We've met more than 1,000 Pokémon and have explored a variety of regions over the years. But the Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—151 expansion pays homage to a simpler time when we only knew about Kanto and the 151 Pokémon discovered there. Containing more than 160 cards, this expansion features every Pokémon originally discovered in Kanto, with the added benefit of modern gameplay techniques and strategies. Whether you plan to make the most of the handful of Pokémon ex or are just looking for exciting new artistic perspectives on some of your favorite Pokémon, this expansion delivers. Let’s take a sneak peek at some of the expansion’s incredible cards ahead of its release on September 22, 2023.
Pikachu
We can’t talk about the OG Kanto Pokémon without mentioning Pikachu! It’s hard to even think about the iconic Pokémon without smiling. Well, artist Hiroyuki Yamamoto got the memo, delivering a Pokémon-packed card that absolutely radiates joy. This is one of those cards you could stare at for hours and still discover new details—new Pokémon, too. Psyduck, Slowpoke, Gengar, Growlithe, Blastoise, Butterfree, and more all make an appearance. But the star of the card is—you guessed it—Pikachu! Captured happily bounding across the street, Pikachu has a modest 60 HP, an attack called Charge that allows the player to search their deck for 1 Lightning Energy to attach to Pikachu, and a Pika Punch attack that does 50 damage.
Erika’s Invitation
The Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—151 expansion is not only a celebration of the original 151 Kanto Pokémon, but also the beloved Trainers and Gym Leaders who hail from the region. Artist Cona Nitanda captures the Celadon City Gym Leader’s passion for plants and Grass-type Pokémon in stunning detail. Erika appears to be in her element, sitting in a room with sunlight filtering in and jewel-toned bottles on display. And the card is as useful as the art is beautiful. The Erika’s Invitation Supporter card allows you to look at an opponent’s hand and then put a Pokémon from their hand onto their Bench. That Pokémon then switches to the Active Spot. Erika’s Invitation provides the perfect opportunity to wreak havoc on an opponent’s beautifully crafted strategy.
Gyarados
The Stage 1 Gyarados card makes a big splash as the ferocious-looking Pokémon snarls, preparing to deal a massive blow to any opponent. Gyarados boasts an incredibly high HP of 190, as well as the interesting Untamed One Ability, which allows the player evolve a Pokémon and then discard the top 5 cards in their deck during their turn. On top of its Ability, Gyarados boasts an attack capable of Knocking Out almost any Pokémon that isn’t a Pokémon ex: its Hyper Beam is hyper powerful, doing 200 damage. The Energy requirement is steep at four Energy cards, but it’s worth it to be able to see Gyarados unleashed on a destructive rampage.
Alakazam ex
It’s difficult to overstate the power of Pokémon ex, and Alakazam ex is no exception. While many Pokémon attacks can do substantial damage, others are more intriguing from a strategic perspective. Alakazam ex has two such attacks, and both offer plenty of utility for a thoughtful strategist. Mind Jack is best leveraged when your opponent has a full Bench because it does 90 damage, plus an additional 30 for each of an opponent’s Benched Pokémon. That’s a possible total of 240 damage, which is an impressive gain for a cost of only 2 Energy cards. Then there’s the impressive Dimensional Hand, which has a damage output of 120 and can be used even if Alakazam ex is on the Bench. Truly, its potential is incredible.
Ninetales ex
This adorable Ninetales ex is on fire, and it is ready to scorch your next opponent! Like any Pokémon ex, Knocking Out Ninetales ex will allow an opponent to take 2 Prize cards. But Ninetales ex isn’t going without a fight with 260 HP. The Fox Pokémon can generate a Heat Wave that does 30 damage and renders an opponent’s Pokémon Burned. It also wields an attack called Mirrored Flames. This fiery assault does 80 damage, and an additional 140 damage if you have the same number of cards in hand as your opponent. It’s worth noting that 220 damage for an attack that requires just 2 Energy cards is impressive indeed.
These are just a few of the incredible cards you'll find in Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—151. See what other cool cards you can discover when the expansion releases on September 22, 2023.
