M Alzamora 
Pokemon TCG Pocket has a unique monetization system, with one of the biggest part of that being the premium pass subscription; but is it worth buying?
Pokemon TCG Pocket attracted millions of players, and dollars, immediately after its release. Fans have been chasing rare pulls like immersive illustration rare cards and battling for rewards ever since. Some have even invested real-world money into the premium subscription to heighten their virtual experience.
But how does this subscription stack up from a value perspective? Here’s what fans need to know about the Pokemon TCG Pocket premium features and how much it costs.
TCG Pocket premium subscription comes with extra missions, rewards
Players with a premium subscription can earn tickets toward exclusive items and open more packs per day.
Premium missions include tasks like collecting 11 grass-type cards and collecting 20 two-diamond rarity cards. Rewards not only include pack hourglasses and wonder hourglasses, but also premium tickets. These premium tickets can be spent in the premium shop, where fans can redeem them for items including:
- One ticket: an exclusive special illustration rare promo Pikachu card
- Three tickets: a Mewtwo backdrop or cover
- Six tickets: A Mewtwo Pokemon coin or card sleeve
- 12 tickets: A Mewtwo playmat
Additionally, the TCG Pocket premium subscription allows for one extra pack opening per day. This boosts the total number of monthly “free” packs by 30, or cards by 150. Many fans, both collectors and battlers alike, find this to be the biggest perk of the premium subscription.
How much does Pokemon TCG Pocket premium cost?
The current price of TCG Pocket premium is $9.99 USD per month, but there is a free two-week trial available.
For comparison, players can also choose to spend $9.99 on the Release Celebration—Reduced Price Poke Gold pack for 72 Poke Gold. If each full-pack refresh costs six Poke Gold, it unlocks only 12 packs.
The Pokemon TCG Pocket offers a much better value than outright buying packs, though players don’t get the rewards instantly. This also assumes players regularly play the game. Those who bounce in and out of playing Pokemon TCG Pocket may not get the full value out of a subscription. This is similar to the approach seen with other microtransaction-focused games, including the likes of Genshin Impact and Pokemon Unite.
The details regarding how Pokemon TCG Pocket premium works and other microtransactions are likely to evolve as the game continues getting player feedback. Those who were considering investing should have the essential information needed to make a decision.
