ThePokémon Trading Card Gamereleases new sets every year, and 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for collectors. Now, 30 years after the first set was released, theTCGcontinues to introduce innovative new ideas and gorgeous card illustrations. This year brings more new cards and revisits some beloved old mechanics and Pokémon.
The Pokémon Company celebrates some exciting events and milestones in 2025.This year marks the 30th anniversary of the card gameand the release of a newPokémon Legendsgame,Z-A. The company has alsodeclared 2025 to be the Year of Eevee, and theTCGhas plenty of goodies for fans of the cute Normal-type Pokémon and itsroster of elemental evolutions. There’s something for everyone inPokémon’s popular card game, as new sets arrive in the West.
Prismatic Evolutions Celebrates New And Old Gens In Full Color
Released On July 21, 2025
ThePrismatic Evolutionset was one of thePokémon TCG’smost highly-anticipated sets in a while. There was such a strong interest in the set that some storesrefused to stock it for security reasons.The set’s popularity likely stems from the heavy use of beloved series classics like Pikachu and Eevee, paired with the vibrant and colorful Terastal mechanic from the newest generation ofPokémon,Scarlet and Violet.
Pokémon TCG Issues Statement On Prismatic Evolutions Shortages
The Pokémon Trading Card Game will be reprinting Prismatic Evolutions over the next few months in response to shortages of the new card set.
The set combines cards from the JapaneseTerastal Festival exandGenerations Start Deckssets, with a strong emphasis on Gen 1 and Gen 9 Pokémon.The set includes some obvious chase cards, like the super colorful Pikachu, Eevee, and all eight of Eevee’s evolutions,but there are plenty of other cards to look out for. Some otherhighlights of thePrismatic Evolutionssetinclude Regigigas, which deals extra damage to Tera Pokémon, and Budew, whichemerged as the recent tournament darling.
Journey Together Highlights Trainers & Their Partners
Releases On July 17, 2025
TheJourney Together Pokémon TCGset marks the return of an old mechanic: Owner’s Pokémon.Now called Trainer’s Pokémon,the cards highlight iconic trainers from the game and anime with special cards that feature them. Among the trainers featured are N, Iono, Marnie, Hop, and others. These trainers will be joined with special edition cards of their partner Pokémon, like N’s Reshiram, Iono’s Bellibolt ex, and Lillie’s Comfey, to name just a few.
Journey Togetherwill include cardsfrom the Japan-exclusive setsBattle Partnersand part ofex Starter Deck Generations.WhilePrismatic Evolutionsis huge with both collectors and players of theTCG,Journey Togetherhas captured the interest of players of the game specifically, sincethe set will include some powerful cards, like the full-art version of N’s Zorua, which is both useful in battle and has a great style.
Destined Rivals Focuses On Your Nemeses & The Iconic Team Rocket
Releases On May 30
TheDestined Rivalsset releases in the West on May 30, bringing cards over from the JapaneseHeat Wave ArenaandThe Glory of Team Rocketsets. The large set will include over 180 cards with a focus on the ninth generation ofPokémon, which started withScarlet and Violet. LikeJourney Together,this set continues to introduce new Trainer’s Pokémon cards,this time focusing on Cynthia, Ethan, Marnie, and Steven Stone. Team Rocket is also featured heavily in the set, with powerful cards such as Rocket’s Mewtwo ex.
Mega Evolution Is Returning to Pokémon TCG For The First Time Since XY And Sun & Moon, With New Pokémon ex Cards
A new version of Mega Evolution is coming to the Pokémon Trading Card Game, with a new playstyle based around Pokémon ex cards that directly evolve.
As the name implies, this pack will bring many rivals into play, from challenging trainers that players have faced in the video games to the nefarious organization Team Rocket. Among the most highly anticipated cards in this expansion areCynthia’s Garchomp ex and Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex. Although Giovanni and severalTeam Rocket grunts will appear on the booster packartwork, it was unknown at the time of this writing if the iconic Jessie and James will make an appearance on the cards.
Japanese Sets That Will Eventually Make Their Way To The West
There’s Plenty More To Look Forward To In 2025
The sets above have been confirmed for an English release, but there are several other sets that arecurrently scheduled to be released only in Japan. These sets are:
Owner’s Pokémon with trainers and their Pokémon are spotlighted.
Heat Wave Arena
March 14
Not much is known yet, but it will include Cynthia’s Garchomp and the winning 2024 illustration promo cards.
The Glory of Team Rocket
April 18
Team Rocket’s Pokémon are featured, but the set will not contain Darkness-type Pokémon.
“Black Bolt,”and“White Flare”
Unknown
Not much is known about these sets, discovered from trademark filings, but it’s possible they’ll be the firstPokémon Legends: Z-Acard sets.
“Mega Brave,“and"Mega Symphonia”
Though this set hasn’t been revealed yet, it’s been officially confirmed that these sets willreintroduce the Mega Evolution mechanicto theTCG.
Most Japanese cards eventually come to Western countries in English in a set that combines several of the Japanese titles. As such, it’s worth keeping an eye on these upcoming Japanese sets in thePokémon Trading Card Game, for a potential later release in English.
Pokemon Trading Card Game
The Pokémon Trading Card Game is a strategic card game where players build decks of Pokémon, Trainer, and Energy cards. Players take turns using attacks, abilities, and strategies to knock out their opponent’s Pokémon, aiming to collect Prize cards. The first to collect all their Prize cards wins.
