In the ever-evolving world of Pokémon, card collectors and enthusiasts often wonder which sets are still in print. With a vast array of releases dating back to the late 1990s, keeping track of currently available sets can be challenging. This guide will delve into the world of Pokémon card sets, shining a light on those that are still in circulation.
The Pokémon Trading Card Game, launched in 1996 in Japan and 1999 internationally, has seen numerous sets released over the years. These sets are categorized into types or themes, including Base Set, Jungle, Fossil, Team Rocket, Gym Heroes, and many more. Each set brings unique cards, including character, trainer, and energy cards, which enhance the gaming experience.
Most Recent and Currently Printed Sets
Pokémon's official website and popular online marketplaces like eBay and Tcgplayer offer IHS (Items, Holders & Supplies) sets, which are still in print. These sets include items like card sleeves, box sets, and binders, catering to collectors who wish to preserve their cards.
ೆಯThe latest expansion and set to be printed, as of the time of writing, is the Sword & Shield: Battle Styles set, released in March 2021. This set features artwork from the animated series and the Sword & Shield video games. It includes high-quality prints of popular Pokémon like Charizard, Pikachu, and Eevee.
Sword & Shield: Battle Styles
The Sword & Shield: Battle Styles set introduces the Rapid Strike and Inteleon VMAX cards, which are powerful additions to any deck. The set also brings back classic cards with new twists, like the Sun & Moon-era cards with updated artwork.
Purple hearts, a new mechanic in Battle Styles, allow for enhanced strategies by discard Pokémon from the player's hand or bench. This set provides an engaging and dynamic gameplay experience.
Sword & Shield: Darkness Ablaze
Released in August 2020, the Sword & Shield: Darkness Ablaze set is another recent addition to the Sword & Shield series. This set features popular Pokémon like Calyrex and its emergency limestone, which allows for a new strategy by moving Energy cards from the discard pile to the player's hand.
The Darkness Ablaze set also introduces Single Strike and Rapid Strike Pokémon, which provide alternate evolution paths for specific Pokémon, adding depth and versatility to deck-building.
Core and Expanded Sets
Beyond the most recent sets, The Pokémon Company has reprinted core and expanded sets to cater to both new and veteran players. These sets often include high-demand cards, helping to attract new players to the game.
One such example is the Sun & Moon: Guardians Rising set, reprinted in June 2020. This set features powerful cards like Alarm Bell, a popular Stadium card, and Professor Sycamore, a respected Supporter card. Reprints like this one ensure that classic and valuable cards remain accessible to collectors.
Sun & Moon: Guardians Rising
The Sun & Moon: Guardians Rising set introduces a new mechanic called Power Narrator, which allows for enhanced effects when specific conditions are met. This set also features stage 1 and stage 2 cards, providing a well-rounded selection for new players.
Tag teams, another mechanic introduced in this set, allow for two Pokémon to fuse their powers, creating stronger attacker combos. These powerful cards provide engaging gameplay and strategic depth.
Sun & Moon: Team Up
The Sun & Moon: Team Up set, released in February 2019, introduces new tag team cards and training cards. Tag team cards allow for Pokémon to combine their powers, creating formidable attackers, while training cards offer enhanced effects for players.
The Team Up set also features subtle nods to the Pokémon anime series, with cards like Pikachu & Zekrom-GX and Reshiram & Charizard-GX, referencing Ash's powerful allies in the Unova region.
As the Pokémon Trading Card Game continues to evolve and expand, staying informed about which sets are still in print helps collectors hone their strategies and build their dream decks. Pokémon's official website and popular online marketplaces like eBay and Tcgplayer are invaluable resources for staying up-to-date on current and upcoming sets.
Embarking on the journey of collecting and trading Pokémon cards is an exciting and rewarding endeavor. The diverse array of sets and cards available ensures that there's always something new to discover, whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting to explore the world of Pokémon. Happy collecting!