Solgaleo Prism Star, the First Prism Star Pokemon, from SM5!

The first “Prism Star” card has been revealed from Japan’s SM5 set, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon! The set will release in Japan on December 8th.

The new Prism Star mechanic was first mentioned in the set description for Ultra Prism, our English equivalent of SM5 which will be released in February. The set description mentioned there would be six Prism Star cards in the set, so the same should hold true of Japan’s SM5.

Solgaleo ◇ – Metal – HP160
Basic Pokemon

◇ (Prism Star) Rule: You can’t have more than 1 Prism Star card with the same name in your deck. If a Prism Star card is discarded, put it in the Lost Zone.

[M] Rising Star: For each of your opponent’s Pokemon in play, attach a [M] Energy from your discard pile to your Pokemon in any way you like.

[M][M][M][M] Corona Impact: 160 damage. This Pokemon can’t attack during your next turn.

Weakness: Fire (x2)
Resistance: Psychic (-20)
Retreat: 3

The Lost Zone returns! Once a card is in the Lost Zone, there’s no way to get it back — it’s a special discard pile. The mechanic was first introduced in Platinum back in 2009 and was inspired by the Distortion World from Pokemon Platinum. It’s usually associated with Giratina. Because of this set’s Sinnoh theme and the reintroduction of the Lost Zone, I bet we’ll get a Giratina ◇ too.

So what is a Prism Star Pokemon?

Aesthetically, they feature a black border (a first for our TCG), a colorful prism in the background of the card template, a smaller artwork window in order to fit the Prism Star rule, and their own unique rarity (“PR” for “Prism”). It’s possible they’ll also get multiple prints within a set like Pokemon-GX with their full art and rainbow rare versions. I wonder what fresh hell awaits you, collectors.

In terms of the game, it seems Prism Star Pokemon are Big Basic Pokemon (powerful Basic Pokemon). If it weren’t for the Prism Star rule, Solgaleo ◇ would be broken since it’s a single Prize 160 HP Basic that can easily power up multiple attackers at the same time. Its attack would also pressure your opponent into limiting the number of Pokemon they put into play. So to limit a Prism Star’s power, the game makers designed them so only one of each could be played in a deck and they’re banished to the Lost Zone so you can’t keep abusing them.

A deck can run four Solgaleo, four Solgaleo-EX, a Solgaleo ◇, and a Lunala ◇. You can have multiple Prism Star Pokemon, but only one of each.

Thanks goes to Jake C., Vincent, Bangiras, and Hannes S. for the translation!