A New York Pokemon card shop has announced it is changing its name because Nintendo contacted the owners over branding concerns after it suffered an armed robbery.
The Poké Court, a local collector’s store that specializes in Pokemon cards and events, revealed on Instagram that Nintendo had reached out about its name and logo, which featured a red-and-white Poké Ball design. The store confirmed it will now operate under a new name: The Trainer Court.
The rebrand comes weeks after the store was robbed at gunpoint during a crowded January event. Following that incident, the wider Pokemon community rallied around the business with messages of support.
Nintendo raises concerns over name and logo
In a statement shared to Instagram, the shop addressed the change directly.
“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 rebrand includes a new logo that replaces the Poké Ball imagery with a stylized “C” to represent “Court.” The store’s website and in-store signage are also being updated to reflect the new identity.
Despite the name change, the team said operations will remain the same.
“Above all, we have always been fans of Pokemon,” the statement continued. “We are a group of kids who refuse to grow up, and we spend every day celebrating this franchise that means so much to us.”
The Trainer Court will continue hosting community events, weekday programming, and tournaments. The shop also confirmed plans for a Pokemon Day event on February 27, marking the franchise’s 30th anniversary. Now, with a new name and logo in place, The Trainer Court says it is entering a new chapter while keeping its focus on cards, collectors, and community.
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