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During the Sword & Shield era, the Pokémon TCG has released at least one special expansion every year. A special expansion is a set of cards that does not include the current era’s title in its name and is often directly themed to a certain topic. Another feature of special expansions is that they come only in set-specific products rather than booster boxes and individual packs. For example, a main series set would be Sword & Shield – Astral Radiance and Sword & Shield – Lost Origin, while a special set would be Shining Fates, Celebrations, and the topic of this new spotlight series, the Pokémon GO expansion. Released on July 1st, 2022, this special set was made in partnership with Niantic Labs, the mobile developer behind the iconic game Pokémon GO. The set adapts and pays homage to certain elements from the game while also continuing current elements of the TCG including VSTARs, Radiant Pokémon, Alternate Arts, and more. Follow me through a journey through this set as we appreciate the artwork, discuss the card’s place in the set, and talk about what certain elements of the expansion may imply for the future of the Pokémon TCG. Today, we continue with the Dragonite Ultra Rares in this set.
Pokémon GO includes both a standard Dragonite V as well as a Dragonite VSTAR. This illustrative, watercolor-style V comes from artist kawayoo. Dragonite flies high here, looking intimidating despite its friendly design. The VSTAR comes courtesy of PLANETA Tsuji, who gives us an in-your-face look at a battle-ready Dragonite. This Dragonite inclusion is likely because, as the game’s first-ever pseudo-Legendary, Dragonite spawns were considered some of the most exciting encounters that could be had in the pre-Shiny days of the game due to intense rarity.
Stay tuned for the continuing journey through Pokémon TCG: Pokémon GO. Next time, the spotlight continues with more cards from the main section of this themed expansion.
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