Sword and Shield is going out with a bang! New images from Japan and confirmations from certain distributors have confirmed the existence of an all new specialty set. SWSH 12.5 has been dubbed VSTAR Universe! As usual, Japan will get the set early in December, which means we will be waiting until January to get a hold of these cards in the US.

The main feature of this set is the addition of VSTAR alternate arts which we have not seen anywhere before. These rare finds are certainly late to the party because SWSH 12.5 will be the last set in the Sword and Shield era before Scarlet and Violet takes over with the return of the EX mechanic.

The first image leaked is of this Mewtwo VSTAR. The quality may be low resolution, but we can definitely make out an electrifying battle taking place. Cards like this one will undoubtedly be incredibly rare; I expect pull rates similar to the Giratina and Machamp alts (approximately 1 in every 1,000 packs). SWSH 12.5 should include a wide variety of new versions from VSTAR’s most popular cards. Arceus, Origin Forme Dialga and Palkia, Darkrai, and more are still expensive and relevant to theTCG. Hopefully we’ll get a whole new look at some of these shimmering cards.

Since this expansion is going to be a special set, the most packs you will be able to obtain at once will come from the elite trainer boxes. Although the exact contents are still a mystery, they will likely come with one promotional card and 10 booster packs. The existence of a V box has also been confirmed, although its subject has not. Apparently, Pokémon is trying to avoid what happened at the end of the Sun and Moon era where lots of exciting cards never made it to the West.

If you are as excited as we are, the eastern release is only 2 months away! As for the United states - our set will officially go on sale on January 20th, 2023. Luckily for you, Nexgen Games will be able to acquire both the Japanese and English cards, meaning you will be able to complete both versions of this historic set. Keep an eye out on the website for the VSTAR Universe pre-order coming soon, and don't miss out on your chance to put a sparkling cap on the Sword and Shield era.