Summary
- Some players criticize the high crafting prices for shiny cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket.
- Pack Points system allows players to craft cards, but there is controversy over pricing of shiny cards.
Some Pokemon TCG Pocket players have pointed out that the crafting prices for shiny cards don't make much sense. Shiny Pokemon were introduced with the surprise launch of the Shining Revelry expansion in March 2025. At the time, the set and its glittering new cards were well-received by the community, with many fans welcoming the addition of a new rarity to Pokemon TCG Pocket.
Before the Shining Revelry expansion, Pocket featured eight rarity categories, with the crown being the rarest. The game now includes ten distinct card types, thanks to the addition of one-star and two-star shiny Pokemon, which are also known as one-rainbow and two-rainbow rarities. Card rarities play a key role in the game's ecosystem, as they directly affect the drop rates. In short, the higher the rarity, the lower the chances of the card appearing in a player's booster packs.
Pokemon TCG Pocket Players Want 'Annoying' Feature Removed from Battles
Fans think Pokemon TCG Pocket should remove one aspect of PvP battles because it is slowing down the game, but the solution might not be that simple.
To offset the extremely low drop rates of certain cards, Pokemon TCG Pocket introduced Pack Points, a type of loyalty reward earned by opening packs. Players can use these points to craft cards they don't have. However, a group of players recently took to the game's subreddit to highlight a flaw in the Pack Points system when it comes to shiny cards. Reddit user MrPersona_Loner posted a thread titled “shiny cards cost too many Pack Points,” which quickly gained traction as many others upvoted or commented to share their frustration with the pricing.
TCG Pocket's Shiny Cards Might Be 'Overpriced'
Critics of the current pricing system argue that spending 1,000 Pack Points, equivalent to nearly $200, on a card that isn't even a full-art variant feels unfair. To back up their claims, they point to one-star full-art cards, which cost just 400 Pack Points despite featuring a detailed alternate variant. According to these fans, a more reasonable price would be 600 Pack Points for one-star shiny cards and about 800 for two-star ones. On the other hand, some players have defended the system, noting that crafting prices in Pokemon TCG Pocket are based on drop rates and rarity tiers, not artwork. Since shiny cards have a lower drop rate than some full-art cards, they argue, the higher Pack Point cost is justified.
Despite being one of the more useful features in Pokemon TCG Pocket, Pack Points have been a source of controversy since the game's launch. One long-standing criticism is that they're tied to individual expansions, with many fans calling for a universal system that would let them spend points across any set. Critics argue that these so-called loyalty rewards feel largely pointless, as they often only grant access to common cards that most players already have. Supporters of the feature, however, see it as a helpful alternative for completing the Pokedex, especially for those who spend money on extra booster packs but still struggle to pull the cards they need.
- 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.
