The Kanto Brief #1: Pokémon collectors face new restrictions as card prices continue to climb
This week in the Pokémon world, we’ve seen pet accessories, Chinese Pokémon cards selling for ridiculous money, and more.
In this issue:
- Japan restricts 30th Celebration sales
- Pitch Black pre-orders disappear
- Pokémon pet accessories arrive
- Champions launches on mobile
- Chinese Umbreon breaks $1,000
Welcome to the latest (and first) edition of The Kanto Brief - my rundown of the latest news in the Pokémon world, as well as those I couldn’t cover in an entire article. It has been a seriously busy week for the Pokémon TCG and those with ‘mon-loving pets!
Japan is limiting 30th Celebration stock to My Number Card holders
The Pokémon Company has confirmed that Pokémon 30th Celebration products in Japan will be restricted to My Number Card holders. The move could significantly reduce international access to Japanese stock and may change how collectors source cards from overseas.
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Pokémon Pitch Black pre-sales came and went
Pokémon Center’s Pitch Black pre-orders disappeared almost as quickly as they arrived, leaving many collectors empty-handed. Like a nightmare induced by Darkrai itself. Perhaps that’s a little exaggerated, but it was chaotic evening for me, so I’m allowed to feel a little emo. However, you can use our guide below to help get some stock.
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Pokémon is styling your pets with fresh accessories
Let’s forget about the frustrations of the TCG for a moment. If you have a dog or a cat, The Pokémon Company has released a load of new merch for your favourite real-life Pokémon companion. As someone with two dogs - a Cockapoo and a Cockalier - this is a great excuse to get more Pokémon in my home.
From collars to a Snorlax-sized (and designed) dog bed, there’s no shortage of great items available at the Pokémon Center right now.
Pokémon Champions launches next week on mobile
On Wednesday, 17th June 2026, Pokémon Champions will (hopefully) reign supreme on iOS and Android devices next week. After a couple of months being exclusive to Switch consoles, the free-to-start Pokémon battling game is coming to the App Store and Google Play Store.
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Pokémon Pokopia is getting a batch of DLCs
I already wrote about how the Switch 2 is practically a Pokémon console for me right now, and Pokopia is a big reason for that. In a surprising and welcome announcement, the Nintendo Direct revealed that Pokopia is getting three paid expansions, as well as a bundle that includes all three. Bubbly Basin, the first DLC, launches in August 2026.
A Chinese Umbreon Pokémon card has gone past the four-digit price
Back to the TCG world, a Chinese Umbreon card has done the thinkable, and has started surging into the $1,000 range in a PSA 10. This shouldn’t be too surprising, considering that Umbreon remains one of the most coveted cards in the TCG, but it is in a different language, making it somewhat shocking.
Releasing in the Gem Pack Vol. 2 Pokémon set in Simplified Chinese, this Umbreon showcases the Eeveelution enjoying a peaceful nap, worn out from battling it out with the other ‘mon. You can see the full breakdown below:
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Extreme Speed news
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From next week, we’ll be doing a special edition of The Kanto Brief, including market shifts and cards I’d personally pick up before they’re inevitably bought up by collectors - this will be limited to paid subscribers, but those who haven’t joined can use this link to get a 20% discount on an annual membership during our launch period!
