UNIQLO teases major Pokémon TCG collaboration
Last Updated on May 23, 2025
Uniqlo appears to be preparing for a collaboration with the immensely popular Pokémon Trading Card Game, following a cryptic post on its official X account.
The teaser, posted on May 22nd, features an image that has made fans desperate for more details.
Uniqlo, a Japanese casual wear designer, manufacturer and retailer, is known for its high-quality, innovative and affordable “LifeWear” apparel.
The company has a strong history of successful collaborations with various pop culture franchises, artists and designers, often featuring unique graphic T-shirts that appeal to a wide demographic.
Previous collaborations with the broader Pokémon franchise have been well-received, including graphic T-shirts released in late March 2025 as part of the “Pokemon Sketch” UT Collection, which showcased various Pokémon in sketch-style designs.
The Pokémon Card Game, officially known as the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), is a collectible card game based on the Pokémon video game series. First released in Japan in 1996, it has grown into a global phenomenon, with millions of players and collectors worldwide.
Players build decks of 60 cards featuring Pokémon, Energy cards, and Trainer cards, engaging in strategic battles to “knock out” their opponent’s Pokémon. The TCG’s popularity extends beyond gameplay, with rare and unique cards becoming highly sought-after collectibles.
The teaser image posted on X by Uniqo prominently displays the iconic back design of a Pokémon trading card printed on a black fabric.
The lack of concrete details from Uniqlo’s initial teaser has resulted in a wave speculation across social media and among Pokémon and fashion enthusiasts.
Fan theories that this will relate to a collaboration between Uniqlo and the Pokémon TCG appear to be on the right track, as the image includes a copyright notice that reads “©2025Pokémon. ©1995-2025 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.”
This is the standard copyright notice included on official Pokémon products and has been used on promotional images issued by Uniqlo to promote their previous Pokémon collaborations.
The official Uniqlo X post also includes a “thunder emoji”, a clear visual reference to the Electric-type Pokémon Pikachu, one of Pokémon’s most recognizable characters.
Given the nature of previous Pokémon TCG collaborations, such as those involving BOSS Coffee, fans are not only expecting a range of apparel items, such as T-shirts, hoodies, or other casual wear featuring Pokémon Card Game designs, but also speculating about the possibility of exclusive promotional cards.
Uniqlo has previously offered promo cards as bonuses with apparel purchases in past Pokémon collaborations.
In December 2014, a collaboration for Heat Tech children’s shirts in Japan included a choice of four “Warm Pikachu” promo cards.
All eyes will now be on the official Uniqlo and Pokémon channels for a full announcement regarding the scope, specific products, and release schedule of this possible Uniqlo and Pokémon Trading Card Game collaboration.
UPDATE (23rd May, 2025): All designs, pricing and a tentative release date, have been revealed by UNIQLO.
Source: Uniqlo X Account
Images: ©2025 Pokémon. ©1995-2025 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc., Uniqlo
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