The Pokemon Trading Card Game recruits Detective Pikachu

TOO MUCH DETAIL

I’m still reeling from the first Detective Pikachu trailer. It has a dark, off-kilter, extreme-close-up vibe I didn’t see coming, and while I haven’t completely reconciled the movie’s tone with the property’s usual squeaky clean image, I’m getting there. By the time the movie is in theaters, I’ll have acclimated.

But today is not that day. So when I see that Detective Pikachu is getting a piece of the Pokémon Trading Card Game pie, I make the same face as when I come across anything related to Garbage Pail Kids.

While we’re only getting a detailed look at Detective Pikachu, Charizard, and Greninja cards today, there are plans for a total of 26 movie-inspired trading cards. The first wave will start popping up in the United States on April 5. And before you ask, yes: “These cards can be used in Pokémon TCG decks, including at Play! Pokémon competitive events and in the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online.”

Here’s the package breakdown:

• Detective Pikachu Case File: One promo card featuring Detective Pikachu, one metallic coin inspired by Detective Pikachu, two Detective Pikachu booster packs, one additional Pokémon TCG booster pack, and one code card for the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online. $10.

• Charizard-GX Case File: One foil promo card and one foil oversize card featuring Charizard-GX, four Detective Pikachu booster packs, two additional Pokémon TCG booster packs, and one code card for the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online. $20.

• Greninja-GX Case File: One foil promo card and one foil oversize card featuring Greninja-GX, one pin featuring Greninja, five Detective Pikachu booster packs, two additional Pokémon TCG booster packs, and one code card for the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online. $25.

• Detective Pikachu Collector Chest: Seven Detective Pikachu booster packs, two additional Pokémon TCG booster packs, one collector’s pin inspired by Detective Pikachu, one Pokémon notepad and sticker sheet, and one code card for the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online. $25.

It’s times like this I’m thankful that I broke my old TCG booster-buying habits and can rest easy. Other Detective Pikachu merch, including a cap with pika ears, is also in the works this year.