Before Things Get Expensive

This post may be considered a continuation of a post I wrote up a couple of months ago about maintaining an appreciation of Pokémon even when the economy is at a bit of a downturn. In fact, it seems that downturn might be extending itself given the current circumstances where I am currently present and even elsewhere. With that, it seems that I need to revisit the topic to give it some more considerations with current Pokémon goings-on, for me and others, and in particular before certain prices get even more out of hand.

For us, it's likely that we may have typical goings-on in certain free Pokémon games with paid elements. In that case, there may be the prompt to both "stock up" and "save up" on some of those paid elements (like coins in Pokémon Go) - to buy what can be bought and to use what has been bought judiciously and only when absolutely needed. It's already sometimes a difficult thing, but it may get even more difficult with those current circumstances. Therefore, there is an interest in "stocking up" and "saving up" for peace of mind.

Meanwhile, it's also necessary to keep the things used to enjoy Pokémon, whether they're the devices (consoles, phones, and others) or the collected or earned merchandise, in working order. It may be expensive, in particular for the former, to fix things if they happen to break somehow in current times and buying new ones is out of the question, especially given that either of these things may be sourced from resources elsewhere other than local ones. In any case, their functioning may need to be kept regardless for life to go on.

Certainly, it's undeniable right now that everyone is living in a strange time, perhaps even stranger than a fever dream brought upon by a Gengar. That strange time also could possibly mean more expensive things on the horizon, for Pokémon or otherwise. With that, continuing the previous discussion seems to mean to make a reminder to keep things as viable as they can at and given current prices, which means the above points. Until the strange time passes (and the dream is gone), even Pokémon may still go on.

One year ago: All the Pokémon Q's and A's

Two years ago: Royals of the Universe

Three years ago: The Sunshine Cup of GBL

Four years ago: The New Structure of Factions

Five years ago: Quickies: Bike for Pokémon

Six years ago: Everything Is Electric

Seven years ago: A Wonderful PikaWorld

Eight years ago: Beyond Gyms and Trials

Nine years ago: A Pokémon Pencil Bag

Pokémon Go Community Day Classic, 5/16/2026

It's been four months since an edition of Community Day Classic, so Trainers in this game have been eagerly expecting another one - and it comes today. They're also as eager to prepare for things related to Go Fest, which is coming up soon, in fact - something I also need to preview soon enough. Both of these contribute in different ways to the affairs of today, certainly one way of which is the bringing back of an old featured Pokémon species as a second chance for whoever might really need it.

And that returning species is Deino, which was last featured in June 2022 at a high-low point for the event. It and its species family has the Dark and Dragon types, which has relevance in some way for the happening above. In contrast to last time, this time the main bonus is triple catch XP, perhaps since the main edition this month already had its Egg hatch distance bonus. Since it's a Classic edition, there is also no double Candy bonus to speak of, which means Trainers have to find ways to make (up) the effort for that.

The special move for its fully evolved form of Hydreigon remains the significantly powerful Brutal Swing, a move of the Dark type. The rest of the bonuses align with how the event is executed in current times. That would mean 1-hour Lure Modules and the appearance bonus, 3-hour Incense, photo bombs, special backgrounds, Field Research tasks, community Timed Research, and a paid Special Research set that retains the past title ("Field Notes: Deino") while mixing up the task contents once again as the edition mixes the then and now.

Once again, today became another personal opportunity (for me) to meet up with a faraway community - while getting a few other things done on the side. Even though there were some reception problems, I was still able to take advantage of the opportunity to build up resources for the species family, and now with the onset of those with special backgrounds, evolve the best ones in that regard. Some disappointments may still remain, but definitely not at the community meetup, and they can be addressed later on.

Now, as for the preparatory aspect, darkness is the force that counters light, at least certain ones that are deemed to be less of a blessing. What that light will likely constitute is, again, part of the Go Fest preview, which will come later on. Regardless, having Community Day - and a Classic edition, no less - to prepare for that is a good idea, and it can be leveraged for other purposes as well. Like in the past edition, the dark and irate qualities of the Pokémon remain with it and not the festivity.

One year ago: Pokémon Without Borders (...for Me and You)

Two years ago: Please, Let Me Grow Old with You

Three years ago: More Available Regular Formats for General PvP?

Four years ago: How Far Should Pokémon Be Translated?

Five years ago: Command and Conquer, PvP Style

Six years ago: A Multicultural Cast

Seven years ago: Carry On Carryin' On

Eight years ago: The Living Dex

Nine years ago: Pastrana and Pikachu

(The Best of) Community Ambassador Waypoint Labels

If you play Pokémon Go and attend the now-standard community meetups, you might see and recognize that recently, wherever they meet, they have extra waypoints (as PokéStops, Gyms, and even Power Spots) with the name "Community Ambassador Campsite" followed by a word label of some sort. It's an intriguing approach for these waypoints, so I thought I'd cover them somehow on this blog for what they are worth.

Now, these labels are certainly intended to help point out at which "Campsite" Trainers are to gather, battle, and/or socialize, which is why there are indeed many of these labels. In fact, I had planned to try to cover all of them, but it doesn't seem right to try and do that with the multitude that they offer. That is why the title of this post contains "the best of", as I've decided to pick out the most interesting ones of the collection.

Some of these labels seem to represent what qualities a Community Ambassador should really possess. Out of the multitude, I pick out "Positive", "Accepting", "Engaging", "Friendly", and "Dedicated" as the most representative (as well as currently relevant) labels. These qualities are what I would consider to be part of a consummate Community Ambassador, for which the process of registering as one should have been able to reflect.

Of course, Community Ambassadors also need to interact with other Trainers, so some of the qualities can and should describe that process too. For that, I've chosen the "Encouraging", "Helpful", "Creative", and "Innovative" labels, again as the representative and currently relevant ones. These qualities ought to be evident for both Community Ambassadors and Trainers, and that would also say something about their relevant processes.

Although most of the labels are adjectival, there are also three nominal labels - "Opportunity", "Energy", and "Integrity" - that seem out of place (the adjectival forms would have to be "opportunistic", "energetic", and "integritous") yet are in fact there. Given the representation that the labels convey, they could be regarded as places where the spirits presented by the nouns might manifest themselves the strongest at a meetup.

The presence of these labels - as well as the waypoints themselves - is a new one (at the least, it might be for some who have dealt with the dynamics of "ambassadorship" in some regions). What's not new is the fact that labels of all kinds can carry (or be imbued with) some power of representation with them and their application, and if anything, these labels applied to these waypoints might just hint at their collective power.

One year ago: Day Turnovers in Pokémon Games

Two years ago: The Blood of Youth

Three years ago: Tournament: SWEEP JR vs. Foul Noctowls Elite (SA Factions)

Four years ago: Steering and Nearing with Tsunekazu Ishihara

Five years ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 5/15/2021

Six years ago: Coming Full Circle

Seven years ago: Everything Old Is New Again

Eight years ago: 15 Minutes of Fame

Nine years ago: Fallen Comrades

Pokémon Games at the Arcade

Pokémon is not known to be a major influence in arcade gaming, especially given the fact that its first games are what is known in the trade as "consumer software (CS)". Nevertheless, many years after the fact, Pokémon games did break out in the arcade, albeit having only a relatively minor presence - which in fact still lingers even today. I've decided to round up a few of these Pokémon arcade games, which I have to say is an idea that had been in the works for about a year but only could realize now.

One of those games is Pokkén Tournament, something that WCS fans approximately a decade ago would recognize. The game did get its start at the arcade, and it was played with an actual handheld controller that would be a hint of its eventual presence as a console game and in the competitive arena. Although the game has exited the competitive Pokémon scene and it can now be considered a "niche" game, its legacy has been cemented, and fans can still play it if they are interested in it.

Next, there is (or was, to be explained shortly) Pokémon Tretta. This game features combat using Pokémon tokens in square form against the CPU, as well as capturing Pokémon to earn their tokens. Mega Evolution was also involved, in particular with an accessory. Unfortunately, the service for it ended a somewhat longish time ago, and the arcade machines themselves weren't widespread - in fact, limited to certain regions too. Still, the game that follows this one carries over the mechanics. 

That next game would be Pokémon Mezastar. While still only playable in some select regions (including how accounts are handled), Pokémon tokens are still used, though this time they're elliptical instead of square. Species from the seventh and eighth generations also appear, including those with Gigantamax forms. The fast-paced combat is engaging and could become addictive, especially after one play or even a few, and it further demonstrates the advancement of this game after its predecessor. 

It's still a relative rarity to find Pokémon games at the arcade, particularly when there is the concern of regional availability as with the last two games above. Yet it's also important to know that Pokémon has an arcade presence in some way, which is impressive given its start in console gaming and even if it will likely remain more well-known for that, compared to arcade gaming. Fans who see any of these games might just want to play them for the experience that they have to offer.

One year ago: The State of Playable Legendaries in Unite

Two years ago: Alive, in Life

Three years ago: Consolidation: New Café Remix Updates

Four years ago: Starter Pokémon in the Wild

Five years ago: The Retro Cup of GBL

Six years ago: Going Elite with TMs

Seven years ago: Detective Pikachu Burger King King Jr. Toys - Arcanine

Eight years ago: Round Pikachu Keychain

Nine years ago: Cosplay: Isshoni Tanoshimimashou 12

Days of Pokémon Disappointment

Pokémon is supposed to bring joy to all who deal with and experience it. Unfortunately, in current times, it seems that it also brings its share of disappointments, whether personal or shared. That also can be described as ongoing on the basis of days, which can make the disappointment all the more regrettable. With that, I thought I'd outline some of those disappointments that have plagued my days and those of others.

Due to extenuating circumstances and for convenience, for today's Raid Hour in Pokémon Go, I joined my local community's meetup... and was reminded of why I rarely do so, at least a primary reason for such: I'm not able to keep up with the others, in particular their pace. It is why now I prefer alternative arrangements for this and other events. The disappointment here certainly lies in the fact that it is the local community, and it has become a certain "color" for today and even other days (and players) when it is involved. 

Meanwhile, scalpers continue to take root in some affairs involving Pokémon goodies and TCG items - unfortunately, even for ones that revolve locally. This has also caused some commotion for those local goodies due to the exposure, in particular for their prices and scalping practices that in a way has also led to unsavory effects. The things done by scalpers are already proving to be disappointing enough, but the spread of what they do to other people makes the situation even more of a disappointment, now and later on.

Then, the "Firestar effect" seems to continue to be felt even now on social media, based on the comments of some users on there. Now, there has even been an incident that is completely unrelated to Pokémon games yet has echoes of what happened back then, also involving real competitions and questions of what is fair and unfair. Being informed of the new incident is a real disappointment, not to mention the sentiments that linger after what happened with the tournament where the Pokémon game incident happened.

Having been exposed to or having dealt with the happenings above, both related and not related to (or at least, in whole or in part evocative of) Pokémon, disappointment would certainly be felt, perhaps even by eventual readers of this post. It's a regrettable state of affairs that disappointment is felt even with the happiness that Pokémon things bring, and given what has transpired, fans like me may still feel it in the days ahead.

One year ago: A Pokémon Card Binder

Two years ago: Horizons of Promise

Three years ago: The Last Stop: The End of The Silph Road

Four years ago: Useless Rewards in Pokémon Games

Five years ago: The Road to Victory

Six years ago: Seeing Pokémon in Rice Fields

Seven years ago: The Exclusive Detective Pikachu Promotional TCG Card

Eight years ago: Cosplay: INOCHI 2018 - Yuki no Hana

Nine years ago: Cosplay Photography

Pokémon Sites on ".gg" Domains

The ".gg" domain for web page addresses is a domain that is affiliated to Guernsey, but in real usage, it is also very popular among gamers (and web sites associated with them) because the initialism "GG" stands for "good game" - something I may or may not touch upon at a later time. Accordingly, it is also used by some Pokémon web sites, which are also popular due to the size of the fandom. With that, I thought I'd go over some of these web sites for their significance among Pokémon fans and of course the use of the above domain.

For those who deal with Pokémon Go, they'll likely recognize two websites that bear the ".gg" domain. One of those is the former The Silph Road and Silph League Arena (silph.gg), which bears mention because of the very fact that it has the domain. After its demise and with more recent developments, there is Dracoviz (dracoviz.gg) that serves half of the purpose of the former site - specifically the community or grassroots tournament aspect. Either way, the sites affirm usage of the domain to represent the game players as such. 

More recently, there is RK9 (rk9.gg) - yes, like the above is to Dracovish as this one is to Arcanine in phonetics - which serves Pokémon gaming more generally. In fact, its purpose is to consolidate info for Play! Pokémon tournaments wherever they are concerned (Europe and the Americas) with relevance for the individual pillars of the "pantheon" along with info for prospective spectators and registration aids for competitors, including for recent VGC. This site demonstrates significance for itself just as much as it does for its domain.

Certain players, specifically those for Pokémon Go in certain regions of Asia, will also likely have dealt with the start.gg web site, as that site serves as the tournament organizer for qualifiers of that game for some countries in the region. It's somewhat different (and perhaps a bit obscure) compared to how things are done for Pokémon Go elsewhere, but it bears mention for the relation to the topic at hand and its spirit.

Web sites for Pokémon affairs or otherwise can be registered with more typical domains, but specialty domains like the above have a certain spirit to it, even if technically they're more relevant to a country. The web sites mentioned above that have the particular domain and relation to Pokémon affairs of different kinds possess that spirit, and there is something to be said for what they have in common to make a "good game" just that.

One year ago: TCGP: Celestial Guardians Take Charge

Two years ago: Cosplay: "Mobile Japan Fest" [2]

Three years ago: Listen to Our Hearts

Four years ago: More Online Statuses for Pokémon Go?

Five years ago: Three Bears

Six years ago: Missed Pokémon Merchandise in Snacks

Seven years ago: Watching in Style, with Friends

Eight years ago: To Know the Unknown

Nine years ago: You Are Blessed

Elite Decks in TCGP

Besides the usual decks that players build with the cards that they collect in TCGP, some decks are also built and obtained in a different manner - at least in a more recent stride by the game. In fact, as the game calls them, they are meant to be "supreme" decks, ones that may need a good amount of time to familiarize with. They are accordingly called "elite decks", and they're something to be pointed out for the possibilities they can offer.

Currently, there are only two of these "elite decks", and they're both of the Fire type, based on Mega Blaziken and Mega Charizard Y. Those who have obtained their decklists can see that they are organized under the Fire type heading, which might just imply that there would be more of these "elite decks" for other types and the Pokémon that bear those types. That remains to be seen, of course, but the current decks already furnish challenges of their own.

How are these decks obtained? Mega Blaziken was obtained starting earlier this year as part of a gift mission, and its availability in fact just ended a couple of weeks ago - but prospective players should have logged in at least once to obtain the gift mission. Mega Charizard Y is available now and for more or less the next three months, so this would be a great time to log in, obtain the gift mission, and deal with its intricacies for the "elite deck".

When obtained, the needed cards for the deck are collected, along with the deck in rental deck form (for trying things out) and decklist form (for building the actual deck), just like regular decks. Aside from trying things out, one of the missions for the "elite decks" is using the rental deck three times to obtain pack hourglasses, so there is a side benefit to the actual use of the rental deck, at least until the deck is built for real usage in various situations.

Now, as for how these decks fare - at least, the ones that currently exist - they really do stand up to their "elite" moniker. The Mega Blaziken deck in particular has it alongside Entei, both in 'ex' form, so a player may need to recognize the situations where one or the other is best to be played. And then there's the Mega Charizard Y deck, which offers similar challenges with the deck's namesake card also being an 'ex' card.

These "supreme" decks have a lot of potential, and that applies to the currently existing ones as well as their future possibilities that may just be conjured up sooner if not later. Like other regular decks, there is a need to playtest them to check how they might work for a given player, but attaining mastery of them remains something noble - one that might lend some credence to the "elite" quality of the decks, and players too.

One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day, 5/11/2025

Two years ago: Cosplay+Pokémon Go: Pikachu's Indonesia Journey in Surabaya

Three years ago: Cold Appearances

Four years ago: Blogging on Blogs: Pokémon Blog

Five years ago: Forgotten (Event) Days

Six years ago: (Preparing for) Shuffle's Last Stand

Seven years ago: Special Feature Film - "POKÉMON: Detective Pikachu"

Eight years ago: Just Like a Rainbow

Nine years ago: A Shout-Out to a Fellow Blogger