“Battle Partners” Pokémon TCG Expansion Officially Revealed!
The highly anticipated “Battle Partners” Pokémon TCG expansion has been officially unveiled in Japan, with all 100 main set cards revealed. Scheduled for release on January 24, 2025, the set introduces an exciting collection of Owner’s Pokémon cards alongside regular Pokémon.
Set Highlights
“Battle Partners” features Trainer-specific Pokémon cards for beloved characters:
- Iono’s Bellibolt ex
- N’s Zoroark ex
- Lillie’s Clefairy ex
- Hop’s Zacian ex
This marks the return of the Owner’s Pokémon mechanic, last seen in 2000’s Gym Heroes set. The pack art showcases these Trainer-Pokémon partnerships, and Iono-themed accessories have also been confirmed.
Regulation Updates in Japan
“Battle Partners” will debut the “I” regulation mark, heralding Japan’s next rotation. As of January 24, only cards marked G, H, and I will be tournament-legal, phasing out cards with the F mark.
Global Release and English Set Details
While Japan will enjoy “Battle Partners” as a standalone set, international fans can expect these cards as part of the Journey Together set, launching globally on March 28, 2025. Some English cards were previewed at the Pokémon World Championships in August.
Special Products and Upcoming Releases
To complement the launch, Pokémon Center Japan will release special merchandise, including:
- Collection File N
- Collection File Lillie
Here’s a sneak peek at Japan’s upcoming Pokémon TCG schedule:
- February 21: Starter Set ex featuring Steven’s Metagross ex and Marnie’s Morpeko ex
- March 14: Heat Wave Arena featuring Cynthia’s Garchomp ex
- April 18: The Glory of Team Rocket featuring Rocket’s Mewtwo ex
- June 6: Black Bolt and White Flare featuring all 156 Unova Pokémon
Mark Your Calendars
The return of the Owner’s Pokémon mechanic and the rich lineup of Trainer-Pokémon cards make “Battle Partners” an unmissable set for collectors and players alike. Don’t miss its release on January 24 in Japan and look forward to its global debut in March!
