Pokémon TCG: Trainer's Pokémon Comeback in 2025

As part of a series of announcements today, Pokémon has revealed that some popular 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 fans 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 suggested the possible return of Team Rocket-themed cards.

The Trainer’s Pokémon cards were a key element in the early days of Pokémon TCG. These cards typically depict Pokémon owned by specific trainers or characters. These cards often featured unique abilities and showcased 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 game 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 filing by The Pokémon Company, titled The Glory of Team Rocket. Though nothing has been officially confirmed, we could also see their inclusion in the game shortly.

Paradise Dragona Set Revealed at World Championships

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

While enthusiasts await further official information, the 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 standard cards and 35 secret rare cards.