Bellevue, Wash. — Feb. 13, 2026 — The Pokémon Company International announced today that it has been awarded a top honor at The Toy Foundation’s February 2026 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards —People's Choice Award for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG): Mega Evolution Elite Trainer Box. This accolade comes as Pokémon commemorates 30 years in 2026 and follows The Pokémon Company International’s announcement unveiling a massive yearlong campaign to celebrate the milestone with fans around the world.
Known as the Oscars of the toy industry, the TOTY Awards celebrate excellence across toys, games and children’s entertainment, with the People’s Choice Award uniquely determined solely by consumer votes – highlighting fan favorites among the industry’s top products. This year’s win recognizes the brand’s Mega Evolution Elite Trainer Box as a standout favorite among all types of fans, showcasing the beloved Pokémon TCG’s widespread appeal and global reach among its passionate community. The honor follows Pokémon’s previous wins of License of the Year and Game of the Year for the Pokémon TCG: Pokémon GO Elite Trainer Box in 2022.
“We’re honored to be recognized at the Toy of the Year Awards, and this award is a testament to the incredible support that the Pokémon Trading Card Game has received by our passionate Trainer community across three decades,” said Barry Sams, vice president of game development and community engagement at The Pokémon Company International. “As a cornerstone of the Pokémon brand, the Pokémon TCG engages a multigenerational fanbase through its extensive offerings, strategic gameplay and exciting collectible elements. Now that we’re celebrating 30 years of Pokémon, we are looking forward to delivering even more unforgettable experiences to these fans who make the brand so special.”
Pokémon is one of the most popular and successful entertainment franchises in the world, encompassing video games, apps, the Pokémon TCG, animation, movies, Play! Pokémon competitive events and licensed merchandise spanning gaming, toys, apparel and accessories, designer collaborations, tech gear, home decor and more. Driven by its popular Pokémon TCG and licensed merchandise, Pokémon was named the Global Top Toy Property of the Year by Circana for 2025.
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About The Pokémon Company International
The Pokémon Company International manages the Pokémon property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing and marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children’s entertainment properties in the world. For more information, visit www.pokemon.com.