October saw the release (and delay) of Pokémon TCG: Celebrations, and while some sets will be arriving in stores in the coming weeks, The Pokémon Company has another Pokémon TCG expansion waiting in the wings. Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Fusion Strike will be launching on November 12th, and this expansion set qualifies for a pre-release! The official Pokémon site announced today that Fusion Strike’s pre-release is slated for Saturday, November 6th. At participating stores (use The Pokémon Company’s Store Finder search), Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Fusion Strike Build & Battle Box (MSRP $19.99) will be available for purchase.
Each Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Fusion Strike Build & Battle Box comes with a 23-card Evolution pack that includes 1 of 4 special promo cards and 4 booster packs of Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Fusion Strike. With this, you can easily make a 40-card deck and battle it out to capture all 4 prize cards.
Since Play! Pokémon events for 2021 are canceled, the typical in-store tournament associated with the Build & Battle Box’s release won’t be happening. Instead, stores will be selling these as part of a “take home and play event.” Local card and comic shops might sell the Build & Battle boxes above MSRP (i.e.: $28 instead of $19.99), yet include 2 additional packs of Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Fusion Strike (MSRP $3.99). During a typical pre-release tournament, additional packs are available for purchase and used as prizes for winning matches.
Despite the announcement today, some stores have reported that due to global shipping constraints and production demands the release of the Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Fusion Strike Build & Battle Box will be delayed. Various stores have reported that they’ll receive their allotments from Saturday, November 6th to Friday, November 26th. Please check your local store, as some will accept sales on Saturday, November 6th regardless if the Build & Battle Boxes are in stock or not.
If you miss out on the Build & Battle box, they’ll be released at GameStop and PokémonCenter.com later in November. Also, additional units will be released as a bundle in the Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Fusion Strike Build & Battle Stadium Box (MSRP $59.99). The Stadium Box has a tentative release date of November 26th and includes the following: 2 Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Fusion Strike Build & Battle Boxes, 4 Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Fusion Strike booster packs, 121 Energy cards, and additional accessories used when battling it out with Pokémon TCG.
Don’t be surprised though if the Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Fusion Strike Build & Battle Stadium Box is delayed into December and/or stock on launch day is limited due to current demand. The same goes for other products in the Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Fusion Strike expansion set, as they’re scheduled to be released on Friday, November 12th.
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Written by Jennifer Burch
Illustrator, designer, writer and big Nintendo geek, you can find Jennifer with an N3DS within reach 24/7. As the oldest of three, she has survived many Mario Party, Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart sessions intact in addition to getting her brothers hooked on some really weird games. (Cubivore anyone?)
