New Pokémon TCG Expansion Brings Back Classic Trainers

The Pokémon Company International made a splash at the 2024 Pokémon World Championships, announcing the highly anticipated return of classic Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) mechanics in 2025.

Nostalgia Strikes: Trainer's Pokémon and Team Rocket Cards Return to the TCG

Official Release Date Still Under Wraps

The Pokémon World Championships brought exciting news for long-time fans: the comeback of "Trainer's Pokémon" cards. A teaser trailer showcased beloved trainers like Marnie, Lillie, and N, alongside their signature Pokémon, hinting at the return of Trainer's Pokémon and possibly Team Rocket cards. Featured Pokémon included Lillie's Clefairy ex, Marnie's Grimmsnarl ex, N's Zoroark ex, and N's Reshiram.

These Trainer's Pokémon cards, a hallmark of the early TCG, featured unique artwork and abilities tied to specific trainers, setting them apart from standard Pokémon cards.

The trailer also teased the potential return of Team Rocket, showcasing Mewtwo alongside the infamous Team Rocket symbol. This ignited speculation about a dedicated Team Rocket expansion or the resurgence of Dark Pokémon, another beloved mechanic from the game's early days, known for their darker, more powerful interpretations of familiar Pokémon. Rumors of a Team Rocket set have circulated, fueled by reports of a Japanese retailer listing and a trademark filing by The Pokémon Company, "The Glory of Team Rocket."

Paradise Dragona Set Unveiled

Further exciting news from the World Championships included a sneak peek at the Paradise Dragona set. PokeBeach reported showcasing cards featuring Latias, Latios, Exeggcute, and Alolan Exeggutor ex. This Japanese subset, focusing on Dragon-type Pokémon, is slated for a November 2024 English-language release as part of the Surging Sparks set.

The Pokémon TCG continues its exciting momentum, with the upcoming release of Shrouded Fable, concluding the Kitikami chapter. This expansion boasts 99 cards: 64 standard cards and 35 secret rare cards, according to the official Pokémon TCG blog. While specific dates for the Trainer's Pokémon and Team Rocket releases remain unconfirmed, the future of the Pokémon TCG looks brighter than ever.