Pokémon TCG Pocket Revives an Infamous Crying Rock

The latest booster pack for Pokémon TCG Pocket, “Pulsing Aura,” has arrived, bringing with it anticipated cards like Lucario and various gameplay updates. However, for long-time fans of the physical trading card game, the most significant addition is the return of a notoriously famous card: Bonsly.

The Return of a Meme

On April 27, The Pokémon Company and DeNA released the “Pulsing Aura” update, officially reintroducing the Bonsly card that has been the subject of fan discussion for years. This particular card, often dubbed “Hole Bonsly,” is now available for players to collect and use within the digital Pokémon TCG Pocket application.

A 16-Year Legacy

The card’s reputation stems from a long history within the physical trading card game. For 16 years, no new Bonsly cards were printed, leaving the card illustrated by Midori Harada as the most recent version for over a decade. The artwork on this card, Bonsly #71, depicts the small rock-type Pokémon toppled over and crying, with the drainage hole at its base positioned as the central focus. This distinct feature led fans to nickname it “Hole Bonsly.”

Over time, the card became a humorous collector's item. While a new physical Bonsly card was eventually released in 2023, breaking the long streak, the infamous “Hole Bonsly” has now found new life in the digital realm.

New Tricks for an Old Card

This digital iteration of Bonsly is not just a nostalgic collectible; it comes with a functional move called “Teary Attack.” This attack deals 10 damage to an opponent while also reducing the damage dealt by the opponent’s defending Pokémon by 30 during their next turn. This defensive capability makes it a potentially strategic addition to stall decks or certain fighting-type builds, offering a tactical advantage beyond its meme status.

Future in the Digital Arena

In addition to the classic version, Pokémon TCG Pocket also offers a new, rare illustration of Bonsly that presents the Pokémon in a more aesthetically pleasing light. The reintroduction raises a question for the community: will players favor the beautifully illustrated new version, or will the humorous, troll-like appeal of the original “Hole Bonsly” dominate digital decks? Given its cult status, the classic crying rock may see significant play.