Promo card 232/sv-p sealed jap (spedizione dal 3/5 febbraio)

Releasing in Japan on January 24, 2025, Battle Partners will be the ninth main expansion set from the Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet era. It is the Japanese counterpart of the upcoming English set, Journey Together (releasing March 28, 2025).

Battle Partners will feature the return of one of my favorite card concepts, “Trainer’s Pokémon”! These are cards that represent not just any old Pokémon, but ones that are specifically partnered with beloved trainers from the Pokémon anime, games, and manga. 

Trainer’s Pokémon cards follow a particular naming convention, eg. “Lillie’s Clefairy” and cards within the regular setlist also include a small avatar of the respective trainer. Many of the secret rares from Battle Partners showcase amazing illustrations of the trainers interacting with their partner Pokémon.

The “Trainer’s Pokémon” concept was first introduced in the Gym Heroes and Gym Challenge sets back in ye old 1998-2000. I remember being so excited to be holding cards not just for any Pokémon, but those of my favorite Gym Leaders and the Pokémon I watched them battle with in the anime and games (shoutout Erika’s Vileplume 🌺). And now they were part of my team!

For everyone that holds similar nostalgia or sentiment for the trainers that will be featured in Battle Partners (Iono, N, Hop, and Lillie), I hope this set captures that same special feeling!

FYI TCG Players: Battle Partners will be the first set with the “I” regulation mark. “F” regulation mark cards will no longer be legal for tournament play after the release.

The full card list for Battle Partners isn't available yet, but here are the Secret Rares that have been revealed so far. We'll continue to update as more cards come out!