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The Pokémon Company Considers Government ID Check to Combat Trading Card Scalping in Japan
The Pokémon Company is considering implementing a government ID verification system in Japan, utilizing the "My Number" card, to combat scalping and cheating in its Trading Card Game products and events.
Japan: Pokemon Company considering authentication via government IDs to battle TCG scalping
The Pokemon Company is considering implementing government ID verification, specifically Japan's My Number Card, to combat scalping of the Pokemon Trading Card Game. This system would authenticate user accounts for priority product lotteries, online sales, and participation in official events within Japan, aiming to prevent inflated prices by requiring official identity checks.
Pokémon Company Considers Using Government ID To Tackle TCG Scalping
The Pokémon Company is considering implementing a system that requires government-issued identification, such as Japan's My Number Card, to purchase certain Trading Card Game products and register for events. This measure aims to combat scalping and ensure fair access for all customers, with the potential rollout starting in August 2026. While individual ID numbers will not be stored, fans are encouraged to obtain a My Number Card if they wish to participate in future product sales or events.
Happy Asmara Jadi Pengisi Suara di Serial Pokemon
Indonesian singer Happy Asmara has made her voice acting debut in the animated series Pokemon Horizons Season 3: Asa Mengangkasa. She expressed her excitement for this new experience, noting the technical challenges of dubbing compared to singing. The new season is set to premiere on MentariTV on May 30, 2026, and will also be available on the official Pokemon Indonesia YouTube channel.
Youth Football Talent Hits The Spotlight at the 2025/26 Pokémon Primary Schools’ Cup National Finals
The 2025/26 Pokémon Primary Schools’ Cup National Finals concluded at Stoke City Stadium, celebrating young football talent nationwide. The event, a collaboration between The Pokémon Company International and the English Schools’ Football Association, highlighted teamwork and friendship among over 50,000 participants. Champions were crowned across U11, U11 Girls’, and U11 Small Schools’ Cup categories.
Pokemon TCG Pocket has now surpassed 200 million downloads worldwide
The Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket has surpassed 200 million downloads worldwide across iOS and Android devices. The Pokemon Company expressed gratitude to fans for their support of the digital collectible card game. The game is free-to-play but includes microtransactions, and its "Mythical Island" expansion is set to launch on December 17.
Pokemon Fossil Museum Plush and Merchandise Appear
The Pokemon Company International has launched merchandise for the upcoming Pokemon Fossil Museum exhibit at the Chicago Field Museum, opening May 22, 2026. The collection includes an Excavator Pikachu plush, apparel, keychains, and TCG accessories, available for a limited time.
Dragonite and the Special Delivery Pokemon Anime Episode Debuts in English
The English version of the Pokemon anime special episode "Dragonite and the Special Delivery" is now available on YouTube. This nearly 14-minute short follows Hana, an aspiring Pokemon mail carrier, and her partner Fuecoco as they deliver a mysterious, unaddressed letter. The episode was animated by Comix Wave Films, known for "Your Name" and "Suzume."
34-year-old Iowa man is suing Nintendo because it won’t grant him the ‘Pokémon Professor’ title
An Iowa man, Kyle Owens, is suing Nintendo and The Pokémon Company for $341,000 after being denied a 'Pokémon Professor' title. Owens claims he was rejected due to an old felony despite passing the program's exam, arguing the charges do not show guilty findings. The lawsuit highlights the structured nature of the Professor Program and its associated commercial advantages.
Pokémon fans vote for their favourites and Pikachu isn’t even in the top 50
A new fan website has collected over 72,200 votes for favorite Pokémon, revealing surprising results where Mimikyu ranks first, surpassing long-time favorites like Pikachu and Charizard. While Pikachu is at 70th place, other popular Pokémon like Gengar and Absol also made the top 10, with less popular Pokémon like Trumbeak and Tadbulb receiving the fewest votes.
Nintendo is not ditching mobile after all as it announces Pictonico
Nintendo has announced Pictonico, a new mobile game developed by Intelligent Systems that utilizes phone photos for its minigames. Despite previous reports of Nintendo losing interest in mobile, this WarioWare-esque title, launching May 30, suggests continued experimentation in the sector. The game will be free-to-start with purchasable content volumes.
LEGO Poké Ball seemingly delayed for production reasons
The LEGO Poke Ball set, featuring a scene inside and a Pokemon minifigure, has reportedly been delayed from its August 1st release due to production issues. This set was rumored to be the only one containing a minifigure. The LEGO x Pokemon collaboration also includes other sets like Venusaur, Charizard, Blastoise, and Pikachu and Eevee.
Pokemon Deluxe Character Guide Limited Edition pre-orders return after selling out, plus discount available
Pre-orders for the Pokemon Deluxe Character Guide Limited Edition have returned after initially selling out, and are now available with a 7 percent discount. The guide covers characters from all regions across various media, including video games and the Pokemon Trading Card Game. It features a foreword by The Pokemon Company president and CEO, Tsunekazu Ishihara, and will be released on August 25, 2026.
As Palworld lawsuit drags on, Nintendo tries and fails to secure another patent on monster-capturing mechanics
Nintendo has reportedly failed to secure a patent for touchscreen-based monster-catching mechanics, a decision made while its ongoing lawsuit against Palworld developer Pocketpair continues. The Japan Patent Office found no inventive step in Nintendo's application, deeming it a general rule set without technological originality. This development comes as Palworld previously adjusted its creature-capturing system to appease the ongoing infringement lawsuit.
Japan’s best-selling games of April 2026 – Tomodachi Life sees big sales in first month
Famitsu reports that Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream was Japan's best-selling game in April 2026, selling over 700,000 copies. Pokemon Pokopia also saw strong sales, while Pragmata debuted on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo led as the top publisher, and the Nintendo Switch 2 was the best-selling hardware.
Yoshi NES & Game Boy Soundtracks Join Nintendo Music This Week
Nintendo Music is adding the soundtracks from the NES and Game Boy versions of Yoshi to its service this week. The composer for these soundtracks is Junichi Masuda, who is also known for his work on Pokémon. An active Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required to listen.
New Book Explore 30 Years Of The Pokemon Games, Anime, And TCG
Pikachu Press is releasing a comprehensive "Pokemon Character Guide" book on August 30, detailing over 1,000 Pokemon, animation projects, video games, and the Trading Card Game. Two editions are available: a $60 Deluxe Edition and a $200 Collector's Edition with extra items. The book includes a foreword by The Pokemon Company president Tsunekazu Ishihara.
Pokémon Winds and Waves releases behind-the-scenes recording of its main theme
The Pokémon Company has released a behind-the-scenes look at the recording of the main theme for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves. The NHK Symphony Orchestra performed the theme, which incorporates elements from the original Pokémon Red, Green, and Blue jingle. The games are scheduled for a 2027 release and are said to feature Southeast Asian influences.
New Pokemon Keychains Are Replicas of Plamo Model Kits
Bandai Namco has announced new Pokemon keychains that are miniature replicas of existing Pokemon Plamo model kits. These will be available in Japanese Gashapon capsule machines starting in May 2026, with a worldwide release expected later. The keychains feature popular Pokemon such as Pikachu, Mew, Eevee, Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle, designed to resemble completed figures within blister packs.
NHK Symphony Orchestra have recorded main theme for Pokemon Winds & Waves
The Pokemon Company has released a behind-the-scenes video showcasing the NHK Symphony Orchestra recording the main theme for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 title, Pokemon Winds and Waves. This recording coincides with the orchestra's 100th anniversary and upcoming concert tours in Japan.
