Summary
A Pokemon from Gen 4, Chingling, is getting a newPokemon TCGcard after seeing no new releases since 2009. Though there are over a thousand Pokemon in the series now, most haven’t been neglected this badly, so it’s arguably long overdue to see Chingling inPokemon TCGagain.
Chingling was introduced to the series when Pokemon Diamond and Pearllaunched back in 2006. While baby Pokemon typically aren’t great for battling with, they’re the favorites of many fans, and can be useful in some capacities. However,Chinglinghasn’t really seen much attention in the core game series, either. Chingling was only available in Gen 7 through transfers, completely unavailable inPokemon Sword and Shield, and initially only available by trade inPokemon Scarlet and Violet.
As reported byVideoGamesChronicle, a new Chingling card will be arriving in the Japanese The Glory of Team Rocket release.Destined Rivals, an expansion set to release in May, should have the cards that this Japanese expansion contains. Chingling has 30 HP, and based on an automatic translation, its ability forces a player to discard a face-down card at random from their hand. This will be the fourth ChinglingPokemon TCGcard ever released.
Team Rocket’s Chingling
Fans seem to be amused by the new Chingling card being part of the “evil” Team Rocket TCG release. While this particular Chingling is supposed to simply belong to Team Rocket, it may be a nod to James' own Chimecho, which is its evolved form. James eventually released his Chimecho, but expressed a fondness for Chingling in an episode, as it reminded him of his own Pokemon.
Prior to the launch of this set, Chingling had only received three cards in thePokemon TCG. For a while, Chingling was seeing annual releases, initially arriving to the tabletop game one year after its release inPokemon Diamond and Pearl, in 2007. Chingling was featured in Mysterious Treasures, followed by Majestic Dawn in 2008, and finally Supreme Victors in 2009. After that, the Chingling cards simply stopped coming. However, its evolved form has been far less neglected, initially appearing in thePokemon TCGgame in 2004, and seeing a total of 14 cards released overall thus far. Its last card premiered in 2024 with theTwilight Masquerade expansion.
While the capabilities of this card are questionable with its low HP, that may not matter to some fans. ManyPokemon TCGcard buyers are collectors and don’t actually play the game, so it may be enough to simply see afavorite baby Pokemonback again. However, with the recent demand forPokemon TCGreleases, fans shouldn’t delay on trying to get it.
