Scarlet and Violet
Status: Released (March 2023)
A New World in Scarlet & Violet
A new generation began on March 31, 2023, with the release of the Scarlet & Violet base set. This expansion overhauled the entire TCG aesthetic, replacing the iconic yellow borders with sleek gray ones to match the Japanese cards. It resurrected the "ex" mechanic (lowercase "ex"), featuring Pokémon with high HP that give up two prize cards. The set showcased the new Paldea region, introducing Terastal phenomena with "Tera Pokémon ex" like Arcanine and Gyarados that sport crystalline appearances.
Miriam and the Waifu Tax
While the new mechanics were exciting, the secondary market was heavily driven by "Illustration Rares," a new rarity type showcasing full-art scenes. The "Miriam" Special Illustration Rare became the defining chase card of the set, reaching prices that shocked the community and proving that Trainer cards could be just as valuable as Charizard. Scarlet & Violet wasn't just a new set; it was a total reset for the game's visual identity.
