Koraidon ex and Miraidon ex lead the expansion as Ancient and Future Pokémon.
Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is heading to Area Zero in its next expansion, Paradox Drive. The announcement was made on Pokemon's official website on Friday (22 May), with a video uploaded on the official YouTube channel:
The expansion launches on Wednesday (27 May) at 6 PM PST / 28 May 9 AM GMT+8. The upcoming set introduces Paradox Pokémon from Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, alongside new card categories, Trainer cards, cosmetics, and limited-time events scheduled throughout May and June.
What cards are included in Pokémon TCG Pocket’s Paradox Drive expansion?
Koraidon ex and Miraidon ex lead the expansion as Ancient and Future Pokémon respectively. Other cards previewed for the set include Flutter Mane ex, Iron Bundle ex, Dudunsparce, Farigiraf, and a full-art Raging Bolt card. Several Trainer cards connected to the new categories are also being added. Professor Turo can shuffle a Future Pokémon in play back into a player’s deck, while Professor Sada allows players to attach three different Energy cards from the discard pile to Ancient Pokémon.
Players will also be able to customise their collections with Miraidon-themed covers and accessories beginning on Sunday, 31 May.
What are Paradox Pokémon?
Paradox Pokémon were originally introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. In the games, they are Pokémon brought to Area Zero in the present through a “time machine” created by the professor.
These Pokémon are categorised separately in the Pokédex as Paradox Pokémon and differ from standard Pokémon in several ways. Aside from Koraidon and Miraidon, they do not follow normal naming conventions, cannot evolve or breed, and do not have corresponding TM Materials.
Paradox Pokémon are split into two groups: Ancient Pokémon and Future Pokémon. Ancient Pokémon appear in Pokémon Scarlet as prehistoric versions of modern Pokémon, while Future Pokémon appear in Pokémon Violet as futuristic robotic or cybernetic counterparts.
The Ancient group features the Ability Protosynthesis, while Future Pokémon use Quark Drive. These Abilities boost their highest stat under specific conditions, including harsh sunlight, Electric Terrain, or the use of Booster Energy.
Ancient and Future mechanics arrive in Pokémon TCG Pocket
The Paradox Drive expansion introduces Ancient and Future categories to the digital game, matching the same subcategories previously used in the physical Pokémon Trading Card Game.
According to the announcement, Paradox Pokémon in the trading card game have stronger abilities for Basic Pokémon, balanced by higher Energy costs and lower HP. The previews shown for the digital version appear to follow the same approach.
What events are coming with the Paradox Drive expansion?
A series of in-game events are scheduled to run throughout late May and June, following the expansion’s release.
The Paradox Drive Emblem Event will take place from late May to early June, featuring missions and profile emblems alongside item rewards. A Community Week event is also planned for early June, with missions focused on trading and sharing cards. Rewards include trade hourglasses, special accessories, and other items. Later in June, players can take part in the Ceruledge ex Drop Event, which includes solo battles that reward B series vol. 9 promo packs. A separate wonder pick event will also feature Sableye and Floragato cards.
