5 things devs got right with Pokemon TCG Pocket that make it popular

Pokemon TCG Pocket has been out for a few days now, and fans across the globe have flocked to the title in hopes of collecting the new cards the game has to offer and trying out the new simplified battle system. The many details in this new mobile title have managed to innovate upon the franchise's card game experience. Not only has the game launched in a great state, but more features are on the way.

However, those looking for a new mobile card game to try may wonder what all the hype is about. For their help, we have listed five things in Pokemon TCG Pocket that make it the optimal way to experience the Pokemon trading card game.

Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinion.

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5 of Pokemon TCG Pocket's best attributes that led to its popularity

1) New cards

New cards have and will continue to come to Pokemon TCG Pocket (Image via The Pokemon Company)

While the current list of cards is relatively small compared to standard expansions or the card lists of previous Pokemon TCG games, Pocket will receive continuous updates to add more content to the game. This will include cards exclusive to the mobile game. While most of the cards have been ported over from the physical card game, some new ones have been made only for Pokemon TCG Pocket.

Based on in-game information, we can confirm that more cards of this exclusivity are on their way. For example, while Lapras EX will be released in an upcoming event, that particular version of the card will not be available in the physical TCG. This may incentivize collectors to check out the mobile game and potentially kickstart their virtual stashes.

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2) Free booster packs

Pokemon TCG Pocket offers free booster packs on a timer (Image via The Pokemon Company)

One of Pokemon TCG Pocket's biggest selling points leading up to its launch was that booster packs cannot be purchased directly. Instead, every 12 hours, the game grants every player a free booster pack to open. This timer can be sped up with resources like Pack Hourglasses and Poke Gold.

Compared to other popular mobile card games where players have to purchase their booster packs in order to receive cards, TCG Pocket's system guarantees a consistent flow of new cards for every user's account. This is great for both casual collectors and hardcore battlers.

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3) Immersive cards

Pokemon TCG Pocket includes a new tier of card rarity (Image via The Pokemon Company)

To make the most out of the digital platform, the developers behind Pokemon TCG Pocket have released a new card rarity unlike anything the franchise has seen before. Called "Immersive" cards, this new type of virtual trading card comes with a short cutscene that provides an extensive look into the card's artwork.

The current list of Immersive cards is relatively small (only containing Pikachu, Mew, Mewtwo, and Charizard), but more will be added later. These cards possess moves similar to their EX counterparts, so they are great for battling as well as collecting.

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4) Simplified battle system

Pokemon TCG Pocket hosts a simplified battling system to suit mobile platforms (Image via The Pokemon Company)

The developers made some changes to the Pokemon trading card game for faster matches on the mobile version. Instead of six prize cards and five bench slots, TCG Pocket features three bench slots, and players only need to take down three of their opponent's Pokemon to win the match.

Decks are also shortened to a maximum of 20, and energy cards are generated automatically in the new Energy Zone. Moreover, players can assign what energy type will generate in this zone through their deck customization menu, so decks can remain small and focused on creature cards and supporters.

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5) Solo content

Pokemon TCG Pocket offers many solo battles against AI that reward a hefty chunk of loot (Image via The Pokemon Company)

For players wanting to grind for rewards to open even more booster packs, Pokemon TCG Pocket offers a variety of tutorials and single-player battles that grant users various cards and resources. The tutorials teach players all about the new battle system while brushing up on the basics.

The solo mission battles pit players against AI at varying difficulty levels using various rental decks. These fights grant players a few Pack Hourglasses, as well as some other resources. These are also great ways for players to practice before challenging others in online battles.