In what city did the first Pokémon Center outside Japan open?

The first Pokémon Center outside Japan opened in New York City.

Pokémon Center New York opened in 2001 at Rockefeller Center. It brought the franchise’s Japanese specialty-store concept to the United States, offering merchandise, games, cards, and themed experiences for fans.

The New York store later closed and was replaced by Nintendo World, which continued the location’s role as a major Nintendo retail destination. Pokémon Center retail operations eventually returned to the United States through online shopping and later physical stores in other cities.

The name can be confusing because Pokémon Center is also used for in-game facilities where players heal their Pokémon. In the real world, the term refers to official retail stores and online shops. Japan had Pokémon Centers before the New York location; New York was the first international city to receive one.