What are Pokémon Delta Species cards

Unique Pokémon cards introduced in the EX Delta Species expansion.
Delta Species Pokémon have types different from their usual typing.
Originated from the Holon region, influenced by electromagnetic waves.
Can be dual-typed, often including Metal as a secondary type.

Introduction and Origins

The first of the Delta Species cards to feature in the Pokémon Trading Card Game were part of the EX Delta Species expansion, which was launched in October 2005. These special cards depict Pokémon of different types than their regular ones; for instance, a Charmander of the Lightning type, other than its normal Fire type. The Delta Species Pokémon hail from the Holon region, where exposure to electromagnetic waves from the Holon Research Tower altered their type.

Typing and Identification

At first, most Delta Species Pokémon were dual-typed with Metal as a secondary type, but in later sets single-typed Delta Species Pokémon were introduced. Delta Species cards are distinguished by the 'δ Delta Species' on the card. For competitive players, the Delta Species offers different strategies due to their unusual typings and abilities.

Evolution Mechanics

Another interesting fact is that a Delta Species evolved Pokémon does not have to be evolved from another Delta Species Pokémon. This makes for an interesting pivot where you can actually choose what evolution you go for depending on the matchup.

What are Pokémon Delta Species cards

Introduction and Origins

Typing and Identification

Evolution Mechanics

Cards from the set Delta Species:

Pikachu from the set Legend Maker:

Cards from the set Holon Phantoms:

Pikachu from the Nintendo Black Star Promos:

Chimecho, Deoxys and Treecko from the set POP Series 4:

Blastoise, Charizard, Ludicolo, Charmeleon, Charmander, Treecko and Sceptile from the set Crystal Guardians:

Cards from the set Dragon Frontiers:

Mew, Charmeleon, Charmander, Meowth, Pikachu, Pelipper and Zangoose from the set POP Series 5:

Mimikyu from the Sword & Shield Promos: Celebration set included promos of all kind of older types of cards in order to remember the old metagame. This cards wasn't viable in competitive play: