Overview of Chingling’s Comeback
- Chingling, a Generation 4 Pokémon, is set to make its long-awaited return to the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) after a hiatus of over 15 years as part of the new Team Rocket expansion.
- This card has a modest 30 HP and includes a unique ability that requires players to discard a face-down card from their hand at random, exciting collectors in the process.
- The last appearance of Chingling in the TCG was in 2009, whereas its evolution, Chimecho, boasts 14 cards, indicating a high level of anticipation for this new release.
After years of absence, Chingling, a beloved Pokémon from Generation 4, is finally making a return in the Pokémon TCG. This forthcoming card arrives after its last appearance in 2009, a curious gap given the vast roster of Pokémon available today.
Originally introduced alongside the launch of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl in 2006, Chingling, a baby Pokémon, has not received much focus in the broader Pokémon franchise. While such Pokémon are not generally favored for competitive battling, they hold a special place in the hearts of many fans. Unfortunately, Chingling’s appearances in the core game series have been scarce. It was only available through transfers in Generation 7, completely absent in Pokémon Sword and Shield, and available only via trade in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
As reported by VideoGamesChronicle, a new Chingling card will emerge with the Japanese release of The Glory of Team Rocket, with the corresponding English expansion, Destined Rivals, scheduled for launch in May. The card comes with notable traits: it has an HP of 30 and an ability that compels players to randomly discard a face-down card from their hand. This will mark the fourth card featuring Chingling in the Pokémon TCG.
Chingling’s Role in Team Rocket
Fans have shown enthusiasm over the fact that the new Chingling card is categorized within the “evil”Team Rocket collection. While this specific Chingling is simply associated with Team Rocket, many speculate this might be an homage to James’ beloved Chimecho, its evolution. In an episode, James expresses nostalgia for Chingling, underlining a connection to his own Pokémon.
Before the upcoming release, Chingling had only three cards in the TCG history. The first appeared just a year after Pokémon Diamond and Pearl’s debut, specifically in 2007’s Mysterious Treasures, followed by Majestic Dawn in 2008, and concluding with Supreme Victors in 2009. After this, further releases featuring Chingling ceased. Conversely, Chimecho has enjoyed a more substantial presence in the game since its initial card in 2004, accumulating 14 cards total, with the latest being introduced in 2024 as part of the Twilight Masquerade expansion.
Although the new Chingling card possesses low HP, its appeal may extend beyond competitive use. For many collectors, the thrill lies in the nostalgia of having a favorite baby Pokémon return to the scene. Given the current surge in demand for Pokémon TCG products, it’s advisable for enthusiasts not to hesitate in securing their copies of this anticipated card.