémon Hoopa at participating McDonald's! Hoopa comes with an awesome selection of moves, including the powerful Hyperspace Hole move, a Psychic-type attack that only Hoopa can learn! This is the first opportunity to get the newly discovered Mythical Pokémon, so don't miss out!

Hoopa is available at participating McDonald's between November 27 and December 23, 2015. You'll need a copy of Pokémon X, Pokémon Y, Pokémon Omega Ruby, or Pokémon Alpha Sapphire as well as a system in the Nintendo 3DS family. The Hoopa you receive will be in its Confined form. When Hoopa is in Pokémon Omega Ruby or Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, it can transform into the powerful Hoopa Unbound!

Visit McDonald's to get the amazing Mythical Pokémon Hoopa while you can!

Promotional Video

Press Release

The Pokémon Company International and McDonald’s USA announced today that one of the world’s most popular entertainment franchises has partnered with the world’s leading food service provider to kick off the latest Happy Meal promotion. The Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Happy Meal will be available at participating McDonald’s locations in the US and Canada from Friday, November 27 to Wednesday, December 23.

The Happy Meal will include one of eight Pokémon figures from the Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire video games: Pikachu, Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, Lugia, Rayquaza, Mega Latios, Wobbuffet, and the newly discovered Mythical Pokémon Hoopa. In addition to the toy, plus one of 12 Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) cards, fans in the United States will also be able to receive the Mythical Pokémon Hoopa for their Pokémon X, Pokémon Y, Pokémon Omega Ruby, and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire video games by bringing their game and Nintendo 3DS family system to participating McDonald’s locations and connecting to Nintendo Zone.

“The Pokémon Happy Meal is something our fans have enjoyed year after year,” said J.C. Smith, senior director of Consumer Marketing at The Pokémon Company International. “Receiving Hoopa while visiting McDonald’s makes this year’s program extra special.”

The Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Happy Meal promotion will be supported by McDonald’s through a fully integrated marketing campaign that includes television advertising, in-store POP, and online activities at HappyMeal.com. Fans who purchase a Pokémon Happy Meal can also unlock games and content via the McPlay app available on the App Store and Google Play.

Source: http://www.pokemonrubysapphire.com/en-us/pokemon/hoopa

The official Pokémon Center website has added the Nendoroid: Cynthia Posable Figure which was released earlier this year in Japan. It costs $49.99 USD. We have added an imageboard thread with more pictures of this product.

Features

• A famous figure from the Pokémon world in Nendoroid style!
• Cynthia figure is hand-painted. There may be slight variations between products.
• Comes with two unique expressions plus a Garchomp friend!
• Change pose and details so Cynthia is just right!
• Nendoroid collectible figure

Description

You can change Cynthia's expression-make her a Champion alongside her powerful Garchomp! As the Champion of Sinnoh, Cynthia stands among the greatest of Pokémon Trainers. This Cynthia posable figure includes: 1 body, 2 faces, 5 arms, 2 hands, 3 legs, 1 Poké Ball, a base with stand, and Garchomp! Use the different face parts and different arms to customize Cynthia and get the look you want. Note that this Cynthia figure is hand-painted. There may be slight variations between products. The Cynthia figure does not stand on its own. Use the included stand. Pictures are of prototypes and the final released figure may differ slightly from the form pictured here.

Source: http://www.pokemoncenter.com/dp/B00W8K3B92

McDonalds Japan has announced that their Happy Sets for July 2015 will include Pokémon toys based off the 18th Pocket Monsters movie starting July 24th, 2015. There are 8 different toys to collect and they will be available for approximately 3 weeks while supplies last.


Available July 24th, 2015
Pikachu Ring Toss (ピカチュウ くるくるわなげ), Fokko Princess Key Baton (フォッコ プリンセスキー バトン), Keromatsu Flying Disk (ケロマツ フライングディスク) and Arceus Mit and Ball (アルセウス ミット&ボール)

Available July 31st, 2015
Dedenne Star Water Gun (デデンネ 星の水でっぽう), Mega Rayquaza Bowling (メガレックウザ ボーリング), Harimaron Catching Cup (ハリマロン キャッチングカップ) and Hoopa Paddle with Counter (フーパ カウンター付きラケット)

There will also be three different Happy Set boxes that feature Hoopa and Pikachu.


On July 25th and 26th, 2015, patron that purchase a Happy Set can also get a a patapata block with a serial code which can be used to enter a lottery to get prizes such as a Pikachu costume.


Source: http://www.mcd-holdings.co.jp/news/2015/promotion/promo0717a.html

The official Japanese Pokémon website has revealed that a N Nendoroid (ねんどろいど N) will be available for pre-order reservation starting July 25th, 2015 until August 31st, 2015. The 10cm Nendoroid will cost 5000yen. The delivery date is November 28th, 2015. This marks the third Nendoroid to be released as the Red Nendoroid and Shirona Nendoroid have been released.

The N Nendoroid includes:

N figure parts: 2 Face Parts (表情パーツ2個), 5 arm parts (腕パーツ5個), 4 hand parts (手首パーツ4個), and 3 leg parts (脚パーツ3個).
Included Pokémon: Reshiram (レシラム)
Accessory Items: Monster Ball (モンスターボール)

Source: http://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2015/07/150710_p02.html

The official Japanese Pokémon website has revealed that a Shirona Nendoroid (ねんどろいど　シロナ) will be available for pre-order reservation starting March 7th, 2015 until April 15th, 2015. The 10cm Nendoroid will cost 5000yen. The release builds on the popularity of last years Red Nendoroid which was also released on the Pokémon Center website in the United States.

The Shirona Nendoroid includes:

Shirona figure parts: 2 Face Parts (表情パーツ2個), 5 arm parts (腕パーツ5個), 5 hand parts (手首パーツ5個), and 3 leg parts (脚パーツ3個).
Included Pokémon: Gablias (ガブリアス)
Accessory Items: Monster Ball (モンスターボール)

Source: http://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2015/02/150220_p01.html