Many Pokémon and Nintendo fans were surprised when Pokémon TCG (Trading Card Game) Pocket, a brand-new mobile game centered on gathering various digital cards and competing against opponents worldwide, was revealed during the February 2024 Pokémon Presents. Many fans were left wondering why the Pokémon company would make another digital version of their trading card game if they had made one not too long ago. And the Pokémon Company seems to be invested in this game as it has reportedly gained them $120 million dollars during its first 19 days.
Fast forward to October 30, 2024, the game was released to the public, and many Pokémon fans were surprised to find out that Pokémon TCG Pocket was a simplified version of the traditional trading card game. While some fans were excited to try out a new type of Pokémon game, others were uncertain if they would enjoy a card game because they were more used to the standard Pokémon video games.
“When it first got announced, I was a bit, like, kind of skeptical because I never really played the TCG,” says Nathan Coleman, the vice president of the Pokémon Club and a current junior at Chandler High School. “But after playing it, I really like collecting the cards and looking at the cards. I feel like one of the main points and the coolest points is, like, you can, like, go into a card and see, like, the immersive card.” Coleman explained that although he might not be the best competitive player out there, he still enjoys collecting the digital cards and looking at the artwork since each card tells its own unique story.
More players began leaving reviews about their experiences as the player base expanded. Some have enjoyed that the rules were less complicated than in the original Pokémon Trading Card Game, while others felt it was a bit too simple to understand. “I’d say that once you get into the game it gets easier because you don’t get to spend money on cards,” says Isaiah Jackson, a junior at Chandler High School. Jackson emphasized that although this game may have some major key differences, this game is easy to understand and everyone can fit right in regardless of your experience with Pokémon cards.
Despite the game having mixed reviews, Pokémon TCG Pocket has proved to the world that the nostalgic feeling of opening a pack of Pokémon cards hasn’t disappeared but rather evolved. Thanks to the accessibility of a smartphone, players may now obtain cards and participate in battles like never before. The game also features a “Social Section” where players may display their favorite cards to other players around the world which allows more connections between other players.
The game’s unique elements, such as the ability to analyze a full art card’s unique artwork and lore, have increased interest in the artistic side of the Pokémon community. With the use of a simple 2D animation, players can now enjoy the backstory of a full art Pokémon card by seeing the card change into a narrative story.
It looks like Pokémon TCG Pocket isn’t going anywhere as it will more than likely keep changing the way Pokémon cards are seen and valued, with updates perhaps bringing the highly anticipated arrival of trading. Nevertheless, fans are excited about what’s in store for this simplified version of the trading card game.
