Pokemon TCG Pocket just dropped on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Here’s what you need to know and how to get started!
What is Pokemon TCG Pocket?
Pokemon TCG Pocket is the most recent version of digital Pokemon Trading Cards, following Pokemon TCG Live and its predecessor, TCG Online.
While it may seem like Pokemon TCG Live’s successor, as its name implies, it’s a bite-sized derivative of the Pokemon Trading Card Game. This version has half the bench, half the prize cards, but still maintains the full Pokemon TCG experience.
It features all the fun of playing a trading card game with the convenience of having it on your phone. Through Pokemon Pocket TCG, you can collect, battle, and even trade with your buddies on your journey to be the very best like no one ever was!
Personally, as a TCG player myself, one of the draws to this game is in its pack opening sequences where you “fruit ninja” up your chosen pack. There’s even this nice touch where you can flip the pack over like you would in real life.
How do you even play the Pokemon Trading Card Game?
If you’ve watched the Pokemon anime growing up or saw snippets of it, you’re already halfway there!
In the Pokemon Trading Card Game, both trainers send out their Pokemon at the start and aim to knock out the opposing Pokemon. When a player knocks a Pokemon out, they take a “Prize Card” from their Prize Card Pool. The first trainer to run out of Prize Cards wins the game!
Pokemon need to battle to knock out the opposing Pokemon. If you think your Pikachu can fight with his signature Thunderbolt or Volt Tackle, think again—they can only use moves written on the card. It’s not like the anime where you can call out the move and the Pokemon will use it. Here, it’s more like the game where the Pokemon can only use moves they’ve learned but only if they have the energy to use them!
What are energy cards, you’re wondering? These are cards that power a Pokemon’s attacks in the Pokemon Trading Card Game. There’s another card type called trainer cards, which affect the tide of battle. Basically, you attach energy cards to Pokemon, the Pokemon attack each other, and the trainer that knocks out the most Pokemon ASAP wins!
While these concepts may seem daunting, Pokemon Pocket TCG offers in-game guides for both new and advanced players, so if you need a helping hand or a refresher, the game’s got you covered.
Why should you try Pokemon Pocket TCG?
Whether you’re a Pokemon fan or not, having an accessible card game that you can play on your lunch break is a fun little activity to have. Like other games in the digital card space, particularly Marvel Snap, Pokemon Pocket TCG offers a unique gameplay experience wrapped in the Pokemon brand. With the game being fresh off the app store, everyone can get into it!
Another factor to consider is how Free To Play (F2P) friendly the game appears as of this writing. With daily packs and even rental decks on offer, Pokemon Pocket TCG leans into its digital nature, letting users sample decks before fully investing in one or two.
As a TCG player myself, being able to try other card games without investing too much time and resources is always a plus. Pokemon is a cultural phenomenon that has lasted this long, and having this little monster in my pocket has me hyped for my next lunch break.
