Pre-Orders & Backorders
Learn about how pre-orders and backorders work at Level Up Games, including timelines, payment, and what to expect.
Pre-Orders
Level Up Games offers pre-orders on select upcoming releases, including Pokémon TCG products, other trading card games, and video games and consoles. Pre-ordering allows you to secure items before they release, with shipping or in-store pickup available once we receive stock.
How Pre-Orders Work
Placing a Pre-Order
Pre-orders are available on select items listed on our website.
Full payment is required at the time of pre-order. We do not accept deposits or partial payments.
Your price is locked in at the time of pre-order. If the price changes before release, you will still pay the price you originally ordered at.
Pre-order items will be shipped or made available for pickup once we receive them from the manufacturer or distributor.
Release dates are determined by manufacturers and may be subject to delays outside of our control.
You will receive a notification once your pre-order has shipped or is ready for pickup.
Orders containing pre-order items will be held until the pre-order arrives. In-stock items in the same order will not ship separately. If you need in-stock items right away, place them as a separate order.
Purchase Limits
Pokémon Pre-Order Limits
Due to high demand and limited allocation from distributors, Pokémon pre-orders specifically are subject to per-customer purchase limits. These limits help ensure fair access for all customers. Pre-orders for other products such as card games or video games are not typically subject to limits.
Purchase limits are listed in each pre-order item's product description. Please review the limit before placing your order.
Attempts to bypass purchase limits — including placing multiple orders, using duplicate accounts, or any other method — will result in the cancellation of all pre-ordered items and possible exclusion from future pre-orders.
Cancellations
Pre-Order Cancellations
Pre-order cancellations are handled on a case-by-case basis. If you need to cancel a pre-order, please contact us as soon as possible. Cancellation requests made close to or after the release date may not be accommodated.
Pre-Order FAQ
When will my pre-order ship?
Pre-orders ship as soon as we receive the product from the manufacturer or distributor. You will receive a shipping notification with tracking information once your order is on its way.
Can I combine a pre-order with other items in one order?
Yes, but please be aware that in-stock items will not ship until the pre-order item is ready. Your entire order will be held and shipped together once the pre-order arrives. If you need in-stock items sooner, we recommend placing them as a separate order.
What if a pre-order item is delayed?
Release dates are set by manufacturers and can change without notice. If a significant delay occurs, we will do our best to communicate any updates. Your pre-order will remain secured regardless of the delay.
Can I pick up my pre-order in store?
Yes. If you selected in-store pickup at checkout, your pre-order will be held at the Level Up Games counter inside The Red Rocker once it arrives. You will receive a notification when it is ready.
Do pre-orders earn Poké Perks?
Yes. All eligible pre-orders placed through your account earn Poké Perks points.
Backorders
Some items on our website may be available for backorder. This means the item is currently out of stock but we expect to receive new stock shortly. Placing a backorder secures the item for you so it ships or is ready for pickup as soon as it arrives.
How Backorders Work
The Backorder Process
1Place your order. Items marked as "Backorder" can be purchased like any other product on our website. Full payment is collected at checkout.
2We receive stock. Backorder items are typically restocked within one week. We work closely with our distributors to keep turnaround times as short as possible.
3Your order is fulfilled. Once the item is back in stock, it will be shipped to you or made available for in-store pickup — whichever you selected at checkout.
Expected restock time for backorder items is within one week. You will receive a notification once your order has shipped or is ready for pickup.
Good to Know
Backorder Details
Backorder items are clearly marked on the product page so you know before purchasing.
Full payment is required at checkout, just like any other order.
Restock timelines are estimates and may vary based on distributor availability.
If an item cannot be restocked within a reasonable timeframe, we will contact you to discuss options including a full refund.
Orders containing backorder items will be held until the backorder arrives. If you need in-stock items right away, place them as a separate order.
All backorder purchases earn Poké Perks points when placed through your account.
Backorder FAQ
How do I know if an item is a backorder?
Backorder items are labeled directly on the product page. If you see "Backorder" on an item, it means we are currently out of stock but expecting new inventory soon.
How long will I wait for a backorder item?
Most backorder items are restocked within one week. Once we receive the item, your order will be shipped or made ready for pickup right away.
Can I cancel a backorder?
Backorder cancellations are handled on a case-by-case basis. If you need to cancel, please contact us as soon as possible. Cancellations are not guaranteed, especially if the item has already been restocked or is in transit to us.
What if the item doesn't come back in stock?
In the rare event that we are unable to restock a backorder item, we will reach out to you directly. You will have the option of a full refund or selecting an alternative item.
Will my backorder ship with the rest of my order?
In-stock items will not ship until the backorder item is ready. Your entire order will be held and shipped together once the backorder arrives. If you need in-stock items sooner, we recommend placing them as a separate order.
Questions about a pre-order or backorder? Reach out anytime.
Last updated: February 2026
