It's been a week buzzing with nostalgia and unexpected twists in the Pokemon world, driven largely by the passionate fan community and a few key official updates. The spotlight shines on a beloved psychic-type creature's long-awaited return to the trading card game and the anime's final chapters pulling at every veteran trainer's heartstrings.

Pokemon TCG Gets New Kadabra Card After 21 Years

A monumental chapter in Pokemon TCG history has officially closed. After a staggering 21-year absence, Kadabra cards are finally making their triumphant return to new sets. This resolution concludes one of the hobby's longest-running controversies. The original hiatus stemmed from a dispute with famed illusionist Uri Geller, who claimed the Pokemon's design and name were based on him. The legal standoff led to a complete freeze on Kadabra's presence in the card game. Fast forward to 2026, and the hatchet has been well and truly buried. Geller, after years of receiving pleas from fans, formally granted permission to Nintendo and The Pokemon Company to resume printing the Abra evolution. For collectors and players who grew up with the original sets, this is more than just a new card—it's the return of a piece of Pokemon history. The new card art is eagerly anticipated, with hopes it will pay homage to the classic designs while introducing a modern flair.

Pokemon Anime Finale Confirms Return of Lapras & The Squirtle Squad

The farewell tour for Ash Ketchum is pulling out all the stops for a nostalgia-packed finale. Following the emotional reunions with Brock and Misty, the next episodes promise even more classic callbacks. Official promotional screenshots have confirmed the return of two iconic elements from Ash's early journey:

• Ash's Lapras: The gentle Water/Ice-type Pokemon that Ash famously reunited with its family. Their bond was incredibly strong, making this upcoming reunion a guaranteed tearjerker for long-time viewers. 😭

• The Squirtle Squad: The iconic gang of rebellious Squirtle, led by Ash's own Squirtle with the sunglasses, is set to make a grand reappearance. Their mischievous charm was a highlight of the original series.

The episode, part of Ash's final arc, is designed to be a love letter to the fans who have followed his adventure for decades. It's a final chance to see these beloved characters and creatures one more time.

Valorant's "Squirtle Squad" Forced to Rebrand

In a quirky twist of fate, the name "Squirtle Squad" found itself in the news for a different reason. A professional Valorant esports team that had operated under that catchy moniker was recently forced to change its name due to trademark issues with Nintendo. The team has since rebranded to "Turtle Troop," aiming to keep the spirit of their original aquatic, shelled mascot alive. This incident highlights the enduring cultural footprint of these classic Pokemon characters, even in unrelated competitive spheres. It's a reminder of the powerful IP that Nintendo controls.

Collector's Heartbreak: Sealed Pokemon Yellow Ruined

In a story that made every collector wince, a rare, sealed copy of the classic Pokemon Yellow Version met a tragic end. The game, valued at an astonishing $10,000 due to its pristine, factory-sealed condition, was being shipped to its new owner. However, U.S. Customs officials, deeming the package suspicious, proceeded to tear it open for inspection. This action utterly destroyed the item's value and historical preservation, as the 25-year-old seal was irreparably broken. The incident serves as a stark warning for collectors shipping high-value, vintage items: ensure clear documentation and consider specialized handlers to avoid such catastrophic outcomes. 💔

A Week of Highs and Lows

This past week perfectly encapsulated the Pokemon world's dynamic nature—a blend of joyful comebacks and unfortunate mishaps. From the celebratory return of Kadabra to the emotional anime reunions, and from esports rebranding to a collector's nightmare, it's clear the franchise's legacy continues to evolve in unexpected ways. As we look ahead, the focus remains on Ash's final journey and the ever-expanding universe of games and collectibles, reminding us why this world continues to captivate fans decades later.