During my trip to Berlin, for the Pokemon GO Fest 2022I had the chance to preview the new expansion of the Trading Card Game (TCG). An extension that is particularly close to my heart since it is a collaboration between The Pokémon Company and Niantic, then offering visuals taken from the successful mobile game. On site, I was able to open a few Pokémon GO boosters but above all learn to play thanks to a pre-built deck.
It is since July 1, 2022 that most TCG Pokémon GO products have been available (boosters, boxes in particular). You can buy them online or directly in store. In total, the special set contains 78 normal cards not to mention the secrets. Of course, this set features visuals inspired by the hit mobile game with all three teams, arenas, pokestops, 1G Pokemon and more.
The best card in the Pokémon GO expansion
The new extension of the Card Game is making a lot of noise since it is in direct partnership with the Pokémon GO mobile game. Thus, you can find iconic illustrations like Chansey in an arena, a Pokéstop, a lure module or even Pikachu with his JCC cap. In short, a collection that has everything to please trainers and which includes some rare Full Art, V or Radieuses cards.
The mechanics of radiant pokemon was introduced this year with the Astres Radieux expansion. The Pokémon appearing on the image are then in a chromatic (shiny) version, which may explain the enthusiasm around them. While not as rare as Secrets, radiant Pokemon cards are highly sought after. In the Pokémon GO extension, you can come across:
- Radiant Venusaur,
- Radiant Charizard,
- Radiant Tortank,
But it’s clearly not the cards that interest me the most on my side…
With this Pokémon GO extension, I simply flashed on the new “mechanics” introduced : that of a mischievous little Metamorph who turns into a playing card. The all-pink Pokémon is renowned for its ability to transform into an object or another creature, so in Pokémon GO the only way to capture it is to first catch one of its disguises (Coxy for example) . This has been translated into the card game: collectors may come across a dummy card with some sort of sticky layer that just isn’t the real picture. It is then possible to remove this layer to reveal the real card hiding below: the Ditto.
Be careful not to tear any card! You will recognize the dummy card by its small Metamorph logo at the bottom left.
If this card is simply the best of the set in my opinion, others have caught my attention. Of course, the Full Arts are magnificent, but if we stick to “normal” prints, I must admit that I have a weakness for Trainer / Item cards from the Pokémon GO universe. the Lure Module, for example, is a terrible trump that can completely reverse the course of a game and benefit both players:
- Each player reveals the top 3 cards of their deck and adds all Pokémon in it to their hand. Then each player shuffles the other cards with their deck.
Pokémon GO cards: Opening booster packs
Following this presentation of the JCC, on returning home, I hastened to buy a Noadkoko V box to open some additional boosters in French. You can find the opening below, you will see that I managed to get some nice cards!
Just like the expansion that was released for the movie Detective Pikachu, I have a particular affect with this new collaboration between TPCI and Pokémon GO. I realize this might not be the best set for competitive TCG play, but as far as hard-core collection goes, this is probably my favorite set yet. The 25 year old one was obviously gorgeous but, as a fan of mobile gaming, I couldn’t miss this one.
Where to buy Pokémon GO cards?
Most JCC products can be purchased in specialized stores (FNAC, Micromania, game stores, etc.), in supermarkets or online. In order not to miss any stock and to follow the availability of all card sales at your favorite merchants, we advise you to follow Nintendo’s Alerts on Twitter. Currently, several products are available for sale and some shops offer a special Pikachu card for 25€ of purchase.
- Normal boosters like any extension: between €5.25 and €8 for a pack of 10 cards depending on the merchant,
- The Mewtwo Elite Trainer Box (ETB) – Price not yet available (in general, it’s worth 50€) – Contains 10 boosters, 1 promo card, card sleeves and more,
- The Evoli Radieux Premium box with 1 promo card, 1 pin’s, 8 boosters and 1 playmat – Price not available at the moment,
- The Snorlax, Pikachu or Chansey Pokéboxes with 2 promo cards, 4 booster packs and stickers – Price not available (in general, it costs €25 per iron box),
- Pokéballs with boosters – Price not available
- Mini tin boxes (mini-tin)
- The Alola-V Noadkoko box with 1 promo card, 1 jumbo card, 4 boosters – Price not available at the moment,
Amovénus, Hisui’s Zoroark or Radiant Gardevoir… This is what awaits you in the next expansion of the Pokémon Card Game! Inspired by Pokémon Legends Arceus, here’s everything you need to know about these cards.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus