ソード (Sword): Japanese Pokémon TCG Set Guide (S1W)

ソード (Sword) is one of the two debut expansions of the Sword & Shield Era in the Japanese Pokémon TCG. Released on 6 December 2019 alongside シールド (Shield / S1H), it marks the beginning of Generation VIII in the card game, introducing Pokémon V and Pokémon VMAX — the new card mechanics that replaced GX for the next three years of the TCG.

By PulloraX · Published 30 October 2026

Set overview

Set code: S1W
Japanese name: 拡張パック ソード
Cards: 60 + secret rares
Release date: 6 December 2019
Era: Sword & Shield
Series type: Main expansion (拡張パック)

Sword launched the Sword & Shield Era with Pokémon V cards — powerful Basic Pokémon worth two prize cards — and Pokémon VMAX — evolved forms with massive HP and devastating attacks worth three prize cards. The set features Pokémon from the Galar region alongside returning favourites.

Key cards

Pokémon V: Zacian V (Metal type) is the marquee card — its Intrepid Sword ability and Brave Blade attack made it one of the most competitively dominant cards in the early Sword & Shield format. Lapras V, Torkoal V, and Dhelmise V also debut as Pokémon V cards.

Pokémon VMAX: Snorlax VMAX and Stonjourner VMAX are among the first VMAX cards ever printed, introducing the Dynamax and Gigantamax mechanic to the TCG.

Secret Rares: SR Full Art Pokémon V cards, HR (Hyper Rare) versions of VMAX cards, and UR gold trainer cards. The Zacian V SR is the top chase card from this half of the dual release.

What is in the box

A Japanese S1W Sword booster box contains 30 packs of 5 cards each. As the first set of a new era, it introduced a refreshed card design with new rarity symbols. SR and HR pull rates average roughly one per box.

Shop this set

• Sword V S1W Japanese Pokémon Booster Box

Browse Japanese Pokémon sealed product or read more in the PulloraX Magazine.