The anticipation continues to rise regarding the upcoming Pokémon Trading Card Game special set centered on Pokémon from the Unova region. Following last year’s leaks stemming from trademark filings, which hinted at a dedicated release focusing on characters from Pokémon Black and White, new revelations indicate a themed set will soon be available outside of Japan as well. Anecdotal reports suggest that this special set will align closely with previous releases like Prismatic Evolutions and Scarlet & Violet – 151, both in terms of product diversity and timing.
As highlighted by PokeBeach, the English edition of this upcoming set—still unnamed—will showcase two unique Elite Trainer Boxes, one adorned with Reshiram and the other depicting Zekrom. Additionally, there are plans for two Binder Collections, each featuring one of the legendary Pokémon, alongside a Poster Collection and a series of eight Mini Tins. The rollout is expected to be followed by the introduction of two Tech Sticker Collections and two Illustration Rare Boxes in early August, culminating with the launch of two Booster Bundles later in the month.
Will Pokémon TCG’s Upcoming Special Set Feature Multiple Releases?
Possible Split into Two Distinct Sets
The release strategy for the Pokémon Black and White set has prompted speculation about the potential for a dual-release format internationally. Traditionally, The Pokémon Company has combined various smaller Japanese sets into larger collections for global audiences. However, the introduction of two separate booster bundles hints at the possibility of distinct “Pokémon Black”and “Pokémon White”sets being available in the U.S. and beyond.
This approach represents a notable shift for The Pokémon Company, particularly because most special sets, such as this year’s Prismatic Evolutions, feature a lineup of cards that differs significantly from their Japanese counterparts, often due to exclusive cards included in starter decks. Although concrete details remain pending, the credibility of PokeBeach’s reporting, which typically derives from retailer information, lends a degree of confidence to these findings.
Our Opinion: The Challenges of Dual Special Sets
Distribution Hurdles in the Pokémon TCG Landscape
If The Pokémon Company opts to launch two separate card sets concurrently, it poses significant challenges, especially given the current climate of scarcity and demand within the TCG community. With scalpers aggressively acquiring limited products, introducing not just one, but two special collections simultaneously could exacerbate the issue. Special sets generally have a lower print run compared to standard releases, making them attractive targets for opportunistic buyers. It will be intriguing to observe how the Pokémon TCG team navigates this release, taking into account its commitment to increasing supply to meet growing demand.
Source: PokeBeach