Nintendo tells Pokémon store to change its name

The Poké Court, a Pokémon card and collector’s shop in Manhattan, was robbed at gunpoint in January when armed burglars terrorized guests during a crowded event. Employees said the broader Pokémon community showed up to support them, and as word spread Nintendo became aware and reached out to the owners about the shop’s branding.

The shop posted on its Instagram account that Nintendo reached out with "concerns" about its name and logo, which included the iconic red-and-white Poké Ball. "The short story is Nintendo reached out to us with concerns about our name and logo," the message read.

"This means we’re evolving!" The owners released a statement announcing a new name and logo. The store will now be called The Trainer Court and has replaced the Poké Ball logo with a new one featuring a stylized "C" for "Court." Beyond that, it will continue to offer the same cards, community events, and tournaments, and will host an event on Pokémon Day, February 27, which commemorates the series’ 30th anniversary.

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