Overview

Pokémon Sword & Shield usher in a new era into the Pokémon TCG, and a new playing style. As with the release of each new generation of Pokémon, it’s not just the video games that experience an overhaul, but every single aspect of the franchise, whether it be as minor as a simple aesthetic change, to a complete rework of an existing product, or the introduction of something completely unexpected. The TCG, by most means, has largely followed these changes second only to the video games – its fanbase is vast, its importance is nothing but understated, and its popularity continues to grow day-by-day. But what does the Sword & Shield Base Set entail? Let’s take a closer look:

Pokémon V Cards

Let’s not waste any time and get straight to the root of the core changes to the TCG, the biggest of which is the introduction of the new Pokémon V cards. Pokémon V replaces Pokémon-GX cards and EX Cards before them, which admittedly, had begun to grow a little stale. But, are Pokémon V cards just a reskinned and fancily painted rendition of EX cards? Well, the answer is both yes and no. Inevitably, Pokémon V cards feel like EX cards, and all the special cards that came in the generations prior – how else can Pokémon advance a well-structured game aside from a cosmetic change? So, of course, then comes the rebuttal that these aren’t in fact just repackaged EX cards, despite the similarities, which is proven by the difference – VMAX cards. We’ll talk about VMAX cards later, but for now, what exactly a Pokémon V card is can be boiled down to the following points:

- Noticeable visual differences from regular TCG cards, such as: larger Pokémon card art, spanning most of the card – similar in presentation to full art cards – as opposed to being limited to a smaller rectangular section above the Pokémon’s attacks; black border outlines/layout, as opposed to the yellow colouring that is usually present (and silver/grey for Japanese cards); a ‘V’ symbol in the top left-hand corner; and some extra stylisations to give the cards that little bit of extra flare.

- They are stronger overall; higher HP and more powerful powers.

- They are influenced by the ‘V Rule’ in gameplay, which stipulates that your opponent may take two prize cards when they knock out your Pokémon V card.

- They are usually ultra-rare cards or an even higher rarity.

Pokémon VMAX Cards

Pokémon VMAX is the real gem of the new Pokémon Sword & Shield Base Set, and the shining point of Pokémon V cards. Acting as an evolution from your existing Pokémon V cards, you’ll be playing VMAX cards on top of your V cards to transform them into their Dynamax and Gigantamax forms in the TCG format. As one of the biggest introductions into the video games, Dynamax and Gigantamax needed a special way to bring themselves into the TCG, and these cards do just that. Identified by the VMAX graphic that’s oh so stylishly printed on them, their key points are as follows:

- Vastly increased HP (notably some of the highest HP that any type Pokémon card has seen to date)

- Ridiculously powerful moves – currently, they may seem akin to their predecessors in previous TCG formats, but we’re sure that shortly after new expansions are released, their power will only continue to grow

- Your opponent can take three prize cards when they knock out your VMAX card. Yes, this is a downside, but it is only natural that there’s a limiter to how much power a VMAX card can have.

- Of course, stunning artwork!

Rarities Are Getting Rarer

Another way that Pokémon has decided to spruce up the TCG is by adding some extra rarities to make your collecting and playing experience a little more eventful and challenging, but also more rewarding as a result.

One of the hottest additions of the Sun & Moon expansion was the introduction of Rainbow Rare cards, aptly named for their beautiful rainbow-themed holographic print over a Full Art card. Sneakily, Pokémon has made these Rainbow Rare cards a little more prevalent and cooler by touching up a few Supporter cards with the design. So now, you can not only find Pokémon as Rainbow Rare cards, but Supporter cards as well! Stay tuned for more updates on this, as there’s sure to be some further additions, alike to what we’ve seen with the past few sets and their respective rarities.

The New Products

Now, we’ve talked about the new additions to the Pokémon TCG that Sword & Shield will bring, so it’s time to get down to the products, and where exactly you can obtain the cards that you want or need for your game:

Pokémon Sword & Shield Elite Trainer Boxes

The Elite Trainer Boxes are certainly not a new addition to the TCG, but they definitely are a valued one, and their re-introduction into Sword & Shield proves no exception. Inside, you’ll find:

- 8 Pokémon Sword & Shield booster packs

- 65 card sleeves featuring Zacian or Zamazenta

- 45 Pokémon TCG Energy cards

- A player's guide to the Sword & Shield expansion

- 6 damage-counter dice

- 1 competition-legal coin-flip die

- 2 acrylic condition markers

- A collector's box

- 4 dividers to keep the collector’s box organized

- A code card for the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online

Toxtricity V Box

One of the new cool Pokémon that has been introduced in the Galar region is Toxtricity, and Pokémon intend to showcase this by making it a staple card in this new expansion box. Inside, you’ll find:

- 1 foil promo card featuring Toxtricity V

- 1 oversize foil card featuring Toxtricity V

- 4 Pokémon TCG booster packs

- A code card for the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online

Galar Partners Tins

TCG collector’s tins are also a reoccurring staple of the TCG, and with good reason – they look great, serve as excellent holders for your extra card bulk, and often feature some otherwise unobtainable promo cards. With the new Sword & Shield expansion, Pokémon wants to showcase the new Galar Region starter Pokémon with style, presenting three collectable tins, each featuring a different Galar starter. Inside, you’ll find:

- 1 of 3 foil Pokémon V cards (each represented on their respective collector’s tin): Rillaboom V, Cinderace V, or Inteleon V

- 5 Pokémon TCG booster packs

- A code card to unlock a promo card in the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online

Meowth VMAX Special Collection

Meowth never gets enough love, whether it’s from its depiction as an endearing antagonist in the anime, or as a lacklustre Pokémon in the games, it’s never getting as much love as it deserves. In noticing this, Pokémon has spruced up Meowth with a VMAX collection that’ll be sure to draw your attention to the conniving Pokémon a little more. Inside the Meowth VMAX special collection, you’ll find:

- 1 foil promo card featuring Meowth V

- 1 foil promo card featuring Meowth VMAX

- 1 oversize foil card featuring Meowth VMAX 

- 5 Pokémon TCG booster packs

- A code card for the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online

Pokémon Sword & Shield Build & Battle Deck

Let’s face it, the Pokémon TCG can be difficult to step into on a competitive basis, and as a rookie, you’ll likely find it hard to surpass that initial barrier. Taking notice of this, Pokémon has decided to include these all new Pokémon Sword & Shield Build & Battle decks, specifically targeted to burgeoning players trying to find their footing in the TCG. If you intend to take this helping hand in building your competitive TCG deck, you’ll find inside:

- A 23-card Evolution pack, including 1 of 4 unique foil promo cards

- 4 Pokémon Sword & Shield booster packs

- A code card for the Pokémon TCG Online

Collector Chest (Spring 2020)

Pokémon collector chests are another mainstay in the series, and here, it’s no exception. Targeted specifically at collectors, these chests will feature:

- 5 Pokémon TCG booster packs

- 3 foil promo cards featuring Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble

- A Pokémon coin featuring Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble

- 4 sticker sheets

- A mini portfolio for card storage

- A Pokémon notepad featuring Zacian and Zamazenta

- A code card for the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online

Sword & Shield Starter Pokémon Theme decks

Now, it’s no surprise that one of the latest additions to the Pokémon Sword & Shield Base Set are theme decks. For many, especially casual and younger fans, they serve as a fun way to get into the game, and get their hands on a premade deck with some decent cards in it. For others, theme decks are a much more serious, and crucial aspect into preparing for competitive play. The reason for this is that theme decks are a practical and affordable way to get a host of much needed trainer, supporter, item and energy cards that are a necessity in building a top-of-the-line competitive deck. In short, their humble origin has great potential, and aren’t something to be missed, even by the most serious players. So, with that in mind, Sword & Shield breaks out with theme decks based upon the Galar region starter Pokémon; Rillabloom, Cinderance, and Inteleon. These theme decks are as follows:

1. Sword & Shield Rillabloom Theme Deck:

Contains:

• 60-card deck
• 1 metallic coin
• Single-player playmat
• 1 deck box
• Damage counters
• 1 rule booklet
• 3 reference cards
• 1 Pokémon TCGO code card

Card list:

• 2x Rillaboom
• 3x Thwackey
• 3x Grookey
• 2x Eldegoss
• 3x Gossifleur
• 2x Whimsicott
• 3x Cottonee
• 2x Maractus
• 2x Snorlax
• 4x Great Ball
• 4x Hop
• 1x Ordinary Rod
• 2x Poké Kid
• 1x Pokégear 3.0
• 1x Pokémon Center Lady
• 2x Potion
• 3x Professor's Research
• 2x Switch
• 18x Grass Energy

2. Sword & Shield Cinderance Theme Deck

Contains:

• 60-card deck
• 1 metallic coin
• Single-player playmat
• 1 deck box
• Damage counters
• 1 rule booklet
• 3 reference cards
• 1 Pokémon TCGO code card

Card list:

• 2x Cinderace
• 3x Raboot
• 3x Scorbunny
• 2x Ninetales
• 3x Vulpix
• 2x Dubwool
• 3x Wooloo
• 2x Drampa
• 2x Sudowoodo
• 2x Bede
• 4x Great Ball
• 4x Hop
• 1x Ordinary Rod
• 2x Poké Kid
• 1x Pokégear 3.0
• 1x Pokémon Catcher
• 3x Professor's Research
• 2x Switch
• 18x Fire Energy 

3. Sword & Shield Inteleon Theme Deck

Contains:

• 60-card deck
• 1 metallic coin
• Single-player playmat
• 1 deck box
• Damage counters
• 1 rule booklet
• 3 reference cards
• 1 Pokémon TCGO code card

Card list:

• 2x Inteleon
• 3x Drizzile
• 3x Sobble
• 2x Drednaw
• 3x Chewtle
• 2x Kingler
• 3x Krabby
• 2x Cramorant
• 2x Mantine
• 1x Energy Switch
• 4x Great Ball
• 4x Hop
• 1x Ordinary Rod
• 2x Poké Kid
• 1x Pokégear 3.0
• 2x Pokémon Catcher
• 3x Professor's Research
• 2x Switch
• 18x Water Energy

Final Words

 Wow! So that’s a lot to take in, but a great start for the Pokémon TCG as it blasts into the Sword & Shield era. Featuring 216 cards (including secret rares), the Sword & Shield Base Set will keep you busy collecting if you are a hardcore collector, or busy reviewing the stats of each card if you are a competitive player. Even for casual fans, the Sword & Shield Base Set is something to take note of, with all new designs and truly awe-inspiring artwork gracing the playing field, and your card binders. Now, only time can tell where Pokémon will go next!