Held annually on February 27th, Pokemon Day celebrates the launch of the original Game Boy Pokemon games in Japan.
Though the first games were Pokemon Red and Pokemon Green, launched in Japan on February 27th, 1996 (very late in the OG Game Boy’s lifespan!), they made it to the West as Pokemon Red and Pokemon Blue in 1998.
It’s worth noting, however, that European players didn’t officially get their hands on the first Pokemon games until 1999!
Still, it’s the original Japanese releases that Pokemon Day commemorates, and in 2024, a promo card for the Pokemon TCG is being released as part of the celebrations!
What Promo Card Is Being Made Available For Pokemon Day 2024?
For this year’s Pokemon Day, the promo card is a Ceruledge.
First available in Paldea Evolved, then reprinted in Paldean Fates, the Ceruledge does seem to be a rather leftfield and unassuming choice for a Pokemon Day Promo card.
The difference with the specific promo version over the original printings is the ‘Pokemon Day 2024’ stamp, as you can see in the image above, as well as a spectacular cosmos holofoil treatment, complete with holo borders too!
Where Can I Get The Ceruledge Pokemon Day Card From?
The Ceruledge card can be added to any order (it doesn’t have to meet a minimum value) on PokemonCenter.com, using the code pday2024 at checkout; this applies in the US and UK.
It seems a lot harder to find in the UK, but in the US the card is available at Best Buy and Gamestop too, though you may need to spend a minimum amount in order to get hold of the card.
In Canada, the promo card is also available from the Pokemon Center, as well as Toys R Us; you’ll need to spend $15 minimum in order to be eligible to receive the card from there, however.
Is the Ceruledge Pokemon Day Card Worth Getting?
Of course, most fans won’t be looking to get this card for its in-game usefulness, but instead as a collector’s item.
What if you did want to use it in a game of the Pokemon TCG though?
Well, given how prevalent Pokemon V and Pokemon ex are these days in the decks of many Pokemon TCG players, this Ceruledge is actually a pretty effective card.
Firstly, it can heal itself of 30 HP of damage while dishing out 50 damage of its own, for the cost of two Colorless energy.
Its next attack is one that costs two Colorless and one Psychic energy, but it’s here where the Ceruledge truly excels.
That’s because it deals a decent 100 HP damage at minimum, rising to 220 damage if you’re against a Pokemon V or Pokemon ex!
Though its own HP of 140 isn’t particularly impressive and puts it in danger against some of the more common Pokemon V or ex cards, the fact that it can heal itself and still deal a bit of damage definitely helps against the lesser threat you’ll come up against.
Note that the only differences between the Paldea Evolved/Paldean Fates version of the Ceruledge and the Pokemon Day Promo are the stamp and the foil treatment, so if you did want to get hold of the card to use in a Pokemon TCG deck, you’re better off just buying the standard version.
It’s much cheaper too, with an average market price of around $0.12!
You can check the standard Ceruledge card out via TCGPlayer here.
Are There Other Pokemon Day Events Or Promos?
If you happen to be outside the US, Canada or the UK, there’s still other ways that Pokemon Day is being celebrated.
If you’re in Australia, for example, you can pick up a Charizard EB World card, as long as you’re a member of the EB store program.
They’re one per customer and the card awarded depends on your EB World membership level; do note that these can only be collected in store and while stocks last, however!
Stores and Pokemon League organisations near you are also taking part in the Pokemon Day celebrations, with tournaments and learn to play events.
Special damage counter dice and figures can be won or claimed at these events, so check out the official event locator to see where you can find one near you.
So all that remains is for us Pokemon obsessives here at Card Gamer is to wish you a Happy Pokemon Day!
