The official trailer and initial card spoilers for Pokemon TCG Pocket’s first set, Genetic Apex, revealed approximately 40 cards. These featured primarily Generation 1 Pokemon alongside fan favorites from other generations. While the exact total number of cards in Genetic Apex hasn’t been disclosed yet, let’s speculate about the Pokemon and Trainers that could make their debut.
Certain (99,9% confidence)
Charmander
We’ve seen Bulbasaur. We’ve seen Squirtle. See where I’m going? The most obvious sign of Charmander being in the set is the presence of Charizard ex, the final evolution of Charmander, as an highlighted card “with visual effects”. Everyone’s favorite fire baby reptile is definitely coming in the first set of Pokemon TCG Pocket, just like its counterpart in the very first Pokémon TCG set, the Base set. This also suggests that Venusaur and Blastoise are very likely to appear.
Geodude
The only Supporter card revealed so far, Brock, mentions both Golem and Onix. It’s quite unusual for a trainer to refer to particular cards for the low opportunity to have both of them at the same time and hints at a very different philosophy in conception compared with the Pokémon TCG, perhaps more aligned with the original Pokemon lore. It also confirms that Onix and Golem will be part of this set, and with the later, Golem’s pre-evolutions: Geodude and Graveller. It’s likely we’ll see their original Kanto form rather than their more recent counterparts in Alola.
Eeveelutions
Pikachu is the definitive mascot of Pokemon, being Ash’s first Pokemon and a member of Red’s team in the original games (the main protagonist of Pokemon Red/Blue/Green). Eevee, which gained prominence as the rival’s Pokemon in Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee, is equally beloved. This cute Pokemon has a wide array of evolutions (8 different types), called Eeveelutions. Vaporeon, its water evolution, has already been unveiled. We can definitely expect Jolteon and Flareon, its electric and fire evolutions respectively, since they are all Generation 1 Pokémon. The inclusion of Espeon and Umbreon (Gen 2) is less certain, and the likelihood decreases further for later evolutions like Glaceon, Leafeon, and Sylveon… But it’s not out of the realm of possibility!
High probability (70%-80% confidence)
♢ counterparts for each ☆ card
The rarity system is different in Pokemon TCG Pocket from that in the TCG. It uses diamonds and stars, starting with ♢ to ♢♢♢♢, then ☆ to ☆☆☆ (from what we know so far). Cards with ☆ rarity seem to all have the immersive, diaroma-like effect. It is possible that both type of cards are obtainable in different ways, with diamond-scaled cards being accessible easily and star-scaled cards being a premium product. We’ve seen Pikachu ex in both diamond and star rarities, suggesting a pattern similar to regular and premium prints in the Pokemon TCG. This is good news for players as it means they won’t be priced out if they want to play a certain card. Of course, collectors will have to invest a bit more resources to get the prettiest version of their cards.
Both these cards have the same effect, but their artworks and rarity differ
Porygon
Porygon has generally been unremarkable in the TCG, especially in the early days where it didn’t have a single evolution. However, its status as an artificial Pokémon from Generation 1 and its alignment with the “Genetic Apex” theme make it a potential candidate for this set.
Fossil Pokemons (Omanyte and Kabuto)
Genetic Apex sounds like a name related to DNA manipulation, lab improvement… What better encapsulates the idea than fossil Pokemon being brought back to life million years later thanks to some scientific shenanigans ? Old Amber and Aerodactyl have been conveniently revealed already, and it stands to reason that the Helix Fossil and the Antique Dome Fossil alongside Omanyte and Kabuto find also a spot in this set. In the TCG, unlike the video game, you cannot immediately play one of these Pokemon in your bench : you have to first play the corresponding Fossil on your bench as a Basic Pokemon. These Fossil cards act as Trainer cards with HP and effects but no attacks, possibly carrying over to Pokémon TCG Pocket.
Medium probability (40%-50% confidence)
Rare Candy
Rare Candy is a sought-after item in the video game, raising a Pokemon’s level by one. In the TCG, it allows you to evolve a Basic Pokemon into its second stage without the intermediate stage. Of course, you cannot do that on the turn you played your Basic Pokémon. Rare Candy promotes evolution strategies and brings your most badass Pokemon earlier on the field for a rampage! A set called “Genetic Apex” would be a fitting introduction for this iconic item. The only thing holding back this theory would be the broken factor in giving such a strong item so early in the game. Although, the current power level of stage 2 seem reasonable enough to enable it. Would there be a redesign to limit its power, such as clause to prevent a Pokémon that just evolved from Rare Candy to attack, or make it a Supporter ? Time will tell.
Professor’s Research, TCG Pocket version
Professor’s Research is a famous Supporter in the TCG which effect is : Discard your hand and draw 7 cards. This effect is one of the oldest of the Pokémon TCG, with the first iteration being the trainer Professor Oak in the Base set. It’s likely that we see this iconic Supporter card in Genetic Apex, perhaps adjusted for the smaller deck sizes with a draw of five cards instead of seven.
Ultra Ball
Another classic of the Pokémon TCG, Ultra Ball secures a search for any Pokémon in your deck at the cost of two cards in your hand. This is the price to pay to get any Pokemon, be it a Basic Pokemon or an Evolution. This staple has been in the format since 2013 with a little interruption from 2019 to 2022. While the cost is more significant in a game with presumably fewer cards in the opening hand, its inclusion would help stabilize plays, fitting the design philosophy of Pokémon TCG Pocket to reduce non-games.
Other candidates
Everyone would like to fit its favorite Pokémon, iconic Trainer cards, but ultimately, the set will have a limited number of slots and Pokémon TCG Pocket will certainly prioritize the core design of the set and of the game to offer a balanced experience from the very first set. Expect cards that interact with the new Energy Zone and cards specific to the design philosophy of Pokémon TCG Pocket like the aforementioned Brock.
