New Pokémon TCG Merch Doesn't Focus On Specific Pokémon, Pays Homage To Cute Move, Instead

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Instead of focusing on a specific Pokémon, the newest line of accessories is all about a specific move. Even after 30 years in existence, the remains as popular as ever thanks to dynamic gameplay and gorgeous card illustrations to appeal to collectors. The newest line of accessories offers a rare glimpse of a special move that's been around since the Gen 1 titles.

The latest line of accessories features the Normal-type move, Substitute. The new merch line, which can be found on the Pokémon Center website, includes a deck box, playmat, card sleeves, and a dice container complete with the dice and damage makers, all featuring the cute dinosaur-like Substitute doll. The design shows Squirtle, Ditto, and various other Pokémon interacting with many Substitute dolls with various degrees of bewilderment.

The Substitute move has existed throughout the franchise with a relatively unchanging description. The move does no damage, instead acting as a shield to protect the Pokémon from incoming attacks. Instead, the ability uses some of the Pokémon's health to create a decoy with a portion of the Pokémon's HP to stand in place of the defending mon. The decoy then takes damage for its creator until it's knocked out. The move can act as an evasive maneuver in a pinch, keeping Pokémon safe while their trainers figure out the next move.

The Pokemon Trading Card Game is dealing with extreme shortages of its new set Prismatic Evolutions, leading to comparisons with pandemic-era issues.

The new line of merch doesn't show the move in use as a decoy, depicting it instead as more like a doll and the adorable interactions it might have with curious Pokémon. The designs show a Squirtle immediately accepting it into its Squirtle Squad by giving the doll its own pair of cool shades, a happy Driftloon attempting to abduct it, a Larvitar blending in nearly perfectly among a group of the dolls, a Pikachu wearing a hoodie in the form of the doll, and a few other whimsical moments.

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