Owner Pokemon Returning to the TCG and Team Rocket Set Teased at Worlds!

By: Water Pokémon Master · Posted Posted onAug 18, 2024 at 9:18 PM · 89 Comments

As expected, 2025 will see the return of Owner’s Pokemon to the TCG — now officially called “Trainer’s Pokemon.” The closing ceremonies of Worlds just revealed Lillie’s Clefairy ex, Marnie’s Grimmsnarl ex, N’s Zoroark ex, and two prints of N’s Reshiram.

The new Owner’s Pokemon will work just like the original mechanic from Gym Heroes and Gym Challenge. They will evolve from or into their respective Trainer’s Pokemon and show their Trainer’s icon on the card. (Although this time, they can also be Pokemon ex!)

Pokemon also teased Arven’s Mabosstiff, Misty(?)’s Psyduck, and Ethan’s Pichu:

They also teased the return of Team Rocket, which is obviously in reference to The Glory of Team Rocket. The logo showed Mewtwo at one point, foreshadowing the return of Rocket’s Mewtwo ex.

You can watch the full trailer here:

In June, The Glory of Team Rocket was revealed through Japanese trademark listings. (We still don’t know its release date.) At the time we predicted the set would see the return of Rocket’s Pokemon or Dark Pokemon.

Then last month, distributor listings revealed Battle Partners will be the first Japanese set of 2025. It will feature notable Trainers alongside their Pokemon, including Iono, N, and Lillie.

At the same time, it was revealed two new preconstructed decks will release on February 21st named “Starter Set ex Steven’s Beldum & Metagross ex” and “Starter Set ex Marnie’s Morpeko & Grimmsnarl ex.”

All of this indicated the return of Owner’s Pokemon. The mechanic has appeared in various forms throughout the history of the TCG.

Since 2016, there has been a new TCG mechanic revealed at each Worlds. (I’ve been at all of them to cover the news!)