The Pokemon Sword and Shield TCG set is evolving once again with the release of the Brilliant Stars expansion on February 25. Brilliant Stars adds more than 170 new cards to the game, including new V, VSTAR, and VMAX cards. VSTAR Pokemon have a brand-new mechanic in Brilliant Stars that will inject a fresh layer of strategy to your decision making. We had the chance to check out the expansion ahead of its release. Take a look at some of the cards below.

　　Pokemon TCG Brilliant StarsGallery

　　As you can tell, all three Sinnoh region starters are represented in Brilliant Stars. This is rather good timing considering the trio starred in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl and are roaming around Hisui in Pokemon Legends: Arceus. The artwork on this new expansion is great. Of course, all of the Sinnoh starters are naturally adorable, but there are plenty of charming cards in the lineup, including Cubchoo, Trapinch, and Castform. None of them can rival the new Shinx card though, as the little kitten is trying with all their might to grab their tail.

　　It's always neat to see cards in the TCG that look unique, and that's the case here with Trapinch's evolved form, Vibrava. The artwork on this card looks like it was done with colored pencils.

　　Vibrava

　　The four new VSTAR Pokemon will likely be the most sought after, partly due to their new mechanic. If you're lucky, you'll pull Arceus, Charizard, Shaymin, or Whimsicott VSTAR cards. These VSTAR Pokemon have a powerful attack or ability that can be unleashed on your opponent. You can only use one VSTAR ability per match. The Elite Trainer Box comes with a VSTAR marker and random packs come with VSTAR-labeled cards, too.

　　The new VSTAR cards are joined by a trio of new VMAX cards and 35 V cards, 15 of which feature full-card art. Within the set, there's a 30-card Trainer's Gallery that features characters and Pokemon from the anime.

　　Brilliant Stars has 10 cards per booster pack ($4 each). Alternatively, you can pick up the Elite Trainer Box for $40. It comes with eight booster packs, Energy cards, markers, dice, an official rulebook, card sleeves featuring Arceus, and a Player's Guide that includes a gallery of all of the cards in the expansion. A separate Pokemon Center-exclusive Elite Trainer Box costs $50 and comes with a few extra goodies, including two more booster packs.

　　Brilliant Stars booster packs show VSTAR PokemonGallery

　　While only four new VSTAR Pokemon will be available on February 25, two special collections are on the way featuring VSTAR versions of Glaceon and Leafeon.

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