Pokémon TCG: Trainer's Pokémon Returns in 2025

As part of a series of exciting announcements today, Pokémon has unveiled plans to bring back some beloved features from the early days of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) in 2025.

Trainer's Pokémon and Team Rocket Cards Teased for TCG

No Confirmed Official Date Yet

Trainers and fans alike can anticipate the return of "Trainer's Pokémon" to the Pokémon TCG, as announced by the company during the 2024 Pokémon World Championships. This exciting news came with a teaser trailer showcasing well-known trainers such as Marnie, Lillie, and N, along with hints at the potential return of Team Rocket-themed cards.

The Trainer's Pokémon cards, which were a staple in the early days of the Pokémon TCG, represent Pokémon owned by specific trainers or characters. These cards often feature unique abilities and distinct artwork, setting them apart from regular cards. The showcased Trainer's Pokémon cards include Lillie’s Clefairy ex, Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex, N’s Zoroark ex, and N’s Reshiram.

The teaser also briefly featured Team Rocket, with Mewtwo alongside their iconic symbol, sparking speculation about a possible Team Rocket-themed set or the return of Dark Pokémon, another fan-favorite mechanic from the early days. Dark Pokémon were associated with Team Rocket and offered more aggressive and "edgier" versions of familiar Pokémon.

Rumors about these Team Rocket cards have been circulating, fueled by a retailer listing in Japan and a trademark filing by The Pokémon Company titled "The Glory of Team Rocket." While nothing has been officially confirmed, the anticipation for their addition to the game is growing.

Paradise Dragona Set Revealed at World Championships

In other Pokémon TCG news, the first cards from the upcoming Paradise Dragona set were showcased at the 2024 Pokémon World Championships. According to reports from PokeBeach, the featured cards include Latias, Latios, Exeggcute, and Alolan Exeggutor ex. Paradise Dragona is a Japanese subset focused on Dragon-type Pokémon, expected to be released in English as part of the Surging Sparks set in November 2024.

As fans and trainers eagerly await more official details, the TCG is currently wrapping up a wave of exciting updates. The Kitikami chapter will conclude with the launch of the Shrouded Fable set this month. The Pokémon TCG blog reports that Shrouded Fable will feature 99 cards, including 64 main cards and 35 secret rare cards.