Friday, August 7, 2026

TCGP: Descent of the Sky Ruler

At the end of July, I had written up about how Rayquaza has a certain lasting appeal; it was actually well-timed with a few in-game things Pokémon has got going on. It was made the day before the Ozone Ascent event started in Pokémon Go, and it heralded two goings-on in TCG, both physical-Live and TCGP. The former is something that I may or may not be able to cover later on (as in, not now), but the latter is definitely something that I can cover right now... and I'm doing just that for its Rayquaza happening.

That Rayquaza happening is a new expansion for this month, which is appropriately called "Ruler of the Skies" since, well, that's who Rayquaza is. It "descends" as regular Diamond cards (in both normal and Mega forms) and one of the two Star and three Star "immersive" cards in this expansion (in its Mega form) along with a selection of other Pokémon, some in their Mega form, that are as equally strong-willed as Rayquaza is. They present great power as well as great challenges, especially with regard to collection.

For the overall composition, the expansion contains 155 cards in the numbered section and 78 cards in the overnumbered section, which makes for 233 cards in total. By all considerations, it's a semi-major expansion, and the cards all have some role to play. The overall composition is also similar to previous semi-major expansions with one major feature Pokémon (Fantastical Parade, Pulsing Aura), which I have to say is not too bad for consistency - although players do still have to work to get at the necessary cards.

Specifically for this expansion, there are 144 Pokémon cards, which make up the bulk of the numbered section. They are complemented by 3 Item cards, 2 Pokémon Tool cards, 4 Supporter cards, and 2 Stadium cards. As such, this expansion introduces many new things across the board, at least in the regular numbered section. Meanwhile, the overnumbered section has familiar tricks, including the other three Star "immersive" card that features Rotom, a tricky Pokémon and a total hoot at that.

It is still Rayquaza that is the focus of this expansion, and its "descent" through this expansion makes it clear who reigns supreme in the wild blue yonder. But as always, players can also reign supreme by collecting all the cards that they want and need (for decks as well as other purposes) from this expansion, of which there is a good number of them. And then there is the "lasting appeal" aspect for the feature Pokémon, for which the new expansion nurtures that as well as future gameplay with it and beyond.

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Thursday, August 6, 2026

"Back to Basics" for Indomaret x Pokémon

It's been somewhat of a long time since Indomaret, a local convenience store chain where I am, collaborated with Pokémon and turned out some wonderful merchandise. Perhaps it may be because of that fact that this year, they've gone back to that collaboration; furthermore, the effort has adopted a more "fundamental" approach with the merchandise items, which then becomes a source of intrigue to be discussed along with the merchandise in question.

Earlier this year, the collaboration took the form of special cups featuring five Pokémon species: Pikachu (of course), Eevee, Charizard, Snorlax, and Gengar. The cups were all of a single dominant color with the respective species featured all over. In this way, the approach is simple and no-nonsense yet still collectible for the fans; that is true for me as well, as I obtained the Pikachu and Charizard cups (in part thanks to a friend) and enjoy their presence after having used them to hold some drinks.


A little later on, even around now, the collaboration has a "back to school" theme, in line with school students starting or returning to their places of study. For this, one is able to obtain lunch boxes, tumblers, and a pencil case by paying more for them after shopping a set amount of other items. The lunch boxes and tumblers have proven to be quite popular... which is why I'm only able to obtain the pencil case, the only item left over, often in great amounts. This too shows that the most basic thing is essential.

Of the collaborations that have been made, this one is indeed the most "basic" in many ways. Yet the most "basic" thing is that Pokémon fans, even the local ones in my area, will snap up great merchandise that is neatly designed and simple enough to satisfy their needs, including pertinent ones. So, the items above greatly exemplify this and show that there is intrigue (and a continued one at that) in Pokémon merchandise that simply works and plays well.

Six years ago: The Look of Pikachu
Seven years ago: There Is Always a Way
Nine years ago: Cosplay: Tomodachi 2
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Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Item Traps in Pokémon Games?

Games have a way of making players do certain things by compulsion or force. Perhaps that could be considered true for Pokémon games as well in certain respects. One way that could happen is by forcing players to use up certain game items in order to make progress in the games at certain points; this is what I would define as "item traps". Now, I'd like to make the argument that the situations in some Pokémon games can also present themselves as "item traps" for their specific cases.

Some of those "item traps" may lie in the puzzle spinoff games: most recently, Café Remix has some stages that practically require certain Pokémon to clear, but even then that's not enough, since the same stages practically require items to enhance the skills of the Pokémon. While some players may chalk up the possible misplay of the stages due to inexperience or not enough time spent, the fact of the matter is that somehow the items present their necessity, thereby realizing them as "item traps".

Meanwhile, in Pokémon Go, if one used a Bottle Cap for a Pokémon, the higher-level tasks of Hyper Training for the IV stat of HP feature tasks of earning Candy for a Buddy Pokémon by walking with them. If the Bottle Cap was used for a Legendary or Mythical Pokémon - and most Trainers are expected to do so - that invariably means walking 20 km for each Candy, unless they get them excited manually (which is possible but time-consuming) or use a Poffin (which is instant but... it's an item, and thus an "item trap" lies in wait). Granted, the usage case is very specific, but the "item trap" can present itself in that case.

For the main series games, if the act of giving a drink to the Saffron City guards is considered an act of compulsion, and so would be the use of items in Trainer battles involving the CPU by both sides, then these could be loosely considered "item traps" by the definition above. They aren't strictly "item traps", but they're sufficiently demanding situations that in some ways do prompt the usage of items in order to continue progress.

There are likely to be more examples of "item traps" in Pokémon games that have escaped my mind, the scope of my Pokémon gameplay experience, and the creation of this write-up, but the situations that prompt them to appear should be quite evident by the above examples. In any case, usage of items is essential for Pokémon games or otherwise, but it cannot be denied that at certain points, the usage becomes not only essential but down right needed so that one's progress doesn't come to a screeching halt.

Four years ago: The Hisui Cup of GBL
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Tuesday, August 4, 2026

A Frozen Ice Land and Its Creatures

As I'd mentioned in a recent imaginative write-up about five likely-to-be Pokémon as creatures on a wild island setting, that follows up or constitutes a "sequel" of a previous post in the same manner. I also said that the previous post might be "missing" or could use one more element that also applies to what the post was referencing. Now I'd like to add that "missing" or extra element through a write-up of its own, yet certainly in the same style as that previous write-up and bringing up what appropriately applies.

Like before, a place pertains to the discussion as the setting. By the title, that place is a land - more appropriately, an island on a sea - that could be described as being in a kind of "eternal winter". Subsequently, the place can be considered very much frozen in climate and perhaps slightly with regard to time as well, especially for what might take place on the island. The climate can also be a bit harsh in the place due to the "winter" element, but it can also be quite hospitable, especially for its possible creatures.  

It cannot be doubted that Pokémon of the Ice type can and would make themselves at home here, an example being Jynx as well as the Galarian form of Mr. Mime. Strangely enough, some creatures are present in the water, but they're not of the Ice type: they'd be of the Electric type, which would be in the form of Chinchou and Lanturn as one species family. As the place lights up in the night by auroras of uncertain origin, they too can also make their own way of making the night light up for the resident Ice-types.

The place is perhaps the strangest compared to the previous six, and now as a group of seven that can be identified by certain creatures as the possible Pokémon species that may persist within those places. Yet for those who have recollection of those places, they might not seem that strange at all... just perhaps a little mysterious - or a lot in some cases. Coupling that with the wonders of Pokémon species, there is something to be said about them persisting in and out of the imagination of those linked to them.
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Monday, August 3, 2026

What's Hot, What's Not, and What Else for Champions

I haven't dealt very much with Pokémon Champions recently, but I'm still observing some of the particulars that pertain to the game. For that reason, I want to cover some of them in a post, so I've thought of covering them in a "what's hot, what's not, what else" format, which serves (and had done so, in a different context) as a general overview of various particulars for different things. Now, that becomes applied to Pokémon Champions according to some of the particulars I've observed from both sides of play and development.

Starting with "what's hot", tournaments are still hot for the game and getting hotter, also for the fact that the annual Pokémon competitive happening is approaching. That said, the game is also desired to have a feature for hosting custom tournaments in-game, which would help to alleviate the external burden. Then, the battle arena is also desired to have some variety, which aside from the Pokémon may be something that's as varied as it's going to get (to be expounded shortly). These "hot" aspects surely keep the game going.

Then there are the "not" aspects. For all of its playability, the game hasn't included pre-evolved species, which might just be able to do some marvelous things depending on the species in question. This is a particular complaint of one of my VGC friends, who hasn't gotten to playing this very game for that particular reason. As such, the game is slated to include these at a later time - obviously not now with the peak of the competitive season at hand - and by then, my friend and others can take part in the experience with those Pokémon.

As for "what else", the game has some elements that will likely remain as unconsidered for inclusion. They are replays and skins, which are clearly considerations that are influenced by Pokémon Unite (the latter notably called Holowear there). And that seems to be warranted; the former is becoming a relic in said game, and the latter just adds bulk to the game, which is not necessary since Champions is already bulky in its initial edition. Even with the interface having resemblance, the features need not to resemble the other game either.

Reviewing the aspects as mentioned above, Pokémon Champions is still in its early days despite having been around for several months, at least for the Nintendo Switch edition, and much more still lies in wait for the game to bring it to maturity like main series-style or VGC battling has in all its years. The players and developers both still have a lot to deal with for the game, especially with the upcoming competitive season transition into the next one, and once that happens, more aspects may just need to be scrutinized as above.

Three years ago: Let's Go on Routes
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Sunday, August 2, 2026

Cosplay: Halloweeaboo Vol. 6 - Natsukoi

So, it is to my knowledge that Ash and Goh won't be present too often this month for um... reasons - including research. Today, then, there is...

Red: Hello. Those two are something.

Me: Yeah, you can say that. Anyway...

Red: You want me at a festival today. Sure thing.

Me: Yes, it's one that sometimes Ash could make it to.

Red: Well, that's great. For that, let me try a little something for you along with my classic outfit.

Me: Oh, you got the hair done a bit! Perfect.

Red: It took a bit of time to get to the place where you'd usually have that, but it's OK. 

Me: And it's somewhat needed too. 

Red: So then, the festival is at the rooftop level of a mall. 

Me: Yup, it's back to the usual place after it went somewhere else.

Red: Hmm, that one had a singing competition. This one didn't.

Me: I heard about that - but then, I don't think I can get you to sing anything.

Red: No, save that for when Ash comes back.

Me: But there are character competitions - team performance and single parade.

Red: I'll take the latter for you, then. Especially since I gussied up for you.

Me: Sure. I couldn't plan out a team performance anyway even if I wanted to.

Red: And it looks like this festival always has a lot of people - and characters.

Me: You better believe it.

Red: Including in the parade, 40 with me. 

Me: And how'd that turn out?

Red: Didn't work out for me. The winners were great, though.

Me: Yeah, that seems to be the case, with or without you.

Red: And I got to see a bit of the performances. They were... interesting.

Me: I'll bet. Oh, by the way, dance groups for entertainment, yes?

Red: Yup, saw a couple. And a dance party near the end.

Me: Uh-huh, so standard for current times. Now, what else did you do?

Red: I got to hang out with a few of your friends and have fun - and eat, up until the end before I got back to you.

Me: Haha - well, that's always a necessity when I send you or him.

Red: Hey, and you got me to go somewhere again.

Me: So, I got to fulfill that commitment.

Red: The festival scene here is lively, even if it has really changed.

Me: It has, and this festival is one of those changes. As an aside, this edition has the theme of "summer love".

Red: I don't know about love - even though we like Pokémon - but this was a good "summer" day for a festival.

Me: Yup, I do believe it is.

Red: So, where to next?

Me: I have an idea - but wherever it is, there certainly will be some "hello" greetings involved.

Red: Like here! Nice one.

Me: Of course.

Four years ago: (This Is) Just the Start
Six years ago: Let There Be No Lies
Seven years ago: Topic Balancing, Again
Eight years ago: The Music of Magikarp Jump
Nine years ago: Pokémon Is Everything
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Saturday, August 1, 2026

More Increased Limit Ideas for Pokémon Go?

Quite a few years ago, for Pokémon Go, I discussed about several limits and how they may be raised, and since then, some (but not many) of them have been realized - the last being the friend limit, which is now up to a whopping 650 to accommodate the "permanence" of Forever Friends. The others have been accommodated only at times but not indefinitely, which could still sometimes be frustrating. Meanwhile, recently I've thought of other limits within the same game that could be raised, so now it's time to make a "sequel" post of sorts to discuss those other limits and the possibility of raising them... or not, as the case may be.

One of those limits is the placement of Pokémon in Gyms and Power Spots, which are still at 20 each, a number that has remained so for the former and only newly instituted for the latter. While the latter is fine given their paucity, the former may need to be raised, if only slightly to 25 as a possible value, to accommodate the many Pokémon that Trainers have as well as the possibility of not being able to go out often. Such a limit would probably also need to be explored with regard to the capacity of the Pokémon Go servers to handle it. 

Meanwhile, the swapping of Buddy Pokémon is still limited to 20, which is a modest value. Yet it may not be modest enough for some, especially if they're involved in certain battles that suit them in the Buddy position due to being a Best Buddy. Similar to the above, an increase to 25 might just accommodate those who swap Buddy Pokémon day in and day out for all kinds of purposes, including but not limited to that mentioned purpose. It's a slight augmentation that in some Trainer cases should improve the way they handle Buddy Pokémon.

As a last limit increase idea that I'm presenting now, it is known that Max Particles are used not only for battling at Power Spots but also to power up Max Pokémon of all kinds from those and other encounters. Therefore, it could be plausible to have the daily earning limit for them to be increased even just slightly from 800 to 1000 to allow an accommodation for powering up. While various concessions already seem not to warrant this - including the current ways to earn them - the thought of the idea may be the only important thing for it.

The common thread for all of these "raise limit" ideas does rather seem to be "accommodate", and that could also apply well to some limits that have been raised in the past, whether they were temporary or indefinite. With the game having gone on for 10 years - a long time for a game of its kind(s) - some limits sometimes have to be surpassed to achieve all the things that could be achieved, and now will be as the game and its ideals continue on.

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