Team Up (2019): The Rise of Tag Team GX

Some sets introduce a mechanic quietly, and some sets make it the main event. Team Up did the latter, turning Tag Team GX cards into one of the most talked-about additions of the whole GX era.

Two Pokémon, one powerful card

Released in 2019 within the Sun & Moon block, Team Up built on the existing GX mechanic by pairing two or more Pokémon onto a single card. These Tag Team GX cards generally came with higher HP and stronger attacks than standard GX Pokémon, balanced by giving up more prize cards if knocked out, which added a fresh layer of risk to deckbuilding.

A format that took over competitive play

Tag Team GX cards quickly became a dominant force in tournaments, with pairings like Pikachu & Zekrom GX becoming genuine competitive staples rather than just chase cards for collectors. That dual appeal, strong on the table and exciting to pull from a pack, is a big part of why Team Up is remembered so well.

A high point for the GX era

Because it combined a fun new visual concept with real competitive impact, Team Up is often cited as one of the strongest sets of the entire GX period. It's a natural pickup for anyone exploring that stretch of TCG history.

Frequently asked questions

When did the Team Up set release?

Team Up released in 2019 as part of the Sun & Moon block.

What is a Tag Team GX card?

A Tag Team GX card features two or more Pokémon on a single card, combining their attacks and typically carrying higher HP and a stronger GX attack in exchange for a bigger prize card penalty if knocked out.

Why was Team Up significant for the GX era?

It's widely seen as the set that popularised Tag Team GX cards, a format that went on to dominate competitive play and became one of the most chased card types of its time.

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