Pokémon TCG Pocket’s monumental release has fans buzzing – and feeling a bit let down – about the limited availability of new,beautifully designed full-art cardsthat are exclusive to the mobile game. The new app has surged interest in the TCG, with10 million downloads inPocket’s first two days, and even longtimePokémon Trading Card Gameplayers are interested thanks to the game’s unique cards.
One standout example is a full-art Cubone cardhighlighted alongside two others by Reddit userhonkytonkbadonkykong, which has particularly struck a chord with fans, resonating not only for its stunning artwork, but for its depiction of Cubone’s tragic backstory as it weeps over its departed mother.
This digital-only release is especially painful for Cubone collectors who relate deeply to its story and are disappointed by the missed opportunity to add this card to their physical collections. As RedditorTrash_Panda_Tradingsays in the comments, “That Cubone is one of the best they’ve ever released. TCGP is gonna hype up physical product even more. Genius.”
Pokémon TCG Pocket Fuels Fan Interest In The Physical Card Game
Pocket-Exclusive Cards Could See Physical Prints In The Future
The reaction highlights howTCG Pocket’s exclusive releases could fuel interestin the physical market, with the game’scoolestGenetic Apexset cardspotentially enticing players to seek similar gratification in the original tabletop game.Pocketnotably has an extremely low barrier to entry, being free-to-play on Android and iOS device, and its simplified rules are nonetheless a steppig stone to playing and investing in the physical trading card game.
Beyond newcomers, though,Pocketappears to be deepening interest among those who already play theTCG. Many comments in the Reddit thread discuss the possibility ofPocket-exclusive cards eventually being printed in physical form, much likePokémon TCG’s previousPokémon GO-inspired cards, some of which werereleased exclusively in China. The Cubone card is a wonderful example of how brilliant artwork, combined with a relatively popular Pokémon, can create a highly sought after card for collectors.
Our Take: Pokémon TCG Pocket Is A Great Move For The Popularity Of The Card Game
Pokémon TCG Interest Has Never Been Higher
ThePokémon Trading Card Gamehas captivated fans since its 1996 release, offering a unique blend of strategy, collectible art, and socialization.Pokémon TCGquickly became a phenomenon, with cards like Charizard becoming legendary among fans and collectors. Over the years, the game’s popularity ebbed and flowed, but it has seen a major resurgence recently due to factors like the release of rare collectible cards, influencer involvement, and pandemic-era interest in hobbies that could be enjoyed at home.
Renewed interest inPokémon TCGhas also been driven by both nostalgia and the excitement of limited-edition sets. TheScarlet & Violetseries'151set, for instance, introduced new artwork for every Gen 1 Pokémon, many of which remain among the most popular in the series.Pokémon TCGhas cemented itself as a cross-generational hobby, with current fans ranging from kids to original collectors still chasing the thrill of rare pulls. ThePokémon TCG Pocketapp only adds fuel to that fire, with both exclusive, incredible cards, and a very low barrier to entry.
Sources:honkytonkbadonkykong/Reddit,Trash_Panda_Trading/Reddit
Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket
Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is a mobile adaptation that reimagines the classic TCG experience for iOS and Android devices.
