Play! Pokémon Rules and Resources Updated for Q2 2026
Pokemon.com • • general
Key Points:
- The Play! Pokémon rules and resources have been updated for Q2 2026 to ensure competitive balance in the Championship Series, with a new season start date set for September 1 at 00:00 UTC.
- The Play! Pokémon Tournament Rules Handbook now includes updated instructions on obtaining a Player ID via a Pokémon Trainer Central account, replacing previous references to Pokémon Trainer Club.
- Updates to the Standards of Conduct include changes to filming policies and terminology adjustments from "Pokémon Trainer Club" to "Pokémon Trainer Central."
- Penalty guidelines have been revised, particularly regarding tardiness policies for call times and teams, while Pokémon TCG rules now allow functional reprints of cards obtained during expansion Prerelease windows.
- Video game rules, including the VGC and Pokémon GO Tournament Handbooks, have been refined with clarifications on team list requirements, match terminology, and concession rules to prevent conceding to avoid penalties.