Tag Archives: pokemon

Board Games and TCGs, Pokemon TCG

Pokémon Paradox Rift is now available for Preorder at Pokemon Center!

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The upcoming Pokémon set, Paradox Rift, is set to release on November 3rd, but it will be live on Pokemon TCG live on the 2nd. The set will include:

  • 13 Pokémon ex and seven Tera Pokémon ex
  • 34 illustration rare Pokémon
  • 15 special illustration rare Pokémon and Supporter cards
  • 28 ultra rare full-art etched Pokémon ex and Supporter cards
  • 7 hyper rare gold etched cards

Paradox Rift will be introducing some new mechanics that are bound to shake up the meta. I know it is a little early to be thinking of the new set, but if you want to get an early jump on Holiday shopping, or just want to open a box on launch day, go put in your pre-order in before it sells out.

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Iron Valient Elite Trainer Box ($59.99)

Paradox Rift Iron Valient Elite Trainer Box includes:

  • 11 Pokémon TCG:Scarlet & Violet—Paradox Rift booster packs
    • Each booster pack contains 10 cards and 1 Basic Energy. Cards vary by pack.
  • 1 full-art foil promo card featuring a Future Pokémon
  • 1 full-art foil promo card featuring a Future Pokémon with a Pokémon Center logo
  • 65 card sleeves featuring Iron Valiant
  • 45 Pokémon TCG Energy cards
  • A player’s guide to the Scarlet & Violet—Paradox Rift expansion
  • 6 damage-counter dice
  • 1 competition-legal coin-flip die
  • 2 plastic condition markers
  • A box to hold everything, with 4 dividers to keep it organized
  • A code card for Pokémon Trading Card Game Live

Roaring Moon Elite Trainer Box (59.99)

Roaring Moon Elite Trainer Box includes:

  • 11 Pokémon TCG:Scarlet & Violet—Paradox Rift booster packs
    • Each booster pack contains 10 cards and 1 Basic Energy. Cards vary by pack.
  • 1 full-art foil promo card featuring an Ancient Pokémon
  • 1 full-art foil promo card featuring an Ancient Pokémon with a Pokémon Center logo
  • 65 card sleeves featuring Roaring Moon
  • 45 Pokémon TCG Energy cards
  • A player’s guide to the Scarlet & Violet—Paradox Rift expansion
  • 6 damage-counter dice
  • 1 competition-legal coin-flip die
  • 2 plastic condition markers
  • A box to hold everything, with 4 dividers to keep it organized
  • A code card for Pokémon Trading Card Game Live

Paradox Rift 6 Pack Booster Bundle ($26.94)

Includes 6 Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Paradox Rift booster packs

Single Booster Pack ($4.49 ea)

This is just for a single pack if you need it, or if they run out of boxes.

Paradox Rift Booster Box ($161.64)

The booster box comes with 36 packs and it is a fantastic product if you love cracking packs.

That’s all that’s out so far, I am sure we’ll get different bundles and starter decks the closer we get to launch. Until then, make sure you grab your copies before the scalpers do. Till next time, thanks!

Board Games and TCGs

Pokémon Paradox Rift set releases November 3, 2023

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Pokémon just announced the release date for their newest set, Paradox Rift, so it might be a good time to start clearing out some space on your shelves. The set will introduce Ancient and Future Pokémon and Trainer cards, as well as Ace spec cards. Ancient Pokémon will be bulky and hit hard, while Future Pokémon will hit with special abilities for a more control deck vibe. The expansion will also include:

  • 13 Pokémon ex and seven Tera Pokémon ex
  • 34 illustration rare Pokémon
  • 15 special illustration rare Pokémon and Supporter cards
  • 28 ultra rare full-art etched Pokémon ex and Supporter cards
  • 7 hyper rare gold etched cards

We did get some cards spoiled at worlds, and I will keep an eye out for anything new.

We did get artwork for the two Elite Trainer Boxes the set will release with, Iron Valiant and Roaring Moon.

Iron Valiant

Roaring Moon

And the Booster Pack Art

Paradox Rift comes out November 3rd, but it will be live on TCG Live November 2nd. If you’ve been enjoying my content, don’t forget to follow, like, comment, and share this with your friends!

Board Games and TCGs, Pokemon TCG

Pokemon Worlds Results and announcements: New Mechanics and the location for next year!

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The Pokémon World Championship has ended, and it was an exciting time in competitive Pokémon. Those fortunate enough to attend the event in Japan got a unique Pokémon experience, and those who got to watch got the excitement of watching pros play the games we love. I mostly watched the TCG coverage, but you can find the complete coverage of important matches of every event on the official Pokémon YouTube channel.

I did not intend to watch as much as I did. I was just going to earn my packs and move on but was quickly sucked in by the fanfare. It made for terrific background noise, and it was cool to see how people played the different decks in the meta. I learned a few tricks that have made me a better player.

Congratulations to this year’s champion, Vance Kelley! As someone who plays a lot of Mew, I was very excited to see the deck perform so well at worlds. I picked up a few new tricks that I am sure will elevate my game, but it was such an exciting match. I recommend you check it out if you have some time.

And the deck that won it all:

  • Pokemon – 13
    • 4 Mew V FST 113
    • 3 Mew VMAX FST 114
    • 1 Meloetta FST 124
    • 4 Genesect V FST 185
    • 1 Oricorio FST 42
  • Trainer – 40
    • 1 Judge SVI 176
    • 2 Nest Ball SVI 181
    • 1 Pal Pad SVI 182
    • 4 Ultra Ball SVI 196
    • 2 Boss’s Orders (Ghetsis) PAL 172
    • 2 Choice Belt PAL 176
    • 1 Iono PAL 185
    • 2 Switch Cart ASR 154
    • 1 Box of Disaster LOR 154
    • 2 Lost City LOR 161
    • 2 Lost Vacuum LOR 162
    • 3 Forest Seal Stone SIT 156
    • 1 Escape Rope BST 125
    • 1 Path to the Peak CRE 148
    • 1 Crystal Cave EVS 144
    • 4 Battle VIP Pass FST 225
    • 4 Cram-o-matic FST 229
    • 2 Elesa’s Sparkle FST 233
    • 4 Power Tablet FST 236
  • Energy – 7
    • 4 Fusion Strike Energy FST 244
    • 3 Double Turbo Energy BRS 151

Worlds 2024

The location for next year’s Worlds was also announced. Next year, the event will be held in beautiful Honolulu, HI.

But as exiting as this news may be, it is such a tragedy what is going on right now with the wild fires. In an efforts to help the families devastated by the fires, The Pokémon Company International has donated $200,000 to the Hawaii Wildfire Relief Fund. If you have the means, please consider making a donation.

New Cards and Mechanics

They also announced that ancient and future Pokémon, and ACE spec cards will be coming to the TCG in the set we are getting in November. We got teased some very cool cards that I are sure to shake up standard.

Pokémon UNITE

It looks like Blaziken, Mimikyu, and Meowscarada are joining the roster in Pokémon

Blaziken is expected to release on September 19th, the rest are yet to be announced.

Path to the Peak

And if you haven’t done so, make sure you watch Pokémon: Path to the Peak. It is a cute miniseries you can watch free on YouTube!

If you enjoy these updates, don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share this with your friends.

Board Games and TCGs

The upcoming Pokémon set, Paradox Rift, just got some spoilers!

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I know it is a little early for these since this set won’t be releasing til after Pokemon 151, but there is no shame in getting excited. With Worlds happening now, I am sure we will get a few more reveals before the weekend is out. I’ll do my best to catch it and report it when I can. If you enjoy these updates, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with your friends!

Froslass ex

Ability: Je Ne Sais Quoi
If this Pokémon in the Active Spot and is Knocked Out, flip a coin. If heads, your opponent takes 1 fewer Prize card.

[W][W] Frost Bullet: 140 damage. This attack does 20 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Benched Pokémon. (Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.)

Snorunt

[W] Ice Shard: 10+ damage. If your opponent’s Active Pokémon is a [F] Pokémon, this attack does 30 more damage.

Garchomp ex

[F] Hydro Lander: 160 damage. Attach up to 3 Basic [F] Energy from your discard pile to your Benched Pokémon in any way you like.

[C][C] Sonic Dive: Discard 2 Energy from this Pokémon. This attack does 120 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Pokémon. (Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.)

Groudon

[C] Overflowing Power: Attach a Basic [F] Energy from your hand to 1 of your Pokémon.

[F][F][C] Magma Purge: 60x damage. You may discard up to 4 Energy from your Pokémon. This attack does 60 damage for each card discarded in this way.

Gible

[F] Bite: 20 damage.

Gabite

[F] Power Blast: 50 damage. Discard an Energy from this Pokémon.

Rika

Look at the top 4 cards of your deck and put 2 of them into your hand. Shuffle the other cards and put them on the bottom of your deck.

Larry

Flip a coin. If heads, search your deck for up to 2 Pokémon, reveal them, and put them into your hand. If tails, search your deck for a Basic Pokémon, reveal it, and put it into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.

Technical Machine: Blindside

The Pokémon this card is attached to can use the attack on this card. (You still need the necessary Energy to use this attack.) If this card is attached to 1 of your Pokémon, discard it at the end of the turn.

[C][C][C] Blindside: This attack does 100 damage to 1 of your opponent’s Pokémon that has any damage counters on it. (Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.)

Technical Machine: Turbo Energize

The Pokémon this card is attached to can use the attack on this card. (You still need the necessary Energy to use this attack.) If this card is attached to 1 of your Pokémon, discard it at the end of the turn.

[C] Turbo Energize: Search your deck for up to 2 Basic Energy cards and attach them to your Benched Pokémon in any way you like. Then, shuffle your deck.

Board Games and TCGs, Series Reviews

The first episode of Path to the Peak is out now, and its super cute!

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I just wanted to remind everyone that the first episode of Path to the Peak is up on the official Pokémon YouTube channel. Path to the Peak is a short miniseries that follows a young girl, Ava, who discovers her love for the Pokémon TCG and her journey to be the best. The art style and tone are cute, and the animation is fantastic. It is too early to tell how good the story is, but I am enjoying it so far. It is a short episode, only 10 mins long, so you have nothing to lose.

I’ve been playing a lot of Pokemon TCG, and with Worlds happening right now and the Obsidian Flames release, I am a very happy boy. I might be a little biased, but I am excited to see where this series goes. What did you think of the first episode?

Board Games and TCGs, gaming news, Pokemon TCG

Pokemon Presents Recap: August 8th

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Pokemon Presents showcase had a few exciting announcements for games, anime, and the upcoming championship in Yokohama this weekend. I’ll go over the highlights I am most excited about in case you missed it, but you should watch the whole thing if you have the time. There were a few announcements for the gotcha games and Pokemon Go that I won’t be going over because I don’t play those.

Pokemon Worlds Championship

The Pokemon Worlds Championship is this weekend, and it marks an exciting week in the world of Pokemon. The tournament will run from August 11-13, so make sure you tune in on Twitch to watch some exciting competition. Check out the official page for the complete schedule.

The week will also be full of cool Pokemon related events around Yokohama that you should definitely check out if you are heading to worlds. Check out the official page for full details, but here’s a map to get you excited:

And if you are going to Worlds, don’t forget to reserve your slot to shop at the Pokemon Center. There will be a lot of cute and exclusive items that are going to go want to get your hands on, like this cute little Pikachu that is only available at worlds.

I’ll probably be watching some of the Pokemon TCG coverage, but I might just watch a little bit of everything. Good luck to the folks competing, and hope everyone going has a blast!

Path To the Peak Premiere

Worlds will also make the premier of a short animated series, Path to the Peak. The first episode will have a special screening at Worlds, but you can watch it on the official Pokemon YouTube channel on August 11.

The series will follow Ava as she rises in the ranks in the world of competitive Pokemon TCG. This is probably the announcement that has me that got me the most excited. I love the animation and art style, and the story seems super cute. I like that this series comes at a time where I am super into Pokemon TCG, but I am probably no where near as good as Ava. Check out the sneak peak below and tune in on Friday!

Pokemon Horizons

We also got to see a sneak peak for the new Pokemon Horizons Series with the new protagonist and I can’t put to words how excited I am. The animation and art style are amazing, and the world is unique and beautiful. I can only hope that this series doesn’t feel as rushed as Ultimate Journeys did. I hadn’t decided on watching it until I saw the preview. I’ve got the time stamp below for your convenience. There is no date revealed yet for the English dub yet, but I am excited either way!

Paldea Winds

We also got the announcement for Paldea Winds, another webseries coming to us on September 6, 2023. You can watch it on the official Pokemon YouTube, so make sure you follow to say up to date. Paldea Winds follows three students, Ohara, Aliquis, and Hohma, on their adventures through Paldea. It looks pretty cool at least from the trailer, I just hope its better they don’t mess it up like the Digimon web novel.

Scarlet and Violet DLC

If you’ve been playing Scarlet and Violet, there were a few announcements you should be aware of. Most importantly, make sure you go claim your Mew using code:

GETY0URMEW

The Get Mew and Mewtwo event is live now until September 18th. Players can add Mew to their team with the special code GETY0URMEW in the mystery gift menu. Players will also be able to challenge Mewtwo in a special Tera Raid Battle event that will run from August 31 – September 17th. Make sure you don’t miss out on these exclusive Pokemon because they look sick!

We also got to see the first part the upcoming DLC, The Teal Mask, coming out on September 13. The area will bring with it a new area with a new school, characters, and Pokemon. There will also be new story where they investigate the mysteries behind an old Kitakami folktale. I have Violet, but never got around to play it. It might be a great time to for my first play through as I get ready for the DLC.

Final thoughts and Misc. Announcents

This was a very exciting showcase. I can’t wait for the anime to drop, and I might come around to play some of the games. Don’t forget that the Obsidian Flames expansion comes out on August 10th. Its release is certainly shaking up the meta, and there are some cards I wouldn’t mind chasing. The new season of ranked starts on Pokemon TCG live, so make sure you finish up your battle pass and make your last minute climb. I just filled up my battle pass yesterday and love the full art cards I was able to pull. If you have a Switch, you will also be able to play Pokemon Stadium 2 and the Pokemon Trading Card Game on the virtual console if you have a subscription. If you’ve been enjoying these updates, don’t forget to do the things!

Board Games and TCGs, Pokemon TCG

The Pokemon 151 full art cards are enough to get anyone hyped for the set

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I’ve seen more of the full art cards for the upcoming Pokemon 151 set, and they are beautiful. It is seriously becoming impossible to fight the urge to buy into this set because it looks so good!

Pokemon 151 has done a terrific job of balancing enough of a nostalgic feel to satisfy long-time fans while establishing itself as a unique and desirable set to draw in new ones. Pokemon 151 releases on September 22nd. I only do Pokemon TCG live at the moment, but those of you who want physical cards can head over to Best Buy or Target to pre-preorder. Check out my previous post where I break down the pre-orders by product.

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Board Games and TCGs, Pokemon TCG

Pokemon’s upcoming set, Obsidian Flames, has some beautiful alt art cards!

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In preparation for the upcoming for the upcoming Pokemon set, Obsidian Flames, I thought it would be a cool idea to show off some of the full art cards that have been revealed. There are some cool cards in this set, not as cool as Paldea Evolved yet, but I can see the potential. Obsidian Flames comes out on August 11th so make sure you preorder from your LGS or TCG Player if you don’t have one. If you’ve been enjoying these updates, make sure you comment, like, subscribe, and share this with your friends.

Charizard Ex

I’ll start off with what is probably the card that is going to move this set. I mean who doesn’t love another Charizard and the alt arts are just beautiful. It’s hard to choose a favorite, but the gold is going to looks so nice in a binder!

Cleffa

The art card for Cleffa is so cute! This would probably my reason to buy into this set, but just see for your self.

Pidgeotto

I think I prefer the regular print of the Pidgeotto better, but maybe this is one of those cards you have to appreciate in person.

Lechonc

This is just too cute! It also a pretty accurate mood.

Ryme

I wish it was a but more colorful, but I like the spray paint style for this Ryme card. But the effect is not bad. You get a draw and you get to switch your Opponents Pokemon?

Board Games and TCGs

Obsidian Flames: Trainer Card List and Translations

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In preparation for the release of Obsidian Flames, I’ll be sharing the card list in sections by type. Today’s focus will be the Normal types. Make sure you check out the rest of the previews as well. Obsidian Flames comes out August 11th, make sure you go put in your pre-order at your LGS or TGC Player if you don’t have one. And if you’ve been enjoying these updates, don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share this with your friends.

Atticus

You can use this card only if your opponent’s Active Pokémon is Poisoned.

Shuffle your hand into your deck, then draw 7 cards.

Brassius

Shuffle your hand into your deck. Then, draw cards until you have 1 more card in your hand than you shuffled in.

Letter of Encouragement

You can play this card only if any of your Pokémon were Knocked Out during your opponent’s last turn.

Search your deck for up to 3 Basic Energy cards, reveal them, and put them into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.

Nemona

Draw 3 cards.

Poppy

Move up to 2 Energy from 1 of your Pokémon to another of your Pokémon.

Revenge Punch

When the Pokémon this card is attached to is Knocked Out by damage from an attack from your opponent’s Pokémon, put 4 damage counters on the Attacking Pokémon.

Town Department Store

Once during each player’s turn, that player may search their deck for a Pokémon Tool card, reveal it, and put it into their hand. Then, that player shuffles their deck.

Board Games and TCGs

Obsidian Flames: Normal Type Card List and Translations

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In preparation for the release of Obsidian Flames, I’ll be sharing the card list in sections by type. Today’s focus will be the Normal types. Make sure you check out the rest of the previews as well. Obsidian Flames comes out August 11th, make sure you go put in your pre-order at your LGS or TGC Player if you don’t have one. And if you’ve been enjoying these updates, don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share this with your friends.

Lillipip

[C] Rear Kick: 20 damage.

Herdier

[C] Rear Kick: 30 damage.

[C][C] Hammer In: 50 damage.

Stoutland

[C] Chomp Chomp Panic: 50x damage. This attack does 50 damage for each [C] in your opponent’s Active Pokémon’s Retreat Cost.

[C][C][C] Sharp Fang: 140 damage.

Audino

[C] Find a Friend: Search your deck for a Pokémon, reveal it, and put it into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.

[C][C][C] Slap: 80 damage.

Bouffalant

Ability: Bouffer
This Pokémon takes 20 less damage from attacks (after applying Weakness and Resistance).

[C][C] Damage Rush: 50+ damage. Flip a coin until you get tails. This attack does 30 more damage for each heads.

Yungoos

[C] Knock Away: 10+ damage. Flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 10 more damage.

Gumshoos

[C] Headbang: 30 damage.

[C][C] Crunch: 60 damage. Discard an Energy from your opponent’s Active Pokémon.

Skwovet

[C] Sneak a Bite: Discard the top card from your opponent’s deck.

[C] Gentle Slap: 10 damage.

Greedent ex

[C] Get Greedy: Look at the top 3 cards of your deck. You may put those cards into your hand or discard them and draw 3 cards.

[C][C][C] Foolish Rolling: 210 damage. During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t use Foolish Rolling.

Lechonk

[C] Headbutt Bounce: 10 damage.

[C][C] Mudshot: 20 damage.

Oinkologne

[C][C] Hula Hula Perfume: 30 damage. Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Confused.

[C][C][C] Immersion Kick: 160 damage. Flip a coin. If tails, this Pokémon also does 60 damage to itself.