Prerelease Events -- FAQs

What is a Pokémon Prerelease Celebration Event?

The Pokémon Company International releases a new set of Pokémon cards quarterly (approximately every 3 months). We run Prerelease events about a week or two prior to the the US release dates of the new cards, and we hold these events in several Greater Houston area locations.

These events are better than a sneak preview, because not only do players get to see the new cards, but they also get to play with them at the event, and then take them home at the end of the day. Because these cards cannot be sold before their US release dates, the only way to acquire these cards before they are sold in stores is to attend our Prerelease Events.

Why should I attend a Prerelease Celebration Event?

Aside from the fact that players get the new cards early, there are other reasons to attend a Prerelease. The best reason is that Prerelease events are a lot of fun. They really are! Imagine opening pack after pack of cards you've never seen before! How exciting is THAT?

Of course, these events also offer a great value. While there is a fee to participate, players will receive cards and commemorative items that make it worthwhile. If is definitely a better deal than buying retail -- even when compared to discount stores like Wal-mart. Plus, you cannot find the commemorative items stores. You can only get them by participating in our Prerelease events.

How does it work?

At the designated time, players will be seated, and judges will distribute booster card packs. Players will receive 6 booster packs each, and upon the judges instructions, everyone opens their packs at the same time.

Players will be given about 30-45 minutes to build a 40-card deck using only cards from those packs, and basic Energy cards that will be provided separately. The basic Energy cards count towards the 40 cards needed for a deck.

At the appropriate time, players will be paired up with opponents so that the battling can begin. Players will be paired up with different opponents for three rounds of tournament style matches using the 40-card decks they just built. NOTE: Prerelease games are played with 4 prize cards (40-card deck), instead of the usual 6 prize cards (60-card deck).

REMINDER: Aside from the Energy cards, these decks should consist ENTIRELY of cards from the new set. No outside cards are allowed in players decks for this event. Only cards from each player's own packs (plus the energy cards provided) are allowed. Players will NOT be allowed to trade cards until after the event.

What about new players who have never done this before?

Players who have not done this before need NOT worry. This is a casual event, not a competitive one, and everyone goes through each process collectively as a group. We will announce each step as we go along, and everyone will go through the steps together. We will make sure new players are able to follow and keep up. Event staff will be happy to assist anyone who needs help. Parents are also welcome to help their young children build their decks.

What ages are allowed to participate?

All ages are welcome! Participants of Pokémon events are divided into three age groups:

Juniors: Born in 2001 or later
Seniors: Born in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
Masters: Born in 1996 and earlier

Are there prizes?

There are prizes, however, Prerelease events are fun events where the focus is on the new cards, rather than the competition, therefore prizes are not awarded to winners. Instead participation prizes are awarded to ALL players who complete the event. The prizes are the same for everyone, regardless of how well they did.

What do I need to bring?

You should bring money to pay for the event ($25) and your Pokémon Player ID card (or number) if you have one. If you do not have an ID number, you will be assigned one at the event.

Do I have to arrive when registration opens?

No, you do not have to arrive right at that time, but you should try to arrive within the registration window. We recommend arriving as early as possible. Arriving just before the player seating may delay your registration, depending on the amount of players arriving and trying to register at that time.

Participants are registered on a first come, first served basis. We pause registration five minutes before player seating in order to process the player roster and get registered players situated.

A few minutes after the registration pause, we will resume player registration. Players who are registered during this time will be added to the roster, and seated accordingly.

What if I arrive late?

If you arrive late, you will still be able to participate, but you will not be able to make up any missed rounds. You should try to arrive on time, so that you don't miss out on the most exciting part of the event -- the opening of the packs! Players open their packs together at the beginning of the event, shortly after the distribution of the packs.

If you arrive after the designated time for opening packs, you will be given your packs upon arrival and registration. After building your deck, you will be able to battle in the next round.
Please note that you will not be able to play if you arrive during or after the last round.

What if I have to leave early?

We will work with you if you have a pressing issue to tend to, and absolutely have to leave. If you have to leave early, please let us know when you arrive. Often, it's very difficult for us to stop what we're doing in the middle of an event in order to process and check you out. If we know in advance, then we can try to be prepared.

So, I don't have to be at the event the entire time?

You don't have to be there the entire time, but you really should try. We realize that there are circumstances that arise that may prevent you from being present at the event for the entire duration, and we won't be unreasonable when these situations are brought up to us. However, these exceptions are extended as a courtesy only, and will not be allowed repeatedly.

Players enjoy attending our Prerelease events, and do whatever they can to be in attendance the entire time, so this has not become an issue with us. If it becomes an issue, our stance on this may change. Anyone trying to take advantage of the system will not receive their participation prizes at the end.

As a matter of policy, participation prizes are given ONLY to those participants who play in the entire event. So, while we do make exceptions for people who have to arrive late or leave early, we will not allow it repeatedly, so please do not make a habit of it.

How long will the event last?

Under our current Prerelease format, these events usually last about 3-3.5 hours from registration to end. Because this is a fun event that focuses on getting the new cards, we only play 3 rounds.

Is it true that I can only play in one event?

You may attend as many Prerelease events as you want, but we have a limit of one event per player each day/location. This only applies when we there are two "events" to chose from at the same location and on the same day. Basically, this means that you can play in one event per day.

Say for instance, you want to go to a Prerelease event this weekend, and another one next weekend -- this is fine. You may even go to two events in one weekend if they're scheduled that way (one on Saturday and one on Sunday)... But if one location has two Prerelease events in one day, then you must choose only one to participate in for that day.

Will I be able to buy packs of the new cards at the event?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question, is a big NO. Since the cards have not yet been officially released in the US, they cannot be sold anywhere until their official release date. The only way to get your hands on these cards early is by participating in these events.

So, there's no way for me to get additional packs of these cards?

Well, you can buy the cards at retail stores when they come out, but I don't think that's what you're asking. If you want to get more of these cards at the Prerelease events, you will have to participate in multiple events and/or invite other people (parents, siblings, friends, etc) to participate too! Who knows... They might enjoy it as much as you do! A lot of people get started playing Pokémon at Prerelease events. We also have parents who register and play. This enables them to get more cards for their children while taking advantage of the great value being offered.

Can I have more than one person participate?

You can ask as many people as you want to participate. The more, the merrier! Each person who plays will receive their own packs of cards and commemorative items. What they do with those cards is their business, even if they give them away to you, HOWEVER, they would have to wait until after the event to give or trade cards.

My mom said she might sign up too? What do you think of that?

It's a great idea! We have lots of parents that play the game regularly, and we also have quite a few who participate at Prerelease events in order to get more cards for their kids. It is certainly a great way to stock up on cards. You can't beat the value! And usually, the parents enjoy themselves as well.

Okay, so when is the next Prerelease again?

We have four sets of Prerelease events each year. To see if there's one coming up soon, check the Upcoming Events page.

We hope to see you at the next Prerelease event!