Players have already begun to gravitate to Pokemon TCG Pocket as it brings the classic cards to mobile platforms. The game has received praise so far, but Pokemon TCG Pocket might want to look towards other mobile card games for advice on how to grow.
As two card games designed for mobile devices, it’s almost unavoidable that Pokemon TCG Pocket and Marvel Snap would share some similarities. Marvel Snap has been around since October 2022, making it almost exactly 2 years older than Pocket TCG. In that time, Marvel Snap has become one of the most popular mobile card games, paving the way for more to come behind it. Of course, the physical Pokemon TCG debuted far before modern mobile devices even existed, so the basis of Pokemon TCG Pocket is wholly its own game. But the process of adapting that game for a new device still has a few hurdles to clear, and Marvel Snap might have the perfect inspiration in one prominent feature.
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Mobile Gaming is a Different Beast
Pokemon is a powerhouse in the game industry as one of the most recognizable franchises in pop culture, so it may seem strange to suggest that the series needs any help. Through the decades, the series has leaped from video games to card games, given birth to TV shows and movies, and spawned countless copycats. The release of Pokemon Go even brought the series to mobile devices before. But, a mobile TCG is its own genre, different from other mobile games, or even physical card games. Pokemon TCG Pocket’s early days have gone well, but the game still lacks some inclusions that might be pivotal to its success. Currently, the trading mechanic is still in the works, and only one card set is available, both of which will present challenges as the game grows.
TCG Pocket can look to Marvel Snap for Help
Marvel Snap has a strong following, bringing fans of the comics and movies along into the mobile card game market. Over its 2 years of continued development, the game has grown and continued to release content on a seasonal basis. Although the gameplay of Marvel Snap is very different from the Pokemon TCG, it seems that Pokemon TCG Pocket has already been influenced by Marvel Snap. Pocket TCG’s flair system is very similar to Marvel Snap’s upgrade system. Although Pocket TCG’s developer, DeNA hasn’t confirmed any inspiration, there may have been a link between the two. So, when it comes time for Pokemon TCG Pocket to introduce more card expansions, it might want to emulate Marvel Snap’s season format.
Pokemon TCG Pocket’s Inevitable Expansion
A card game is nothing without a variety of cards to collect, trade, and battle with, and as games grow, they must expand with new cards. Pokemon TCG Pocket’s Genetic Apex card set includes 226 cards, not a small number by any means, but only a fraction of the over 1,000 Pokemon. At some point in the game’s future, expansion packs must be added. When it came time for Marvel Snap to add more cards, it introduced a monthly season system. Each month sees a new season for Marvel Snap, each one coming with new events, challenges, and cards based on new Marvel heroes and teams. With Pokemon’s massive history, it’s in a perfect position to do the same. Just like the physical TCG, new card sets can be added at any time, and might be themed around a particular gimmick, region, or game. In this way, Pokemon TCG Pocket can freely expand alongside the physical TCG and other Pokemon games.
"When it comes time for Pokemon TCG Pocket to introduce more card expansions, it might want to emulate Marvel Snap's season format."
Between the thrill of opening new card packs, the excitement of battling, and the drive to complete a collection, Pokemon TCG Pocket has the makings of an excellent game. Fans are sure to return daily to try and find more powerful card packs and continue to battle as long as there are more cards to collect. In other words, if Pokemon TCG Pocket keeps up its current momentum by expanding properly, it could become a staple of mobile card games.
- Released
- October 30, 2024
- Developer(s)
- DeNA, Creatures Inc.
- Publisher(s)
- The Pokemon Company
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- Yes
WHERE TO PLAY
Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket lets you easily collect Pokémon cards. Creatures Inc. Has created exciting new visual effects for cards that are only possible digitally.
Pokémon cards, played with by people in 89 countries, are now closer to you than ever!
Enjoy Pokémon cards anytime, anywhere, on your mobile device!
■ You can open packs every day to get cards!
Collect cards every day! You can open two booster packs every day at no cost to collect Pokémon cards featuring heartwarming illustrations from the past as well as all-new cards exclusive to this game.
■ New Pokémon cards!
Immersive cards, a brand-new kind of card, make their debut here! With new illustrations that have a 3D feel, immersive cards will make you feel like you’ve leapt into the world of the card’s illustration!
■ Trade cards with friends!
You can trade certain cards with friends. Use the trade feature to collect even more cards!
■ Show off your collection!
You can use binders or display boards to showcase your cards and share them with the world!
■ Casual battles—alone or with friends!
You can enjoy casual battles during quick breaks in your day! Ranked matches are now available for players who'd like to battle even more.
