The Shining Fates expansion is the first major product release for the Pokémon TCG as 25 years since the launch of the original Pokémon video games is celebrated.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the Pokémon Trading Card Game had a phenomenally successful 2020 and is set to receive an even bigger boost thanks to this major milestone for the popular and successful entertainment franchise.

Releasing in February, the Shining Fates set – which spotlights the game’s ultra-rare and powerful Shiny Pokémon variants – is a special expansion sitting outside the current Sword & Shield expansion block, the latest instalment of which will follow in March. This is the first time that the game has released such a set this early in a year, having previously only done so in Q4 – speaking to the step up in plans for such a monumental year.

As is fitting, the set will be led by the iconic Pikachu, who stars in the Pokémon TCG: Shining Fates – Pikachu V collection. This boxed set features Pikachu V in the form of both a full-art foil promo card and an impressive foil oversize card, as well as coming with four booster packs.

Another fan-favourite Pokémon, Eevee, will take a turn in the spotlight as well, fronting the set’s Elite Trainer Box in gigantic VMAX form. This bumper product, attractive to both collectors and players, includes a majestic foil promo card of Eevee VMAX as well as 10 Shining Fates booster packs and a variety of themed accessories.

The Pokémon TCG, including the full Shining Fates expansion and other exciting lines in the works for the remainder of this celebratory year for the game, is available to the UK trade exclusively through Asmodee UK. Retailers wanting a closer look at what’s next for this mega-popular brand should book a meeting at the third edition of AsmoFair, the company’s pioneering virtual trade show.

Running from January 17th-23rd, AsmoFair will bring attendees closer than ever to the feeling of an in-person event thanks to additions including a 360-degree virtual tour of a fully built show stand. (You can view a preview of the tour here). With meetings also available at evenings and weekends in order to accommodate as many needs as possible, retailers can visit asmofair.co.uk in order to book a slot and see everything that’s coming up from the games specialists.