The Play! Pokémon rules and regulations are periodically reviewed to maintain competitive balance in the Championship Series. The documents have been updated to reflect the latest review in Q3 2024. Pokémon TCG and video game players and Professors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the latest rules and regulations ahead of their next competition.

See below for a list of changes that you’ll find in the League Handbook:

• Nomenclature changes to all game-format tables in sections 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3

• New format tables for Pokémon video games in sections 6.1 and 6.2

• All instances of “Organized Play” have been replaced with “Play! Pokémon” and “Play! Pokémon Program”

• Added European Economic Area and United Kingdom to list of territories for Early Release Program

Below is a list of changes to the Tournament Rules Handbook:

• Added major clarification to section 4.3.1.1 to reflect how TOM handles Age Division pods

• Updated Variant #4 table for two-day Pokémon TCG and video game tournaments with a new structure for the 2025 Pokémon Championship Series

• Updated section 7.3.1.1 to outline what occurs if a competitor is more than 10 minutes late to their match

Good luck, Trainers!