Olivia Richman 
The upcoming Pokemon TCG Pocket mobile game will steer into what players love the most, but what’s the gameplay
Pokemon TCG Pocket is a mobile game that will allow trainers to collect and trade digital versions of Pokemon trading cards. Players will get two booster packs a day for free, which include new card art and nostalgic card art, both of which will become “immersive.” On top of getting up close with Pokemon illustrations, the game also has quick battles with streamlined rules so new trainers can learn how to play the TCG.
Since it was announced, Pokemon fans have expressed mixed feelings for the app. Some felt it was just another way for Pokemon to make money off of cards that aren’t worth anything in real life. Others felt it was a great way for new players to learn how to play the card game in a casual setting. Only time will tell if the Pokemon TCG fandom embraces the app.
When is Pokemon TCG Pocket coming out?
Pokemon TCG Pocket is slated for release in 2024. There is no specific release date for the app, but official announcements confirm it’s coming out in 2024.
The app was first announced on Pokemon Day 2024 alongside games such as Pokemon Legends Z-A. It was revealed in a trailer that highlighted its combination of old and new mechanics and cards. The game was confirmed for release within 2024, though things have been in a holding pattern since.
How to get cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket
Players are regularly given free packs of digital cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket.
Unlike Pokemon TCG Live and Pokemon TCG Online, the cards trainers have in Pocket are not digital versions of the cards available in real life. Instead, players can open two booster packs a day for free when they open the app. Additional cards can be collected by trading with friends.
The specifics of the available cards in Pocket are still unknown but some of the cards in the game are based on real cards from classic expansions. This includes cards from current expansion, retro cards, and digital-only originals.
What are immersive cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket?
Pokemon TCG Pocket gives players access to unique cards that have extra immersive features.
What makes TCG unique from Live is that the card art is “interactive.” This means that the card art will move and change during the battle. For example, if a Pokemon uses an attack, the Pokemon on the card might move in a certain way or the background could change.
The trailer also shows players being able to “jump into” cards and see what’s going on around the Pokemon. A Pikachu card is shown to have an entire forest behind it, filled with other Pikachu and even some Ponyta.
Pokemon TCG Pocket set to have lower power levels, easier gameplay than Pokemon TCG Live
Pokemon TCG Pocket will have competitive gameplay, but will have simpler mechanics and a lower power level.
This new app is more about collecting than battling. It will still have battling, but the game will feature cards that are much weaker and easier to understand than the real Pokemon TCG. Alongside this, Pocket will introduce new mechanics including Energy Zones, which change how energy cards work.
Players that want to feel like they are playing the actual card game virtually should stick to Live while those that want to collect virtual cards and have more light-hearted battles should try out Pocket.
