The Return of the Legends: “The Glory of Team Rocket” just before launch
The hype is building—and for good reason. On April 18, The Glory of Team Rocket , a new Pokémon TCG set that's already being touted as one of the hottest releases of the year, will be released in Japan. Expectations are enormous, as it features nothing less than the return of one of the most iconic factions in the Pokémon universe: Team Rocket .
The Glory of Team Rocket - The best set of the year?
Since their first appearance in 1999—back then as the second official Pokémon card set ever—Giovanni and his sinister squad have held a very special place in the hearts of fans. Team Rocket was never simply the "villain" of the story—they represented style, charisma, and a touch of anarchy. Whether in the anime with the infamous trio of Jessie, James, and Meowth or on legendary cards like the Dark Charizard—Team Rocket was always different. Always a little more dangerous. And always fascinating.
The Glory of Team Rocket promises not only nostalgic flashbacks, but also new illustrations, fresh designs, and perhaps even the return of some classic game mechanics. Giovanni, Meowth, and many other legendary characters are set to appear in a new light – and the fan community can hardly wait.
Will Team Rocket be the best set of the year?
Since their first appearance in 1999—back then as the second official Pokémon card set ever—Giovanni and his sinister squad have held a very special place in the hearts of fans. Team Rocket was never simply the "villain" of the story—they represented style, charisma, and a touch of anarchy. Whether in the anime with the infamous trio of Jessie, James, and Meowth or on legendary cards like the Dark Charizard—Team Rocket was always different. Always a little more dangerous. And always fascinating.
The Glory of Team Rocket promises not only nostalgic flashbacks, but also new illustrations, fresh designs, and perhaps even the return of some classic game mechanics. Giovanni, Meowth, and many other legendary characters are set to appear in a new light – and the fan community can hardly wait.
What products can you expect?
Scarlet & Violet – The Glory of Team Rocket will be released in booster boxes of 30 packs. Each booster pack contains five trading cards. The pack design features Giovanni as well as many familiar Team Rocket members and their Pokémon.
Which cards are already known?
We're already showing you the best cards known so far from The Glory of Team Rocket set – a must-have for all fans of the infamous team!
As expected, the first special cards in the set already show that we won't be disappointed. While Perlu and Zamazenta don't have a special connection to Team Rocket, they'll definitely brighten up your collection. However, we do know of cards that fit the Team Rocket image perfectly. The Meowth and Wobbuffet cards in particular stand out: Not only do they fit the set perfectly, they also embody Team Rocket's unmistakable charm and madness like no other. These are exactly the kind of cards fans want—and that's exactly what The Glory of Team Rocket delivers!
Team Rocket in the Destined Rivals Set
The tenth set in the Crimson & Purple series, Scarlet & Violet – Destined Rivals , will be released on May 30, 2025. A host of exclusive trading cards await you – including likely new Trainer Pokémon and sinister representatives of the notorious criminal organization Team Rocket. The German title of the set has not yet been announced.
Destined Rivals will be a combination of "The Glory of Team Rocket" and "Heat Wave Arena." We're already showing you the first known products for this set as well. More detailed information on "Destined Rivals" will be available in a future blog post.
Conclusion on “The Glory of Team Rocket”
With Scarlet & Violet – The Glory of Team Rocket, the Pokémon Trading Card Game delivers a true highlight for fans of the classic era and lovers of the dark side of the Pokémon universe. The set is a successful homage to the iconic villainous organization while simultaneously bringing a breath of fresh air to the Crimson & Purple series.
From the card design to the character selection and special abilities, everything screams "Team Rocket." The depictions of Giovanni , Meowth , and Wobbuffet , in particular, perfectly capture the Rocket Squad's trademark humor, theatricality, and charm. The cards not only look stunning but also feature exciting gameplay mechanics that provide strategic depth.
Both collectors and competitive players will find something to their liking here. For some, the meticulously detailed illustrations and character cards offer real display potential, while for others, the new Trainer and Pokémon cards bring interesting possibilities to the metagame.
In short: The Glory of Team Rocket is a real hit for anyone who's always had a soft spot for the "bad guys" – and proves once again why Team Rocket is one of the most beloved antagonists in the entire Pokémon franchise. This set is not only a love letter to the classics, but also an exciting building block for the future of the game.
