The Pokémon Scarlet and Violet gameplay trailer. Game Freak unveiled even more details about the RPGs during an August Pokémon Presents presentation, where they finally revealed the Paldea Region. The Pokémon Company also announced that players will be able to get their hands on the first Gen 9 Pokémon card, as the Japanese version of the game will come with a rare TCG collectible.
Ever since the classic Pokémon generations, Game Freak has included special pre-order bonuses with each new game that is released. In Gen 8 Pokémon Sword and Shield, early copies of the RPG came with a special Meowth that could Gigantamax. In 2021's Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl players were able to unlock an egg that could eventually be hatched into Water-type Mythical Manapahy. Some Pokemon games even received physical collectibles, such as the Pokémon Legends: Arceus pre-order bonus campaign which had a steel book and figurine of Legendary Pokemon Arceus.
Pre-order bonuses are making their return once again with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and Japan will get a rare TCG collectible. According to The Pokémon Company, players who order the game early from Japan will be shipped a rare Pikachu card. The TCG collectible will not only feature full artwork of the adorable Kanto Electric-type, but it will also include Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Starters Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. Below is a breakdown of whether the Japanese pre-order bonus is actually worth ordering.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Gets Pikachu TCG Pokémon Card
Like most promos, the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Pikachu card is going to be extremely desirable with fans as it's also technically the very first Pokémon Scarlet and Violet TCG card to ever be released. With Gen 9 Pokémon cards set to debut in February 2023, many players will want to get their hands on the first TCG collectible to feature Paldea Starters Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly.
However, it's a complete gamble as to whether the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet pre-order bonus will actually be rare. When Pokémon Legends: Arceus was released in January, select physical copies in Japan shipped with an Arceus V full-art Pokémon card. At the time, players believed this would be a rare collector's item that would skyrocket in value in the future. Many players were surprised then when the exact same card was mass-produced and re-printed in an Arceus V Figure Collection box in April. As a result, the Pokémon Legends: Arceus pre-order promo card now only sells for around $9 sealed.
The Pokémon Company could end up doing the same with the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet pre-order bonus. But at the same time, there is no guarantee. Fans who just want the card for their collection should probably try to get their hands on the Japanese pre-order as soon as possible. The Gen 9 Scarlet and Violet Starter Pokémon card will likely be incredibly popular. On the other hand, not every Japanese Pikachu promo card has received an English release either. So those looking to collect from a value point of view will have to weigh the risks as the Gen 9 Pokémon Trading Card Game promo could go either way.
Source: The Pokémon Company
