Pokémon TCG Sees Trainer's Pokémon Return in 2025

Pokémon has announced the exciting return of beloved mechanics from the early days of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), set to launch in 2025. This nostalgic revival was revealed during the 2024 Pokémon World Championships, alongside other thrilling news.

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

No Confirmed Release Date Yet

The Pokémon Company surprised fans with the announcement of "Trainer’s Pokémon" cards returning to the TCG. A teaser trailer showcased trainers like Marnie, Lillie, and N, alongside their Pokémon—Lillie’s Clefairy ex, Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex, N’s Zoroark ex, and N’s Reshiram— hinting at a nostalgic gameplay experience. These cards, a staple of the original TCG, featured unique abilities and artwork representing Pokémon owned by specific trainers.

The trailer also teased the potential return of Team Rocket, showcasing Mewtwo and the iconic Team Rocket symbol. This fuels speculation about a dedicated Team Rocket-themed set, possibly even the comeback of Dark Pokémon, another fan-favorite mechanic from the game's early days. These darker, more aggressive versions of familiar Pokémon were strongly associated with Team Rocket. Rumors of Team Rocket cards have been circulating, fueled by reports of a Japanese retailer listing and a trademark filing by The Pokémon Company, "The Glory of Team Rocket."

Paradise Dragona Set Revealed at World Championships

Further exciting news from the World Championships included a preview of the upcoming Paradise Dragona set. PokeBeach reported showcasing Latias, Latios, Exeggcute, and Alolan Exeggutor ex. This Japanese subset, focused on Dragon-type Pokémon, is slated for an English release as part of the Surging Sparks set in November 2024.

Meanwhile, the current wave of updates continues. The Kitikami chapter concludes this month with the launch of Shrouded Fable, a 99-card set (64 main cards and 35 secret rare cards) as detailed on the official Pokémon TCG blog. The anticipation for these upcoming releases is building among fans.