Meowth Pokémon Card Features a Smart Nod to the Classic Games

A fan of the Pokemon Trading Card Game recently caught the eye of the card-collecting community by highlighting an intriguing feature on the new Meowth card from the yet-to-be-released Journey Together expansion. Due to hit shelves on March 28, 2025, this set, part of the Scarlet and Violet series, promises fans a collection that’s over 180 cards strong, featuring exciting entries such as N’s Zoroark ex, Iono’s Bellibolt ex, and other popular Trainer’s Pokémon like Lillie’s Clefairy ex and Hop’s Zacian ex.

On the digital front, Pokemon TCG Pocket, a collaborative creation from Creatures Inc. and DeNA, has made waves since its debut in October 2024, offering a free-to-play, mobile-friendly version of the beloved card game. Recently, the digital platform joined forces with McDonald’s for a special promotional run, including Happy Meals loaded with a TCG booster pack, a decorative poster, and a fun sticker sheet. This promotion, celebrating a nostalgic connection between the fast-food giant and the Pokemon brand, is a nod to their storied history together.

The Meowth card sparked discussion when Reddit user Begooderrr shared a side-by-side comparison of its Japanese full-art version alongside an image of Cerulean City from the classic Pokemon Red and Blue games. The card art includes a cameo of the Poke Mart and a house from the city, suggesting Meowth is relaxing in a nearby tree—a delightful homage to longtime Game Freak and Nintendo fans. It’s reminiscent of a 2021 card collector’s favorite from the Roaring Skies expansion, where Meowth and Inkay cards cleverly combined to narrate a story through their shared artwork.

The Pokemon fan base relished this nostalgic detail, which stands in stark contrast to more sinister Easter eggs uncovered in the past, like one unsettling discovery involving a Shedinja card. One observant Redditor noted Meowth’s presence in the familiar tall grass just south of Cerulean City, praising the card’s fine attention to detail. Another enthusiast speculated that Meowth rests in the very tree that players need to chop down in the original games, adding another layer to this charming reference.

Meanwhile, card enthusiasts are thoroughly enjoying the Prismatic Evolutions expansion, which made its debut on January 17, 2025. Demand has been so high that GameStop had to limit sales due to stock shortages, but The Pokemon Company is ramping up production to meet the excitement.

The Pokemon TCG remains a beloved icon in gaming culture. Originally launched in 1996, the game combines strategy with collection, as players face off with their Pokemon, battling for the honor of claiming prize cards. The lure of collecting remains a key aspect of its enduring popularity, with some cards fetching thousands of dollars in today’s market.