The Pokemon Center has announced a new early access program through an update to its FAQ.
Customers subscribed to the Pokemon Center newsletter and who meet specific criteria are eligible to be selected for early access. If you are selected, you will receive an email containing a unique invitation link for early access to one or more popular items. The invitation link is unique to you, and it is not transferable.
Presumably this new program will be used for Chaos Rising preorders. While preorders for most sets open on Pokemon Center around 78 days before release, there are only 42 days until Chaos Rising releases, meaning it now holds the record for the latest preorder launch in recent memory.
Here are the full details from the Pokemon Center’s FAQ:
What is Early Access?
The Pokémon Center Early Access program allows selected customers an opportunity to purchase popular items before they are more widely released.Who is eligible for Early Access?
Customers subscribed to the Pokémon Center newsletter and who meet specific criteria are eligible to be selected for early access. Note that Pokémon Center does not share eligibility criteria.Customers do not need an existing Pokémon Center account to receive an invitation. However, customers are required to log in to or register an account with the same email address from the invitation before checking out using the early access invitation link.
Currently, only customers in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom are eligible to receive a chance to participate in Early Access.
Please note the following:
- Not all newsletter subscribers are eligible.
- Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee a chance to participate.
- Receiving an invitation to Early Access does not guarantee future access.
- Creating multiple subscriptions or using different email addresses does not increase the likelihood of receiving an invitation to participate in the Early Access program. Such actions may result in the invitation being voided.
How do I know if I received an Early Access invitation?
If you are selected, you will receive an email containing a unique invitation link for early access to one or more items. If you are not selected, you will not receive any email regarding early access, but this does not necessarily mean that you will not be selected in the future.The invitation link is unique to you, and it is not transferable. The link may be disabled in cases of suspected misuse or policy violations.
What items are included in the Early Access Program?
Any item, including preorder items, may be included in the Early Access program. Please note that Pokémon Center Support is unable to share information regarding which items are included in the Early Access program.Do I have to purchase Early Access items immediately?
Items included in the Early Access program are generally popular, so it is recommended to use your invitation sooner rather than later if you are interested in the item(s).If you need more time after you open your unique invitation link, you can close your browser and reopen the invitation link provided it has not yet expired.
Please note the following:
- The invitation email will contain an expiration date for the invitation link.
- Early Access items are available while supplies last, until the expiration date.
Will Early Access items sell out?
Early Access does not guarantee availability. Item quantities are limited and available while supplies last.What if I’m not signed in to my Pokémon Center account?
If you are not signed in to your Pokémon Center account when you open your unique invitation link, you will see a message under the Add to Cart or Add to Basket button prompting you to sign in using the email address the invitation link was sent to. If you do not have a Pokémon Center account, you may create one after receiving an invitation. Your Early Access offer will remain valid through this process.Can I use multiple browsers or devices to redeem my Early Access offer?
Using multiple devices or browsers to open your Early Access invitation link may impact your ability to complete your Early Access order. We recommend using only one device and browser to open the invitation link, shop, and check out.Can I only use my Early Access invitation once?
Yes. Each invitation link is both unique and single-use.Can I share my unique invitation link with a friend?
Sharing your unique invitation link is not supported.