Pokémon Go's $100 Ticket Sparks Player Backlash

Pokémon Go has introduced a new $100 Premier Access upgrade for its forthcoming Go Fest: Jersey City event, granting players exclusive in-game items and access to enhanced real-world amenities—such as "upgraded restrooms."

Go Fest, the game’s signature summer event, will be hosted this year at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, alongside gatherings in Paris, France, and Osaka, Japan.

Niantic, the developer, has revealed that attendees of the Jersey City event can enhance their current ticket further with the $100 Premier Access add‑on, which comes with multiple perks.

Similar to an event‑style Business Class option, this paid upgrade provides entry to a Premier Access lounge.

Niantic highlighted that this exclusive area will feature "upgraded restrooms, charging stations with lockers for portable devices, and seating areas to relax before your next adventure." Unfortunately, no specifics were shared regarding how these restrooms differ from those available to general attendees.

You’ll also receive priority entry to the event’s Pokémon Center Pop‑Up Store, allowing you to bypass the queue if you want to purchase official Pokémon merchandise.

Why is this worthwhile? The Go Fest merchandise store is always crowded, and long lines can eat into your limited playtime—keeping you from exploring and catching the exclusive Pokémon that the event offers.

Pokemon Go Safari Zone in Yokosuka, Japan

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Nevertheless, the Premier Access upgrade’s main appeal likely lies in the valuable collection of in‑game items it includes—such as 100 Premium Battle Passes, 100 Super Incubators, 20 Max Particle Packs, and more. In fact, the total value of these items could easily exceed $300 if purchased individually.

Here is the complete list of included rewards:

100 Poké Balls100 Great Balls100 Ultra Balls50 Silver Pinap Berries100 Super Incubators10 Lucky Eggs10 Incense10 Star Pieces10 Lure Modules10 Glacial Lure Modules10 Magnetic Lure Modules10 Mossy Lure Modules10 Rainy Lure Modules100 Premium Battle Passes20 Max Particle Packs5 Max Mushrooms

Additionally, Premier Access ticket holders will receive an exclusive enamel pin badge.

Reactions to the upgrade have been divided. Some players point out that Pokémon Go has never before offered such a high‑priced ticket add‑on, and that it arrives as the game increasingly introduces more paid features.

On the other hand, many acknowledge that the package offers strong value given the quantity of in‑game items included. For players who have already invested in traveling to Jersey City and purchasing a base ticket, this upgrade may be an attractive option for those with extra spending power.

IGN has reached out to Niantic to inquire whether this offer will be available at other Go Fest locations.

Pokémon Go Fest 2025 is scheduled for the weekend of May 29 in Osaka, the weekend of June 6 in Jersey City, and the weekend of June 13 in Paris. This year’s event will spotlight the debut of the Legendary Pokémon Volcanion, along with the wider release of the Mexico‑exclusive regional Pokémon, Hawlucha.