Errata (TCG)

Errata in the Pokémon Trading Card Game refers to rulings for cards to be played with different text than as printed. Errata may be issued to correct translation errors or printing errors, and they are sometimes also issued to address game balance or sweeping changes in card design.
In Pokémon Trading Card Game Online and Pokémon Trading Card Game Live, cards with errata are usually digitally altered to read with their new effect. These alterations typically are not printed on physical cards.
Below is a list of errata issued by Wizards of the Coast and The Pokémon Company.[1][2][3][4]
Errata for groups of cards
Reprinted cards
Trainer and Energy cards sometimes receive reprints that change the effect of the card. These may be minor changes, such as the addition of the phrase "up to", or major changes where the only similarity is the name of the card. In the Standard and Expanded formats, errata must be issued in order for an old card to be used in a deck in place of a functionally different reprint. Below is a list of cards that have received such errata listed by their original release; any card with the same name as one listed may be used interchangeably with the effect of its most recent print.
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Notably, Rare Candy's erratum to use its Dark Explorers effect was issued with the Black & White expansion, about a year before the card was reprinted with its new effect.[5] Pokémon Catcher's nerf to require a coin flip was issued about a month before it was reprinted with that effect in the Kalos Starter Set.[6]
In Japan only, Energy Removal and Super Energy Removal were also nerfed to require coin flips. Rather than issue errata for the old cards, these were printed in English under the new names of Energy Removal 2 and Super Energy Removal 2.
In the Unlimited format, Trainer and Energy cards are always played with the effect of the most recent print, regardless of whether they received errata for Standard and Expanded play.[7][8][9] For example, the original print of Computer Search is played as an ACE SPEC card, despite errata never being issued for Standard and Expanded.
Introduction of Supporter cards
Supporter cards were introduced in the e-Card Series to restrict powerful Trainer cards featuring human characters to being playable only once per turn. In Japan only, a handful of Trainer cards from the Original and Neo Series were given errata to become Supporter cards.[10] Below is a list of cards to receive these errata. Cards marked with † were given e-Card Series-style reprints in Japan, and cards marked with ‡ eventually received Supporter reprints outside Japan several Series later.
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- ↑ Received a Supporter reprint in Pokémon Trading Card Game Classic. As that reprint is not tournament legal, Professor Oak is played as an Item in the English-language Unlimited format.[11][12]
- ↑ Replaced in the English-language Unlimited format by the Pokémon Breeder Supporter card. These cards have different names in Japanese.
Pokémon Power split
Pokémon Powers were split into Poké-Powers and Poké-Bodies in the e-Card Series. In Japan only, all existing Pokémon Powers from older releases received errata to be reclassified as either a Poké-Power or Poké-Body.[13] Any effects that affect Pokémon Powers, such as Magby's Sputter attack, were ruled to affect both Poké-Powers and Poké-Bodies. This ruling was also implemented internationally; however, because the errata was not issued outside Japan, the reverse is not true. Effects affecting specifically Poké-Powers or Poké-Bodies, such as Umbreon's Dark Gaze Poké-Body, do not effect cards with Pokémon Powers in regions without the errata,[14] but effects that affect Poké-Powers and Poké-Bodies do.[15]
Below is a list of Pokémon cards that received errata in Japan to change their Pokémon Power to a Poké-Body.[13] Each of these cards' Pokémon Powers consist of effects that are not optional and do not need to be declared to be in effect. All cards with Pokémon Powers not listed instead received errata to be changed to a Poké-Power. Cards marked with † were reprinted with a Poké-Body in the Pokémon Web expansion.
Trainer, Supporter, and Stadium cards in Generation IV
From Diamond & Pearl through Call of Legends, Supporter and Stadium cards were considered to be a completely separate card type from Trainer cards.[16] Newly-released effects referencing Trainer cards, such as Budew's Errand-Running attack, could not interact with older Supporter and Stadium cards. This effectively applied errata to all pre-Diamond & Pearl Supporter and Stadium cards to no longer be considered Trainer cards. Effects released prior to Diamond & Pearl that reference Trainer cards, such as Walrein ex's Chilling Breath Poké-Power, were ruled to be played as originally intended. These cards effectively received errata to read "Trainer, Supporter, or Stadium" rather than just "Trainer".
This change was essentially reversed in the Black & White Series.[5] Pre-Black & White Trainer cards received errata to be instead considered Item cards, and Item, Supporter, and Stadium cards were to all be considered categories of Trainer cards. This includes cards prior to the Diamond & Pearl split; old Trainer cards that are not also Supporter or Stadium cards are considered Item cards.[12] Cards from Generation IV with effects referencing Trainer cards, such as Junk Arm, were to be played as if they referenced specifically Item cards.
In Japan, the rename of Trainer to Item (Japanese: グッズ Goods) occurred with the HeartGold and SoulSilver Collections ahead of the reunification of Trainer categories in the Black and White Collections.
Separation of Pokémon Tool cards
With the release of the Scarlet & Violet expansion, all prior Pokémon Tool cards received a blanket errata to become the fourth category of Trainer card, and they are no longer considered to be Item cards.[17] Cards that reference Item cards did not receive errata to account for this, changing how cards such as PokéStop work and notably making Mawile's Mining attack unable to activate its secondary effect.
Other wording changes
Various blanket changes in card wording have been applied over the years. Many of these do not affect how cards are played, simply providing clarity.
- A Wizards of the Coast rule change made all Pokémon Powers disabled by being "Asleep, Confused, or Paralyzed" instead disabled by any Special Condition, including Poison and the then-upcoming Burned.[18] Many affected cards were reprinted in the Legendary Collection expansion with the updated wording.
- Fossil Trainer cards are considered to be both Pokémon and Trainer cards while in play.[19] Older prints of Mysterious Fossil, Claw Fossil, and Root Fossil received errata to account for this, and all three cards were reprinted in the EX Legend Maker expansion with updated wording.
- Cards that do not state their Weakness and Resistance modifiers should be treated as ×2 and -30, respectively.[16]
- Effects referencing a "Basic Pokémon or Evolution card" released before Diamond & Pearl should instead read "Pokémon", allowing them to target cards such as Pokémon LV.X.[16]
- Poké-Powers that end the user's turn still do so if cancelled by an effect such as Team Galactic's Invention G-103 Power Spray.[20] Blastoise from Secret Wonders and Unown V from Legends Awakened specifically received errata for this rule change, though it also affects Swampert ex from EX Crystal Guardians and Latias ex δ from EX Dragon Frontiers.
- Supporter cards released before Black & White state to leave the card in play and discard it at the end of the player's turn. They are now to be discarded immediately, and effects checking if a Supporter card is in play should instead read to check if a Supporter card has been played that turn.[5]
- A Pokémon card that refers to itself by name should read "this Pokémon".[5][21]
- Effects that remove damage counters should read as healing that damage.[5]
- Pokémon LV.X may use the Abilites of their previous Level, in addition to their Pokémon Powers.[22] This is the only instance of an effect referencing Pokémon Powers also affecting Abilities.
- Professor Juniper, Professor Sycamore, and Professor's Research may not be included in the same deck.[23][24] Lysandre and Boss's Orders may not be included in the same deck.[25] This errata is specific to these 5 cards; other Trainer cards with identical effects but different names do not have deckbuilding restrictions.
- Effects that alter the cost of a Pokémon's attacks should read as "attacks that this Pokémon uses" rather than "this Pokémon's attacks".[26] This allows those effects to affect Technical Machine cards or attack-copying abilities, rather than solely attacks printed on the Pokémon card.
Errata for individual cards
Original Series
- PlusPower — Expansion Pack: The original Japanese version of this card applied its damage modifier to all Pokémon in play, including the Attacking Pokémon and any Benched Pokémon. Errata was issued to restrict this to the Defending Pokémon alongside a reprint with the new text in the Tamamushi City Gym deck.[27] The English release uses the updated effect.
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Original
Attach PlusPower to your Active Pokémon. At the end of your turn, discard PlusPower. If this Pokémon's attack does damage (after applying Weakness and Resistance), the attack does 10 more damage.
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Erratum and English release
Attach PlusPower to your Active Pokémon. At the end of your turn, discard PlusPower. If this Pokémon's attack does damage to the Defending Pokémon (after applying Weakness and Resistance), the attack does 10 more damage to the Defending Pokémon.
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- Energy Retrieval and Super Energy Retrieval — Expansion Pack, Unnumbered Promotional cards: The original Japanese versions of these cards were able to retrieve Special Energy cards from the discard pile. Errata was issued to restrict them to Basic Energy cards.[28] They were reprinted with the updated effect in various Gym Decks and the Gold, Silver, to a New World... expansion respectively, and all releases of these cards in English have the updated effect.
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Original
Trade 1 of the other cards in your hand for up to 2 Energy cards from your discard pile.
Trade 2 of the other cards in your hand for 4 Energy cards from your discard pile. If you have fewer than 4 Energy cards there, take all of them.
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Errata and English release
Trade 1 of the other cards in your hand for up to 2 basic Energy cards from your discard pile.
Trade 2 of the other cards in your hand for 4 basic Energy cards from your discard pile. If you have fewer than 4 Energy cards there, take all of them.
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- Brock's Ninetales — Leaders' Stadium: The original Japanese version of this card was able to use the Pokémon Powers of other Pokémon with its Shapeshift Pokémon Power. This part of the effect was deemed too powerful, and errata was issued to remove it.[29] This card was released in English with the updated effect.
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Original
Pokémon Power:
Shapeshift
ばける
Once during your turn (before your attack), you may attach an Evolution card from your hand to Brock's Ninetales. (This doesn't count as evolving Brock's Ninetales.) Treat Brock's Ninetales as if it were that Pokémon instead. It can't evolve or devolve. During your turn, you may discard the Evolution card attached to Brock's Ninetales. This power can't be used if Brock's Ninetales is Asleep, Confused, or Paralyzed. If Brock's Ninetales becomes Asleep, Confused, or Paralyzed, discard all Evolution cards attached to it.
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Erratum and English release
Pokémon Power:
Shapeshift
ばける
Once during your turn (before your attack), you may attach an Evolution card from your hand to Brock's Ninetales. (This doesn't count as evolving Brock's Ninetales.) Treat Brock's Ninetales as if it were that Pokémon instead. It can't evolve, devolve, or use the Pokémon Power of that Pokémon. During your turn, you may discard the Evolution card attached to Brock's Ninetales. This power can't be used if Brock's Ninetales is Asleep, Confused, or Paralyzed. If Brock's Ninetales becomes Asleep, Confused, or Paralyzed, discard all Evolution cards attached to it.
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- Tickling Machine — Gym Heroes 119/132: This card was misprinted as a "Rocket's Secret Robot" card rather than a Rocket's Secret Machine card. An official errata was never issued by Wizards of the Coast, but The Pokémon Company International ruled the card would be considered a Rocket's Secret Machine card by the attacks of Rocket's Meowth and Rocket's Wobbuffet.[30] Dark Slowking, the only other card that interacts with Rocket's Secret Machine cards, was not mentioned in this ruling.
- Blaine's Charizard — Gym Challenge 2/132: This card has an Energy symbol typo in its Roaring Flames attack. Errata was issued, and the error was corrected in later prints. The word "energy" remains errouneously lowercased in the corrected print.
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Original
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Erratum
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- Lt. Surge's Electrode — Gym Challenge 52/132: This card has an erratum to prevent the Shock Blast Pokémon Power from looping infinitely. In Japanese, this effect can only be triggered by damage from attacks, making errata unnecessary in that language.
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Original
Pokémon Power:
Shock Blast
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Erratum
Pokémon Power:
Shock Blast
If Lt. Surge's Electrode is your Active Pokémon and gets damaged (even if it's Knocked Out), flip a coin. If tails, this power does 20 damage to each Active Pokémon. This power works even if Lt. Surge's Electrode is already Asleep, Confused, or Paralyzed when it takes damage. Damage from Shock Blast will not trigger any Shock Blast Pokémon Power (yours or your opponent's).
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- Rocket's Minefield Gym — Gym Challenge 119/132: This card has a typo that does not specify a number of damage counters. Errata was issued, and the error was corrected in later prints.
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Original
Whenever a player puts a Basic Pokémon onto his or her Bench from his or her hand, he or she flips a coin. If tails, put damage counters on that Pokémon.
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Erratum
Whenever a player puts a Basic Pokémon onto his or her Bench from his or her hand, he or she flips a coin. If tails, put 2 damage counters on that Pokémon.
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Neo Series
- Slowking — Neo Genesis 14/111: This card received errata to clarify how its Mind Games Pokémon Power interacts with Chaos Gym to prevent cards from entering another player's deck. This card was notably mistranslated from the original Japanese version, which only allowed Mind Games to be used when Slowking is in the Active Spot. Errata was never issued for the mistranslation, and Slowking was instead banned from the 2002-03 Modified format.
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Original
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Erratum
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- Scizor — Neo Discovery 10/75, 29/75: This card was misprinted to have its Double Claw attack effect deal multiplicative damage rather than additive, contradicting the listed damage of 20+. The card received errata to have it played with the multiplicative effect as written, despite the original Japanese card using additive damage.
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Original
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Erratum
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- Dark Haunter — Neo Destiny 36/105: This card is missing the word "opponent's" from the last sentence in its Call Back attack.
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Original
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Erratum
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- Unown C — Neo Destiny 57/105: This card's [CHASE] Pokémon Power erroneously states to apply Weakness and Resistance when placing a damage counter.
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Original
Pokémon Power:
CHASE [CHASE]
As long as Unown [C] is your Active Pokémon, whenever your opponent's Active Pokémon tries to retreat, flip a coin. If heads, put 1 damage counter on that Pokémon. Apply Weakness and Resistance.
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Erratum
Pokémon Power:
CHASE [CHASE]
As long as Unown [C] is your Active Pokémon, whenever your opponent's Active Pokémon tries to retreat, flip a coin. If heads, put 1 damage counter on that Pokémon.
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e-Card Series
- Blastoise — Expedition 4/165, 37/165: This card's Jet Stream Poké-Power is intended to only discard Energy from the Defending Pokémon if Energy is successfully discarded from the user.
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Original
Once during your turn (before your attack), if Blastoise is your Active Pokémon, you may flip a coin. If heads, discard an Energy card attached to Blastoise, if any. Then, if there are any Energy cards attached to the Defending Pokémon, choose 1 of them and discard it. This power can't be used if Blastoise is affected by a Special Condition.
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Erratum
Once during your turn (before your attack), if Blastoise is your Active Pokémon and has any Energy attached to it, you may flip a coin. If heads, discard an Energy card attached to Blastoise, if any. If any Energy was discarded from Blastoise in this way and if there are any Energy cards attached to the Defending Pokémon, choose 1 of them and discard it. This power can't be used if Blastoise is affected by a Special Condition.
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- Darkness Energy and Metal Energy — Expedition 158/165, 159/165: The Expedition prints of these cards were translated differently, and received errata to be played as their Neo Genesis prints. They were reprinted in Aquapolis with their Neo Genesis text.
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Expedition
If the Pokémon Darkness Energy is attached to does damage with an attack (after applying Weakness and Resistance), the attack does 10 more damage. At the end of every turn, put 1 damage counter on the Pokémon Darkness Energy is attached to, unless it's
Darkness Energy provides Damage done by attacks to the Pokémon Metal Energy is attached to is reduced by 10 (after applying Weakness and Resistance). If the Pokémon Metal Energy is attached to isn't
Metal Energy provides |
Neo Genesis and Aquapolis
If the Pokémon Darkness Energy is attached to damages the Defending Pokémon (after applying Weakness and Resistance), the attack does 10 more damage to the Defending Pokémon. At the end of every turn, put 1 damage counter on the Pokémon Darkness Energy is attached to, unless it's
Darkness Energy provides Damage done to the Pokémon Metal Energy is attached to is reduced by 10 (after applying Weakness and Resistance). If the Pokémon Metal Energy is attached to isn't
Metal Energy provides |
- Nidoking — Aquapolis 150/147: This card has an Energy symbol typo in its Crystal Type Poké-Body. It received errata to make it consistent with the Japanese version and its Rolling Thunder attack.
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Original
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Erratum
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EX Series
- Pokémon Reversal — EX Ruby & Sapphire 87/109: This print of Pokémon Reversal was mistranslated in the process of adding a clause for the 2-on-2 format. It received errata to make it more similar to its Expedition print, and it was reprinted in EX FireRed & LeafGreen with the correct text.
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Original
Flip a coin. If heads, your opponent switches 1 of his or her Active Pokémon with 1 of his or her Benched Pokémon.
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Erratum
Flip a coin. If heads, choose 1 of your opponent's Benched Pokémon and switch it with 1 of the Defending Pokémon. Your opponent chooses the Defending Pokémon to switch.
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- Balloon Berry — EX Dragon 82/97: This print of Balloon Berry reuses an incorrect translation from Neo Revelation. Errata was issued to make the card identical to its Japanese version. It was reprinted in EX Deoxys with the correct text.
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Original
When the Pokémon Balloon Berry is attached to retreats, discard Balloon Berry instead of discarding Energy cards.
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Erratum
As long as Balloon Berry is attached to a Pokémon, that Pokémon's Retreat Cost is 0. When this Pokémon retreats, discard Balloon Berry.
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- Strength Charm and Double Rainbow Energy — EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua 74/95, 88/95: These cards' damage modifers are intended to apply before Weakness and Resistance. Errata was issued. Strength Charm was reprinted in EX Deoxys and Double Rainbow Energy was reprinted in EX Emerald with the correct effect.
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Original
Whenever an attack from the Pokémon that Strength Charm is attached to does damage to the Active Pokémon (after applying Weakness and Resistance), the attack does 10 more damage. At the end of the turn in which this happens, discard Strength Charm.
Double Rainbow Energy can be attached only to an Evolved Pokémon (excluding Pokémon-ex). While in play, Double Rainbow Energy provides every type of Energy but provides 2 Energy at a time. (Doesn't count as a basic Energy when not in play and has no effect other than providing Energy.) Damage done to your opponent's Pokémon by the Pokémon Double Rainbow Energy is attached to is reduced by 10 (after applying Weakness and Resistance). When the Pokémon Double Rainbow Energy is attached to is no longer an Evolved Pokémon, discard Double Rainbow Energy.
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Errata
Whenever an attack from the Pokémon that Strength Charm is attached to does damage to the Active Pokémon, the attack does 10 more damage (before applying Weakness and Resistance). Discard Strength Charm at the end of the turn in which this Pokémon attacks.
Double Rainbow Energy can be attached only to an Evolved Pokémon (excluding Pokémon-ex). While in play, Double Rainbow Energy provides every type of Energy but provides 2 Energy at a time. (Doesn't count as a basic Energy when not in play and has no effect other than providing Energy.) Damage done to your opponent's Pokémon by the Pokémon Double Rainbow Energy is attached to is reduced by 10 (before applying Weakness and Resistance). When the Pokémon Double Rainbow Energy is attached to is no longer an Evolved Pokémon, discard Double Rainbow Energy.
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- Banette — EX Hidden Legends 1/101: This card's Darkness Chant attack is intended to count all Pokémon in the discard pile, rather than either Basic Pokémon or Evolution cards. Errata was issued to change "or" to "and", and the blanket errata issued with Diamond & Pearl clarifies the intent further.
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Original
Count the number of Basic Pokémon or Evolution cards in your discard pile. Put that many damage counters on the Defending Pokémon. You can't put more than 6 damage counters on the Defending Pokémon in this way.
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Erratum
Count the number of Basic Pokémon and Evolution cards in your discard pile. Put that many damage counters on the Defending Pokémon. You can't put more than 6 damage counters on the Defending Pokémon in this way.
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- Machamp — EX Hidden Legends 9/101: This card's Brick Smash attack is meant to apply Weakness. Errata was issued, and the card was reprinted in EX Power Keepers with the correct effect.
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Original
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Erratum
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- Feebas — EX Hidden Legends 61/101: This card's Ascension attack is meant to require a coin flip. The Vulpix card from the same expansion also has Ascension, but Vulpix does not require a coin flip.
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Original
Search your deck for a card that evolves from Feebas and put it on Feebas. (This counts as evolving Feebas.) Shuffle your deck afterward.
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Erratum
Flip a coin. If heads, search your deck for a card that evolves from Feebas and put it on Feebas. (This counts as evolving Feebas.) Shuffle your deck afterward.
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- Ancient Technical Machine [Ice] and Holon Energy WP — EX Hidden Legends 84/101, EX Delta Species 106/113: These cards are intended to prevent effects of attacks, not effects in general. Errata was issued. Holon Energy WP was reprinted in EX Dragon Frontiers with the correct text.
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Original
Holon Energy WP provides
If the Pokémon that Holon Energy WP is attached to also has a basic |
Errata
Holon Energy WP provides
If the Pokémon that Holon Energy WP is attached to also has a basic |
- Steven's Advice — EX Hidden Legends 92/101: This card is intended to be unplayable with 7 cards in hand. Errata was issued, and the card was reprinted in EX Power Keepers with the correct effect.
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Original
Draw a number of cards up to the number of your opponent's Pokémon in play.
If you have more than 7 cards (including this one) in your hand, you can't play this card. |
Erratum
Draw a number of cards up to the number of your opponent's Pokémon in play.
If you have 7 or more cards (including this one) in your hand, you can't play this card. |
- Hypno and Drowsee — EX FireRed & LeafGreen 25/112, 32/112: All instances of the name "Drowzee" were misspelled as "Drowsee" in this set. Errata was issued to correct the misspelling.
- Mt. Moon — EX FireRed & LeafGreen 94/112: This card is intended to affect Pokémon with 70 HP.
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Original
Any Pokémon (both yours and your opponent's) with maximum HP less than 70 can't use any Poké-Powers.
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Erratum
Any Pokémon (both yours and your opponent's) with maximum HP 70 or less can't use any Poké-Powers.
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- Blastoise ex and Articuno ex — EX FireRed & LeafGreen 104/112, 114/112: The Energy cards discarded by these cards' attacks are meant to be discarded by the user, not the opponent.
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Original
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Errata
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- Electrode ex — EX FireRed & LeafGreen 107/112: This card's Crush and Burn attack is affected by Energy cards, rather than Energy provided.
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Original
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Erratum
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- Jumpluff, Skiploom, Hoppip, and Koffing — EX Team Rocket Returns 11/109, 49/109, 57/109, 61/109: These cards' Buffer and Knockout Gas Poké-Bodies are intended to activate only from damage, not effects that place damage counters.
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Original
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Errata
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- Mantine — EX Team Rocket Returns 45/109: This card's Ripples Poké-Power is intended to work only in the Active Spot.
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Original
Once during your turn (before your attack), you may remove 1 damage counter from 1 of your Pokémon (excluding Mantine). This power can't be used if Mantine is affected by a Special Condition.
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Erratum
Once during your turn (before your attack), if Mantine is your Active Pokémon, you may remove 1 damage counter from 1 of your Pokémon (excluding Mantine). This power can't be used if Mantine is affected by a Special Condition.
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Diamond & Pearl Series
- Empoleon LV.X — Diamond & Pearl 120/130: This card was misprinted with a Poké-Body icon rather than a Poké-Power icon. Errata was issued, and the error was corrected in later print runs and on the card's Black Star Promo reprint.
- Alakazam, Glalie, and Staraptor — Mysterious Treasures 2/123, 25/123, Stormfront 27/100: These cards should also effect Stage 2 Pokémon that are not Evolved, such as those that entered play via Garchomp LV.X's Restore attack.
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Original
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Errata
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- Ariados — Mysterious Treasures 20/123: This card's Sticky Poké-Body excludes all cards named Ariados, and is not to be read as "this Pokémon".
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Original
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Erratum
The Retreat Cost for each player's Pokémon (excluding any Ariados) is
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- Exeggutor, Manectric, and Tangrowth — Mysterious Treasures 24/123, 28/123, Great Encounters 10/106: These cards' attacks are intended to count Energy provided by Basic Energy cards, rather than the Basic Energy cards themselves.
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Original
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Errata
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- Magmortar LV.X, Entei, and Electivire — Mysterious Treasures 123/123, Secret Wonders 4/132, 25/132: These cards' attacks are intended to count Energy cards, rather than Energy provided.
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Original
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Errata
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- Banette — Secret Wonders 23/132: This card cannot Knock Out itself.
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Original
Ghost Head
Put as many damage counters as you like on Banette. (You can't put more than Banette's remaining HP.) Put that many damage counters on the Defending Pokémon.
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Erratum
Ghost Head
Put as many damage counters as you like on Banette. (You can't Knock Out Banette.) Put that many damage counters on the Defending Pokémon.
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- Electrode — Secret Wonders 26/132: This card's Energy Shift Poké-Power is intended to work during both players' turns.
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Original
Once during your turn, if Electrode would be Knocked Out by damage from an attack, you may use this power. Electrode isn't discarded. Instead, attach it as an Energy card to 1 of your Pokémon. While attached, this card is a Special Energy card and provides every type of Energy but provides only 1 Energy at a time. (Has no effect other than providing Energy.)
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Erratum
If Electrode would be Knocked Out by damage from an attack, you may use this power. Electrode isn't discarded. Instead, attach it as an Energy card to 1 of your Pokémon. While attached, this card is a Special Energy card and provides every type of Energy but provides only 1 Energy at a time. (Has no effect other than providing Energy.)
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- Wormadam Sandy Cloak and Unown G — Secret Wonders 42/132, POP Series 7 10/17, Great Encounters 57/106: These cards' Pokémon Powers are intended to prevent effects done only by the opponent's Pokémon, not all Pokémon.
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Original
Once during your turn (before your attack), if Unown G is on your Bench, you may discard all cards attached to Unown G and attach Unown G to 1 of your Pokémon as a Pokémon Tool card. As long as Unown G is attached to a Pokémon, prevent all effects of attacks, excluding damage, done to that Pokémon.
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Errata
Once during your turn (before your attack), if Unown G is on your Bench, you may discard all cards attached to Unown G and attach Unown G to 1 of your Pokémon as a Pokémon Tool card. As long as Unown G is attached to a Pokémon, prevent all effects of attacks, excluding damage, done to that Pokémon by your opponent's Pokémon.
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- Forretress — Legends Awakened 28/146: This card's Iron Shell Poké-Body is not optional.
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Original
When you attach a basic Energy card from your hand to Forretress (excluding effects of attacks), you may flip a coin. If tails, put 2 damage counters on each Pokémon (both yours and your opponent's) (excluding any Forretress).
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Erratum
When you attach a basic Energy card from your hand to Forretress (excluding effects of attacks), flip a coin. If tails, put 2 damage counters on each Pokémon (both yours and your opponent's) (excluding any Forretress).
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- Gengar and Roserade — Stormfront 18/100, 23/100: These cards' Pokémon Powers are meant to target the Attacking Pokémon, not the Defending Pokémon. Because they activate on the opponent's turn, the Defending Pokémon would be the user's own Active Pokémon.
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Original
If Roserade is your Active Pokémon and is damaged by an opponent's attack (even if Roserade is Knocked Out), the Defending Pokémon is now Poisoned.
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Errata
If Roserade is your Active Pokémon and is damaged by an opponent's attack (even if Roserade is Knocked Out), the Attacking Pokémon is now Poisoned.
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- Skuntank — Stormfront 26/100: The effect of this card's Evolutionary Gas Poké-Power ends if the target leaves the Active Spot.
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Original
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Erratum
Once during your turn (before your attack), when you play Skuntank from your hand to evolve 1 of your Active Pokémon, you may choose 1 of the Defending Pokémon. If that Pokémon tries to attack during your opponent's next turn, that attack does nothing. (If the Defending Pokémon is no longer your opponent's Active Pokémon, this effect ends.)
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Platinum Series
- Dialga — Platinum 23/127: The Reverse Holofoil version of this card was misprinted as Colorless-type. Errata was issued to have the card played as the correct Metal-type.
- Shaymin LV.X — Platinum 126/127: This card's Seed Flare attack is intended to count Energy cards, not Energy provided.
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Original
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Erratum
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- Lucky Egg — Arceus 88/99: — The Arceus print of this card received errata to not trigger its effect unless the Knocked Out Pokémon enters the Discard Pile. The errata was not carried over for its Sword & Shield reprint, which has the same effect as the pre-errata version of the card.[31]
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Original
When the Pokémon this card is attached to is Knocked Out by damage from an opponent's attack, draw cards until you have 7 cards in your hand.
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Erratum
When the Pokémon this card is attached to is Knocked Out by damage from an opponent's attack and put into your discard pile, draw cards until you have 7 cards in your hand.
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HeartGold & SoulSilver Series
- Onix — Unleashed 56/95: This card's Energy Healer Poké-Body was mistranslated. It is only supposed to effect the user, not all the user's Pokémon.
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Original
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Erratum
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- Defender — Undaunted 72/90: The Undaunted print of this card received errata to reduce damage from all attacks rather than just the opponent's.
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Original
Attach Defender to 1 of your Pokémon. Discard this card at the end of your opponent's next turn. Any damage done to the Pokémon Defender is attached to by an opponent's attack is reduced by 20 (after applying Weakness and Resistance).
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Erratum
Attach Defender to 1 of your Pokémon. Discard this card at the end of your opponent's next turn. Any damage done to the Pokémon Defender is attached to by attacks is reduced by 20 (after applying Weakness and Resistance).
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- Unown — Triumphant 51/102: This card's CURE Poké-Power is intended to be optional.
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Original
Once during your turn, when you put Unown from your hand onto your Bench, remove all Special Conditions from your Active Pokémon.
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Erratum
Once during your turn, when you put Unown from your hand onto your Bench, you may remove all Special Conditions from your Active Pokémon.
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Black & White Series
- Exp. Share — Dragon Vault 18/20: The Dragon Vault print of this card was misprinted without the Pokémon Tool box. It received errata to be played as a Pokémon Tool identically to its Next Destinies print.
- Charizard — Plasma Storm 136/135: The Plasma Storm print of this card has an Energy symbol typo in its Scorching Fire attack.
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Original
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Erratum
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XY Series
- Fighting Stadium — Furious Fists 90/111: This card is intended to impact only the Active Pokémon-EX belonging to the attacker's opponent.
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Original
The attacks of each
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Erratum
The attacks of each
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- Jamming Net — Phantom Forces 98/119: This card is intended to impact all Pokémon belonging to the attacker's opponent.
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Original
The attacks of the Pokémon this card is attached to do 20 less damage to all Defending Pokémon (before applying Weakness and Resistance). (Don't apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.)
When this card is removed from a Pokémon for any reason, put this card in its owner's discard pile. |
Erratum
The attacks of the Pokémon this card is attached to do 20 less damage to each of the opponent's Pokémon (before applying Weakness and Resistance). (Don't apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.)
When this card is removed from a Pokémon for any reason, put this card in its owner's discard pile. |
- Shield Energy — Primal Clash 143/160: This card's damage modifier is intended to apply after Weakness and Resistance.
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Original
This card can only be attached to
The attacks of your opponent's Pokémon do 10 less damage to the |
Erratum
This card can only be attached to
The attacks of your opponent's Pokémon do 10 less damage to the |
- Galvantula — Steam Siege 42/114: This card's Double Thread attack was mistranslated, and is meant to be unable to target the opponent's Active Pokémon. Errata was issued, and later prints use the corrected text.
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Original
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Erratum
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- Electrode — Evolutions 40/108: This card's Buzzap Thunder Ability is intended to provide Energy to any type of Pokémon. Its initial attachment must still be done to a Lightning-type. Errata was issued, and later prints use the corrected text.
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Original
Once during your turn (before your attack), you may Knock Out this Pokémon and attach it to one of your |
Erratum
Once during your turn (before your attack), you may Knock Out this Pokémon and attach it to one of your |
Sun & Moon Series
- Cyrus
— Ultra Prism 120/156: This card is intended to require the Water or Metal Pokémon in play be in the Active Spot.
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Original
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Erratum
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- Venusaur & Snivy-GX — Cosmic Eclipse 1/236, 210/236, 249/236, Black Star Promo SM229: This card's Shining Vine Ability is intended to be repeatable.
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Original
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Erratum
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Sword & Shield Series
- Cinderace — Sword & Shield 036/202: This card was misprinted with a Retreat Cost of
. Errata was issued to have it played with the correct Retreat Cost of 
.
- Garchomp — Brilliant Stars 109/172: This card's Sonic Slip Ability is intended to prevent effects of opponent's attacks, not the user's.
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Original
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Erratum
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Scarlet & Violet Series
- Minior — Paradox Rift 099/182, 201/182: This card's Far-Flying Meteor Ability is intended to be repeatable.
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Original
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Erratum
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Mega Evolution Series
No specific errata has been issued for cards in the Mega Evolution Series.
In alternative formats
Fan-made errata is encouraged for use in Cube formats to make games more fun and interesting.[32] For example, the official Hisui Cube issues errata for Garchomp to make its Royal Blades attack reference any Supporter card with Cynthia in its name, rather than only the card named exactly Cynthia.
References
- ↑ List of errata issued by Wizards of the Coast in various WotC chats, archived by Team Compendium. Retrieved Mar 2, 2026
- ↑ Pokémon TCG Errata | Play! Pokémon Resources and Documents. Retrieved Mar 2, 2026
- ↑ Official Pokémon TCG Errata PDF | Retrieved Mar 2, 2026
- ↑ Errata | Pokémon TCG Rulings Compendium, maintained by The PokéGym. Retrieved Mar 2, 2026
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Changes in the Pokémon TCG: Black & White Expansion | Pokémon.com, Apr 11, 2011. Archived Apr 16, 2011
- ↑ Compendium ruling, Oct 1, 2013
- ↑ WotC chat, Jan 30, 2003
- ↑ PokéGym ruling, Jan 17, 2016
- ↑ Play! Pokémon TCG Tournament Handbook, section 4.2.2. Retrieved Mar 12, 2026
- ↑ Pokémon Trainers Magazine Vol. 14 (archive), pg.25
- ↑ PokéGym ruling, Jun 4, 2025
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Compendium ruling, Sep 4, 2014
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 ポケモンカードeシリーズ以前の特殊能力 Q&A | pokemon-card.com (Japanese), May 24, 2002. Archived Oct 18, 2005
- ↑ WotC chat, May 22, 2003
- ↑ TPCi ruling, Oct 16, 2003
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 DP Rules & Changes Summary PDF mirrored on The PokéGym, Apr 27, 2007. Retrieved Mar 11, 2026
- ↑ 2023 Pokémon TCG Standard Format Rotation and Pokémon Tool Errata | Pokémon.com, Dec 12, 2022
- ↑ WotC chat, Jan 17, 2002
- ↑ TPCi ruling, Apr 7, 2005
- ↑ Compendium ruling, May 1, 2009
- ↑ Compendium rulings | Apr 17, 2008 and May 16, 2019
- ↑ PokéGym ruling, Jan 26, 2012
- ↑ Compendium ruling, Oct 1, 2013
- ↑ Compendium ruling, Jan 9, 2020
- ↑ Compendium ruling, Apr 16, 2020
- ↑ Compendium ruling, Dec 1, 2022
- ↑ Pokémon Card Fan Club Magazine Vol. 4 (archive), pg.26
- ↑ Pokémon Card Fan Club Magazine Vol. 5 (archive), pg.16
- ↑ Pokémon Trainers Magazine Vol. 6 (archive), pg.58
- ↑ TPCi ruling, Feb 24, 2005
- ↑ Compendium ruling, Dec 12, 2024
- ↑ Learn How to Build and Draft a Pokémon TCG Cube | Pokémon.com, Apr 21, 2025
| This article is part of Project TCG, a Bulbapedia project that aims to report on every aspect of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. |