Pokémon TCG Sees Trainer's Pokémon Return in 2025

As part of a slew of announcements today, Pokémon has revealed that some beloved gimmicks from the early days of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) will make a comeback in 2025.

Trainer's Pokémon and Team Rocket Cards Teased for TCG

No Confirmed Official Date Yet

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

The Trainer’s Pokémon cards were considered a staple in the early days of Pokémon TCG. These cards typically represent Pokémon owned by specific trainers or characters. These cards often indicated unique abilities 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 teaser also briefly hinted at Team Rocket, showing Mewtwo alongside the iconic duo's team symbol. This has led to speculation that a Team Rocket-themed card set or even the return of Dark Pokémon—another fan-favorite mechanic from the early days—could be returning in 2025. Dark Pokémon were associated with Team Rocket and featured more aggressive and "edgier" versions of familiar Pokémon.

Rumors have been swirling about these Team Rocket cards coming to Pokémon TCG. Previous 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 be seeing their addition to the game soon.

Paradise Dragona Set Revealed at World Championships

In other Pokémon TCG news, the first cards from the upcoming Paradise Dragona set were shown at the 2024 Pokémon World Championships today. According to reports from news site PokeBeach, the cards featured were of Latias, Latios, Exeggcute, and Alolan Exeggutor ex. Paradise Dragona is a Japanese subset of cards focused on Dragon-type 'mons. These cards are expected to be released in English as part of the Surging Sparks set in November 2024.

While fans and trainers await more official details, TCG is currently wrapping up a wave of exciting updates. The Kitikami chapter will conclude with the launch of the Shrouded Fable this month. According to the Pokémon TCG blog, Shrouded Fable features 99 cards: 64 main cards and 35 secret rare cards.