We spoke a little before on Pokémon TCG Pocket during Worlds 2024 – they revealed a new trailer, and a demo. However, now we’re closer to release and many games news outlets, and creators, were invited to a hands-on preview of the game.
With Pokémon TCG Pocket set to launch soon (30th October) more details have emerged following this recent preview. To get you up to speed, Pocket is a brand-new mobile adaptation of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. TCG Pocket promises fast-paced, streamlined gameplay designed for shorter mobile sessions. This game isn’t a port of Pokémon TCG Live – it’s an entirely different experience!
Here’s everything we know so far, and if you’re not too bothered about a digital format of the Pokémon TCG – we’ll we’ve got plenty of Pokémon product in store, and at our online shop. Stellar Crown, recently launched on September 13th – we have booster boxes, packs and ETBs available! As well as the latest Japanese Pokémon TCG set Paradise Dragona
What is Pokémon TCG Pocket?
Pokémon TCG Pocket is a mobile-first version of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, offering a simpler, faster, and more casual-friendly experience. Unlike the traditional Pokémon TCG, TCG Pocket is designed for mobile with a focus on 10-minute matches, perfect for playing on the go. The game doesn’t mirror the complex rules of the original and instead creates a fresh gameplay experience without features like resistance mechanics or intricate deck searches.
Here’s a brief look at some quick features
- No Story Mode: Unlike some mobile games, Pokémon TCG Pocket won’t include a story-driven experience. It focuses entirely on the gameplay, collection, and online competition.
- Generational Diversity: At first glance, it seemed the game’s Genetic Apex set was focused primarily on Generation 1 Pokémon, but it turns out there are multiple generations represented in the 280+ card collection. However, fans of newer generations will have to wait, as Scarlet & Violet Pokémon are not featured.
- Getting Started: There is a tutorial – you open up a pack, and get a Kanto Starter (Bulbasaur, Squirtle, or Charmander) and you’ll get an alternative art card of one of starters also.
- Three Pack Arts: There are three different packs available within the app for Genetic Apex – a Pikachu, a Charizard and a Mewtwo pack. These do feature different, exclusive cards, offering a higher chance to pull varying cards from each type of pack of Genetic Apex.
Card Packs and Rarities
At launch, Pokémon TCG Pocket will feature the Genetic Apex set, which boasts over 280 cards. Each booster pack contains five cards, with varying rarities, ranging from Common to the highly coveted Immersive Art cards. One of the game’s standout features is its transparency regarding pull rates, so players will always know their chances of obtaining specific rarities. For instance, the odds of pulling a rare card are around 0.02%, while the rarest cards, the ☆☆☆☆ crown rares, have an incredibly slim 0.013% chance of appearing in packs.
Players are also rewarded with Pack Points for every booster pack they open, which can be used to redeem specific cards. These points accumulate with each opened pack, offering a pathway to secure rarer cards. For example, 35 Pack Points will get you a lower-rarity ♢ card, while larger amounts, such as 1500 points, can be exchanged for highly sought-after ☆☆☆ Immersive cards. The crown jewel of the set, the ☆☆☆☆ crown rare, requires a significant 2500 Pack Points to obtain.
Additionally, the game introduces an exciting feature called Wonder Pick. This allows players to view cards opened by others and select one they want to claim, with a 1 in 5 chance of securing the chosen card. This adds a unique social layer to the game, giving players the opportunity to interact with each other’s collections and possibly land the card they’ve been eyeing.
Battle System
Fast-paced battles are the core of the game, with 20-card decks and a simple first-to-three points system. Pokémon-ex cards are high-risk options, as knocking one out grants the opponent two points.
To streamline gameplay further, energy generation is automatic each turn, so you won’t need to manually draw or search for energy cards. This means less downtime, making it perfect for a mobile experience!
Progression and Customisation
Players earn experience and rewards through daily missions, like opening packs or reaching specific milestones. These rewards include Pack Hourglasses, which speed up pack openings, and Shine Dust, used to customise cards with special visual effects.
Shine Dust allows you to add animations to your cards, like shiny stars or Poké Balls, giving your collection a unique flair. You can show off these personalised cards in digital binders or share them with friends.
Monetisation and Currency
Pokémon TCG Pocket is free-to-play, but it offers micro transactions for those who want to speed up pack openings or purchase cosmetics. The main paid currency is Poké Gold, which can be bought in various increments – ranging from “x5” to “x500”
Each Poké Gold reduces the time needed to open packs by two hours. You can use Poké Gold to immediately open a pack – however, there is a daily spending limit.
In addition to Poké Gold, there’s a £9.99/month Premium Pass, which unlocks extra packs, Premium Missions, and exclusive rewards like promo cards and accessories. For instance, you’ll be able to unlock alternate art promos of cards like Meowth, without affecting competitive deck-building.
Final Thoughts
With its easy-to-pick-up gameplay, Pokémon TCG Pocket is sure to capture the hearts of mobile gamers and TCG fans alike. And for all your Pokémon TCG needs, whether you’re after the latest Stellar Crown packs or hunting down a rare card from Paradise Dragona, We Love Collectibles has got you covered!
Visit us at Unit 101, Westwood Business Park, Margate CT9 4JJ, or browse our entire collection online. Our online store is open 24/7, so you can shop whenever you like!
Thank You From us at We Love Collectibles!
We recently opened our new location at Unit 101, Westwood Business Park, Margate CT9 4JJ. We, Once again, want to thank everyone who made our grand opening such a success. We can’t wait to continue growing our Pokémon community, both in-store and online. So, get involved – We’re not just a physical store – you can connect with us online in more ways than ever before.
- Join our discord for card showcases, updates, trading and join our growing community!
- Or, get involved on our TikTok Livestream – where we rip or ship Pokémon product from Wednesday to Saturday!
Shop with We Love Collectibles!
Can’t wait to expand your Pokémon TCG collection? We Love Collectibles has everything you need, including the latest Stellar Crown set, which launched on September 13th! Whether you’re after booster boxes, packs, or Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs), we’ve got you covered.
Looking for something more exotic? We’ve also stocked the Japanese Paradise Dragona booster boxes, which are available now in-store and online. Don’t miss your chance to grab these highly sought-after cards!
Explore our range:
- Booster Boxes, Packs, and ETBs from the latest Scarlet & Violet sets
- A wide selection of Japanese Pokémon products
- Single cards for collectors hunting for that elusive rare
- Trading Card Accessories to protect your cards and show off your collection
Visit us online 24/7, or check out our store in person!
Join the Fun Online!
We’re more than just a store – we’re a growing community of Pokémon fans! Follow us on TikTok @WeLoveCollectibles and join our live streams for unboxings, giveaways, and Pokémon TCG insights.
Our live streams are held weekly:
- Wednesdays (Morning)
- Thursdays (Evening)
- Fridays (Morning)
- Saturdays (Evening)
Stay connected with us on Instagram to see what’s new in-store and join the growing We Love Collectibles community!
Contact Us
Unit 101, Westwood Business Park, Margate CT9 4JJ
Follow us on social media
@welovecollectibles
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Tuesday – Saturday: 10am – 6:00pm
Sunday: from 11am – 4:00pm