Pokémon TCG: Trainer's Pokémon Make Grand Return in 2025

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) is bringing back beloved features from its past! Pokémon has announced the return of "Trainer's Pokémon" cards in 2025, a nostalgic element for many players. This exciting news, revealed at the 2024 Pokémon World Championships, was accompanied by a teaser showcasing trainers like Marnie, Lillie, and N, alongside their signature Pokémon. The trailer also hinted at a possible resurgence of Team Rocket-themed cards, fueling speculation amongst fans.

These Trainer's Pokémon cards, a staple of early TCG sets, featured Pokémon owned by specific trainers with unique abilities and artwork. The preview showcased Lillie’s Clefairy ex, Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex, N’s Zoroark ex, and N’s Reshiram. The teaser further teased a potential return of Team Rocket, showcasing Mewtwo alongside the iconic Team Rocket symbol, leading to speculation about a dedicated Team Rocket set or the comeback of Dark Pokémon, another popular mechanic associated with the villainous team. While no official confirmation exists, rumors fueled by Japanese retailer listings and a trademark filing titled "The Glory of Team Rocket" suggest a strong possibility.

Beyond the Trainer's Pokémon and Team Rocket hints, the World Championships also unveiled the first cards from the upcoming Paradise Dragona set. According to PokeBeach, this Japanese subset featuring Latias, Latios, Exeggcute, and Alolan Exeggutor ex will release in English as part of the Surging Sparks set in November 2024. Meanwhile, the current Kitikami chapter concludes with the release of the Shrouded Fable expansion this month, boasting 99 cards (64 main and 35 secret rare). The Pokémon TCG is clearly gearing up for a wave of exciting releases.