V44. Let’s get into it.

This issue is packed with a healthy mix of table-ready favourites, closing pre-orders, fresh arrivals and a few big-name previews carrying us deeper into Q4. From Hot Streak hitting the soundtrack queue to Pokémon’s next Mega Evolution set, Gloomhaven’s corporate hiring nightmare, and new arrivals ranging from Azul chocolate to Middle-earth adventure, V44 has that “clear the table, we need space” energy.

We are keeping the promotional deal rolling as is, spotlighting the latest lines across pre-orders and arrivals, and closing with a few corner pieces for the teams, shelves and communities that keep the games moving.

If you haven’t noticed yet, consider this your PSA: reading the newsletter right to the end can be pretty rewarding! 👀

Congratulations to our lucky winners! And to the clever cookies who entered the V42 and V43 competition, keep an eye on your notifications... there may be a little surprise waiting for you.

Now Playing: Hot Streak

Howzit everyone! Hot Streak has been making its way onto my table at almost every game session lately. If you haven’t had a chance to play it yet, I highly recommend giving it a try!

For this issue’s soundtrack, we are leaning into a Synthwave Pop-Rock track that feels fast, bright and full of table energy, perfect for a game that keeps every round moving with lucky streaks, table chatter and one more play.

Press play, place your bets, and let the neon engines purr. 🏁

Pre-Orders Expiring

The closing bell is warming up its tiny brass lungs. These titles are heading toward the end of their pre-order window, so now is the time to check quantities, close gaps and make sure the right customers are covered before the portal shuts.

New Pre-Orders

Fresh names are joining the pre-order board, and this batch has plenty of headline gravity: big video-game IP, a major Pokémon release, a wild new world to explore and another expansion for one of modern strategy gaming’s strongest brands.

Windy Wonder Deals!

There is still plenty of time to take advantage of this month’s deals.

Running from 24 July through to 21 August, Windy Wonder Deals is still here for retailers stocking shelves, planning ahead, or looking for the perfect excuse to upgrade winter game nights before the season turns.

The selection is below. Go find your next favourite.

This week’s new arrivals bring a lovely spread across the table: sharp duels, cosy chocolate-tile Azul, legacy railway drama, sci-fi survival, premium accessories and a full Middle-earth adventure ready for customers who want their next campaign to feel properly epic.

From quick two-player tension to big-box adventure, this is a strong shelf-mix for stores wanting both easy discovery and serious hobby pull.

Mega Evolution - Delta Reign

The Ruler of the Skies returns in 2026! Delta Reign is the sixth main expansion in the Mega Evolution Series of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, with Mega Rayquaza ex taking centre stage as the headline Legendary Pokémon.

Adventure Goes Corporate in Mercenaries Wanted

It has already been an exciting year for Gloomhaven fans, with announcements for both the retail release of the Gloomhaven RPG and the upcoming Pub Crawlers expansion for Buttons & Bugs. Cephalofair Games clearly was not content stopping there, because Mercenaries Wanted has now joined the queue.

Mercenaries Wanted is a card drafting game set in the city of Gloomhaven, where players take on the role of mercenary company leaders and suspiciously overworked HR managers. Your job is simple: recruit freelancers, send them out on increasingly lucrative jobs and earn the most gold.

Featuring 61 different freelancers from across previous Gloomhaven games, Mercenaries Wanted should feel familiar to existing fans while also serving as a smart introduction to the wider world of Casskia for new players.

Counting Down To Comic Con Africa

The countdown is on for Comic Con Africa, happening from 24 to 27 September, and Solarpop is getting ready for one of our biggest event moments of the year. We will be making a major appearance on the main floor in Hall 5, while also bringing a full Solarpop takeover energy to KidsCon.

Solarpop is bringing happiness to KidsCon! This year, we are bringing a mix of free and paid-for activities across three dedicated spaces: the Arts & Crafts Gallery, the Collectibles Arcade and an exciting Pokémon PokéParty.

Kids and kidults alike will be able to discover new favourites, meet playful brands and experience the kind of hands-on moments that turn a busy expo day into something families remember long after they leave the hall.

The logo showcase below gives a taste of the brand universe heading into KidsCon. Use the buttons to switch between the Arts & Crafts and Collectibles Arcade groups.