Pokemon TCG Pocket, the mobile version of the classic Pokemon Trading Card Game, has finally received more information after being announced in February. In a new Official Gameplay Trailer, Pocket TCG Pocket has given us a deeper look at what cards we’ll be collecting, how we can obtain new cards, how battling works, and, most importantly, when we’ll be able to play the game for ourselves.
The first set of cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket will be the Genetic Apex expansion, a wholly original set exclusive to the mobile app. This set is primarily comprised of classic Generation 1 Pokemon, with several other fan-favourite Pokemon like Wooloo, Whimsicott, and Gardevoir also making the cut. Genetic Apex has over 226 cards to collect and all players will be able to open two packs per day for free (with the implication being that you can directly purchase more packs if you choose).
Genetic Apex, Pocket’s First Set
Unlike the regular Pokemon TCG packs, the packs in TCG Pocket will contain five cards instead of ten, and have a different rarity system. The best cards Trainers have the chance of pulling are ex cards – which is the staple card in the Scarlet and Violet era of the Pokemon TCG – as well as Immersive Cards, which are similar to Trainer Gallery or Illustration Rares but with the ability to view a small animation of the featured Pokemon.
The video also detailed how players can obtain additional cards from other players’ packs. This feature seems to be called Wonder Picking after the Wonder Trading feature from the mainline Pokemon games and it lets you randomly obtain one card from packs opened by another player. The limitations of this feature have yet to be outlined.
Wonder Picking
The last major aspect discussed in the Pokemon TCG Pocket gameplay trailer was how battling will look. You can either battle by yourself against the game’s AI or players from around the world. Pocket features a simplified version of the traditional Pokemon TCG ruleset – for example, it seems like you can only have 3 Pokemon on your Bench and you can always attach one Energy per turn as there are no Energy Cards – that lends itself to quicker matches. Additionally, players will be able to obtain special mats to customise their arena while battling.
Finally, the video concluded with the official release date. Pokemon TCG Pocket will launch worldwide on the 30th of October 2024 on the iOS and Android App Stores. Pre-registration has also started today.
Simplified TCG Battles
