The world of Pokémon trading card game (TCG) enthusiasts often wonders, "What Pokémon cards are still being printed?" The Pokémon Company periodically releases new sets, ensuring there's always something fresh for collectors and players alike. Let's explore the current printing landscape and understand which cards are still hitting the press.
The Pokémon TCG follows a structured release schedule, typically with new sets coming out every few months. These sets often include new Trainer cards, Energy cards, and, of course, Pokémon cards - each with their unique artwork and abilities. But which Pokémon cards are still being printed?
Current Expansion Series
The Pokémon TCG's "Sword & Shield" series, which began in late 2019, is still ongoing. As of now, the series has seen multiple expansions, including "Sword & Shield", "Rebel Clash", "Darkness Ablaze", "Chilling Reign", "Battle Styles", and the latest, "Brilliant Stars".
Each of these expansions has introduced new Pokémon cards, some of which have become highly sought-after by players and collectors. Moreover, with the recent announcement of the " evolucionado " subtheme in "Evolving Skies", we can expect more new cards to be printed soon.
New Pokémon and Variants
Recent sets have brought us new Japanese-exclusive variants, like the "VSTAR" and "VMAX" cards, and the "GX" and "C-GX" cards from previous sets. These cards often feature stunning alternate art and unique moves or abilities.
Some recently printed fan-favorite Pokémon cards include Cinderace VMAX, Inteleon VMAX, and Zacian V from the "Battle Styles" set. Additionally, the "Brilliant Stars" set has introduced Mew VMAX, Arceus VSTAR, and a showcase of Shiny Pokémon, further exciting collectors and players.
Reprints and Promotional Cards
While new sets bring fresh cards, The Pokémon Company also ensures that popular older cards remain available. Reprints, often with updated art or alternate versions, appear in new sets or promotional products. For instance, the "Evolving Skies" set features reprints of classic cards like Feraligatr and Dragonite.
Promotional cards, available through events or purchases, are another way that older cards stay relevant. These cards sometimes feature unique art or effects and can greatly benefit collectors' binders and players' decks.
Future Printings
With the success of the "Sword & Shield" series, it's reasonable to expect that The Pokémon Company will continue releasing new sets under this banner. The upcoming "Astral Radiance" set is just one example of the series' ongoing momentum.
Themes and mechanic changes also keep the TCG fresh. Upcoming sets might introduce new subthemes, like "evolucなんだ?", or expand on existing ones, such as "Single Strike" and "Rapid Strike". These changes can significantly impact which Pokémon cards are printed and which become popular.
New Tag Team GX and VSTAR Cards
The "Astral Radiance" set introduces more Tag Team GX and VSTAR cards, featuring doubles of powerful Pokémon working together. These dual cards often have impressive HP values and strong attacks, making them popular choices for competitive play.
Examples include the freshly printed Urshifu VSTAR and C sombre-VSTAR, as well as the returning Champion's Path Tag Team GX cards like Reshiram & Zekrom GX. Expect more such dual cards in future sets.
Partnerships and Collaborations
The Pokémon TCG has seen numerous partnerships and collaborations, like the Pokémon + Vans shoe collection, where buyers received a special promo card. These collaborations often bring unique, limited-edition cards to collectors.
For example, the "Battle Styles" set featured a partnership with Energizer, leading to a promo card of Boltund VMAX with special Energizer-themed art. Future partnerships and collaborations will likely continue to bring unique printing opportunities.
The Pokémon TCG's future remains vibrant and exciting, with new sets, reprints, and unique promotional cards continuously keeping the hobby alive. Whether you're a seasoned player, a casual collector, or a new fan eager to dive into the world of Pokémon cards, there's always something fresh to discover and enjoy.