Pokémon TCG Announces the Return of Trainer's Pokémon and a Possible Team Rocket Revival in 2025
The Pokémon Company International made several exciting announcements at the 2024 Pokémon World Championships, including the highly anticipated return of Trainer’s Pokémon cards to the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) in 2025. A teaser trailer showcased beloved trainers like Lillie, Marnie, and N, alongside their Pokémon, hinting at a nostalgic comeback for a fan-favorite mechanic.
The trailer featured Lillie’s Clefairy ex, Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex, N’s Zoroark ex, and N’s Reshiram, highlighting the unique abilities and artwork associated with Trainer’s Pokémon cards. These cards, a staple of the early TCG, represent Pokémon owned by specific trainers, offering a distinctive gameplay experience.
Further fueling excitement, the teaser subtly alluded to the potential return of Team Rocket, featuring Mewtwo alongside the infamous duo's symbol. This has sparked speculation about a dedicated Team Rocket-themed card set or even the comeback of Dark Pokémon, another beloved feature from the game's early days. While unconfirmed, rumors circulating online, including a Japanese retailer listing and a trademark filing for "The Glory of Team Rocket," suggest a strong possibility.
Beyond the nostalgic returns, the World Championships also unveiled the first glimpses of the upcoming Paradise Dragona set. According to PokeBeach, initial reveals include 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.
The Pokémon TCG continues its momentum, with the Kitikami chapter concluding this month with the release of the Shrouded Fable expansion, boasting 99 cards (64 main cards and 35 secret rares), as detailed on the official Pokémon TCG blog. The anticipation for 2025's Trainer's Pokémon and potential Team Rocket resurgence is palpable, promising a wave of exciting new content for TCG players.
