Pokémon TCG: Trainer's Pokémon Return in 2025

As part of a series of announcements today, Pokémon has revealed that some cherished features from the early days of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) will return in 2025.

Trainer's Pokémon and Team Rocket Cards Teased for TCGNo Confirmed Official Date Yet

Trainers and enthusiasts can anticipate the return of "Trainer’s Pokémon," in Pokémon TCG, as announced today by the company during the 2024 Pokémon World Championships. This announcement came with a teaser trailer, which showed trainers like Marnie, Lillie, and N, and also hinted at the potential return of Team Rocket-themed cards.

The Trainer’s Pokémon cards were considered a mainstay in the early days of Pokémon TCG. These cards typically represent Pokémon owned by specific trainers or characters. These cards often indicated unique skills and showed special artwork distinct from regular cards. The Trainer’s Pokémon cards that were shown today include Lillie’s Clefairy ex, Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex, N’s Zoroark ex, and N’s Reshiram.

The preview also briefly alluded to Team Rocket, showing Mewtwo alongside the iconic duo's team emblem. This has prompted speculation that a Team Rocket-themed card collection or even the return of Dark Pokémon—another beloved mechanic from the early days—could be reappearing in 2025. Dark Pokémon were affiliated with Team Rocket and featured more aggressive and "edgier" versions of well-known Pokémon.

Speculation has been rife about these Team Rocket cards joining the Pokémon TCG. Prior reports have indicated a retailer listing in Japan and a trademark application by The Pokémon Company, titled The Glory of Team Rocket. Though nothing has been officially verified, we could also see their inclusion in the game shortly.

Paradise Dragona Set Revealed at World Championships

In other Pokémon TCG news, the first cards from the forthcoming Paradise Dragona set were revealed at the 2024 Pokémon World Championships today. According to reports from news site PokeBeach, the cards showcased were Latias, Latios, Exeggcute, and Alolan Exeggutor ex. Paradise Dragona is a Japanese subset of cards centered on Dragon-type Pokémon. These cards are slated for English release as part of the Surging Sparks set in November 2024.

While enthusiasts await further official information, TCG is presently concluding a series of thrilling updates. The Kitikami chapter will culminate with the release of the Shrouded Fable this month. According to the Pokémon TCG blog, Shrouded Fable includes 99 cards: 64 main cards and 35 secret rare cards.