Pokémon Announces Team Rocket’s Official Return On August 27

Pokémon TCG Pocket Announces New Team Rocket Set Published Aug 20, 2026, 2:32 PM EDT Nicholas Becher is a gaming journalist with an MFA in Creative Writing from FAU. With extensive experience playing video games, he covers all forms of gaming content at Screen Rant, from breaking news to the latest fan theories. Most-played games range from Clair Obscur to Civ to Elden Ring to Halo 2 and beyond. Pokémon's 30th anniversary has been absolutely packed with exciting new releases throughout the year so far, and by the looks of things, there's much more to look forward to yet. While fans have been hyped after the announcement of Pokémon Winds & Waves earlier in the year, they've also seen the re-release of Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen, followed closely by the launch of Pokopia in March. On top of that, the franchise has seen countless great collaboration announcements as well, with Adidas announcing a line of themed sneakers, Eevee getting a full line of cosmetics, and Polaroid recently announcing a line of Pokémon cameras as well. However, arguably one of the most anticipated releases this year is the upcoming launch of the Pokémon TCG 30th anniversary set on September 16. And now, ahead of that launch, Pokémon fans will see the return of the notorious Team Rocket thanks to a brand-new booster pack line called Team Rocket's Ambition, available starting August 27 (via Pokémon Press). Team Rocket’s Ambition is a new themed booster pack coming to Pokémon TCG Pocket that launches globally on August 27, 2026. The expansion puts the franchise’s original villains front and center, with artwork showing the Team Rocket grunts scheming and interacting with their signature Pokémon, while select cards are stamped with the group’s signature "R" logo, with new Trainer cards themed around Team Rocket also available. The Booster Pack itself will feature new designs for Team Rocket variants for iconic Mon such as Lapras, Houndour, Mewtwo, Marowak, Arbok, Hypno, Persian, and new TR-themed versions of the Kanto Legendary Birds, Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres. The release will also be accompanied by several limited-time events, including Team Rocket’s Special Assignments that will let players complete missions for mysterious Shady Tickets, while the Team Rocket’s Ambition Emblem Event rewards profile emblems based on PvP victories. September will bring a Team Rocket’s Lapras Drop Event, offering B Series Promo Packs through solo battles, followed by a Wonder Pick Event featuring promotional Fennekin and Meowstic cards. Pokémon is also planning Team Rocket’s Ambition: The Great Puzzle Challenge, which will let players solve online puzzles to earn serial codes redeemable for Pack Hourglasses. More details on that campaign will be revealed when the expansion launches next week. Until then, fans have a lot to look forward to with the official return of the infamous Team Rocket organization on August 27 in Pokémon TCG Pocket. TV Show(s) Pokémon Video Game(s) Pokemon Red and Blue, Pokemon Yellow, Pokemon Gold and Silver, Pokémon Crystal, Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, Pokemon Sapphire, Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, Pokemon Platinum, Pokemon Black and White, Pokemon Black and White 2, Pokemon X and Y, Pokemon Sun and Moon, Pokemon Sword and Shield, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Pokemon Winds and Waves, Pokemon Legends Arceus, Pokemon Legends Z-A First Film Pokemon: The First Movie First TV Show Pokémon