Smyths Toys Set to Offer Limited In-Store Pre-Orders for Pokémon TCG on April 26 — But Only One Product Confirmed
Smyths Toys will begin limited in-store pre-orders this Saturday, April 26, for select upcoming Pokémon TCG releases. As of this morning (April 24), the following products were listed on Smyths' website with the message: "Limited In-Store pre-order available on Saturday, April 26. Limited to 1 per customer."
The products initially included:
• [Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box](https://stock-checker.com/products/toys-games/pokemon-sv-destined-rivals-etb.html)
• [Prismatic Evolutions Super Premium Collection](https://stock-checker.com/products/toys-games/pokemon-sv-prismatic-evolutions-spc.html)
• [Prismatic Evolutions Booster Bundle](https://stock-checker.com/products/toys-games/pokemon-sv-prismatic-evolutions-bb.html)
• [Charizard ex Special Collection](https://stock-checker.com/products/toys-games/pokemon-charizard-ex-special-collection.html)
• [Hop's Zacian ex Box](https://stock-checker.com/products/toys-games/pokemon-hops-zacian-ex-box.html)
However, within hours, the message disappeared from all product pages except for the **Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box**. This sudden change has sparked uncertainty among fans hoping to secure early access to the full range of products.
What We Know
• **Confirmed**: The **Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box** will be available for in-store pre-order at Smyths Toys on April 26.
• **Unconfirmed**: The other four products no longer display the pre-order message, leaving their availability in question.
• **Limit**: Each product is limited to 1 per customer.
• **Method**: Pre-orders must be made in-store only. Don't expect to secure anything online.
• **Deposit**: As is standard with Smyths' in-store pre-orders, expect to pay a deposit when securing your item.
What This Means for Fans
If you're hoping to pre-order, your best bet is to head to your local Smyths store early, ideally before doors open. Demand for Pokémon TCG is sky-high, and limited allocations mean not everyone will walk away with a confirmed pre-order.
The Shadow Drop Theory
There's speculation that Smyths may still offer the other four products as in-store pre-orders without formally advertising them. This type of quiet release — often called a shadow drop — can happen, but there's no solid evidence to support it here. Still, for diehard collectors, it may be worth asking staff in-store just in case.
Pro Tip: Use Stock Checker
Tools like [Stock Checker](https://stock-checker.com/products/toys-games/) are your friend if you miss out in-store or want to monitor restocks for Destined Rivals, Journey Together, or Prismatic Evolutions items. Online inventory moves fast, so real-time alerts can give you the edge.
Final Word
Only the [Destined Rivals Elite Trainer Box](https://www.smythstoys.com/uk/en-gb/brand/pokemon/pokemon-trading-cards-game/pokemon-trading-card-game-tcg-elite-trainer-box-scarlet-and-violet-destined-rivals/p/249139) is confirmed for pre-order at Smyths on April 26. Anything beyond that is speculation. If you're serious about landing one, plan ahead, get to your store early, and be prepared for crowds. Good luck out there.