Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is the Pokémon mobile game I didn’t know I wanted

Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is the Pokémon mobile game I didn't know I wanted

As a longtime enthusiast of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (PTCG), diving into the digital version, Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, was like stepping back into my childhood and revisiting old friends. The game has managed to capture the essence of the physical card game with impressive detail, even if some aspects had to be simplified for a more streamlined experience on mobile devices.


I possess an exceptionally well-preserved first edition Charizard card from the initial release of the Pokémon Card Game. I obtained it through a trade over two decades ago, during a time when Pokémon was still novel and I was young. Back then, nobody imagined that grown adults would earn money by streaming themselves opening booster packs for a game primarily intended for kids. Nowadays, things have evolved. I always know the location of that Charizard card. Sometimes I contemplate selling it to buy a house, but I recall the day I acquired it vividly. I remember who traded it to me. It brings back memories of when the Pokémon Card Game was more about camaraderie with friends than about striking it rich on Twitch, reselling packs, or grading cards for profit. Those times seem so far away. I miss those simpler days and the unique emotions they evoked.

A week ago, I had the opportunity to personally use Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket at a New York City hotel, and it brought back that familiar sensation. Additionally, I managed to outdo a few acquaintances in some one-on-one fights. It was an enjoyable experience. Created by DeNA, Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket primarily revolves around opening packs. You can open at least two per day for free, and you get one every twelve hours. Each pack holds five cards, and the initial collection boasts over 200 different cards, offering ample opportunities to gather them all. The inaugural set will offer three distinct booster packs – one centered around Pikachu (naturally), Mewtwo, and Charizard – and each pack will contain cards exclusive to it.

Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is the Pokémon mobile game I didn't know I wanted

Apart from purchasing packs, there’s another way to expand your collection: Wonder Pick. This feature allows you to select a card from a pack that another player has opened. Occasionally, you might find something exceptional like a rare Pikachu, while other times you may end up with a Sandshrew. It’s a game of luck, sometimes you’re the collector, and other times you’re the collected, but it’s always enjoyable!

It’s important to understand that companies like Creatures Inc., The Pokémon Company, and DeNA aren’t just being generous with their games. They operate within the framework of business and shareholder expectations, which often includes microtransactions. These transactions allow players to purchase items like faster pack opening or alternative currencies, though the specifics can be a bit complex.

Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is the Pokémon mobile game I didn't know I wanted

In essence, Pocket recognizes that a significant part of the appeal of Pokémon cards is amassing them all and personalizing your collection. To cater to this, you can utilize the Card Dex to identify missing cards, curate custom binders featuring favorite picks, and showcase them on various backgrounds to exhibit your rarest and most fashionable items. You’re also encouraged to share your collection with fellow players, but there’s more! You can obtain card sleeves, playmats, and coins to express your individuality, while duplicate cards can be converted into Shinedust, which you can use to enhance your cards with custom animations and other unique features.

During our conversation with the developers, they revealed that one of their primary objectives was to enable users to exhibit their cards, which is logical given the unique aspects of card games. While winning or owning the rarest, glossiest cards can be appealing, the true charm lies in the tactile experience of holding the cards, appreciating the way light interacts with them, and noticing subtle details. Since Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is a digital game, it can’t perfectly replicate these sensory experiences, but it’s making a valiant effort, and in my opinion, it does an impressive job of capturing that essence. This is quite an achievement indeed.

Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is the Pokémon mobile game I didn't know I wanted

Beyond doubt, the cards themselves are quite remarkable in Pocket. Some mimic cards from the actual game, while others are exclusive to this version. Each card has intricate details, often featuring stylish designs, holographic effects, or full artwork that makes them visually appealing. To put it simply, these cards look fantastic. However, what truly sets Pocket apart are the immersive cards. Ever wondered about the other Pokémon hanging out in the forest behind your Pikachu, or what lies beyond the frame just outside that area? Immersive cards will guide you through and reveal the secrets hidden within. It’s incredibly engaging and exciting!

Instead of just focusing on the cool cards, it’s important to note that the game itself can be played as well. However, certain aspects have been streamlined. For instance, decks now contain only twenty cards instead of sixty, and Energy is automatically generated each turn. When constructing your deck, you must specify the type(s) of Energy you want, and if you choose multiple types, the Energy type you receive will be random. The Bench can accommodate up to three Pokémon, and there are no damage dice or Prize Cards; instead, you earn one victory point for knocking out regular cards and two for knocking out EX Pokémon. The first player to reach three points wins the game. If you’re seeking a less intense experience, there are Deck Missions and computer-controlled opponents available. Additionally, Rental Decks can be used. For me, the real fun lies in creating your own decks and competing against other players, although a deck-building tool is provided to assist if you prefer not to do it yourself.

Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is the Pokémon mobile game I didn't know I wanted

The developers explained that they made all these modifications for a couple of reasons: firstly, since Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket might be people’s initial encounter with Pokémon cards, they aimed to make it user-friendly and simple to play. Secondly, they wanted the matches to be brief to avoid prolonged gameplay. The “Pocket” in the title isn’t just for aesthetics; these quick matches are designed for your convenience. However, don’t let that fool you into thinking there’s no depth; strategy is essential, and you may need to take risks with coin flips to win close games – exactly what you’d expect!

Absolutely, the nature of this new game will evolve over its lifetime. At first, there won’t be trading or ranked matches when it debuts; instead, it will focus on growing your collection and playing with friends. This seems fitting. I found enjoyment in the Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, whether I was unwrapping packs to reveal my new cards, spinning the Wonder Pick wheel, or challenging friends. It serves as a delightful and regular addition to my daily routine when it launches. Playing Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket reminds me of playing the real game on the floor of a friend’s house as a kid. It makes me long to revisit my old card binders, especially that beloved Charizard. However, let me clarify, it is still not available for purchase yet.

This preview was based on a pre-release version of the game provided by the publisher.

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2024-09-19 16:28