The discontinuation was confirmed when the model vanished from Rolex’s website during the spring refresh for the 2026 Watches and Wonders trade show in Geneva, Switzerland. The ‘Pepsi’ model, known for its striking blue and red Cerachrom bezels, has been a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The earliest versions of the ‘Pepsi’ model date back to 1954, originally designed for Pan Am pilots to track multiple time zones. Over the years, it has become synonymous with luxury and precision, but the bold color combination on the bezels was reportedly difficult to manufacture, leading to quality control issues.

At the time of its discontinuation, the ‘Pepsi’ model was retailing for $11,800 in steel on an Oyster bracelet. Previously, it had been retired from Rolex’s catalog from 2007 to 2014 before making a comeback in stainless steel in 2018, albeit only on a jubilee bracelet.

Rolex’s decision to discontinue this iconic model has sparked discussions among collectors, with many anticipating a spike in resale prices following its removal from the official lineup. The limited supply of the ‘Pepsi’ model has historically contributed to its popularity, making it a sought-after piece in the secondary market.

Rolex’s new releases for 2026 were announced at Watches & Wonders, but the absence of the ‘Pepsi’ model has left a notable gap in their offerings. The watch variant was not only a testament to Rolex’s craftsmanship but also a symbol of the brand’s storied history.

As the watch community processes this change, the future of the GMT Master II ‘Pepsi’ remains uncertain. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential replacements or new models that may fill the void left by this beloved timepiece.

The post Rolex: What Led to the Discontinuation of the GMT Master II ‘Pepsi’? appeared first on newscasino.

The expansion will introduce over 120 new cards, including highly anticipated Mega Evolution Pokémon ex variants. Among these, Mega Greninja ex is highlighted as a star card, expected to play a pivotal role in competitive play. This expansion marks the fourth installment in the Mega Evolution series, building on the popularity of previous sets.

As players prepare for the release, Prerelease events will commence on May 9, 2026, at select Play! Pokémon Stores. These events will allow fans to engage with the new cards ahead of the official launch, fostering a sense of community and competition. Each Build & Battle Box will contain four booster packs and a 40-card deck, providing players with the tools they need to strategize and compete.

The excitement is further fueled by the unique abilities of the new Pokémon introduced in this expansion. For instance, Goodra’s Slimy Sliding Ability will prevent opponents from retreating their Active Pokémon, while Ampharos can unleash a devastating 220 damage with its Flashing Bolt attack. Delphox’s Energized Storm attack promises a minimum damage output of 60, making it a formidable choice in battles.

“The Chaos Rising expansion places Mega Greninja ex at the forefront of its competitive appeal,” an industry insider noted, emphasizing the card’s potential to shape the metagame. Whether players are looking for tournament-viable Mega Evolution Pokémon ex or collectors seeking special illustration rare variants, Chaos Rising is designed to cater to both audiences.

Pre-orders for the expansion are already available at major retailers, including GameStop, Walmart, and Target, with pricing set at $209.99 for a Booster Box, $49.99 for an Elite Trainer Box, and $39.99 for a Build & Battle Box. This pricing strategy reflects the growing demand for Pokémon TCG products and the anticipated popularity of the new expansion.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact nature of the Prerelease events, but the buzz surrounding Chaos Rising is palpable. With the introduction of innovative mechanics and powerful new cards, players are eager to explore the possibilities that this expansion will bring.

As the release date approaches, fans are reminded that speed is of the essence here. The competitive landscape of Pokémon TCG is ever-evolving, and those who adapt quickly to the new strategies and cards introduced in Chaos Rising will likely find themselves at an advantage in upcoming tournaments.

The post Chaos rising: What to Expect from in Pokémon TCG? appeared first on newscasino.

Launched in the UK, the ‘Cards’ promotion features 24 unique hand-illustrated designs, each representing various aspects of the McDonald’s universe. Every meal purchased as part of this promotion includes a pack of four collectible cards along with a free food item, making it an enticing offer for both collectors and casual customers alike. The campaign is not just about the cards; it also boasts access to over £4 million in prizes, enhancing the excitement surrounding the promotion.

One of the standout features of this campaign is the rare 25th card, which features the iconic Ronald McDonald. This special card unlocks an instant prize of £10,000, creating a buzz among fans eager to get their hands on this limited edition. The development of this project took two years, reflecting McDonald’s commitment to creating a meaningful and engaging experience for its customers.

In addition to the physical cards, the promotion includes a digital component, allowing fans to collect codes through the McDonald’s app. This integration of digital and physical collecting is a strategic move to engage with the growing collector culture, as noted by Andrew Long, who stated, “Nostalgia has become real cultural currency, and McDonald’s has always been a part of that story.” The cards are categorized into various themes, including characters, fans, retro, and legendary, appealing to a wide range of collectors.

The campaign also features a 30-second hero film directed by Dan French, further amplifying its reach and impact. The pre-launch phase of the campaign focused on building hype within collector communities, ensuring that the promotion would resonate with its target audience. As Andrew Long expressed, “We wanted to take that nostalgia and give fans something fresh and new in the form of iconic Cards.” This approach highlights McDonald’s understanding of its customer base and its ability to innovate within the realm of collectibles.

Moreover, McDonald’s has partnered with ACE Grading, a company specializing in card authentication, to ensure the integrity of the collectible cards. This partnership not only adds value to the cards but also reassures collectors about the authenticity of their purchases. The cards are available through specific meal orders, excluding Happy Meals, which signifies a shift in how McDonald’s is approaching its promotional strategies.

As the promotion unfolds, it is clear that McDonald’s is keen on immersing itself in card culture. “We’ve immersed ourselves in card culture and we couldn’t be more excited for the McDonald’s fans to do the same!” Long added, emphasizing the brand’s dedication to creating a community around this new collectible initiative. With the excitement building and collectors eager to engage, the next steps in this promotion will likely focus on how fans interact with the cards and the prizes available.

The post Mcdonald’s: What is New CARDS Promotion About? appeared first on newscasino.

A limited-edition Jellycat collection is set to land in Wales on March 27, 2026, at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff. This exclusive launch is anticipated to draw collectors and fans from across the country, eager to get their hands on the quirky soft toys that have gained immense popularity in recent years.

Armadilo, one of five retailers nationwide, will stock the Jellycat Space collection, which features ten unique characters, including Zyllan Alien and Amuseables Planet Mars. The collection is part of Jellycat’s ongoing effort to cater to the growing demand for its products, which have become a sensation on social media and among collectors.

To manage the expected rush, purchases will be limited to two Jellycat items per person. The Wales Millennium Centre will open its doors early at 8 AM, an hour ahead of the official 9 AM launch time. This strategy aims to accommodate the anticipated influx of customers, as limited drops of Jellycat items often sell out within hours.

The excitement surrounding this launch is palpable, with many collectors already preparing for the event. As noted, “This rare Jellycat drop could sell out within hours in Cardiff.” The popularity of Jellycat’s quirky designs has led to rare items quickly appearing on resale markets at inflated prices, further fueling the demand.

As the launch date approaches, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. Jellycat’s unique approach to soft toys has not only captivated children but has also created a robust adult collector market. With the combination of limited availability and the brand’s growing reputation, this event is poised to be a significant moment for fans and collectors alike.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding how many customers will be able to secure their desired items, but the limited nature of the collection suggests that competition will be fierce. As the launch day nears, many are left wondering how quickly the collection will sell out and what the resale market will look like afterward.

The post Jellycat Collection Launch in Cardiff appeared first on newscasino.

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) is set to release its latest expansion, Mega Evolution—Chaos Rising, on May 22, 2026. This highly anticipated set will be available at participating retailers worldwide and is expected to draw significant interest from both players and collectors.

Key Features of the Expansion

At the forefront of the Chaos Rising expansion is the headline card, Mega Greninja ex, which is anticipated to make a strong impact in competitive play. The set will also include a total of five Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, alongside 11 illustration rare Pokémon and 18 ultra rare Pokémon and Trainer cards.

Players will have the opportunity to access Mega Evolution—Chaos Rising in Pokémon TCG Live starting May 21, 2026, just one day before the official retail launch. Additionally, prerelease tournaments are scheduled to take place from May 9 to May 17, 2026, allowing fans to get an early look at the new cards.

This expansion marks the fourth installment in the English Mega Evolution era, which has been credited with reinvigorating the Pokémon TCG community through innovative gameplay mechanics and stunning artwork. The set draws inspiration from Japan’s Ninja Spinner release, further connecting it to the franchise’s rich history.

Collector’s Interest

The Pokémon Company has stated, “Chaos Rising brings the chaos and yes, Mega Greninja ex is at the forefront of this expansion with brilliant artwork and powerful gameplay mechanics that will reshape competitive strategy.” This statement highlights the expected collector interest surrounding the new cards.

What to Expect

In addition to the Mega Evolution Pokémon, the set will feature special illustration rare Pokémon and Supporter cards, enhancing its appeal. However, details regarding pre-order dates for Pokémon TCG Chaos Rising remain unconfirmed, leaving fans eager for more information.

The post Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Set to Launch in May 2026 appeared first on newscasino.