Real-Life Pokemon Center Returns To The UK
For those of us in the United Kingdom, the Pokemon Center has been a point of obsession for a while. The idea of a store dedicated exclusively to the Pokemon franchise and packed with more plushies than you could ever ask for is an absolute dream.
Although it has actually become a reality, it's pretty much exclusive to Japan, with the rest of us left in the cold. The Pokemon Center has had a few pop-ups elsewhere over the years, which has offered fans the chance to peek behind the curtain at what we could have. Finally, it's coming back to us for a limited time.
Can You Visit The Pokemon Center?
If you needed to perform a total heist of Pokemon plushies, your time has finally arrived. The iconic Pokemon Center is returning to London between August 17 and 21 to coincide with the Pokemon World Championships at London's ExCeL conference centre.
The arrival of the store will give fans the chance to buy heaps of official merchandise, explore areas themed after the franchise, and get some snaps with giant models and cutouts of their favourite beasties from the games.
The event is angled toward pro players and fans who are watching Pokemon being played competitively, but thankfully, you don't have to be a competitor to get involved and have a poke around the store. If you're in London during those dates, why don't you try and catch 'em all.
Pokemon Center To Introduce Virtual Queuing
Plus, as if the store appearing wasn't great enough, the pop-up is introducing a virtual queueing system to prevent fans from being disappointed by the inevitable massive demand. This is pretty amazing news, as the last time the pop-up came to the capital, a lot of fans had to go home empty-handed as a result of swathes of dorks fighting to get in and get through the queues.
The Pokemon World Championships promises to be a must-watch even for those who want to see tournaments for Pokemon Go, Pokken Tournament DX, Pokemon Unite, the Pokemon TCG, and Pokemon Sword and Shield being played by the pros, but the chance to visit the Pokemon Center is an added bonus. It's nice that The Pokemon Company is thinking so far ahead, but truth be told, we're glad that the Pokemon Center is coming back at all. See you in the virtual queue.