Posted in: Card Games, Games, Pokémon TCG, Tabletop | Tagged: Celebrations, Delta Species, P25, pokemon cards, Pokemon TCG

A Holographic History Of The Pokémon TCG: Pokémon δ Delta Species

Over the years, the Pokémon TCG has featured many different patterns used on their holographic cards. Some patterns lasted for years, while others had short stays, making them markers for their short time in the franchise. In this next installment of A Holographic History of the Pokémon TCG, let's take a look at an incredibly interesting style of card: Pokémon δ, AKA Delta Species.

Unlike many of the cards we have covered, Delta Species cards aren't necessarily their own level of rarity or holographic style. You will even find non-holo versions of these cards. Delta Species is instead a special kind of Pokémon that had its typing combined with another or totally changed. They were exposed to electromagnetic waves in the Holon region by scientists searching for the Mythical Pokémon Mew. For example, you can see the above cards featuring Raichu as a Steel-type and Mew as a Water-type and a Fire-type. Other cards feature an Electric-type (Lightning for TCG purists) Charmander. Many cards will see the Pokémon get a dual type, with that type being their original standard typing mixed with Metal.

This type of card combined with other card styles and mechanics as well. For example, the Mew Star above uses the visual style of the Star cards with the theme of Delta Species. There were also Pokémon-ex (lowercase ex, not the EX that were later introduced in the Black & White era) that appeared as Delta Species.

Now, here's the reason that this card type is now an entry in this series focusing on different holographic styles in the Pokémon TCG. When a Delta Species gets a standard holo, that card has a specific style unlike others. Delta Species holos feature a refractor holo pattern not on the background art but on the actual Pokémon and the border. The border is a holographic gold foil, which makes these cards stand out quite a bit.

The Pokémon TCG paid tribute to the Delta Species style of card with this Water-type Mimikyu which was released as a promo card in the Celebrations Collector's Chest. Many Celebrations promos used older styles of cards with Pokémon that weren't around when they were active. One notable thing about this Delta Species Mimkyu is that the TCG used galaxy foil, making Mimikyu and the border sparkle even more than the original style of Delta Species. I find this to be one of the most beautiful cards ever printed when seen in person.

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