The Pokémon Company made a splash at the 2024 Pokémon World Championships, announcing the return of beloved Pokémon TCG mechanics in 2025.
Nostalgia Strikes: Trainer's Pokémon and Team Rocket Cards Return to the TCG
Official Release Date Still Under Wraps
Get ready for a blast from the past! "Trainer’s Pokémon" cards are making a comeback to the Pokémon TCG. A teaser trailer showcased iconic trainers like Marnie, Lillie, and N, alongside their Pokémon partners, hinting at the possible return of Team Rocket cards as well.
Classic Trainer's Pokémon cards, a defining feature of the early TCG, represent Pokémon owned by specific characters, boasting unique abilities and artwork. The trailer featured Lillie’s Clefairy ex, Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex, N’s Zoroark ex, and N’s Reshiram.
The teaser also included a glimpse of Mewtwo alongside the Team Rocket symbol, fueling speculation about a dedicated Team Rocket set or even the return of Dark Pokémon, another beloved early mechanic often associated with the villainous team.Rumors of Team Rocket's return have circulated, with reports of Japanese retailer listings and a trademark filing by The Pokémon Company ("The Glory of Team Rocket"). While unconfirmed, the possibility remains exciting for long-time fans.
Paradise Dragona Set Debuts at World Championships
The 2024 World Championships also unveiled the first cards from the upcoming Paradise Dragona set. According to PokeBeach, Latias, Latios, Exeggcute, and Alolan Exeggutor ex were showcased. This Japanese subset, focusing on Dragon-type Pokémon, is slated for a November 2024 English release as part of the Surging Sparks set.
Meanwhile, the current Kitikami chapter is nearing its end with the release of Shrouded Fable this month, containing 99 cards (64 main and 35 secret rare). The Pokémon TCG blog confirmed this exciting conclusion.
