Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield – Brilliant Stars | The Coolest Cards We Pulled From Booster Packs

The first Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion of 2022 is finally ready to launch, and as such, we’re here to crack open a ton of booster packs for the Sword & Shield – Brilliant Stars expansion. The expansion includes more 170 cards, including 4 Pokémon VStar cards, 20 Pokémon V, and 3 Pokémon VMax cards. Brilliant Stars also includes 30 Trainer Gallery cards featuring special artwork, over 20 Trainer cards and a new Special Energy Card.

We were sent a ton of booster packs for the Sword & Shield – Brilliant Stars expansion. After sorting through my packs, I was impressed with the range of generation. While Kanto and Galar Pokémon continue to be well-represented, I noticed more Sinnoh monsters this time around. With Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl hitting just last year, and Legends: Arceus launching last month, this feels like a smart move.

Gen I cards are my favourite this round. While it’s true I hold Gen I in the highest regard (thanks mostly to nostalgia), I like to think that these cards are my favorites not because of that nostalgia, but instead due to the classic-facing designs of these full-art cards. It was the clean artwork of Raichu V and Pikachu V that caught my attention immediately. I consider it great when I get a Charizard. Of course, having just put a ton of hours into Pokémon Legends: Arceus, it was cool to also pull the titular Pocket Monster from these packs. I like the Trainer cards in this expansion. This is something I don’t say about all sets.

Below you will see more than 20 of my favorite cards.

The Pokémon Trading Card Game: Sword & Shield – Brilliant Stars launches on February 25. For all things Pokémon Trading Card Game, head to our special hub by clicking on the banner below!