Pokemon Day on February 27 commemorates the launch of the series' original video games in Japan. The Pokemon Company usually surprises fans with announcements and reveals, and 2023 has been no different. In addition to unveiling Scarlet and Violet's upcoming DLC, it has also been revealed that Pokemon TCG will be receiving a Classic set. These cards will likely be very sought after if they manage to capture the same success that World of Warcraft Classic has.
Video game fans are very moved by nostalgia. This is something old-school releases like World of Warcraft Classic capitalize on, and with the Pokemon TCG Classic set, fans will be able to buy replicas of the first set of cards that have since become iconic within the collector's community.
The Pokemon TCG Classic Set is For the Fans
Among the many major announcements during The Pokemon Company's 2023 Pokemon Day presentation, fans got their first glimpse of the Pokemon TCG Classic set, which will feature the same cards that were included in the game's first ever set - giving fans the chance to find sought-after cards such as Charizard and Professor Oak. Judging by the reveal trailer, it appears the set will include a classy black playmat, as well as plenty of holofoil cards. It is described as a "premium collection" that will last a lifetime, though the cards will not be tournament-legal.
There are a few key differences between the inaugural set of cards and the modern Classic release. First-edition cards have boxes that are shadowless, and the English versions have yellow borders. Modern cards now sport a shadow around the character portrait, and as of 2023 the English Pokemon TCG cards have silver borders like their Japanese counterparts. It is not yet known whether the Classic cards will feature all-original details such as shadowless boxes, though it would be a nice touch for eagle-eyed collectors.
Pokemon TCG is Following the 'World of Warcraft Classic' Strategy
Blizzard Entertainment is a studio that is well aware of the magnetic power that nostalgia has on fans. Although the MMORPG World of Warcraft has gone through numerous beneficial changes over the years, the developer has still provided a way for players to experience the game in its older state. World of Warcraft Classic retains the feeling that the MMORPG had before the release of the first WoW expansion, The Burning Crusade, which was a winning move given the launch boosted subscriber revenue by a wide margin at launch. Classic releases of early expansions like Burning Crusade and Wrath of the Lich King have followed suit.
Pokemon TCG could find similar success with the new Classic set, as the card game has a huge fan base with collectors who have passionately pursued the hobby for decades. The set could serve as a snapshot of the past, allowing franchise veterans to re-experience the early moments that began a global phenomenon. Because the cards are not tournament-legal, they are likely meant more for sentimental value than competitive use, so depending on the quantity produced they could also become very costly collector's items.
According to The Pokemon Company's presentation, fans will see more of this special set during the 2023 Pokemon World Championships, which will be held in Yokohama, Japan this August. Details on the set's price and when pre-orders will open have not yet been revealed, but when they are The Pokemon Company will likely attract both long-time fans and Pokemon TCG newcomers wishing to get a taste of the Pokemon Trading Card Game set that started it all.