If you’re attending the Pokémon Europe International Championships and want to learn more about the Pokémon Trading Card Game, visit Play Lab! Designed for beginners and casual players, Play Lab will offer four modular experiences: Poké Catch, Catch & Attack, 30-Card Demo Deck Battle, and Pokémon TCG Live Demo. These experiences range in duration and play level to suit all kinds of Trainers. And if you’re looking to learn more about Pokémon video games, stop by the Battle Lab. There you can learn the Pokémon fundamentals as well as test your battling skills.

Play Lab participants will have a chance to go home with a 30-card demo deck and a pin while supplies last. Battle Lab participants will also receive a reward to be determined.

Play Lab and Battle Lab Hours of Operation

Play Lab is open to all visitors at no charge. No badge is required, and registration is not required. Just stop by, learn, and have fun!

• Friday, April 5: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• Saturday, April 6: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• Sunday, April 7: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Entry to the Play Lab and Battle Lab is at Entrance N2. Cutoff time for entry into the Play Lab or Battle Lab is one hour prior to the closing time. This is subject to change.

Poké Catch

Poké Catch is a fun new way to play with your favorite Pokémon TCG cards by catching Pokémon. It is a basic teaching tool designed to introduce players to Pokémon and Energy types.

• Duration: 5–10 minutes

• Play Level: Basic—recommended for young players and those who are brand-new to the Pokémon TCG

Catch & Attack

After catching Pokémon in Poké Catch, players will start a battle and learn new play mechanics to get started in their Trainer journey!

• Duration: 10–15 minutes

• Play Level: Stage 1—recommended for players who are still learning the fundamentals of the Pokémon TCG and wish to play a bit longer

30-Card Demo Deck Battle

This battle showcases a simplified Pokémon TCG experience. This battle also introduces Abilities, Pokémon V, and more complex game actions.

• Duration: 20–30 minutes

• Play Level: Stage 2—recommended for players who are familiar with most Pokémon TCG mechanics and can play through battles with minimal guidance

Pokémon TCG Live Demo

The Pokémon TCG Live demo allows participants to learn the basics of a Pokémon TCG battle through a simplified version of the digital game. The demo is available in a guided mode using an Umbreon V deck or an unguided mode using one of the three 30-Card Demo Decks.

• Duration: 5–10 minutes

• Play Level:

  • Guided Mode: Stage 1—recommended for players who are still learning the fundamentals of the Pokémon TCG and wish to try the digital version of the game

  • Unguided Mode: Stage 2—recommended for players who are familiar with most Pokémon TCG mechanics and can play through battles with minimal guidance

Pokémon EUIC Battle Lab

Designed for players of all skill levels, Battle Lab offers two custom experiences focused on Pokémon battling: new players can learn the basics of Pokémon gameplay, while more seasoned Trainers can challenge our on-site Professors to a battle. The Battle Lab will let players discover or rediscover the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet games for the Nintendo Switch system.

Trainer Rank

This introductory path will guide you through the basics of Pokémon gameplay. You will learn to catch Pokémon and engage in your first Pokémon battle!

• Duration: 15 minutes

• Play Level: Stage 1

Champion Rank

In this advanced path, players will have the chance to battle an on-site Professor! Learn how to build a team to become the best Trainer you can be.

• Duration: 15 minutes

• Play Level: Stage 2