With a new trademark filed, Game Freak may be paving the way for an upcoming Pokémon TCG expansion. Early speculation suggests a Rayquaza-themed release, stirring nostalgia and excitement among Gen 3 fans.
Though Game Freak trademarks aren’t always used, they’ve occasionally revealed future gaming sets. For example, Black Bolt and White Flare were trademarked in September 2024 and later launched as a card expansion in June 2025 in Japan, with an English version released afterward.
Pokémon enthusiasts are speculating about a Rayquaza-themed TCG set after Game Freak filed a trademark for Storm Emerald. The trademark, spotted by PokéBeach, comes with minimal details, but given the franchise’s history, fans believe it could signal another major expansion on the way.
With classifications matching those of prior Pokémon TCG trademarks, Storm Emerald is likely tied to an upcoming card set. Its name hints at Rayquaza, who famously took the spotlight in the Pokémon Emerald version.
When to Expect the Pokémon TCG ‘Storm Emerald’ Expansion
Though Pokémon’s official sources have yet to confirm anything, historical patterns provide insight. Similar trademarks in the past were filed nearly six months ahead of the actual set launches.
Based on the typical rollout, Storm Emerald could launch in Japan near the end of 2025, possibly in November or December. English releases generally trail behind, meaning international players may not get the set until sometime in early 2026.
As the year progresses, the Pokémon TCG is showing no signs of slowing down. July will see the English release of Black Bolt and White Flare. Over in Japan, players will be treated to Inferno X and the milestone Mega Brave and Mega Symphonia expansions, which will officially wrap up the current era of the card game.
Pokemon TCG
| Release Date | October 20, 1996 |
| Franchise | Pokemon |
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