Sword & Shield TCG Era merchandise: Difference between revisions

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A website called the '''Pokémon Secret Club''' (Japanese: '''ポケモンひみつクラブ''') was launched on July 12, 2019 to promote the release of [[Pokémon Sword and Shield]]. To register as a member, people were required to provide a serial code that could be obtained by pre-ordering a copy of one or both of the games. Participating retailers gave away serial code cards with an in-store pre-order, whereas digital pre-orders at participating sites sent the serial codes via email. As a member, people could take part in surveys, view teasers for various aspects of the games, and view information regarding new Pokémon. New content was added to the website periodically and a number of lotteries were held that gave away exclusive prizes to winning members:<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20190714051107/https://swshmembers.pokemon.co.jp ''「ポケモンひみつクラブ」公式サイト'' | Pokémon Secret Club Official Site (archived)]</ref>

*Access to a pre-opening event at Pokémon Center Osaka DX on September 21, 2019. Attendees received an Original Clear Card. An Original Charm was also given away with purchases of at least ¥5,000. The application period for this lottery ran from August 23 to 30, 2020 and was limited to 50 groups of up to three people (150 people maximum).<ref>[https://www.4gamer.net/games/451/G045125/20190813018 ''「ポケットモンスター ソード・シールド」を一足先に遊べる，「ポケモンひみつクラブ」のメンバー限定の体験会が9月21日に開催決定'' | 4Gamer.net] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20191129081928/https://www.4gamer.net/games/451/G045125/20190813018 archived copy])</ref>

A wide array of merchandise across three distinct themes became available to purchase exclusively at Pokémon Center Shibuya in commemoration of its opening on November 22, 2019. Clothing, bags, and plushes were among several items to feature graffiti art by Japanese artist Number-D in reference to Shibuya's street culture. A [[Shibuya's Pikachu (S-P Promo 2)|promotional Pikachu card]] offered as a gift with purchase at all Pokémon Centers from this date also features graffiti art.<ref>[https://www.pokemon.co.jp/sp/pokecen_shibuya_2019/present ''ポケモンセンターへのご来店やお買い物でプレゼント！'' | Pokémon.co.jp] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20191220010800/https://www.pokemon.co.jp/sp/pokecen_shibuya_2019/present archived copy])</ref> Shirts, bags, cushions, and other decorative items were released as a collaboration between Pokémon Center Shibuya and the first official Nintendo store, which opened in Tokyo on the same day. Items available from Pokémon Center Shibuya feature {{smw|Mario}}-themed sprites containing overworld images from early Pokémon games, while those available from the Nintendo store featured Pokémon sprites containing level images from early Mario titles.<ref>[https://www.pokemon.co.jp/sp/pokecen_shibuya_2019/present ''ポケモンセンターシブヤのオープンを記念したグッズが登場！'' | Pokémon.co.jp] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20191209012439/https://www.pokemon.co.jp/sp/pokecen_shibuya_2019/goods archived copy])</ref> Phone cases and charms were among items released as part of the Crystal Stone series, which are decorated with {{wp|Swarovski}} crystals. Two types of TCG accessory were also available, each coming in two designs. The {{p|Pikachu}}-themed items feature a silhouette of the Mouse Pokémon highlighted with black crystals, while the [[Poké Ball]]-themed items feature a raised Poké Ball mosaic consisting of red and white crystals. All four accessories are made of genuine leather, are lined with a fabric interior, and feature a golden Pikachu head charm. Each cost ¥12,000 plus tax.<ref>[https://www.pokemon-card.com/info/2019/20191108_002155.html ''ポケモンセンターシブヤ限定！「CRYSTAL STONE」シリーズのグッズを紹介'' | Pokémon Card Game Trainers Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20191217065554/https://www.pokemon-card.com/info/2019/20191108_002155.html archived copy])</ref>

Each deck included a selection of Pokémon relative to the focal type, among which were several [[Generation VIII]] debutants plus one Pokémon from a previous Generation that supported the new {{TCG|Pokémon V}} mechanic. Decks also comprised numerous {{TCG|Trainer card}}s featuring items and supporting characters from [[Pokémon Sword and Shield]] in addition to type-specific basic {{TCG|Energy card}}s. Each set was packaged with a sheet of damage counters and {{TCG|Special Condition}} markers, a {{TCG|coin}}, a playmat, and a play guide.

A deluxe V Starter Set-related product was available from the same day at participating {{wp|Toys "R" Us}} stores. The '''Toys "R" Us Limited Triple V Starter Set''' (Japanese: '''トイザらス限定　トリプルスターターセットV''') was packaged with a copy of the Grass, Fire, and Water V Starter Sets, as well as an exclusive deck box featuring the [[Generation VIII]] [[Starter Pokémon|starters]] {{p|Grookey}}, {{p|Scorbunny}}, and {{p|Sobble}}.

An enhanced version of the V Starter Set Fire was also available to purchase at participating {{wp|7-Eleven}} stores from November 29, 2019. The '''V Starter Set Fire 7-Eleven Limited Special Set''' (Japanese: '''セブン-イレブン限定スペシャルセット　スターターセットV炎''') included a regular copy of the V Starter Set Fire and a set of 64 limited design sleeves featuring {{p|Pikachu}} and {{p|Scorbunny}}, all packaged in a limited design card box that could also be used to store cards.

The '''V5 Starter Set Complete Battle Box''' (Japanese: '''スターターセットV5　コンプリートバトルボックス''') was another deluxe version of the V Starter Sets available from the same day. This product contained all five V Starter Sets presented in a pentagonal explosion box. Each deck was held in pockets lining the interior side panels. A central column contained the {{TCG|coin}}s from each deck as well as a randomizer function that could be used to select a deck. By placing the included spherical Poké Ball charm in the funnel at the top of the column, it would fall into one of the small pockets lining the base. Each box also came with two sheets containing damage counters and status markers, as well as an exclusive 2-player playmat.

'''Carrying case:''' The '''Grookey, Scorbunny & Sobble Half Carrying Case''' (Japanese: '''ハーフキャリングケース　サルノリ・ヒバニー・メッソン''' ''Half Carrying Case: Sarunori•Hibanny•Messon'') was a small lime green plastic case complete with clasps that can store up to 700 cards (or up to 470 cards in sleeves), as well as other accessories such as deck cases. The case features red and blue outlines of {{p|Grookey}}, {{p|Scorbunny}}, and {{p|Sobble}} and was exclusive to Pokémon Centers.

'''Deck case:''' The '''Grookey, Scorbunny & Sobble Deck Case''' (Japanese: '''デッキシールド　サルノリ・ヒバニー・メッソン''' ''Deck Case: Sarunori•Hibanny•Messon'') features the [[Galar]] [[Starter Pokémon]] accompanied by TCG {{TCG|type}} symbols.

*The '''Zacian & Zamazenta Damage Counter Case''' (Japanese: '''ダメカンケース　ザシアン・ザマゼンタ''') was a small black plastic case featuring outlines of [[Pokémon Sword and Shield]] [[game mascot|mascots]] {{p|Zacian}} and {{p|Zamazenta}} that could be used to store smaller TCG accessories, such as damage counters, coins, dice, or various markers.

*Packs of '''Pikachu Coin Dice''' (Japanese: '''コインサイコロ　ピカチュウ''') included two Pokémon-themed die that could be used as alternatives to {{TCG|coin}}s in matches. The {{p|Pikachu}} and [[Poké Ball]] dice are similar to those available during the {{TCGMerch|BW|Era|Official Coin Dice|BW Era}}.

*Premium '''Acrylic Damage Counters Version 1''' (Japanese: '''アクリルダメカン ver1'''), the same as those included in Premium Trainer Boxes, could be purchased separately from this date. Each pack included 34 damage counters comprising three different damage values: twenty orange-colored 10-damage counters, eight red-colored 50-damage counters, and six yellow-colored 100-damage counters.

The first competition to be held during the Sword & Shield Era was the Pokémon Card Elementary School Tournament "Ze!!", promoted by the variety show ''[[Meet Up at the Pokémon House?]]'', colloquially known as Pokénchi. Host Abareru-kun was the face of the tournament, which was held at six {{wp|AEON (company)|ÆON}} Malls across Japan between December 1 and 15, 2019.<ref>[https://www.pokemon-card.com/ex/abareru-event ''ポケんちPresents ポケカ小学生大会「ぜ！！」'' | Pokémon Card Game Trainers Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20191212184928/https://www.pokemon-card.com/ex/abareru-event archived copy])</ref> The tournaments were Limited format using the recently released {{TCG|V Starter Sets}} and were restricted to children in Elementary School or below. Participants in any of the regional tournaments received an '''Original Can Badge''' (Japanese: '''オリジナル缶バッチ''') featuring Abareru-kun and the primary {{TCG|type}} symbols of the five V Starter Sets. The qualifying rounds consisted of winner stays on, with the first 16 players to reach three consecutive wins, or three wins in total, advancing to the single-elimination finals. Players advancing to the regional finals received an '''Original Sticker''' (Japanese: '''オリジナルステッカー''') featuring the hand-drawn tournament logo. The overall winners of each regional tournament won an '''Original T-shirt''' (Japanese: '''オリジナルTシャツ''') bearing the "Ze!!" logo and location of the event, as well as the right to participate in the tournament final. The final was held at the Pokémon Card Station at Pokémon Center Tokyo Bay on January 12, 2020 and was a single-elimination tournament using the V Starter Sets. The overall winner earned a place at the [[2020 World Championships]], which was delayed to 2022 due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].

Each regional tournament also held two side events after the main tournament. The V Starter Set Battle was much the same as the main tournament; competitors achieving three wins were awarded the same sticker. Participants of the Teaching side event were awarded the same can badge. Visitors could also purchase items at pop-up stores present at each venue. Those spending at least ¥1,500 on eligible TCG products were given their choice of event-exclusive '''Pre-assembled Deck Cases''' (Japanese: '''組立式デッキケース'''), featuring either {{p|Zacian}} and {{p|Zamazenta}} or {{p|Grookey}}, {{p|Scorbunny}}, and {{p|Sobble}}.<ref>[https://www.pokemon-card.com/info/2019/20191201_002196.html ''ポケんちPresents ポケカ小学生大会「ぜ！！」会場限定キャンペーン！'' | Pokémon Card Game Trainers Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20191212190944/https://www.pokemon-card.com/info/2019/20191201_002196.html archived copy])</ref>

'''Carrying case:''' The '''Zacian & Zamazenta Carrying Case''' (Japanese: '''キャリングケース　ザシアン・ザマゼンタ''') was a black plastic case with fixed partitions that could be used to store deck cases, TCG necessities, or around 1,300 loose cards. Each case features the [[Generation VIII]] [[Legendary Pokémon]] {{p|Zacian}} and {{p|Zamazenta}} and came complete with clasps and carrying handle.

*The '''Grookey, Scorbunny & Sobble Card Box''' (Japanese: '''カードボックス　サルノリ・ヒバニー・メッソン（カード付き）''' ''Card Box: Sarunori•Hibanny•Messon (including card)'') came packaged with a set of 54 basic {{TCG|Energy card}}s with the updated Sword & Shield Era layout, six {{TCG|S-P Promotional cards}} (two copies each of {{TCG ID|S-P Promo|Potion|17}}, {{TCG ID|S-P Promo|Full Heal|18}}, and {{TCG ID|S-P Promo|Poké Ball|19}}), and three card dividers. Each box was able to store up to 250 cards in sleeves, or up to 500 loose cards. The box exterior and sleeve feature Energy symbols and colored circles with {{p|Grookey}}, {{p|Scorbunny}}, and {{p|Sobble}}.

*The Pokémon Center-exclusive '''Zacian & Zamazenta Long Card Box''' (Japanese: '''ロングカードボックス　ザシアン・ザマゼンタ''') had capacity to store up to 400 cards in sleeves, or 750 unsleeved cards. It features [[D.A.G Inc.]] artwork of {{p|Zacian}} and {{p|Zamazenta}}.

'''File:''' A 4-ring '''Zacian & Zamazenta Collection File''' (Japanese: '''コレクションファイル　ザシアン・ザマゼンタ''') featuring {{p|Zacian}} on the front and {{p|Zamazenta}} on the reverse was among the merchandise available. The file included ten 9-pocket sheets for card display and can accommodate up to 20 sheets, allowing 360 cards to be displayed. Additional packs of ten '''Zacian & Zamazenta Collection Refill''' (Japanese: '''コレクションリフィル　ザシアン・ザマゼンタ''') sheets were sold separately, which also came with dividers featuring the same Zacian and Zamazenta images.

'''Pouch:''' Participating Pokémon Card Gym venues began to sell an exclusive '''Deck Case Pouch''' (Japanese: '''デッキケースポーチ'''), a small shoulder bag with two compartments that can securely hold a standard deck case. Each compartment cover could be secured shut with hook-and-loop fasteners. The bag itself features outlines of the [[Generation VIII]] [[Starter Pokémon|starters]].

The Pokémon Center Online offered customers the opportunity to reserve booster boxes of upcoming TCG sets and have them delivered with free shipping as part of a '''Pokémon Card Regular Service''' (Japanese: '''ポケモンカード定期便'''). Applications were accepted from November 1, 2019 and ceased after November 25 for customers opting to pay at convenience stores or after December 1 for customers opting to pay via credit card. Applicants could reserve one or two boxes per set. Successful applicants received box(es) of {{TCG|Sword}} and {{TCG|Shield}} upon its December 6 launch, as well as booster box(es) of {{TCG|VMAX Rising}} upon its release on February 7, 2020. A pair of '''Original A4 Clear Files''' (Japanese: '''オリジナルA4クリアファイル''') featuring {{p|Zacian}} and {{p|Zamazenta}} were also shipped with fulfilled orders.<ref>[https://www.pokemon-card.com/info/2019/20191101_002148.html ''特典つき、送料無料でお届け！「ポケモンカード定期便」が登場！'' | Pokémon Card Game Trainers Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220816193804/https://www.pokemon-card.com/info/2019/20191101_002148.html archived copy])</ref>

Pokémon Card Gyms in Japan operate much like {{TCG|Pokémon League}}s outside Asia, in that they provide a regular opportunity for people to meet, trade, and battle. Approved Pokémon Card Gym locations are sent paraphernalia from [[The Pokémon Company]] to host meetings, including promotional card packs to distribute amongst participants in whichever way they see fit. One pack is typically given to every participant of Gym Battle events, standard tournaments open to all ages, and to every participant of New Set Battle events, age-specific tournaments that require players to use a quantity of the latest cards in their deck. More packs are usually given to the top finishers in tournaments: three for those placing first, two for those placing second, and one for those placing third. Additional packs may also be given out at other events hosted by the Pokémon Card Gym location.

Pokémon Centers, participating Pokémon Card Gym venues, and Pokémon Card Stations across Japan held Pokémon Card Day (Japanese: ポケカの日 ''Pokéca Day'') events on set Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout December 2019, January 2020, and February 2020, starting with December 6, 2019—the official release day of the {{TCG|Sword}} and {{TCG|Shield}} expansions. Winners of {{wp|rock paper scissors}} competitions held during these events were awarded a single-player '''Zacian Original Rubber Playmat''' (Japanese: '''ザシアン オリジナルラバープレイマット''').<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20191205091811/https://www.pokemon-card.com/info/2018/20180202_001071.html ''毎月最初の金曜は、ポケカの日'' | Pokémon Card Game Trainers Website (archived)]</ref> The February events added another playmat featuring {{p|Zamazenta}} to the prize pool; winners were randomly given a Zacian or Zamazenta playmat.

The '''Zacian + Zamazenta Box''' (Japanese: '''ザシアン＋ザマゼンタBOX''') is a small tinned product that was available from December 27, 2019. If focused purely on {{ct|Metal}} Pokémon, the highlight of which were the first non-{{TCG|Pokémon V}} versions of Warrior Pokémon {{p|Zacian}} and {{p|Zamazenta}}. The tin also included three {{TCG|Sword}} booster packs and three {{TCG|Shield}} booster packs.

*{{TCG ID|S-P Promo|Sordward & Shielbert|118}} (S-P Promo 118)

'''Surfing Pikachu & Flying Pikachu merchandise:''' These items feature a tropical scene that depicts many {{p|Pikachu}} on surfboards or suspended in the air with balloons, taking inspiration from the Surfing Pikachu and Flying Pikachu cards available in the 25th Anniversary Collection. All use an illustration created by Yuri Yokomizo.

Various TCG-inspired items were the subject of a collaborative campaign between the Pokémon Card Game, the Japanese fashion brand Graniph, and Japanese content creator {{wp|Hajime Syacho}}. Syacho had input in several aspects of the collaboration, including the focal Pokémon—{{p|Pichu}}—and its name—"P-Lab."<ref>[https://www.graniph.com/story/story-detail/19 ''ポケモンカードゲーム×はじめしゃちょー×グラニフ！ スペシャルコラボレーション『P-Lab.』の全貌公開'' | Granpih Graphic Stories: 16] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220525040140/https://www.graniph.com/story/story-detail/19 archived copy])</ref> The key visual for the campaign was a representation of a Mischievous Pichu card featuring artwork by [[Akira Komayama]] and English text. This was the main facet of the '''Mischievous Pichu (P-Lab.) Collaboration T-shirt''' (Japanese: '''いたずら好きのピチュー(P-Lab.) コラボTシャツ'''), the '''Mischievous Pichu (P-Lab.) Collaboration Tote Bag''' (Japanese: '''いたずら好きのピチュー(P-Lab.) コラボトートバッグ'''), and '''Mischievous Pichu (P-Lab.) Collaboration Mug''' (Japanese: '''いたずら好きのピチュー(P-Lab.) コラボマグカップ'''). The T-shirts and mugs were available in black or white.

All items could be pre-ordered from the Graniph online store from May 25, 2022 and were subsequently available to purchase online and from domestic stores from May 31. Some items were also sold at Pokémon Centers and on the Pokémon Center Online. Customers who purchased at least one "P-Lab." item from Graniph stores (in-store or online) or who made an eligible purchase from participating Pokémon Centers, Pokémon Stores, or the Pokémon Center Online were given a physical {{TCG ID|S-P Promo|Mischievous Pichu|214}} {{TCG|S-P Promotional cards|promotional card}} with Japanese text.<ref>[https://www.pokemon-card.com/info/003384.html ''ポケモンカードジムにおける公認大会の一部再開について'' | Pokémon Card Game Trainers Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20220525195257/https://www.pokemon-card.com/info/003384.html archived copy])</ref> These were limited to one per person and were distributed for as long as stocks lasted. This promotion marked the first release of a Pichu card since the {{TCG|SoulSilver Collection}} in 2009.

|caption2=Regieleki and Regidrago<br>Deck Case

|caption3=Regieleki and Regidrago<br>Sleeves

|caption11=Lugia Sleeves