Pokémon GO Players Can Unlock Special Bonuses—But There’s a Catch!

Pokémon GO players have the chance to snag exclusive in-game bonuses thanks to the release of the Pokémon Trading Card Game Charizard ex Super-Premium Collection—but there’s a twist. To claim these rewards, players will need to visit specific physical stores.

Given that Pokémon GO revolves around players' movement and real-world locations, it's no surprise that Niantic has partnered with retail outlets for promotions like this. It echoes similar promotions from the mainline Pokémon games during their time on handheld devices like the Nintendo 3DS.

How to Claim Your Pokémon GO Stickers

Starting October 4 through October 25, 2024, Pokémon GO enthusiasts can visit participating stores to receive a set of stickers featuring Charmander, Charmeleon, and Charizard. Players in the U.S. can head to Best Buy, GameStop, or Target to claim their reward. All they need to do is open the app at one of these stores and spin the associated PokéStop.

For Canadian players, the promotion is available at GameStop and Toys “R” Us locations, while Australian fans can visit their local EB Games. Unfortunately, the event has not mentioned any other international locations beyond these regions.

Pokémon TCG Charizard ex Super-Premium Collection Overview

Of course, part of the goal of this promotion is to drive interest in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Fans of Charizard are in for a treat, as the collection features a Charizard figure complete with translucent fire effects, which doubles as a cardholder to showcase a favorite Pokémon card. The set also includes a foil promo card of Charizard ex, two foil cards of Charmander and Charmeleon, ten Pokémon Trading Card Game booster packs, and a code for the Pokémon TCG Live mobile game.

Priced at $79.99, the set is expected to arrive in early October, making it an enticing offer for collectors and Pokémon enthusiasts alike.

Limited Remote Play, but No Major Impact on Gameplay

While this promotion brings excitement for those able to visit participating stores, it may frustrate players who prefer remote play or cannot easily access the designated locations. Niantic has been steadily reducing remote play features, a move that hasn't always been well-received by the player base.

However, it's worth noting that the in-game stickers don’t provide any competitive advantages. These stickers, which can be attached to gifts in Pokémon GO, serve purely as a decorative touch, leaving no impact on battles or catching Pokémon.