Few sets mark as clean a break from what came before as Sun & Moon, which swapped out Mega Evolution for an entirely new headline mechanic and region in one go.
A tropical new region
Released in 2017, Sun & Moon was based on the Pokémon Sun and Moon games and introduced the Alola region to the TCG, bringing with it a distinct roster of new Pokémon and regional variants. The set also came with another visual refresh, giving cards a cleaner, more modern layout than the XY block before it.
GX cards take the spotlight
The headline addition was the GX card, a powerful Pokémon variant with a single-use GX attack that could turn a game around if timed well. GX cards replaced the EX mechanic from the Kalos era and went on to anchor deck strategies for several years, eventually including Tag Team GX cards down the line.
Why it's a favourite starting point
Because it introduced both a new region and a headline mechanic that stuck around for years, Sun & Moon is often pointed to as one of the more significant turning points in modern TCG history. It's a natural set for collectors interested in the GX era to start exploring.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Sun & Moon set release?
Sun & Moon released in 2017, based on the Pokémon Sun and Moon video games and the Alola region.
What are GX cards?
GX cards were a new category of powerful Pokémon introduced in this set, each with a one-per-game GX attack, replacing the EX cards from the previous block.
Why was this set a turning point for the TCG?
It marked a full regional and mechanical refresh, moving away from Kalos and Mega Evolution toward Alola and the GX era that would define the next few years.