Pokémon TCG Pocket: Our Review of the New Pokémon Collectible Card Game

First Impressions: An Accessible and Rather Immersive Game

Colorful Graphics and a Rather Successful Interface

From the start, Pokémon TCG Pocket grabs attention with colorful aesthetics and smooth animations. The visual experience when opening boosters is particularly successful, recreating the excitement of opening physical packs with immersive 3D effects. Each booster reveals shiny, rare, or basic cards, which invigorates the collection process and encourages further exploration. The interface is intuitive, with well-organized options and clear menus, facilitating navigation between the collection, game modes, and social interactions.

A Beautiful Collection Experience

In Pokémon TCG Pocket, the collection aspect is highlighted thanks to the numerous available cards and social features. Each player receives free boosters every 12 hours, and miracle draws offer a chance to acquire rare cards drawn by other players. This collective mechanic adds an interactive dimension, reinforcing the sense of community.

For long-time fans, the satisfaction of completing a digital album is real, and for newcomers, learning to collect and acquire rare cards is gradual and fluid.

Gameplay: Much Simplification and Accessibility

Simplified Combat Rules

One of the strengths of Pokémon TCG Pocket lies in its simplified gameplay, making battles accessible without being uninteresting. Unlike the classic TCG rules, matches are played with a maximum of three Pokémon in reserve (on the bench), and a reduced health point system allowing quick battles (maximum 10 minutes), ideal for short sessions on mobile. These modifications make the game more fluid and less intimidating for players new to Pokémon TCG.

Game Modes

At its launch, Pokémon TCG Pocket offers several game options. Players can face the AI in random level matches or challenge their friends (or strangers) via private matches.

Although a ranked mode does not yet exist, it is likely to be introduced in a future update due to high demand. Currently, the game already allows players to familiarize themselves with the cards, test different strategies, and improve their deck.

Monetization: Free-to-Play and Premium, a Balanced Model?

Free-to-Play Advantages

Pokémon TCG Pocket presents itself as a Free-to-Play game, featuring an accessible economic model. Free boosters given every 12 hours enable players to progress without spending money. By completing missions and increasing their level, players can also earn additional rewards, including boosters and special cards. This structure allows casual players to complete their collection without feeling limited and forced to pay.

Premium Pass and In-Game Currency

For players wishing to speed up their progress, Pokémon TCG Pocket offers a Premium Pass. This pass allows players to open more boosters each day and gain additional advantages to progress faster. The game introduces a “Booster Hourglass” system which reduces waiting times between each free booster, easily earned by regularly completing simple missions.

While these elements enhance the experience for those choosing to pay, they remain optional. You can also try the Premium Pass for 15 days free, a great opportunity to kickstart your collection at high speed, without paying.

Our Verdict

Strengths:

• Immersive Experience: the booster animations, visual aspects of the cards, and 3D effect make the collection truly engaging and lively.
• Accessibility: with simplified rules and fast gameplay, Pokémon TCG Pocket suits players of all skill levels.
• Community Dimension: with features such as Miracle Draw, trading (coming soon!), and private matches, the game encourages social interaction and creates a sense of community sharing and progression.

Weakness:

• Lack of Advanced Competitive Modes: the game currently lacks a ranked mode, which could offer additional challenges for players seeking competition.