Pokémon TCG expansion brings Paradox Pokémon and return of controversial old mechanic

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Wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey

Pink ancient Pokémon Scream Tail yells loudly in CGI trailer
(Image credit: The Pokemon Company)

Unveiled at the Pokémon World Championships in Yokohama Japan, the latest Pokémon TCG expansion, entitled Paradox Rift, is set to include Paradox Pokémon as well as the return of the controversial Ace Spec mechanic. The new set is slated for release on November 3 this year.

First debuting in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Paradox Pokémon are permutations of well-known pocket monsters who have emerged either from the Pokémon world's forgotten past or its distant future thanks to time travel shenanigans. These new Pokémon saw some novel twists on a range of fan favorites. Jigglypuff's ancestor, known affectionately as Scream Tail, is an adorable ball of cuteness and rage. In contrast, Iron Valiant, a futuristic take on Gallade, looks like a boss from one of the best Sonic games come to life in the best possible way. 

The reveal came with a teaser trailer that shows off a range of new cards, as well as teasing the return of Ace Spec cards not seen since 2013. For those not in the know, Ace Spec cards are very powerful support cards that are sufficiently impressive that players are only allowed a single copy of any one of them in their deck. 

Ace Spec cards allow the entire game to turn on a dime thanks to a lucky draw, adding a sense of risk and randomness to games that, while pleasing some, may leave others feeling high and dry. 

That being said, though the trailer does tease the return of Ace Spec cards, no specific examples of the returning mechanic have yet been given. This means that The Pokémon Company may well have some balance-related tweaks to Ace Spec cards that we haven't seen yet. 

Concerns about the state of the game aside, the Paradox Pokémon cards themselves look phenomenal, offering even more of the gorgeous art style for which the Pokémon TCG is so famous. Here at TRG Towers, we can't wait to see what beautiful new cards the upcoming set will bring.

In the meantime, our list of the best Pokémon games is well worth checking out if you're looking for your next fix of virtual pocket monster goodness. Alternatively, if you're in the mood for a different turn-based fix, our list of the best JRPGs will sort you out.

Cat Bussell
Cat Bussell
Freelance contributor

An editor and freelance journalist, Cat Bussell has been writing about video games for more than four years and, frankly, she’s developed a taste for it. As seen on TechRadar, Technopedia, The Gamer, Wargamer, and SUPERJUMP, Cat’s reviews, features, and guides are lovingly curated for your reading pleasure.

A Cambridge graduate, recovering bartender, and Cloud Strife enjoyer, Cat’s foremost mission is to bring you the best coverage she can, whether that’s through helpful guides, even-handed reviews, or thought-provoking features. She’s interviewed indie darlings, triple-A greats, and legendary voice actors, all to help you get closer to the action. When she’s not writing, Cat can be found sticking her neck into a fresh RPG or running yet another Dungeons & Dragons game.