M Alzamora 
Pokemon TCG Pocket is the latest addition to the world of Pokemon, and the chance to get free digital cards is an asset to any collector.
The Pokemon TCG took the world by storm when it was first released and every now and again, it reminds the world how big it really is. The most recent example is Pokemon TCG Pocket, with the game netting millions of players immediately after its launch. With events seemingly scheduled for the next several months, now is a great time to figure out if the game is worth installing.
As a free-to-play game, Pokemon TCG Pocket offers fans an easy way to collect cards and battle online without breaking the bank.
The Good:
- Actually free-to-play, with premium options available
- Seeks to provide a thorough TCG experience within one app
The Bad:
- Limiting in terms of what can be done in battles
- Gacha mechanics can be frustrating to some
Review Details:
- What Platform Did the Reviewer Play On?: Mobile
- Platforms Available: Mobile
- Official Release Date: October 30, 2024
Pokemon TCG Pocket is a free, low-commitment way to collect digital cards and battle online
Pokemon TCG Pocket is delightfully easy to get into and get acclimated with. The game released with one set of cards split across three types of booster packs. Players can pull five cards from a pack of their choosing twice per day.
By making friends, they also have the chance to get a card of their choosing from the Wonder Pick, which offers a randomized selection of cards from other players’ pulls. Players can speed up their time to open a new pack or Wonder Pick by using Pack or Wonder Hourglasses. These are available through daily and other missions.
That method of time-gating progression is standard among free-to-play games and naturally, players can pay their way out of it.
Those who want to get more out of the game have the option of paying for a premium subscription. For $9.99 a month, plus a two-week free trial, players can open a third daily pack and unlock premium missions and rewards. Given that Pokemon TCG Pocket is free to download, this gives more serious fans the option to get more without reducing the quality of the base game.
One way that the game continues to get players to return, besides opening packs, is through timed events. Players can take part in limited-time missions to defeat AI opponents, offering the chance to get special promo cards.
Another perk is that Pokemon TCG Pocket offers artwork exclusive to the game. This adds an extra level of interest to digital collectors.
The game has a lot to offer whether they pay or not. That said, there are a load of things that are missing.
Pokemon TCG Pocket lacks many features at launch
Committed players will quickly find themselves with very little to do in Pokemon TCG Pocket.
With 226 base set cards, most pulls after a certain point end up being duplicates. Shinedust is the only real “endgame” objective, but it’s only good for adding cosmetic effects to one of several duplicate cards. For players who have little interest in battling, the enjoyment can only drop from there.
The limited deckbuilding options and stripped-down battling relative to the actual Pokemon TCG means there’s little to do beyond collecting all the cards.
Others who are new to gacha games may also be frustrated by the low pull rates from packs.
Pokemon TCG Pocket is interesting in that players get two free packs a day. Besides getting an extra pack through premium, the only ways to get a desired card are by saving up enough Pack Points or repeatedly opening packs. Players can open more packs either through earning or purchasing Pack Hourglasses in limited-time events/with Shop Tickets or purchasing Poke Gold with real money. Casual fans can find the gacha mechanics and card likelihoods annoying, at best.
Ultimately, players can expect new features and new cards to be added over time. Trading, a proper ranked ladder, and the ability to battle friends are all effectively guaranteed. There’s enough there in Pokemon TCG Pocket to keep the majority of players happy until then
The Bottom Line: Though the game needs more additions to maintain relevancy, Pokemon TCG Pocket is a low-commitment, low-cost way to enjoy the iconic card game.
Score: 8/10
