TCG 25th Anniversary (Plus Localized Content)

Along with the 25th anniversary of Pokémon as a whole, there is a specific part of it that also celebrates its 25th anniversary. That part would be the Trading Card Game or TCG, which means that it has lasted almost as long as Pokémon itself. That bit is impressive, and so are all of the parts of its history, from those who play on benches and tables (of the cafeteria kind) to those who play in the World Championships, and now those who also play remotely due to the current conditions - this last one being an exceptional story and may need to be covered separately. In short, it's nothing short of amazing.

What makes things amazing in one part is, of course, the cards themselves. Iconic cards have come and gone throughout the years, whether they featured specific Pokémon, moves, or capabilities; as a result, they become popular among fans, players, and collectors alike. It's no surprise that for the anniversary, some of these iconic cards have gotten celebratory reprints through certain products.

Though the TCG in localized form hasn't been around for that long - prior to which many players played with imported English cards - it still deserves the celebration along with the big Pokémon anniversary itself, and so the localized TCG also comes out with special commemorative products to celebrate. The other day, I came across one of these products, which is a special booster pack containing five holographic cards; I bought one so I can take a look inside.

In each package, the five cards contained therein are assuredly holographic, with one of them being a Basic Energy - here, an Electric Basic Energy. I also received a Professor's Research card (though not the one with Professor Willow on it, which is a separate story) and 2+1 Pokémon cards, here being Mew and Yveltal. The "plus one" part here is that I received two Yveltal cards with the same content, but one of them is in full holographic print. The latter may be something that is currently sought after.

Like the video games, much has happened in the Pokémon TCG scene, which has to take after those games for the same experiences in physical form. If the cards (specifically, the ones I obtained above) are of any evidence, it is that those same experiences can be obtained no matter what cards they are or even what language they're in, though a little glitter as with the above helps, in particular for this special anniversary.

One year ago: New GBL Novelties

Two years ago: On Third Parties

Three years ago: The Loading Screen of Go

Four years ago: Team Assistance and Secrecy

Five years ago: "They can imitate you, but they can't duplicate you..."