Pokémon TGC Scarlet and Violet Cards Overview

The Pokémon Company recently shared more information about the upcoming Scarlet and Violet expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG). The popular card game hit new heights of sales and popularity during the pandemic and really hasn’t slowed down. It’s always an exciting time to collect when a new expansion releases, and you won’t have to wait much longer for these new cards. The Scarlet and Violet expansion releases on March 31st, 2023. A few cool mechanics are returning as well for those who do more than just sleeve the cards and display or sell them.

If you remember back in the Black and White or XY days, the Pokémon-EX mechanic applied to boost the HP and attack power of basic Pokémon. The mechanic is revamped for these new expansion cards, but can apply to all levels of cards in play. That includes the Basic and Stages 1+2 cards.

It’s not the hack you might think, however, as you do give up two Prize cards when your ex-enabled Pokémon is knocked out. The mechanic should work wonders with the expansion’s new Tera Pokémon, which is a special art form that will be applied to feature etched artwork for various cards.

Per The Pokémon Company, you can expect to hunt these special versions of cards as you collect the Scarlet and Violet expansion:

12 double rare Pokémon ex, including two Tera Pokémon ex featuring Arcanine and Gyarados
12 ultra rare Pokémon ex and eight ultra rare Supporter cards
24 illustration rare Pokémon
10 special illustration rare Pokémon and Supporter cards
Six hyper rare gold etched cards, which can include Pokémon ex, Trainer and Energy cards

Hunting for these special cards will be possible through the typical methods. Scarlet and Violet will launch booster packs, Elite Trainer Boxes, and Special Collections like the boxed sets you find at your local card shops. You can pre-order cards now at the Pokémon Center online, but you’ll also likely get word from your local shop soon about how to pre-order and support locally. Are you planning to pick up any of these new cards from the expansion? Let us know if you want to read more Pokémon TCG news in the comments!