Summary
One ofPokémon Trading Card Game’s best card types is confirmed to be returning after debuting 25 years ago. It has been a good time recently for thoseTCGplayers who have been nostalgic for the game’s earlier days, from the launch of 2023’sScarlet & Violet’s151set, which featured the original 151 Pokémon from Gen 1’s Kanto region, and a tease that Dark Pokémon could be returning in a set akin to theTCG’s fifth expansion, theTeam Rocketset.
Now, as part of this year’s Pokémon Worlds closing ceremonies, it has been revealed thatthe “Owner’s Pokémon” cards from the 2000s seem to be making a return in 2025, now called “Trainer’s Pokémon.” The announcement trailer, which can now be found onThe Official Pokémon YouTube Channelunveiled four new cards in this category: Lillie’s Clefairy ex, Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex, N’s Zoroark ex, and two prints of N’s Reshiram.
The trailer also teased Arven’s Mabosstiff, a Psyduck that most likely belongs to Misty, and Ethan’s Pichu, along with the aforementioned return of Team Rocket, with Mewtwo appearing on the logo and foreshadowing the return of Rocket’s Mewtwo ex.
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How Do Pokémon TCG’s Trainer’s Pokémon Work?
The Mechanic Now Includes Pokémon ex
Thenew Owner’s Pokémon cards will work just like the original mechanicfromGym HeroesandGym Challengeof the 2000s where these specific Pokémon will evolve from (or into) their respective Trainer’s Pokémon and show their Trainer’s icon on the card. Distributor listings revealedBattle Partnerswill be the first Japanese set of 2025 with notable Trainers alongside their Pokemon, including Iono, N, and Lillie, withtwo preconstructed Starter Set decks due to launch on February 21.
The major difference this time is that the Owner’s Pokémon can also be Pokémon ex. ex cards were introduced during thePokemon Ruby and Sapphiregeneration and followed thePokémon TCG’s stage-based system of evolution chains - something later types like EX did not - while making it clear which cards had additional effects. However, rules were also implemented in which knocking out a Pokémon ex card permitted players to draw two prize cards rather than one, something that seems less significant in the wake of the kinds of cards that followed, withVMAX cards being worth three.
Why Owner’s Pokemon Cards Making A Comeback Is A Big Deal
A Great Mash-Up From The Anime & Games To The TCG
The original Owner’s Pokémon cards fromGym BattleandGym Challengesets were great, and so the return of these card types in 2025 is perfect for longtime fans like us. Even newer fans should adore getting to seemore recent trainers like Marnie and Lillie featured on the cardswith their corresponding Pokémon. For those who may have not been around 25 years ago, the Owner’s Pokémon cards were a great mash-up of memorable characters from the anime and games brought into the trading card game.
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For example, “Misty’s Goldeen” or “Lt. Surge’s Pikachu,” showed off new artwork of the Pokémon - all while having an icon of the featured Gym Leader near the bottom of the card. Because the show was such a hit,the cards even featured Owner Pokémon that a character didn’t own in the game, but did have in the anime. Cards like “Brock’s Vulpix” and “Misty’s Psyduck” come to mind here. It’s an era ofPokémonthat we’re admittedly pretty nostalgic for already. Still, it’s great to see them making a comeback with new cards in 2025.
The New Trainer’s Pokémon Cards Already Look Amazing
The New Cards Were Revealed At Pokémon Worlds 2024
The new cards revealed at Pokémon Worlds this year look really promising. As someone who has been teaching my kids how to play the TCG and just gotten onto the finer points of using ex cards, all while rewatching the anime with my kids for the first time, the return of these cards couldn’t come at a better moment. While I’m personally more excited for classic Pokémon and their owners, my kids are thrilled to be seeing new characters like Marnie and her Pokémon get ex cards.
This is a perfect example of how wellPokémonas a franchise incorporates older content for a new audience. It appeals to both the kids who may have only just gotten intoPokémonand the adults who have grown up with the beloved IP for decades - and everyone in-between. No matter where someone may have gotten intoPokémon, there’s seemingly a new Trainer’s Pokémon card for you.
ThePokémon TCGhas done a solid job in the past few years of finding ways to appeal to its audience, and a large part of that is reworking and/or bringing back past card types. The release of Trainer’s Pokémon cards in 2025 is a great callback to the Owner’s Pokémon that debuted in 2000, and it’s something I’m thrilled about it. It was easily one of the highlights of thereveals at Pokémon Worldsthis year, and I can’t wait to see what the trading card game has in store for us in 2025.
Pokémon
Cast
Pokémon follows Ash Ketchum on his journey to become a Pokémon Master, accompanied by his loyal Pikachu. Released in 1997, the series explores Ash’s travels through various regions, where he encounters new friends and challenges, underscoring the themes of adventure and teamwork.
Original reporting was done by Glenn Bunn, while additional features content was provided by Austin King.
