Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket (often abbreviated as Pokémon TCG Pocket) is a free-to-play mobile adaptation of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), developed by Creatures Inc. and DeNA, and published by The Pokémon Company.[1] The game was revealed on February 27, 2024 during a Pokémon Presents presentation[2] and officially released on October 30, 2024, on both iOS and Android devices.[3] Pokémon TCG Pocket serves as a mobile adaptation of the traditional TCG, allowing players to collect cards, build decks, and engage in battles against other players. The game incorporates features designed for mobile gameplay, including daily rewards and animated cards, while maintaining the core mechanics of the original TCG.
| Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Creatures Inc. DeNA |
| Publisher(s) | The Pokémon Company |
| Series | Pokémon |
| Platform(s) | iOS, Android |
| Release | October 30, 2024 |
| Genre(s) | Digital collectible card game |
| Mode(s) | Multiplayer |
As of November 2, 2024, the game has surpassed 10 million downloads. It has generated approximately $3 million per day in revenue since its release, accumulating an estimated $12 million.[4] Japan accounts for 45 percent of total earnings at the moment, while the United States follows as the second biggest market, contributing 25 percent of the app store revenue for the game.[5]
Gameplay
editPokémon Trading Card Game Pocket brings the Pokémon Trading Card Game experience to mobile. Players build decks using digital versions of the Pokémon TCG cards, which they then use to battle against AI opponents or other players online. The gameplay remains mostly faithful to the physical card game, with players drawing cards from their decks, placing Pokémon on the field, and using energy cards to enable their Pokémon to attack.[6] Strategic elements include evolving Pokémon, using Trainer cards for various effects, and managing resources to outplay opponents.[6]
Differences from Physical Game
editPokémon TCG Pocket retains the core gameplay of the traditional Pokémon Trading Card Game but includes several adjustments for mobile compatibility and streamlined play:
- Deck size: The size compacity of deck has been reduced from 60 to 20 cards.[6]
- Energy Card Requirement: Players are not required to include energy cards in their decks to enable attacks, as energy is provided directly within the game interface.[6]
Card Collection
editA notable feature is the daily rewards system, which provides players with two free digital booster packs each day, only allowing one to be opened every twelve hours.[7] Players can use a special item called an hourglass to reduce the time required by an hour.[8]
Development
editThe concept for an app dedicated exclusively to digital Pokémon cards began to take shape around the time of Pokémon Go's initial release.[9] Executive corporate officer Keita Hirobe stated that making the game more approachable and maintaining a low barrier to entry were two of The Pokémon Company’s primary objectives during development.[9]
Release
edit
Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket was revealed on February 27, 2024 during a Pokémon Presents.[10] At the closing ceremonies of the Pokémon World Championships in Hawaii, a new trailer for the game was released, revealing its official release date of October 30, 2024.[11] In August, the Pokémon Company announced over 6 million people had pre-registered for the game.[12]
References
edit- ^ "Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket". IGN. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
- ^ Diaz, Ana (February 27, 2024). "Pokémon is getting a whole new way to collect cards virtually". Polygon. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
- ^ "Celebrate the Launch of Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket at the Outernet". Pokemon.com. November 1, 2024. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
- ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley (November 4, 2024). "It's Early Days, but Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket Already Looks Like a Smash Hit". IGN. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
- ^ Phillips, Tom (November 4, 2024). "Pokémon TCG Pocket off to strong start, reportedly earns $12m in four days". Eurogamer. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Colantonio, Giovanni (October 31, 2024). "Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is nostalgic fun with red flags". Digital Trends. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
- ^ Lynn, Lottie (September 19, 2024). "Pokémon TCG Pocket's focus is on pack opening, but there's a promising version of the card game underneath". Eurogamer. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
- ^ Lee, Julia (October 30, 2024). "How to get more Hourglasses in Pokémon TCG Pocket". Polygon. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
- ^ a b Pulliam-Moore, Charles (September 19, 2024). "Pokémon TCG Pocket wants to be a gateway to digital card collecting". The Verge. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
- ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley (February 27, 2024). "Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket Announced, Brings the TCG to Mobile in 2024". IGN. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
- ^ DeFreitas, Casey (August 19, 2024). "Pokémon TCG Pocket Release Date Set for October". IGN. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
- ^ Doolan, Liam (October 18, 2024). "Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket Surpasses Six Million Pre-Registrations". Nintendo Life. Retrieved November 8, 2024.