Trainer's Pokémon to Return in Pokémon TCG Expansion

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 announcement, accompanied by a captivating teaser trailer, confirmed the comeback of "Trainer's Pokémon" cards. The trailer showcased beloved trainers like Marnie, Lillie, and N, alongside their signature Pokémon, hinting at the potential return of Team Rocket-themed cards as well.

The original Trainer's Pokémon cards were a beloved feature of the early TCG, representing Pokémon owned by specific characters with unique abilities and artwork. The teaser showcased Lillie’s Clefairy ex, Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex, N’s Zoroark ex, and N’s Reshiram, sparking excitement amongst collectors.

Adding fuel to the fire, the teaser included a glimpse of Mewtwo alongside the iconic Team Rocket symbol, fueling speculation about a dedicated Team Rocket set or even the resurgence of Dark Pokémon—another popular early mechanic associated with Team Rocket and featuring darker, more aggressive Pokémon designs. Rumors of a Japanese retailer listing and a trademark filing ("The Glory of Team Rocket") by The Pokémon Company further solidify these expectations, though official confirmation is still pending.

Paradise Dragona Set Debuts at World Championships

Beyond the nostalgic announcements, the Pokémon World Championships also offered a sneak peek at the upcoming Paradise Dragona set. According to PokeBeach, initial reveals included Latias, Latios, Exeggcute, and Alolan Exeggutor ex. This Japanese subset, focusing on Dragon-type Pokémon, is slated for an English release as part of the Surging Sparks set in November 2024.

The Pokémon TCG continues its exciting momentum, with the Kitikami chapter culminating in the release of the Shrouded Fable expansion this month, boasting 99 cards (64 main cards and 35 secret rare cards), as detailed on the official Pokémon TCG blog. While fans eagerly await further details on the 2025 releases, the future of the Pokémon TCG looks brighter than ever.