After Destined Rivals, Pokémon is doubling down on Team Rocket as new trademark is filed
Pokémon Destined Rivals was one of Scarlet & Violet’s most popular expansions, and now a new Team Rocket product has been filed.
With Pokémon Destined Rivals booster boxes closing in on the $600 mark, and ETBs north of $200 ($500 for Pokémon Center), it seems that any Team Rocket products right now would blast off again. While there’s nothing officially revealed yet, a new trademark has surfaced, and it could mean more Pokémon cards based on our favourite villainous squad could be coming soon.
The Pokémon TCG isn’t shy on nostalgia; in fact, it drowns in it. While the original 151 remain some of the most popular Pokémon in the franchise, Team Rocket isn’t far behind. Despite being a modern set that is still within its printing timeline, Destined Rivals sells out instantly - and it’s evidence of collector’s love for the crime syndicate.
Personally, I’m a sucker for Team Galactic, as a Platinum fanatic. But even I can appreciate Team Rocket’s consistent success, and few characters are as memorable as Jessie and James. So, when I see a Team Rocket TCG product teased, my only thought is one of worry: “will I even get it?”
As revealed by PokéBeach, a new trademark has been filed for ‘Are You Perhaps with Team Rocket?’ Filed by Pokémon Japan and categorised in the same section as other Pokémon TCG products, the title suggests it may be a collection product instead of an expansion, as no Pokémon set has ever had a ‘?’ in its title.
With the Pokémon 30th Celebration set impending, it wouldn’t surprise me if this were an anniversary-style collection for fans. The question seems to ask collectors whether they’re with the infamous syndicate or not. Judging by the market price of Destined Rivals, many already answered that question months ago.
As the trademark has only just been filed, it’s likely it will be released next year. Storm Emeralda set was trademarked and spotted a year ago, and has only just been revealed to be the TCG’s next expansion after 30th Celebration.
In any case, this trademark is further proof that Pokémon isn’t working at random - this is a formula that consistently works. Destined Rivals proves there is an appetite for Giovanni and his syndicate, and even if this is a simple collection, I can already see it surging in price as it flies off shelves.
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