A recently unveiled full art card for the Pokémon Trading Card Game features a clever nod to the original games that dedicated Pokémon enthusiasts will appreciate. Full art cards have become highly coveted items among collectors due to their expansive illustration space, which allows for intricate artwork and various artistic interpretations. These cards not only highlight unique characteristics and personalities of Pokémon but also serve as a bridge to the lesser-known aspects of Pokémon lore.
An example of this is the newly released full art Meowth card, which has garnered attention on Reddit thanks to user Begooderrr. This card depicts Meowth comfortably resting in a tree, with a view of Cerulean City—an iconic location from the Generation 1 Pokémon games, namely Red, Blue, and Yellow. The cityscape, particularly recognizable for its layout, features a distinctive single-story wide house adjacent to the tall Pokémon Center. This card is one of four full art holo promo cards included in the Generations Special Battle Set, which is exclusively available in Japan, alongside those of Paldean Wooper, Suicune, and Duraludon.
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This full art card offers further depth because, in the original games, Cerulean City is encircled by trees, suggesting Meowth is enjoying a scenic view from its perch in the southwest corner. Additionally, as noted by user afelzz, players can catch a Meowth in the grass south of Cerulean City, virtually the same spot where Meowth is resting.
Comment by u/Begooderrr from discussion in PokemonTCG
Other fans have pointed out that this is not the first instance of similar hidden gems in Pokémon cards. Notable references include a detailed rendition of Professor Oak’s office featured on a Trainer card, a Spearow depicted in its natural habitat outside Celadon City, and a Snorlax positioned along Route 12. A post by user jteede catalogs numerous such cards, encouraging fans to explore further (though the last card mentioned may be an exception).
Found a few more card locations from the games by u/jteede in PTCGP
While not all these references come from full art cards, full art designs provide the ideal canvas for such Easter eggs. The expansive surface allows artists to create intricate backgrounds and adopt more imaginative portrayals of the featured Pokémon.
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While it’s essential for the Pokémon Trading Card Game to innovate, the nostalgic moments that tap into its roots are equally appreciated. Although I may not classify myself strictly as a Gen 1 purist, the charm of the classic Pokémon pixel graphics and the simplistic MIDI melodies evoke a unique sense of nostalgia.
For long-time fans, these throwback cards resonate deeply. Millions of people have nostalgic ties to the Pokémon franchise, whether through the trading cards, video games, the animated series, or a combination of all three. For those who once spent numerous hours in the tall grass south of Cerulean City, seeking to capture a Meowth, this card holds a significance that transcends the usual Pokémon TCG offerings—it’s a cherished reminder of their childhood experiences.
Sources: Begooderrr/Reddit, afelzz/Reddit, jteede/Reddit
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