The Pokemon Company have released new details about their next set of Pokemon cards. The company has consistently made the release of each new generation of its long-running franchise not just the release of a single game, but a wave of multimedia merchandise spanning toys, accessories, and ARG apps. The Pokemon TCG Scarlet and Violet series continues that tradition, but will also contain several visual design changes that will be the new standard.
The Pokemon TCG Scarlet and Violet announcement
According to an official press release by The Pokemon Company, the Pokemon TCG Scarlet and Violet series will feature new cards from the Paldea region. In addition, the ex gameplay mechanic will be returning. Each stage of evolution will have an ex, which will provide a larger pool of HP as well as more powerful abilities. However, if the ex Pokemon is knocked out, it will give up two prize cards instead of just one.
A post on Serebii.net goes into further detail about the Pokemon TCG Scarlet and Violet series release. In addition to the returning ex mechanic, there will be new Terastral Pokemon as well. These Pokemon have a special mechanic where they do not take damage while on the bench. Furthermore, three different Starter Sets will be released: "Sprigatito and Lucario ex", "Fuecoco and Ampharos ex", and "Quaxly and Mimikyu ex" respectively.
As for what visual changes are coming to the Pokemon TCG Scarlet and Violet cards, the press release goes into further detail. First and foremost is the iconic yellow border. Ever since the game's initial release in North America, Pokemon cards have had yellow borders. Now, that border will be changed to gray. This is being done to match the card designs used in Japan while allowing the card artwork to pop more in contrast.
Other changes include that the various subcategories of Trainer Cards: Supporter, Item, and Stadium, will appear in the top left corner of each card for better readability. For similar reasons, basic energy cards will have an additional energy symbol displayed on the bottom right corner. Finally, the game's different expansion symbols will be replaced by expansion codes and language codes.
The Pokemon TCG Scarlet and Violet sets will be available worldwide on March 31, 2023.
