2025 has been a bumper year for trading card games, and the final few months of the year will still see some big releases making their way to local shelves.

The first expansion of Pokémon Mega Evolution went on sale last week and in a month’s time we welcome Pokémon Mega Evolution – Phantasmal Flames.

Magic: The Gathering – Marvel's Spider-Man recently swung into action and in November Magic: The Gathering – Avatar: The Last Airbender bends its way into stores.

There is lots to be excited about in coming weeks, but let’s not forget about some cool Yu-Gi-Oh! releases that will soon be available. These decks are a great addition to the collection of any new, or enfranchised fan’s collection.

Yu-Gi-Oh! The Chronicles Deck: The Fallen & The Virtuous

The Fallen & The Virtuous is the series of animated Yu-Gi-Oh! shorts with episodes releasing every month between June through November. Fans can follow the stories of the monsters behind the cards, set in their own worlds! Or even better, grab yourself this awesome all-foil deck – a first for Yu-Gi-Oh! You can also protect your deck with the matching card sleeves.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Legendary Collection Kaiba

If you’re looking for a man in finance, with a trust fund, 6' 5", blue eyes, then look no further than Seto Kaiba! Making its first return since 2018, this 2025 reprint of the very popular all-foil legendary collection drops in October.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Legendary 5'Ds Decks

Available early November, the Legendary 5D’s Decks contains THREE complete, ready-to play Decks. Triple the action and triple the fun, led my Yusei’s Stardust Dragon.

Gwent: The Legendary Card Game

Back in 2015, when The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt first released, many players, including myself, discovered a little side activity that quickly stole the spotlight, Gwent! What began as a tavern mini-game soon became a full-blown obsession. I can still remember spending hours chasing rare cards across the Continent, and thinking to myself, wouldn’t it be incredible if this existed as a real, physical card game? Fast forward almost a decade. The Witcher’s popularity has only grown, helped in no small part by the cult classic books, games & Netflix series, and in 2024 the dream finally came true: CD Projekt Red announced that Gwent would be coming to the tabletop in 2025.

A Brief History of Gwent

Originally designed by CD Projekt Red, Gwent was introduced in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt as a strategic card game played by merchants, soldiers, and even kings. Within the game’s lore, it was a pastime beloved across the Continent. For players, it became an addictive side quest: build decks, duel NPCs, and even rise to the title of Gwent champion. The game’s charm lay in its clever mechanics: four unique factions, Northern Realms, Nilfgaard, Scoia’tael, and Monsters, each with their own strengths and abilities. With fast-paced strategy, bluffing, and resource management, Gwent quickly earned its reputation as one of the most beloved mini- games in RPG history.

Gwent: The Legendary Card Game

Now, the wait is finally over. Gwent: The Legendary Card Game brings this iconic system from screen to table in an official physical edition. Two players will choose from four different factions, each offering a unique playstyle. The objective is simple, yet endlessly strategic: win two out of three rounds by out-thinking and out-manoeuvring your opponent. Place units across multiple battlefield rows, unleash special abilities, and time your moves with precision. Do you press hard to secure an early win, or hold back and play for the long game? Every decision matters.

Pre-Order Now

For fans of The Witcher, this is more than just a game, it’s a chance to step into the world you know and love in an entirely new way. Whether you’re gathering friends over the festive season or adding a collector’s gem to your shelf, Gwent: The Legendary Card Game is a must-have. Pre- orders are now open on our B2B platform (ETA November 2025). Don’t miss your chance to bring this legendary battle of wits to your next game night.

Toss a coin to this pre order!

Alien RPG: Evolved Edition – In Space, No One Can Hear Your Players Scream

Ever since I ran my first session, the Alien roleplaying game has been a strong contender for my favourite system. Character creation is quick and intuitive, the combat rules are fluid and fast- paced, and the dice system is clever, simultaneously creating a sense of tension without ever risking the game bogging down due to unlucky rolls. But what impressed me the most was how well the game captured the underlying horror of the Alien universe, the claustrophobic tension of being trapped with a creature bigger, badder, and infinitely more vicious than you are. Now, almost exactly 6 years since the original release, the game is getting its first major update in Evolved Edition.

First announced back in 2024, the Evolved Edition features streamlined rules for stealth, combat, and the Stress and Panic mechanics. The lore has also been expanded on to include weapons, ships, and locations from Alien: Romulus, as well as an entirely new sector of space for players to explore. There’s even a solo ruleset for GM-less play known as “Last Survivor,” reminiscent of the old Fighting Fantasy Game Books.

In addition to the core rulebook, Evolved Edition will release with a Starter Set, containing all the bells and whistles that have come define publisher Free League’s starter products, and Rapture Protocol, a new big-box cinematic adventure in the style of the case files from the Blade Runner RPG, which serves as the first chapter of a new multi-product story arc.

Evolved Edition’s content will also be compatible with the original edition, making it just as accessible to veteran players as it is to new ones.

EOLO’s Kites Ready 2 Fly Have Just Arrived in South Africa!

Exciting news for kite lovers— Kites Ready 2 Fly have just landed in South Africa, bringing effortless outdoor fun straight to your parks, beaches, and backyards!

These kites come fully assembled, so there’s no complicated setup—simply grab your kite, head outside, and watch it soar. With vibrant designs and durable materials, these kites are built for smooth flying and long-lasting fun.

From beginners to experienced flyers, the range offers a variety of shapes and styles, including classic diamonds and eye-catching 3D designs, all engineered for stability and maximum lift.

This season, make the skies your playground— Kites Ready 2 Fly are here in South Africa to turn every outing into a soaring adventure!

🎄 What Would You Like for Christmas? – The Solarpop Festive Campaign

As the festive season approaches, Solarpop invites everyone to pause, play, and dream a little — because sometimes, the best gifts aren’t just things, but moments shared. Our “What Would You Like for Christmas?” campaign celebrates the magic of giving and the joy of connection, reminding fans that the right game or toy can turn any gathering into something unforgettable. It’s an invitation to rediscover the wonder of play — whether around the braai, at the beach, or curled up indoors on a summer stormy afternoon.

This year’s campaign spans the full spectrum of Solarpop’s world: from travel-friendly Game on the Go titles for road trips and holidays, to family favourites like Catan and Ticket to Ride, to joyful experiences like Doctor Squish and Slush Puppie. Across social media, in-store activations, and digital storytelling, we’ll highlight how every product we bring to market isn’t just entertainment — it’s a way to bring happiness home.

At its heart, “What Would You Like for Christmas?” is about more than a wishlist — it’s about sharing love through laughter, play, and creativity. Each featured brand reflects a different kind of togetherness: family bonding, friendship, self-expression, or pure, playful imagination. By showcasing these stories, we aim to remind our audience that Solarpop isn’t just a distributor — it’s a lifestyle brand rooted in the belief that fun connects us all.

Through this campaign, we’re wrapping up 2025 with a message that resonates beyond the season: that joy, connection, and creativity are the greatest gifts of all.