“New art coming soon”: Ho-Oh card arrives in Pokémon Pocket with apologies included

The Pokémon Pocket Card Game collector and player community is eagerly awaiting the Release of the Sea and Sky Lore expansion, in which the letter of Ho-Oh has taken center stage. The Johto region is back in the spotlight, and numerous new features are being added to this mobile title, which continues to gain fans.

In this new expansion, The legendary Lugia and Ho-Oh come to Pokémon Pocket along with a collection of over 200 unreleased cards. Ho-Oh ex, in particular, has garnered attention for both its design and technical features, and the buzz it generated on social media. The company has taken a fan's design without their consent, and now it's design-less. Its Boost Phoenix attack, which allows it to attach Fire-, Water-, and Lightning-type Energy to Basic Pokémon on the bench and deal 80 damage, offers new strategic options in matches.

New packs, cards, and revamped gameplay

The expansion Marine and Celestial Knowledge It will be available starting on July 30, 2025 and pays tribute to the second generation of Pokémon. Ho-Oh and Lugia are once again the main protagonists, accompanied by the beloved starters Chikorita, Cyndaquil and Totodile, as well as other emblematic creatures of Johto such as Pichu, Cleffa, shiny Magikarp and Red GyaradosThe letter Ho-Oh ex stands out with its attack Turbophoenix, which allows you to attach different types of energy to Basic Pokémon on the bench, dealing 80 damage and facilitating varied strategies.

The artwork on many cards is immersive and eye-catching, reinforcing the game's collector value and visual experience. Furthermore, For the first time, there will be cards with attacks that do not require energy., allowing players to design more agile and creative decks.

Changes in the exchange and collection system

The update includes important changes in the exchange function. HE The token system is eliminated and "iris dust" is introduced as a new currency for exchanging high-rarity cards.Players can now create a wish list of up to 20 cards, with the option to display three on their profile, making it easier to organize and achieve collection goals.

Iris Dust is obtained through quests, achievements, or by receiving repeated letters, and Tokens stored before the update can be exchanged for items in the shop.This new system aims to boost collecting by encouraging safer and more flexible exchanges and marking a significant shift in the game's economy.

Controversy surrounding the former Ho-Oh letter

The Ho-Oh ex card has generated considerable interest for both its mechanics and aesthetics, but it has also been embroiled in an unexpected controversy. In recent days, several users have detected a strong resemblance between the official illustration of the Ho-Oh immersive card and a fan art published in 2021 by the artist Lanjiujiu on Twitter/X. Comparisons between both images quickly went viral, showing Striking coincidences in the Pokémon's pose, the arrangement of the wings and the details of the feathers.

Given the magnitude of the controversy, Pokémon TCG Pocket developers issued a statement acknowledging the issue. They explained that it was an error in the creative process and they promised to replace the affected artwork. As an immediate measure, Players who currently obtain the Ho-Oh Immersive Card are met with a temporary message that reads: “New Art Coming Soon”, instead of showing the full illustration, which has been perceived by the community as an improvised but necessary solution.

This case has reopened the debate about the boundaries between homage, inspiration, and plagiarism in digital art, especially when it comes to official productions involving such recognized intellectual property as Pokémon. Although from a legal perspective, the situation is complex—given that The fan art was not registered as commercial property.—, the community has harshly criticized the unauthorized use, demanding greater care and transparency in the artistic processes of the cards.

Beyond the visuals, Ho-Oh EX remains a standout for its Phoenix Boost attack, which allows you to attach Fire, Water, and Lightning-type Energy to Benched Basic Pokémon and deal 80 damage, offering a versatile strategic tool in competitive play. Still, The controversy with his art has left a mark in what could have been one of the most celebrated cards of this expansion.

Confirmed letters and additional content

Among the envelopes of this expansion, players will be able to find, in addition to Ho-Oh and Lugia ex, other featured Pokémon cards, and new Trainer cards like Silver and Lyre, along with special items and support mechanics. The confirmed roster includes Umbreon ex, Espeon ex, Shiny Red Gyarados, Togepi (with rare artwork), Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile, Pichu, and Cleffa.Some will come in holographic and full-art versions, expanding the options for both competitive players and collectors.

Leaks and pre-development have raised expectations, and It is expected that after the launch of Saber Marino and Celeste, are announced at least two additional mini-expansions focused on baby Pokémon and Mega EvolutionsThe official details of these packs are not yet known.

With the Ho-Oh card as its symbol, Sea and Sky Saber aims to be one of the most notable expansions for Pokémon Pocket, both for recapturing the spirit of Johto and for its new gameplay, digital collecting, and mobile competitiveness. The anticipation, coupled with the controversy, ensures that this release will not go unnoticed by fans of the series.