The Journey Together expansion, which released on 28th March 2025, saw the introduction of Trainer’s Pokémon to the TCG. Formerly known as Owner’s Pokémon, these cards last featured in the XY Evolutions set of 2016. This eagerly anticipated comeback offers a new perspective for collectors and exciting new mechanics for competitive players.
Contents
What are Trainer’s Pokémon?
How to Spot Trainer’s Pokémon Cards
Can Trainer’s Pokémon Evolve?
Which Sets include Trainer’s Pokémon?
The Most Popular Trainer’s Pokémon cards
See Also: Complete List of Trainer’s Pokémon Cards with Gallery
Owner’s Pokémon – All You Need to Know
What are Trainer’s Pokémon?
Trainer’s Pokémon are a unique subcategory of trading cards within the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG). These cards feature specific Pokémon owned by well-known trainers from the Pokémon series, usually denoted with the trainer’s name in the card’s title. These cards highlight the strong bond between Trainer and Pokémon, often emphasizing teamwork, synergy, and personality.
The closing ceremony of the 2024 Pokémon World Championship announced the return of Owner’s Pokémon in 2025, under the new name – Trainer’s Pokémon. The official announcement indicated 2025 releases of Lillie’s Clefairy ex, Marnie’s Grimsnarl ex, N’s Reshiram and N’s Zoroark ex.
The release of the Journey Together in March 2025 was so eagerly anticipated by both players and collectors of the TCG that many stockists sold out of products before release day.
How to Spot Trainer’s Pokémon Cards
Like Owner’s Pokémon, Trainer’s Pokémon cards feature the name of the trainer in the card’s title, usually with the format “[Trainer’s Name]’s [Pokémon’s Name].” These cards are easily distinguishable from standard cards due to their design and unique abilities. Not only do they display the Pokémon’s artwork, but they also include an icon of their Trainer. The Hop’s Pincurchin ex card (below) from the Ascended Heroes set of 2026, includes an icon of Hop in the bottom right corner of the Pokémon image.
Can Trainer’s Pokémon Evolve?
The evolution of Trainer’s Pokémon Owner’s differs from regular evolution lines in that they can only evolve into Pokémon that are owned by the same Trainer. For example, the evolution line for Ethan’s Magcargo would be: Ethan’s Slugma -> Ethan’s Magcargo.
Which Expansion Sets Include Trainer’s Pokémon?
Journey Together – Released 28th March 2025 – includes Pokémon owned by N, Iono, Lillie and Hop
Destined Rivals – Released 30th May 2025 – includes Pokémon owned by Ethan, Cynthia, Misty, Marnie, Steven, Arven and Team Rocket
Ascended Heroes – Released 30th January 2026 – includes Pokémon owned by Cynthia, Erika, Ethan, Hop, Iono, Lillie, Larry, N and Team Rocket
The Most Popular Trainer’s Pokémon cards
Among the most popular Trainer’s Pokémon cards released from 2025 to date are:
Lillie’s Clefairy:
Lillie is a very popular Trainer and the Lillie’s Clefairy 184/159 from Journey Together was, and still is a hugely popular card.
This special illustration rare card depicts Lillie and Clefairy in a meadow setting. It is currently (February 2026) selling for around £150 on Ebay UK and $130 on Ebay US.
Team Rocket’s Mewtwo:
Mewtwo is a huge fan-favourite Pokémon. Known for its psychic-type powers and strength it is popular with both collectors and players. Special Illustration Rare card 231/182 from Destined Rivals remains a very popular card.
Team Rocket’s Giovanni is depicted to the left of this beautiful card with Mewtwo towering above. This card is currently (February 2026) available to purchase on Ebay UK for around £350 and $400 in the US.
N’s Zoroark:
N is a very popular Trainer and the N’s Zoroark card from Ascended Heroes is one of the most popular Trainer’s Pokémon cards in the set.
This Special Illustration Rare card 286/217 depicts Trainer N in a reclining position with Zoroark behind. The background features a swirl-type pattern of flowers and shapes in muted colours. This card is currently available on Ebay UK for around £150 and $170 on Ebay.com.
