This page includes Pokémon pin information on Oversea Pop-Up Stores and special event pins. To read up on more background information of each pin, please click on the detailed post link. Enjoy!
Click to see overview of this page:
- Play Lab Pins
- PAX Events
- Other Events
- PAX Event Pins
- Pokémon GO Related Tour / Fest
- Pokémon GO Fest/Tour
- Pokémon GO Community Ambassador Program
- Niantic Community Day
- GameStop Legendary Year Staff Pins (2018)
- New York Comic Con (2017)
- Pocket Monster Badge in Pokéball Series (2000)
- London Pop Up Store (2019)
- NAIC Pop Up Store (2022)
- London Worlds Pop Up Store (2022)
- EUIC Pop Up Store (2023)
- Yokohama Worlds Pop Up Store (2023)
- EUIC Pop Up Store (2024)
- Hawaii Worlds Pop Up Store (2024)
Play Labs
Starting 2022, Pokémon often sets up Play Lab booths at different conventions and events. Those who participate at Play Lab booths to learn about PTCG will receive an exclusive Play Lab pin. The pins each features one Pokémon and are given out for free. Below the pins are separated into two sections — PAX events and other events. For PAX Play Lab pins, they are part of the Pinny Arcade event that
PAX Events
For PAX Play Lab pins, they are part of the Pinny Arcade — a pin trading event that happens at PAX events. Most participating companys of PAX will have exclusive pins and visitors can trade these pins to complete the collection. As of now, all PAX events, except PAX Aus, will have pins handed out. For some PAX events, there are also game promo pins handed out, please see a separate section below for more info.
Other Events
For other events, there is no set trend to when Pokémon hands out Play Lab pins. Usually for big international events the chances of these pins appearing are higher.
PAX Event Pins
This section includes pin that were given out during annual PAX events. These pins are mostly given out for promoting Pokémon games. To see complete info, please visit >>> Game Release Page
During PAX events, Pokémon also sets up Play Lab booths for participants to learn about TCG Gaming. Play Lab pins are listed in a separated section above!
Pokémon GO Related
Pokémon GO Fest/Tour
During Pokémon GO Tour or Pokémon GO Fests, exclusive pins are given out to participants. Community ambassadors sometimes receive batches of general pins and can freely hand them out during offline events. The pins that have cities and usually given out during the city exclusive yearly Pokémon GO Fests. Sometimes, exclusive pins are also sold at these events.
Pokémon GO Community Ambassador Program
Pokémon Community Ambassadors voluntarily runs events in their local community with the assistance of Niantic. Each year, ambassadors receives many supply kits. Within these supply kits are goodies for them to hand out to local event participants. Starting 2023, there are also exclusive pins included in these kits.
Niantic Community Day
In 2022, Niantic held several community day events across different countries/cities. The events were mainly to promote Pokémon GO and other games under Niantic. At different cities, there seemed to be different versions of the same pin design.
Pocket Monster Badge in Pokéball Series (2000)
The Pocket Monster Badge in Pocket Monster Ball merchandise were first released during the year 2000. The product consists of a plastic case shaped like a PokéBall and an enamel pin. The majority of the Pocket Monster Badge series were released in Japan. Visit Japan Events Page to see all pins. (Click to read detailed post)
Australia Pokémon Collector Pins (2000)
The Pokémon Collector Pin Set was released in 2000 and only sold in Australia. The product was most likely released to promote the 2000 Summer Olympics and first Pokémon Worlds Championship, both held in Sydney, Australia. Each set contained 5 pins with Pikachu and 4 random pins. All 151 Pokemon of Gen 1 were made into pins. Collectors will have to purchase multiple set of products to complete the entire collection. Only two set of products are listed here for reference. The image of the entire set will be added when available!
New York Comic Con Pins (2007)
These pins were (most likely) given out during 2007 New York ComicCon. Because for the red pin an image was found with backboard, it is likely the pin was officially released during the event. There are little to no information on these pins so keep in mind that it is possible they are fan made. More info will be updated when available.
GameStop Legendary Year Staff Pins (2018)
2018 was the Year of Legendary Pokémon and to celebrate the event, GameStop released an employee event. During event period, GameStop employees will have to complete a short quiz every few months. Those who comeplete the quiz on time will receive one the these legendary Pokémon pins.
Misc. Oversea Event Pins
This section includes single pins that are one-time collaborations or pins that I haven’t found their exact source. Here are some information regarding the pins:
- McDonald’s Pokéman Staff Promo Pins — release date unknown. The pins are possibly from a collaboration with McDonald’s in Europe. The pins are given out to McDonald managers for promotional purposes. It is possible that all 151 Pokémons were made into pins.
- 2000 Nintendo Power Pin — released in 2000. Possibly given out with the magazine “Nintendo Power”.
- 2016 EB Games Expo Pin — released in 2016. Possibly given out during 2016 Sydney EB Games Expo for promotional purposes.
- 2019 Detective Pikachu Movie Pin Set – released on 2024/05/09. Sold as a special ticket combo at Vieshow cinema in Taiwan for 399 NTD. To see complete info, please visit >>> Movie Releases Page.
- 2024 Rain City Showcase Pin — released on 2024/10/11. Sold during the 2024 NBA Rain City Showcase in Seattle.
Misc. Oversea Game Release Pins
This section includes oversea game related pin releases. The releases are often one-time releases during game promotional period. To see complete info, please visit >>> Game Release Page
Pop Up Stores
London Pop Up Store (2019)
To celebrate the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield, Pokémon Center opened their first pop up store in London. The pop up store was opened from October 18th to November 15th, 2019. It had two exclusive pins, both featuring Pikachu as a gentlemen — a logo crest pin and a greeting card pin.
NAIC Pop Up Store (2022)
Pokémon Center opened a Pop Up store during 2022 North America International Championship. The competition was held from June 24th to 26th. The Pop Up store sold a lanyard set including 4 pins. (Click here to see other championship related pins)
London Worlds Pop Up Store (2022)
Along with the 2022 World Championship, Pokémon Center opened a Pop Up store. World championship was held from August 18th to 21st. The Pop Up store had 4 exclusive pin sets — a duo pin set and 3 lanyard pin sets. One of the lanyard is world’s theme featuring Pikachu and Roserade. The other two lanyards are exclusive to London Pokémon Center. (Click here to see other championship related pins)
EUIC Pop Up Store (2023)
Following the success of 2022 London Worlds Pop Up store, Pokémon Center also opened a Pop Up store during 2023 Europe International Championship. The competition was held from April 14th to 17th. The Pop Up store had two exclusive pins — an Eevee championship pin and a lanyard with 4 pins. (Click here to see other championship related pins)
Yokohama Worlds Pop Up Store (2023)
Along with the 2023 World Championship, Pokémon Center opened a Pop Up store. World championship was held from August 11th to 13th. This year’s pins are not exclusive to the Pop Up store as these pins were also available in Japan’s Pokémon Center stores. (Click here to see other championship related pins)
EUIC Pop Up Store (2024)
Continuing last year’s tradition, Pokémon Center opened a Pop Up store during 2024 Europe International Championship. The competition was held from April 5th to 7th. The Pop Up store had five exclusive pins — four singular championship pins and a lanyard with 4 pins. The main Pokémons of this year’s store is Gengar, Armarouge and Ceruledge. (Click here to see other championship related pins)
Hawaii Worlds Pop Up Store (2024)
Along with the 2024 World Championship, Pokémon Center opened a Pop Up store. World championship was held from August 16th to 18th. (Click here to see other championship related pins)
