Pokemon Scarlet & Violet TCG Set revealed: Release date, new card designs, prices

The Pokemon Company has just announced the release date for the first Scarlet & Violet TCG expansion, as well as a few changes to card designs and an increased price. Here’s everything we know.

The Gen 9 Pokemon Scarlet & Violet games were finally released on November 18, 2022, and fans immediately fell in love with the gameplay despite various performance issues.

Following tradition, The Pokemon Company International has revealed the games’ first accompanying TCG set, aptly named after both versions.

Here’s everything we know about the Pokemon TCG Scarlet & Violet set, including release date, card designs, and more.

Pokemon TCG Scarlet & Violet set release date

According to the post from TPCi, The Scarlet & Violet TCG set will release on March 31, 2023.

Pokemon TCG Scarlet & Violet card design changes

Besides the new ‘ex’ mechanic revealed during the 2022 World Championships, The Pokemon Company has announced a few card design changes.

Silver card borders

For decades, the Pokemon TCG cards in the US donned a yellow border to differentiate them from the Japanese equivalent much faster.

With the release of Scarlet & Violet in March, cards will now sport the same silver border as Japanese cards have for years, which fans consider a better-looking option.

Energy Card and Set labels on cards

Until now, basic energy cards had nothing to make them visibly different from other special energy cards like Fusion Strike and Double Turbo energy.

Now, TPCi has added a subtype tag to the top of the card and an energy symbol on the bottom right of the card to help players quickly identify it in their hands.

On top of this, the expansion symbols they’ve used on all cards will be replaced by expansion codes on the bottom left of each card.

This will make it easier for players and collectors alike to identify what set a card comes from.

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet TCG ‘ex’ card mechanics

Unlike the cards from the Black & White or XY series of sets, ‘ex’ cards from Scarlet & Violet will come in Basic, Stage 1, and Stage 2 evolution cards, as well as tera-type ex versions.

TPCi has released a list of noteworthy cards from the expansion as well:

• 12 double rare Pokémon ex, including two Tera Pokémon ex featuring Arcanine and Gyarados
• 12 ultra rare Pokémon ex and eight ultra rare Supporter cards
• 24 illustration rare Pokémon
• 10 special illustration rare Pokémon and Supporter cards
• Six hyper rare gold etched cards, which can include Pokémon ex, Trainer, and Energy cards

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet TCG set price increase

Due to “global inflation” impacting the cost of materials, Pokemon TCG products will see price increases with the launch of Scarlet & Violet on March 31.

A single booster pack will go from $3.99 USD to $4.49. However, the company plans on making up for the fifty-cent increase as each pack of cards will now feature three guaranteed foil cards, all with a rarity of “Rare” or higher.

Also, products like the Elite Trainer Box will now include an additional pack and full-art promo card.

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet TCG set preorders

The Pokemon Center has also listed the first Scarlet & Violet products up for preorder:

• Pokemon TCG Scarlet & Violet Elite Trainer Box (Miraidon design) – $59.99
• Pokemon TCG Scarlet & Violet Elite Trainer Box (Koraidon design) – $59.99
• Pokemon TCG Scarlet & Violet 36-pack booster box – $161.64
• Pokemon TCG Scarlet & Violet 6-Pack booster bundle – $26.94

That’s all we know regarding the upcoming set. Stay tuned for more news as The Pokemon Company announces new products.

While you’re here, check out our Pokemon TCG guides and other news.