The first Pokémon Center merchandise store opened in Tokyo.
The store opened in the Nihonbashi district on July 18, 1998. Pokémon Center shops were created as specialized retail locations selling Pokémon games, toys, clothing, stationery, and other branded merchandise.
Pokémon Center Co. Ltd. was established in April 1998 as a joint venture involving Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak. The company was formed to manage these dedicated stores and organize merchandise for the growing franchise.
The brand later expanded across Japan and eventually inspired temporary and permanent retail locations in other countries. A Pokémon Center in New York City operated from 2001 to 2005 before becoming Nintendo World and later Nintendo New York. Because Tokyo’s first store and New York’s later international location are both historically notable, the cities are sometimes confused in trivia about Pokémon retail history.