There is quite a lot going on in thePokemonworld right now. There are the upcomingPokemon Scarlet and Violetgames which will introduce Paldea, a new region full of surprises and adventures. There are also plenty of upcoming releases in thePokemon TCGrealm. Fans can look forward toSilver Tempest, which is the last expansion of the year, as well as the Paldea Collection which will kick off the next year.
The Paldea Collection is centered around the three starters of Generation Nine, and there are many ways the collection can spruce upPokemon TCG. This could be done by phasing out the jumbo cards, which feel useless at times. It could also put special attention on the Terastal Pokemon, finding a way to make these cards stand out.
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No More Jumbo Cards
Occasionally, The Pokemon Company will release expansions featuring oversized cards, also known as jumbo cards. They are novelty items, though they technically can be used duringPokemon TCGmatches, and players have entered the championship using decks composed entirely ofjumboPokemoncards. The huge cards are nice to look at for a bit, but the novelty gets old pretty quickly, and they ultimately end up feeling pointless. They cannot be kept in a deck with regular cards, and they have been released in different sizes, which makes it hard to store them all in the same binder.
The jumbo cards are best used as decorative items, perhaps framed once a collector has a collage of their favorite Pokemon. It may be best for theScarlet and Violetset to do away with the somewhat useless jumbo cards. There are enough gimmick cards as it is, and the jumbos have never felt like they add value to any collection or competitive deck. For collectors who do love the jumbos, there are plenty from previous generations to collect.
It has already been revealed that thePaldea Collectionwill feature jumbo cards of Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. This does not bode well, and it suggests that future releases in theScarlet and Violetgeneration will likely also feature more jumbo. Hopefully, at some point, the oversized cards do get phased, or if they do remain, they should be kept at a consistent size to make them easier to store together.
Make Terastal Pokemon Special
In thePokemon Scarlet and Violetvideo games, players will discoverTerastal Pokemon in Paldea. These specialPokemoncan take on a crystal form, and sometimes they will even change their Type. Some examples shown include a Terastal Pikachu that changes from Electric-Type to Flying-Type. This will have huge implications on the competitive scene and how players strategize. It could also impactPokemon TCGin a big way.
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This year’sPokemon GOexpansion introduced peel-off cards that appear normal on the surface. However, if one peels the top off, a Ditto appears. A similar gimmick could be implemented withTerastal Pokemon in theScarlet and Violetcards. Cards could look normal at first but have peel-off surfaces that reveal a Terastal Pokemon, perhaps one with a different Typing. It would make collecting cards more fun, and it could also affect competitivePokemon TCGgames.
Reduce the Rare Card Types
At present, there are several kinds ofrare Pokemon cardsavailable, like the dazzling Rainbow Rares and the secret Gold and Black rares. Players can find VSTAR cards and VMAX cards, too. Collectors also have to consider alternate art cards, holofoils, reverse holofoils, and full art cards.Scarlet and Violetwill reintroduce EX cards, beginning with Koraidon EX and Miraidon EX. It’s a lot to keep track of, and it can get incredibly confusing at times.
It may be a good idea for the upcoming Paldea Collection to ease up on the number of rare cards introduced. It would make it easier for collectors to complete their sets, and it would also make it easier for newcomers to learn the ropes andget started on theirPokemon TCGjourney. While alternate art cards are very appreciated, the Rainbow Rares and Gold and Black rares can feel gimmicky at times, and they do not add much to any collection besides being shiny and excessively colorful.
Focus on the New Pokemon
With the release of theScarlet and Violetvideo games coming soon, fans have seen a few of the Pokemon they can expect. The three starters have been introduced, and they are all adorable. Game Freak has also revealed theghost dog Greavard, the round pig Lechonk, and the cute Smoliv. The designs revealed thus far have been impressive, and it will be great to see these critters on their own cards. The upcoming Paldea Collection should focus on the new Pokemon of Paldea, and Pokemon from the previous generations should be avoided. Fans have seen them all already, and the new monsters deserve the spotlight.
There are already more than enough cards for the old fan favorites. Mewtwo cards are plentiful, Pikachu has received more than its fair share of cards, and Dragonite has received sufficient fan service. Focusing on the new Pokemon of Paldea will also allow the upcoming Paldea collection and upcoming sets and expansions to not grow too large. When there are hundreds of cards in a set, it stops being fun trying to collect them all. Keeping things at a reasonable amount allows collectors to set achievable goals and not feel overwhelmed.
The upcomingPokemon TCGPaldea Collection will come with many fun goodies, including a foil promo card featuring eitherSprigatito, Fuecoco, or Quaxly. It also comes with a collector’s pin and 4 booster packs. It’s a good start to the next generation, and it will be available on June 14, 2025. After fans enjoy theScarlet and Violetvideo games, which release in November, they can look forward to jumping into the Paldea Collection.
