Pokémon TCG has always been a visually rich franchise, showcasing a variety of styles from numerous Japanese artists. This diversity breathes life into the otherwise recurring sprites and animations of the video games, making collecting even more enjoyable with the many alternative versions available.
Pokémon TCG Pocket is no exception and the first set Genetic Apex will feature a blend of new exclusive artworks but also some timeless classics from the TCG, albeit with different effects. Let’s explore the currently revealed TCG Pocket cards that reuse existing TCG artworks.
Aerodactyl by Naoyo Kimura
The original art for this Aerodactyl appeared in 2011 in the Dark Explorers set. That version featured an ability that boosted your Active Pokémon’s damage by 10, a recurring ability throughout the card game, and an unimpressive 40-damage attack for CCC. The TCG Pocket version of Aerodactyl only has an attack, dealing no damage, which effect mimicks Shaymin’s Flower Bearing from Vivid Voltage
Chansey by MAHOU
Dratini by Ayaka Yoshida
Older players might not be familiar with the Dragon type in the TCG, as it was introduced in 2012. This type is unique because there is no Dragon energy; they typically require energies of two different types to attack. Dratini in TCG Pocket is reminiscent of the Dratini from Dragon Majesty, not only due to the reused artwork but also because it requires a Lightning energy for its attack. The new version also uses 1 Water energy for increased damage.
Eevee by Atsuko Nishida
The cute Eevee from Ultra Prism (2017) is reused in TCG Pocket with no changes other than the frame. It features the same artwork, attack, and retreat cost. The only difference is the name of the attack, which has been changed from Tackle to Gnaw. In essence, it’s a clone of the original.
Gardevoir by Yuu Nishida
Western players get a treat with this artwork, previously released only as a rare promotional asset in Japan in 2019. Originally a Fairy type (since discontinued), the TCG Pocket version of Gardevoir is now a Psychic type with an attack cost that mirrors the original. Its extra ability is a nod to many Gardevoir cards in the TCG, where attaching a Psychic energy from a zone to one of your Pokémon is a recurring theme.
Hitmonlee by Yukiko Baba
Yukiko Baba’s Hitmonlee first jumped at the player all the way back to 2001 in the Neo Destiny set. The TCG Pocket version boasts more bulk and requires less energy to attack. Its long leg can even reach your opponent’s Bench!
Kangaskhan by Ken Sugimori
Another oldie, this card was released before the TCG even reached western countries. This collector’s masterpiece was given to a select audience of parent-and-child teams at a Japanese event back in May 1998. TCG Pocket pays homage to the original: its only attack retains the same name Dizzy Punch, but now deals 30x damage instead of 10x. Power creep certainly happened quickly in TCG Pocket!
Magikarp by Sekio
The iconic fish, weak and fragile until it evolves into a powerful sea serpent, retains the same traits as its original printing in Dragon Majesty: a measly 30 HP and a single attack dealing 10 damage. At least the original could do an extra 10 damage if you were good at flipping coins…
Pikachu by Mitsuhiro Arita
Everyone recognizes the iconic Mitsuhiro Arita artwork for Pikachu. Released in the very first set, the chubby Pikachu makes a comeback in TCG Pocket. It has gained 20 HP and an extra 10 damage on its Gnaw attack but unfortunately lost its Thunder Jolt magic.
Ponyta by Uta
This galloping Ponyta from Cosmic Eclipse gets a boost in TCG Pocket where its Flare attack deals 10 extra damage.
Psyduck by Shibuzoh
Using the artwork from Sun & Moon, Psyduck in TCG Pocket gets the Headache attack, an evergreen move for Psyduck dating back to its first print in the Fossil set. This attack prevented the opponent from playing any Trainer card during their next turn, which was very powerful. The TCG Pocket version balances its effect by only preventing the use of Supporter cards, while also adding 10 damage for compensation.
Shellder by Sumiyoshi Kizuki
Sumiyoshi Kizuki’s Shellder from 2001’s Expedition set returns with its original art.
Slowbro by Kagemaru Himeno
Another iconic artwork from the early days of the game, Kagemaru Himeno’s Slowbro was released in Fossil, the second set ever of Pokémon TCG. What it lost in ability, it gained in HP and power: its Super Psy attack now deals a whopping 80 damage in TCG Pocket.
Snorlax by Naoki Saito
The ever-so lazy Pokémon, originally featured in the Kalos Starter set, packed a punch with its Strength attack dealing 70 damage. In TCG Pocket, it retains the hefty CCCC cost, the amount of damages dealt but the attack is now called Rollout.
Vulpix by Toshinao Aoki
The cute Fire fox-like Pokémon from Generation 1 retains the same artwork and HP as its counterpart in EX Hidden Legends. However, its only attack in TCG Pocket is an evergreen move in the TCG, Tail Whip: for 1 Colorless energy, if the coin lands on heads, the Defending Pokémon cannot attack. The first card to feature Tail Whip in the TCG was Eevee from the third set, Jungle.
So not only TCG Pocket utilizes well-drawn and iconic artworks, it also retained some attacks and effects, adapting them for its unique format while keeping the initial philosophy behind each monster’s design. And we’ll certainly see more of these as more cards are unveiled.
*Dates used in the article use the first release of the card, in Japan. Western dates of release usually happen months after.
**Other cards we’ve seen in the trailer but not yet displayed on the official website seemingly include the art of Poké Ball by Ryo Ueda, Nidorino by Kouki Saitou, Cubone by sowsow, Slowpoke by Miki Tanaka…
