A Pokemon TCG Pocket fan pointed out that Gardevoir's illustration is actually the winner of a Pokemon illustration contest. Gardevoir was one of the most influential cards of the Genetic Apex set, which was Pokemon TCG Pocket's first expansion. While six more sets have launched since then, the card recently returned to the spotlight thanks to a fan sharing this lesser-known detail.
Back when Psychic and Lightning decks dominated Pokemon TCG Pocket, it was Gardevoir's pairing with Mewtwo ex that proved most successful. Its ability, Psy Shadow, lets it pull extra Psychic Energy from the zone, helping other Psychic-type Pokemon like Mewtwo ex ramp up more quickly. But Gardevoir's ability doesn't seem to be the only thing that makes the card stand out.
Pokemon TCG Pocket Fan Spots Hidden Detail In Card Designs
An eagle-eyed Pokemon TCG Pocket player notices an unusual detail on several cards, and shares the finding with their fellow players.
As Reddit user ZombieAladdin pointed out, Gardevoir's illustration is the winner of the first Pokemon Card Game Illustration Grand Prix. Held in 2019 under the theme "Pokemon Landscapes," the contest drew over 5,000 entries. Out of all, Yuu Nishida's artwork won the grand prize, and the submitted artwork was printed on a Pokemon TCG promo card. Years later, the same work reappeared as the debut illustration for Gardevoir in Pokemon TCG Pocket's Genetic Apex set. For those curious, Gardevoir isn't the only card illustrated by the talented artist. In addition to the award-winning artwork, Yuu Nishida has 14 other pieces featured in DeNA's game.
Pokemon Illustration Contest Has Discovered Many Talented Artists
ZombieAladdin, the user who shared the details about Gardevoir's illustration, also pointed out that the Pokemon Illustration Contest has helped spotlight many new artists. For instance, the first Grand Prix runner-up, Narumi Sato, has since illustrated several cards for the franchise, including unique versions of Bulbasaur, Tangela, Shaymin, Togepi, and Buneary, as well as a full-art Pikipek. They're not the only contestant to join the ranks of official Pokemon illustrators. Amelicart and Teeziro are two other familiar names that gained recognition through these contests. Amelicart, in particular, is a fan favorite because they designed Pokemon TCG Pocket's secret Mew card, which is now one of the game's most sought-after collectibles.
The Pokemon Trading Card Game has continued to hold yearly illustration contests since 2019, drawing tens of thousands of artists. So far, though, the only artwork from these contests to make its way into DeNA's digital trading card game has been the Genetic Apex Gardevoir. Hopefully, future Pokemon TCG Pocket expansions will introduce more of these variants, because, based on the community's reaction, it's clear that fans fully support cards featuring contest-winning illustrations.
- Released
- October 30, 2024
- Developer(s)
- DeNA, Creatures Inc.
- Publisher(s)
- The Pokemon Company
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- Yes
WHERE TO PLAY
Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket lets you easily collect Pokémon cards. Creatures Inc. Has created exciting new visual effects for cards that are only possible digitally.
Pokémon cards, played with by people in 89 countries, are now closer to you than ever!
Enjoy Pokémon cards anytime, anywhere, on your mobile device!
■ You can open packs every day to get cards!
Collect cards every day! You can open two booster packs every day at no cost to collect Pokémon cards featuring heartwarming illustrations from the past as well as all-new cards exclusive to this game.
■ New Pokémon cards!
Immersive cards, a brand-new kind of card, make their debut here! With new illustrations that have a 3D feel, immersive cards will make you feel like you’ve leapt into the world of the card’s illustration!
■ Trade cards with friends!
You can trade certain cards with friends. Use the trade feature to collect even more cards!
■ Show off your collection!
You can use binders or display boards to showcase your cards and share them with the world!
■ Casual battles—alone or with friends!
You can enjoy casual battles during quick breaks in your day! Ranked matches are now available for players who'd like to battle even more.
