As a long-time collector, I've witnessed many comings and goings in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, but few absences have been as puzzling and prolonged as that of Kadabra. For nearly two decades, this iconic Psychic-type Pokémon has been conspicuously missing from new card sets—a void in the evolutionary line that has left fans scratching their heads. The story behind this disappearance is stranger than fiction, involving lawsuits, illusionists, and a dramatic change of heart that might finally bring this beloved character back to our booster packs in 2026.

The Uri Geller Controversy: A Legal Spoons-Bending Drama

The whole shebang started back in 2000 when illusionist Uri Geller—yes, that spoon-bending psychic—filed a lawsuit against Nintendo. He claimed the company used his likeness without permission when creating Kadabra. The evidence seemed pretty damning when you consider Kadabra's Japanese name: Yungerer, which is clearly an alteration of "Uri Geller." Talk about a plot twist! This legal battle created what we in the TCG community call "The Kadabra Curse"—no new cards featuring Abra's middle evolution for twenty whole years. It's been a real head-scratcher for collectors who've watched Alakazam get all the glory in premium sets while its pre-evolutions gathered dust.

The Evolution Line That Couldn't Evolve Properly

Without Kadabra in the picture, Pokémon Company had to get creative—and let me tell you, their solutions have been... interesting. Here's how they handled the Abra-Alakazam line over the years:

Year	Set	Solution	Rarity
2007	Mysterious Treasures	Abra could evolve directly to Alakazam	Common
2015-2022	Various Sets	Alakazam printed as Basic Pokémon	Ultra Rare/Holo
2022	Silver Tempest	Alakazam as Radiant Pokémon	Special Rare
2023-2025	Multiple Sets	Continued absence of Kadabra	N/A

That 2007 Mysterious Treasures set was particularly wild—they gave Abra a special ability to skip right over Kadabra and evolve directly into Alakazam. Talk about cutting corners! But this mechanic was a one-hit wonder that never reappeared. Instead, Pokémon TCG started printing Alakazam as Basic Pokémon, which always felt... off. Like serving a three-course meal but skipping the main dish.

The Tide Turns: Geller's Change of Heart

In 2020, something miraculous happened—Uri Geller publicly announced he was dropping his claims against Nintendo. On his social media, he wrote about how becoming a grandfather changed his perspective, saying he now sees "the joy Pokémon brings to children worldwide." He even displayed Kadabra cards in his museum! This was huge news in the TCG community—we were all like, "Is this really happening?" After twenty years of radio silence, the door finally creaked open for Kadabra's return.

Why the Wait? Pokémon's Calculated Comeback Strategy

Now here's the million-dollar question: If Geller relinquished his claims in 2020, why are we still waiting in 2026? Well, from where I sit, Pokémon Company is playing the long game—and honestly, I respect the hustle. Here's my take on their strategy:

1. Timing is Everything - They're probably waiting for the perfect anniversary or special set

2. The Premium Treatment - Kadabra deserves more than just a common slot in a regular set

3. Generational Alignment - With Gen 9 in full swing, they might be planning a cross-generational celebration

4. Complete Line Showcase - They want to debut Abra, Kadabra, AND Alakazam together in style

Recent sets have been giving us hints too. The Silver Tempest set in 2022 featured Alakazam as a Radiant Pokémon—their way of saying "we haven't forgotten about this evolutionary line." And let's be real: after so many premium releases lately (I'm looking at you, $300 special collections), the return of a 20-year-absent Pokémon deserves its own moment in the spotlight.

What Could Kadabra's Return Look Like in 2026?

Based on current TCG trends and the significance of this return, I'm betting we'll see something special. My predictions:

🔥 Special Mechanic: Kadabra might debut with a new ability referencing its long absence

🌟 Premium Rarity: Almost certainly a holographic or special illustration rare

🎉 Thematic Set: Possibly part of a "Lost Pokémon" or "Returning Legends" collection

📈 Collector Value: First printings will likely become instant chase cards

The TCG community has been buzzing with rumors about potential Kadabra cards. Some leaks suggest it might appear in the rumored Temporal Origins set expected late 2026, while others think it could be a surprise inclusion in the Scarlet & Violet—Mythical Awakening expansion. Whatever the case, when Kadabra finally drops, it's going to be bigger than a Charizard reveal—and that's saying something!

The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Pokémon TCG

Kadabra's potential return represents more than just another card—it's about closing a chapter in Pokémon history. For newer players who joined during the Sword & Shield or Scarlet & Violet eras, this might seem like no big deal. But for us OGs who remember pulling Kadabra cards from Base Set packs back in the day? This is nostalgia hitting harder than a Hyper Beam.

The return also signals Pokémon Company's commitment to completing evolutionary lines properly. No more skipping stages, no more workarounds—just good, old-fashioned evolution mechanics done right. In an era where TCG mechanics are getting increasingly complex (V-UNION cards, anyone?), sometimes going back to basics is the most exciting move of all.

Final Thoughts: The Wait Might Finally Be Over

As I organize my binders in anticipation, I can't help but feel excited about what's coming. The Pokémon TCG landscape in 2026 is more vibrant than ever, with new mechanics, stunning artwork, and a global community that's stronger than a Mega Alakazam's psychic powers. Kadabra's return would be the cherry on top of an already amazing decade for collectors.

So keep your eyes peeled, fellow trainers. When that first Kadabra card finally hits the market—whether it's in a special collection, a main expansion, or as a promotional card—you can bet I'll be first in line at my local game store. After twenty years, this comeback isn't just about completing a Pokédex entry; it's about healing a rift in the TCG timeline that's lasted far too long. And honestly? That's worth the wait. ✨🃏