If you’re looking for information on which Pokémon cards will be rotating out of tournament legality in 2026, we have everything you need to know right here. Let’s check it out!

What Does Rotation Mean, and Why Does It Happen?

Each year, during every Championship Series season, cards with a certain regulation mark are removed from legality, and are no longer able to be used during competitive, organized play. Regulation marks are comprised of a single letter, and can be found at the bottom, far left of a Pokémon card. You can see the E, F, G and H regulation marks on the cards in the above image. When a regulation mark is “rotated” out of legality, it’s to ensure that the environment for competitive play remains fair and up-to-date. Of course, it’s also a way to force players to keep up with the current meta, and continue to invest in more recent cards.

Which Regulation Mark Is Being Rotated in 2026?

Cards with the G regulation mark, such as the Vulpix in the above image, will be removed from legality in organized play for the Standard format in 2026. Cards bearing the H, I and J regulation marks will be legal, as will future regulation marks released prior to the next rotation period.

When Does Rotation Come Into Effect in 2026?

The date for G’s rotation in Standard play is April 10th, 2026. If playing digitally, this will occur on the 26th of March, 2026. Note that older versions of many staple cards, which continue to be reprinted, such as Rare Candy, Boss’s Orders and Professor’s Research, can still be used as their reprints which bear the H, I and J marks remain functionally identical to the older versions of the card.

Can I Still Use My Old Cards When Playing Pokémon With My Friends?

If you have older cards in your Pokémon collection, of course you can still use them, whatever era they’re from, and whether or not they bear the current regulation marks. Of course, you’ll have to agree with your friends ahead of time so you avoid any issues with unexpected cards making an appearance, but the beauty of casual play is that you’re free to use whatever you want as long as everyone is happy with that! Now, whether or not your older cards can hold their own against newer ones is another matter entirely. Remember when Charizard, back in the very first Pokémon set, had the highest HP of them all, with 120? Or cards such as the Light Dragonite above were hugely competitive, with their 100 HP and 40 HP attack? Seems rather quaint now, doesn’t it?

Check out our list of the most valuable Dragonite cards for a closer look at the above card, and other types of Dragonite! You can also take a look at our list of the most valuable Pokémon cards overall, to find out if you have some real treasure in your collection!