Wednesday March 18, 2020
The safety and well-being of our community, both competitors and organizers, is our top priority. After discussions with event organizers and pursuant to guidance set forth by local, regional, and national health authorities, as well as the World Health Organization, all Play! Pokémon-sanctioned events through May 14, 2020 in North America, Latin America, South America, Oceania, South Africa, and Europe have been canceled. This includes all Pokémon Regional Championships, Special Events, League Challenges, League Cups, Premier Challenges, Midseason Showdowns, and Prerelease tournaments. No championship points will be awarded during this time. While independent of Pokémon, organizers of these events should act in the best interest of their event and community, including always being mindful of the safety of participants. We appreciate their cooperation and partnership during this challenging time. We are continuing to closely monitor health mandates, guidelines, and recommendations from appropriate government agencies while evaluating all independent and Pokémon-organized events on a case-by-case basis.

Taking into account the cancellation of all Play! Pokémon events until May 14th, eligible retailers will be allowed to sell Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Rebel Clash Build & Battle boxes to players starting April 18th without requiring Prerelease tournament event attendance.

Consumers can purchase their Build & Battle box at any qualified Play! Pokémon retail location, without remaining onsite for an event.

We hope this allows players to enjoy the excitement of the Sword & Shield—Rebel Clash Prerelease tournament at home.

We recommend all retailers distribute three “participation boosters” to each player purchasing a Build & Battle box during the usual Prerelease tournament time from April 18th to 26th.