The Pokémon Trading Card Game is filled with exceptional artwork that brings us deeper into the world of Pokémon. Recent expansions (including the newly released Sword & Shield—Lost Origin) also feature a 30-card subset known as the Trainer Gallery.
These beautiful, full-art cards have their numbering system (the card numbers begin with “TG”), and most showcase Pokémon interacting with their Trainers. Take a look at some of the Trainer Gallery cards in the Sword & Shield—Lost Origin expansion that paints a picture of what life would be like with a Pokémon partner:
Charizard
The charismatic Champion Leon and his buddy Charizard are well-known throughout the Galar region for their strength and their outgoing personalities. Their relationship is perfectly reflected on this card, which sees the pair relaxing on a couch on a bright, sunny day. Are they playing? Is Charizard leaning in to get a few skritches? That’s up to you to decide, but there’s no question that these two are having a great time.
Eternatus VMAX
Rose, the misguided chairman of the Galar Pokémon League, is featured alongside Eternatus VMAX, the Pokémon he summoned in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield with the hope of providing limitless energy for the Galar region. The pair certainly makes an intimidating team: Rose appears self-assured (and perhaps a bit cold-hearted) and Eternatus in its Eternamax form looks like something from a nightmare. Is it just us, or do the tips of Eternamax Eternatus’s finger-like appendages look like eyeballs? Talk about creepy—a Dread End indeed.
Pikachu
Several cards in the Sword & Shield—Lost Origin Trainer Gallery are inspired by the Hisui region as seen in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. This charming Pikachu card captures a moment of quiet relaxation that shows just how close a Pokémon and its Trainer can be. Akari, one of Pokémon Legends: Arceus’s player characters, has curled up beneath a tree for a well-earned nap, presumably worn out after some intense adventuring. Alongside her is her pal Pikachu; the little Pokémon has wiggled its way out of Akari’s embrace and is currently dozing with one of its feet shoved into its partner’s cheek. Seeing as how neither are fazed by the situation, this sort of thing probably happens to them all the time. So cute!
Pikachu VMAX
The Trainer Gallery plays host to another Pikachu, but Pikachu VMAX here certainly appears more ready for battle than Akari’s sleepy Pokémon. Partnered with popular protagonist Red, this Gigantamax Pikachu is large and in charge. We appreciate the dramatic angle we have of the action. Red is looking fierce and determined as Pikachu VMAX, wearing a wide, goofy grin, towers over him, the ground shattering beneath its feet as electricity crackles around the two. The juxtaposition of the pair’s wildly different expressions—despite the incredible amount of power on display—is just too amusing.
Gengar
Charm, Clover, and Coin (aka the Miss Fortune Sisters) are a troublesome trio of bandits that you’ll often encounter at the least opportune times while exploring the Hisui region. Here, however, we see them during some downtime as they’ve set up camp. Charm, the group leader, is tending to the fire with some help from Gengar. But is Gengar trying to help, or is it simply waiting to gobble up that tasty stew that Charm is preparing?
Snorlax
There’s no wondering what Snorlax’s motivations are on its card. This gluttonous Pokémon is absolutely stuffing itself with what appears to be some of the Hisui region’s famous potato mochi. The bench that it was sitting on has collapsed under its weight, but not even that can slow down Snorlax’s voracious appetite. It has an armful of tasty treats, and it’s going to finish them no matter what. Commander Kamado isn’t even phased by his Pokémon partner’s behavior; he’s clearly lived this scenario many times before and is content to quietly enjoy his meal while Snorlax goes to town. This is the epitome of a solid partnership.
Spiritomb
This creepy Spiritomb card features Vessa, a young girl in Jubilife Village who we initially met in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. In that game, she needs help gathering 107 glowing wisps to contain the Forbidden Pokémon. This is a bit odd, considering the card’s text explains that Spiritomb is assembled from “five score and eight malevolent spirits” (that’s 108 for those not used to old-timey counting methods). Does Vessa know what has become of Spiritomb’s final spirit? We’ll leave that for you to ponder as the Pokémon continues to vex the poor girl while she stares at her haunting reflection.
Enamorus V
The elegant Cogita is an expert on the history of the Hisui region and has become close friends with Enamorus V. Hailed as the Herald of Spring, this Legendary Pokémon and Cogita make a deceptively powerful team. As you can see on this card, the two may look demure and delicate, but that intense glimmer in Enamorus’s eyes combined with its powerful pose lets you know that this Pokémon means trouble. Cogita’s sly expression is a further testament to their true strength. She probably expects her opponents to underestimate them—it’s the perfect setup for victory.
Centiskorch VMAX
Kabu is the Gym Leader of the Motostoke Gym in the Galar region. An expert with Fire-type Pokémon, he believes in the importance of constant training to achieve one’s full potential. It seems that one way this skilled Trainer likes to work out is by jogging, but why go for a run with your Pokémon when you can go for a run on your Pokémon? This Centiskorch VMAX card depicts Kabu’s partner in its Gigantamax form, which results in a tremendously huge Pokémon with a long, flat back—an impromptu track that’s perfect for extreme exercising! The viewing angle gives us a great view of Centiskorch’s massive size and a striking demonstration of the trust and friendship that these two must share.
Orbeetle VMAX
We love Pokémon, but sometimes it’s easy to forget that they can be dangerous. Just ask Bugsy here. The poor Azalea Town Gym Leader has gotten a bit caught up in Orbeetle VMAX’s Eerie Beam (along with some fencing, street signs, and an unlucky Miltank). Hopefully, Orbeetle realizes its mistake before too long and places Bugsy down gently. If nothing else, this little mishap serves as a stark demonstration of this Pokémon’s immense power.
These are just a fraction of the Trainer Gallery cards that you can find in the Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Lost Origin expansion. Look closely as you open your booster packs; maybe you’ll find one of these fantastic cards!
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