Diamond and Pearl

Welcome to Sinnoh: The Diamond and Pearl Era

The Diamond & Pearl expansion fundamentally changed the landscape of the Pokémon TCG when it was released on May 23, 2007. Marking the debut of the fourth generation, Diamond & Pearl introduced players to the Sinnoh region and its iconic starter trio: Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup. This set was not just a roster update; it overhauled the game mechanics entirely. The most significant addition was the Pokémon LV.X mechanic, a powerful new way to level up your active Pokémon. With Diamond & Pearl, the visual layout of the cards also evolved, offering larger artwork and modernized Pokédex entries that gave each card a fresh, high-tech feel.

The Power of Diamond & Pearl

In the competitive arena, Diamond & Pearl laid the groundwork for entirely new strategies. The introduction of Pokémon LV.X cards like Empoleon LV.X and Infernape LV.X gave players access to devastating Poké-Powers and attacks that could turn the tide of battle instantly. The set also formalized the distinction between Supporter, Stadium, and Trainer cards, adding a layer of tactical depth that persists to this day. Collectors still hunt for the beautiful holofoil versions of Lucario and Luxray, as well as the imposing Legendary Pokémon Dialga and Palkia. Whether you are revisiting the classic era or discovering it for the first time, Diamond & Pearl remains a cornerstone of TCG history.

Status: Released (May 2007)