Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket is the latest Pokemon spin-off for mobile phones, and it was released internationally on October 30, 2024. So far, the game has gotten off to a fantastic start in terms of player engagement. Just one week after its debut, Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket was downloaded more than 30 million times on Android and iOS, and it earned roughly $3 million in a single day. Reception to the game has largely been positive, as well. On the Google Play Store, it currently has a 4.5/5 rating, while on the App Store, it has a score of 4.8/5. Popular mobile games typically do not get user scores this high, so the fact that Pokemon TCG Pocket was able to receive such broad acclaim is a testament to its quality.
That being said, the game is far from perfect. The title is aimed at younger audiences, but Pokemon TCG Pocket is filled with microtransactions and in-game currencies. Although the game is still an adaptation of the PTCG at its core, it almost feels like a gacha game at times due to the excessive monetization methods it employs. Pokemon TCG Pocket is also guilty of utilizing FOMO-inducing mechanics. Some of the Promo Cards in the game, for instance, are only available during certain events for a limited period of time. While this does make the cards more valuable, practices like these may end up frustrating players in the long run.
Pokemon TCG Pocket: 8 Tips To Build A Winning Deck
Here's how to put together a strong deck for your next game of Pokemon TCG Pocket.
The Limited Availability of the Promo Cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket Can Induce FOMO
Promo Cards Can Only Be Obtained Through Special Means
In the physical Pokemon Trading Card Game, promotional cards (also referred to as promos) are not included in booster packs, but instead, they are available in special products like elite trainer boxes, tins, and premium collections. Some of them can also be obtained exclusively during tournaments, giveaways, contests, and other real-world promotional events. The Promo Cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket may not be physical, but they are obtainable in a similar manner. While select cards are available for purchase in-game, others can be acquired in missions, promo packs, drop events, and Wonder Pick Events, among other things.
There are currently 24 Promo Cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket, but only eight of them can be bought outright. The rest are exclusively obtainable in time-limited events. For example, players can receive Chansey (Promo-A 11) and Meowth (Promo A-12) through the Wonder Pick mechanic from November 1-15, 2024. When this event eventually expires, these Chansey and Meowth Promo Cards will become entirely unobtainable, thus making them artificially scarce.
Pokemon GO is Also Guilty of Locking Content Behind Time-Limited Events
This isn't the first time a Pokemon mobile game has taken advantage of players' FOMO. The massively successful Pokemon GO, for instance, has gained notoriety for locking certain Pokemon variants, costumes, and items behind time-limited events that are only available in select regions around the world. At the very least, in the case of this game, most of the event-exclusive Pokemon are made obtainable again at a later date. The seasonal content in Pokemon GO does tend to rotate each year; however, there are often so many events going on at the same time that it's hard to keep up.
The Pokemon Company Shouldn't Go Overboard With the Use of FOMO in Pokemon TCG Pocket
Since Pokemon TCG Pocket has only been out on the market for a few weeks, it's not clear if the time-limited Promo Cards in the game will be available to players who missed out on them later on, like in Pokemon GO. The fact that the developers haven't said anything on the matter, though, probably suggests this won't be the case. Either way, The Pokemon Company should try to limit the amount of event-exclusive Pokemon cards in the game to reduce FOMO. While it's fine if Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket has some Promo Cards that are only available for a limited period of time, having too many of them may make players feel dissatisfied.
- 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.
