Since October 30th, the Pokémon Pocket Trading Card Game has immediately become a global phenomenon. Millions of people worldwide are enjoying (and struggling with) it, whether by simply collecting cards or competing against other trainers. It reached over 10 million downloads in just two days.
From the very beginning, users anticipated that new expansions would eventually be introduced, and social media quickly became flooded with rumors. Most speculated that new expansions would launch in January 2025. Fortunately, we won’t have to wait that long.
Release Date for the Mythical Island Expansion
A few hours ago, the official Pokémon TCG Pocket account released a video announcing that the Mythical Island expansion will arrive next Tuesday, December 17th, giving us a preview of some of the content it will include.
Oh hey, what's this? Let me go ahead and drop this here.
— Pokémon TCG Pocket (@PokemonTCGP) December 12, 2024
I kicked in a lot of doors to get this information to you.🦶🚪 (Realistically, I asked REALLY nice and cried a little)
BEHOLD! Mythical Island! ✨ 🏝️ pic.twitter.com/DpG2qWw24S
New Pokémon EX
At first glance, it’s clear that Mew EX will be the star of this expansion, as it’s featured prominently on the booster pack itself. This EX version introduces a new ability called “Genome Hacking,” which, with 3 energies of any type, lets it select an attack from the opposing Pokémon and use it against them.
The second EX Pokémon revealed in the video is Aerodactyl, which swaps its regular attack for “Earth Crush.” This attack deals 80 damage and requires 2 energies, one Fighting-type and one of any type. Additionally, it has an ability that, when activated, prevents the opponent’s active Pokémon from evolving.
New Trainer Cards
A quick look at the video reveals at least two new trainer cards. The first is Blue, which, when used, causes all your Pokémon to receive 10 less damage during your opponent’s next turn. The second is Leaf, which reduces the retreat cost of your active Pokémon by 2 energies, similar to a boosted version of Speed X.
New Attacks for Existing Pokémon
There will also be cards for Pokémon already in the roster but with new attacks. For example, there’s a Tauros that now has Fighting Tackle. This attack costs 3 energies and deals 40 damage. However, if the opponent’s active Pokémon is an EX, it deals an additional 80 damage. Another notable example is Magmar with Fire Blast. This new attack consumes 2 Fire energies and discards them after use but deals 80 damage. There’s also Exeggcute with its Growth Spurt ability, which simply attaches a Grass energy from the energy pool to itself.
Of course, the expansion will also include new Pokémon and updated illustrations for existing ones. However, the most important aspect is how the game’s strategy will be enriched thanks to the new mechanics that these cards bring. That, and the fact that it will now take even more time to collect them all! For now, save up those hourglasses until next Tuesday!
