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Visiting The Poké Court's New Flagship Store

The Poké Court started as a pop-up in Soho in 2024. Though it was only open for three days, thousands of fans stopped by, resulting in massive lines and clear proof of concept. The brand-new space on West 13th Street is here to stay, giving New Yorkers a permanent spot to stop by, purchase, and open some Pokémon card packs.

The new store has plenty of options for everyone, from single Booster Packs to special offers for serious collectors, and much more. When I stopped by, the large space was very crowded, but we expect the crowds to die down once the opening excitement wears off. Plan to spend some time at the store, even if you don't know what you're there to buy. The bright white space is very inviting and intended as a place to slow down and enjoy the experience of Pokémon cards, not just where you buy a pack and dash.

How Kid-Friendly Is The Poké Court?

The main audience for this location is clearly adults. There are walls full of single cards and collectibles worth anywhere from a few dollars to thousands of bucks. A "Packtender" heads up the "Pack Bar," giving fans concierge-level assistance in selecting and opening card products, as one would with a fine wine. This is complete with a fancy menu where you can browse TCG booster packs by game or generation, along with their respective "chase cards" (ie, the most sought-after cards). There's even a VIP Lounge, where high rollers can mingle with fellow connoisseurs and have booster pack ripping parties.

But, beneath the high-class, adult-forward facade is a fun, welcoming spot for all ages where Poké fans can gather and get excited about cool cards. When I stopped by, there were plenty of kids dressed for the occasion, some wearing Pokémon bags and hats, and at least one fully decked out in a Pikachu onesie.

While the older visitors might be attracted to the higher-end goods, there are plenty of toys and trinkets for the kids, too. An entire wall is dedicated to fan-made stickers, cool imports from Japan, whimsical apparel, and small key chain plushies of fan-fave Pokémon.

While The Poké Court has some high-priced collectables, there are plenty of small, kid-friendly finds, too. Photo by the author

And, if the little ones get tired, there's plenty of seating, both indoors and out. In fact, shoppers are welcome to sit down, take a breather, and rip open a few packs. When I stopped by, there was also a special claw machine and filming station, and although those were limited-time events for the grand opening, they're also a sneak preview of things to come. Collecting cards has really boomed in recent years, making it a much more adult-oriented hobby, but The Poké Court brings some child-like wonder and whimsy back into the hobby by presenting it in such a fun and playful way.

Take note: There are no bathrooms at The Poké Court, but Chelsea Market is just two blocks away. Here, you can continue your Pokémon adventures at Pearl River Mart, or stop by one of the many delectable restaurants for a bite to eat. The new store is also conveniently located just a stone's throw away from The High Line and Little Island, so you can easily make The Poké Court one stop on a day out.

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