Introduction and Concept
Lv.X Pokémon cards first appeared in the Diamond & Pearl series, debuting in the May 2007 Diamond & Pearl base set. These cards feature powered-up versions of fully evolved Pokémon, fitting the theme that in the video games, a Pokémon grows stronger as its level increases. Lv.X cards have a distinctive cosmic holographic foil pattern which covers the entire card, especially the silver borders.
Gameplay Mechanics
Gameplay-wise, Lv.X cards are played on top of a Pokémon card with the same name, and like normal evolution, Lv.X Pokémon cards cannot be played in the same turn the Pokémon is played or evolved. This can add new attacks, Poké-Powers, or Poké-Bodies to the Pokémon while maintaining its older abilities and attacks. The extra evolution step offered by Lv.X cards added intriguing strategic possibilities and mid-game power-ups.
Design and Availability
Lv.X cards often bore alternative styles of art or different poses from the base copies, making them quite visually appealing to collectors. These cards were prevalent throughout the Diamond & Pearl and Platinum series, making an appearance in just about every set from Diamond & Pearl base through Arceus. Most Lv.X cards featured fully evolved Pokémon, though some Basic Pokémon like Dialga and Palkia also received Lv.X treatment.
Special evolution cards introduced in the Diamond & Pearl era, representing powered-up versions of fully evolved Pokémon.
