Trainer’s Pokémon and Team Rocket Set Teased for 2025 Pokémon TCG Releases

Stew @ PokéPortal
2 days ago
2 min read

Exciting news from the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) community: the beloved Trainer’s Pokémon mechanic is set to return in 2025.

This nostalgic feature, reminiscent of the Owner’s Pokémon from the Gym Heroes and Gym Challenge sets, was officially teased during the closing ceremonies of the Pokémon World Championships 2024.

Alongside this announcement, a potential new Team Rocket set was hinted at, creating a wave of anticipation for what the next year holds.

Trainer’s Pokémon Return

In a thrilling reveal, the new Trainer’s Pokémon cards will showcase the bond between Trainers and their Pokémon, echoing the classic gameplay mechanic where specific Pokémon are tied to notable Trainers. This time, however, the cards will include Pokémon ex, adding a powerful twist to the familiar format. The trailer unveiled several key Trainer’s Pokémon, including:

Lillie’s Clefairy ex
Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex
N’s Zoroark ex
N’s Reshiram, which will also feature an Art Rare version

Additionally, the trailer teased the possible inclusion of Arven’s Mabosstiff, Misty’s Psyduck, and Ethan’s Pichu, though details remain scarce. These cards are set to bring a fresh yet nostalgic experience to the Pokémon TCG when they release in 2025.

Battle Partners and Starter Sets

The return of Trainer’s Pokémon aligns with earlier announcements about the Scarlet & Violet - Battle Partners set and upcoming Starter Sets, which are slated for release in Japan in January and February 2025.

These sets are expected to feature iconic Trainers such as Iono, N, and Lillie, alongside their partner Pokémon. Specifically, the preconstructed decks named “Starter Set ex Steven’s Beldum & Metagross ex” and “Starter Set ex Marnie’s Morpeko & Grimmsnarl ex” are highly anticipated.

While the exact details of these sets have yet to be officially confirmed, the return of Trainer’s Pokémon is likely to be a central theme, with these early announcements providing a glimpse into the exciting direction the Pokémon TCG is heading.

The Glory of Team Rocket

In a surprise twist, the trailer also hinted at the return of Team Rocket, with a specific focus on Mewtwo.

This has led to widespread speculation that the Glory of Team Rocket set, which was first revealed through Japanese trademark listings in June, will make its debut in 2025. The teaser, featuring a logo with Mewtwo, suggests the return of Rocket’s Mewtwo ex and possibly other iconic Rocket’s Pokémon or Dark Pokémon, marking a significant revival of the Team Rocket theme in the TCG.

The Pokémon TCG community is buzzing with excitement as these reveals promise a nostalgic yet innovative year ahead. As we await more information, fans can stay tuned to official channels and social media for updates on the upcoming Trainer’s Pokémon and Team Rocket sets, which are sure to be highlights of the 2025 Pokémon TCG lineup.