After some leaks hinted at a mini set arriving soon after Pokemon Day and a more extensive set scheduled for late April—around April 30, 2025—Pokemon TCG Pocket enthusiasts began hoping for a lull in new releases to allow them to catch up with older sets. But surprise, surprise—the latest bombshell is the upcoming release of another set called Shining Revelry, hitting the shelves as early as March 27. This set promises to introduce both fresh and familiar shiny creatures, Ex cards, and some intriguing new tools. Although only a few cards have been revealed, one card, in particular, seems poised to make a significant impact on the current meta.
It’s quite thrilling to imagine how Shining Revelry might shake up the Pokemon TCG Pocket’s competitive decks amidst the current Triumphant Light era. Of particular note is the new Charizard Ex card, which stands out for its game-changing 150 damage attack that can be unleashed in just three turns without any drawbacks. While Genetic Apex’s Charizard Ex still reigns with its massive 200 damage hit, the introduction of Shining Revelry clearly indicates a push towards diversifying strategies around beloved creatures. Among the Ex cards showcased, it’s the Trainer card known as Red that might prove to be the most influential powerhouse in the set.
Red’s effect mirrors that of the Giovanni card, enhancing the damage dealt by a player’s Pokemon during a turn, though it’s got its own flair. Giovanni boosts all attacks by 10 additional damage against opponent Pokemon—a formidable edge that can seal games, particularly evident in tournament plays where Arceus Ex, sporting 140 HP and capable of a 130 damage attack, uses Giovanni to great effect. Red ups the ante by augmenting outgoing attacks by 20 damage, but here’s the kicker—it only applies this boost against Ex cards.
This shift changes the game significantly, given the prevalence of decks that depend heavily on one or more Ex cards to clinch victory. The accelerated pace of taking down Ex cards could prompt a reevaluation of deck compositions and influence which Ex cards are deemed competitive. Starmie Ex, for instance, could find itself in a pinch compared to Glaceon Ex. With Red in play, Starmie’s relatively low HP poses a liability, needing just 110 damage to go down if Red aids its opposition.
Red’s entry could also see Giant Cape becoming a staple in decks—likely in pairs—while increasing the value of healing cards and effects. The new Irida Supporter might offer some counterbalance to Red’s threat, yet the underlying issue persists: a single card upping the damage output by 20 opens possibilities for one-hit knockouts, even on full-health adversaries. The universality of Red across attacking Pokemon could breathe new life into previously overlooked Ex cards.
Moreover, decks featuring Sudowoodo could gain additional clout, as adding Red into the mix enables Sudowoodo to inflict an astounding 130 damage on Arceus Ex, provided two Lucario are on the bench—with just a single Energy required. Red’s unavoidable impact will likely lead to significant shifts across the meta, necessitating a strategic revamp among top-tier decks to navigate this looming challenge. Its exact influence is yet to unfold, but Red is shaping up to be the next pivotal card in Pokemon TCG Pocket.
