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 {{energy|colorless}}{{energy|colorless}}{{energy|colorless}}. 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
This adorable artwork dates back to the 2018 Lost Thunder set. It also had a {{energy|colorless}}{{energy|colorless}}{{energy|colorless}}-cost attack but that dealt more damage. True to Chansey’s nursing nature, the attack couldn’t be used on a Pokémon that was already injured. Chansey from TCG Pocket does not have this restriction, it seems a little more reckless!
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 {{energy|water}} energy for increased damage.
Eevee by Atsuko Nishida
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 {{energy|psychic}} from a zone to one of your Pokémon is a recurring theme.
Hitmonlee by Yukiko Baba
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
Pikachu by Mitsuhiro Arita
Ponyta by Uta
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
Slowbro by Kagemaru Himeno
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 {{energy|colorless}}{{energy|colorless}}{{energy|colorless}}{{energy|colorless}} 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 {{energy|colorless}}, 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…