The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) community received thrilling news during the 2024 Pokémon World Championships in Honolulu. The event concluded with several exciting reveals, promising to make 2025 an extraordinary year for both collectors and players.
You can watch the animated teaser trailer here – if you happened to have missed it!
Now is the time to pick up those singles; alternative arts, illustration rares, ETBs, or Booster Boxes as we draw closer to the end of the Scarlet & Violet TCG era. We have all sorts of products in store, and you can easily find exactly what you need by simple typing in the search bar!
Additionally, you might want to see our latest blog, which is a curated list of some of the more interesting items we have in stock – Pokémon TCG Showcase: Discover Rare Gems and New Releases at We Love Collectibles – take a look!
The Return of Owner's Pokémon
After much anticipation, it has now been confirmed that the Owner’s Pokémon mechanic will make a grand return in 2025. Now officially called “Trainer’s Pokémon” this beloved mechanic brings back memories of the Gym Heroes and Gym Challenge sets, where Pokémon were uniquely associated with their in-game Trainers, or featured characters from the anime. This time, the cards will feature modern enhancements, including the ability to be Pokémon ex.
During the closing ceremonies of Worlds, several of these exciting new cards were unveiled:
- Lillie’s Clefairy ex: A beautifully designed card featuring Lillie alongside her trusty Clefairy, with abilities that are sure to make it a fan favorite.
- Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex: Marnie’s partnership with Grimmsnarl is captured in this striking card, blending dark-type power with strategic gameplay.
- N’s Zoroark ex: N’s Zoroark makes a return, complete with the signature mystique and power that fans have come to expect from this dynamic duo.
- N’s Reshiram: Two prints of N’s Reshiram were also showcased, highlighting the strong bond between N and this legendary Pokémon.
We’ll finally have a new Reshiram card that pairs well with the Zekrom from Brilliant Stars! – These two would be a must have pair for any N fans out there!
Teasers & Future Releases
The surprises didn’t stop with the reveals. The Pokémon Company also teased other Trainer Pokémon cards, sparking excitement and speculation within the community:
- Arven’s Mabosstiff: A teaser that has left many wondering about the role of newer characters in the upcoming sets.
- Misty’s Psyduck? In a moment during the trailer, a brief clip showed the back of a Psyduck’s head near a pool or possibly a water-type gym. Could this be Misty’s Psyduck, a nod to the beloved character’s cards from the Gym Heroes and Gym Challenge sets?
This speculation carries even more weight following the sad news that the original English voice actor for Misty, Rachael Lillis, passed away on August 10th at the age of 46.
- Ethan’s Pichu: A delightful nod to the Johto region, this card is likely to become a must-have for fans of the classic games. Perhaps we’ll see Lance’s Pokémon, or Red’s for Pokémon Gold & Silver.
Even more exciting, the teaser for the return of Team Rocket. Mewtwo is briefly shown flying behind the Team Rocket “R”. This hint alludes to the “The Glory of Team Rocket” set, previously leaked, which is expected to bring back Rocket’s Pokémon or Dark Pokémon. A mechanic that has been a long-standing favorite.
Speculation on Upcoming Trainers & Characters
With the return of Trainer’s Pokémon and the teaser for “The Glory of Team Rocket,” there’s plenty of speculation about which other iconic trainers and characters might make their way into the upcoming 2025 sets.
- Sun & Moon Characters: We’ve already seen Lillie’s Clefairy, but what about other beloved characters from Sun & Moon? Maybe we’ll see Guzma, or the Kahunas of the Alola Region, or even Lusamine. These characters played pivotal roles in the Sun & Moon series, and their inclusion would surely excite the community.
- Sword & Shield: The reveal of Marnie with her Grimmsnarl suggests that characters from Sword & Shield are likely to feature prominently in the upcoming sets. Trainers like Leon, Hop, and even Oleana could make appearances with their signature Pokémon.
- Scarlet & Violet: Given that Arven and his Mabosstiff was shown, it’s likely we’ll see other prominent characters from the most recent games, Scarlet & Violet, adding to the diversity of Trainers in the new sets.
What to Expect in 2025
The trailer for the upcoming sets left fans with plenty to ponder. Both sets, “The Glory of Team Rocket” and the Trainer’s Pokémon, seem closely tied together, suggesting that they will be released around the same time, possibly within the first few months of 2025. The mechanics introduced in these sets will likely carry over, ensuring a cohesive and engaging gameplay experience across the new releases.
There is also the upcoming release of the new Pokémon Legends: Z-A game for Nintendo switch, penned for 2025 also. This may get a TCG tie-in, similar to how we saw sets like Brilliant Stars, Astral Radiance and Lost Origins feature the Hisuian region & related Pokémon. We’ll likely see mega-evolution cards again, not seen since the XY era.
While we didn’t get much of a glimpse into the Team Rocket set, the brief teaser has set the stage for what could be one of the most anticipated releases of the year.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet 151 was a very popular set, and these new sets that have been announced are similarly nostalgia fuel for many fans – the Pokémon Company certainly know what they’re doing, and at We Love Collectibles we’re excited to hear more information to share with our customers and community!
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What We Offer at We Love Collectibles
At We Love Collectibles, we’re passionate about Pokémon & the community we’ve fostered! Here’s what we offer:
- Booster Cases, Boxes, and Packs: Whether you’re a collector or a player, we’ve got you covered.
- Singles: Find that elusive card to complete your collection.
- Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs): Enhance your gameplay with these premium sets.
- Collection Boxes and Tins: Perfect for gift-giving or expanding your collection.
- Trading Card Accessories: Sleeves, binders, and more!
- Japanese Pokémon Products: Discover rare and unique items from Japan.
We’re constantly updating our inventory with new products and filling our binders with a wide variety of singles every day. Plus, we buy, trade, and sell, so you can always find what you’re looking for or find a new home for cards you no longer need.
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