Last updated: June 26, 2026
Storm Emeralda (ストームエメラルダ) is the Pokémon Card Game MEGA expansion featuring Mega Rayquaza ex, releasing July 31, 2026. It's sold by lottery — and for overseas collectors, the biggest obstacle isn't the lottery itself. It's the Japanese phone number verification required before you can submit an application.
Quick answer
The Storm Emeralda Pokémon Center lottery requires Japanese phone number verification before an application can be submitted. For overseas collectors, this is usually the biggest obstacle. International and virtual numbers often can't complete verification. A real Japanese mobile number lets you complete the verification step and apply.
→ Get a Japanese number that completes Pokémon Center verification
Requirements
- a Pokémon Center Online account
- a Japanese mobile number
- completed phone number verification
- a payment method (if selected)
Current Storm Emeralda timeline
- ✅ Lottery opened — June 26, 2026, Pokémon Center Online
- 🕒 Application closes — June 29, 2026, 16:59 JST
- 🕒 Winner announcement — early July 2026
- 🕒 Official release — July 31, 2026
Pokémon Center lottery windows can run in more than one round. This page is updated as application windows open and close.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for collectors who:
- live outside Japan
- want to enter the Storm Emeralda Pokémon Center lottery
- are blocked by the Japanese phone number verification step
Phone verification requirements
Pokémon Center Online requires phone number verification on lottery applications to keep limited lotteries fair and reduce duplicate entries. Verification is completed before an application can be submitted — without it, you can't enter the lottery at all.
Overseas users are most commonly blocked because the check is tied to a Japanese mobile number:
- Overseas numbers often aren't accepted at the verification step.
- Virtual and VoIP numbers (Google Voice, free number apps) are among the most common reasons verification fails.
- A real Japanese mobile number is the reliable way to complete verification and submit the application.
Application process
- Register a free Pokémon Center Online account.
- Complete phone number verification with a Japanese number.
- Submit the Storm Emeralda lottery application before the deadline.
- Wait for the winner announcement (early July).
- If selected, complete your purchase within the purchase window (usually only a few days).
Verify before the lottery window, not after. Many people wait until applications open to start registering, but windows are short — completing phone number verification in advance means you're ready the moment applications begin.
→ Need a Japanese number that can complete the verification? View the service
Note: completing a purchase also involves a payment method, and shipping is within Japan, so overseas winners arrange a Japanese address or forwarder separately. A Japanese number handles the verification step.
Verification checklist
- ✓ Pokémon Center Online account
- ✓ Japanese phone number
- ✓ Phone number verification completed
- ✓ Lottery application window open
- ✓ Application submitted before deadline
Storm Emeralda details
- Product: Pokémon Card Game MEGA Expansion Pack "Storm Emeralda" (ストームエメラルダ) BOX
- Featured card: Mega Rayquaza ex
- Price: 6,000 yen (tax included) per BOX
- Release date: July 31, 2026
This lottery uses phone verification, not My Number
Storm Emeralda uses standard phone number verification. Some 30th anniversary products (releasing September 16, 2026) use a separate My Number Card identity check instead, which requires a Japanese ID and can't be completed by overseas users. That doesn't apply to Storm Emeralda.
Common application issues
- Using a virtual or VoIP number — these often can't complete verification.
- Waiting until the lottery opens to verify — verify in advance, since windows are short.
- Waiting until the last day to apply — apply early to avoid missing a short window.
- Missing the winner purchase deadline — if you win, the purchase window is usually only a few days.
FAQ
When does the Storm Emeralda Pokémon Center lottery close?
The current Pokémon Center Online application opened June 26 and closes June 29, 2026 at 16:59 JST, with winners announced in early July.
Can I verify my phone number before the lottery opens?
Yes. Phone number verification can be completed before applications open. Many collectors verify early to avoid delays once applications begin.
Can I complete phone verification after submitting my application?
No. Phone number verification must be completed first — it's required before you can submit a lottery application.
Can I use a virtual or overseas number to apply?
Usually not reliably. Virtual, VoIP, and overseas numbers are among the most common reasons verification fails. A real Japanese mobile number is the reliable option.
Does Storm Emeralda require My Number verification?
No. Storm Emeralda uses standard phone number verification. My Number applies only to certain 30th anniversary products releasing September 16, 2026.
Can overseas fans enter the lottery at all?
Yes, once you complete the Japanese phone number verification. Note that winners also need a payment method and a Japanese delivery address or forwarder, as shipping is within Japan.
Information on this page reflects Pokémon Center Online's Storm Emeralda lottery announcement (June 2026) and may change if Pokémon Center updates its application process.