Announced in February,Pokemon TCG Pockethas now officially launched on mobile devices as a casual, portable alternative to the originalPokemon Trading Card Game. Strikingly, it’s already setting records as thethird most successful mobile launchever, bringing in $1.9 million in revenue on its first day and surpassing 10 million downloads within its first 48 hours on the market. While The Pokemon Company continues to innovate in the gaming world, it’s evident that its latest mobile game is building upon the foundations of Second Dinner’s superhero card game,Marvel Snap.
Though deck-building games likeBalatro,Gwent: The Witcher Card Game, andWarhammer 40,000: Warpforgemay have also influenced the development ofPokemon TCG Pocket, the parallels withMarvel Snapare particularly striking. Notably, its Flair mechanic appears to pull fromMarvel Snap. Specifically, it seems comparable to the upgrade system introduced in the 2022 card game.
Pokemon TCG Pocket May Have Drawn Inspiration From Marvel Snap
Pokemon TCG Pocket Flair Feature Rewards Collectors
InMarvel Snap, upgrading a card introduces various aesthetic changes while also boosting the player’s Collection Level. As playersraise their Collection Level, they earn currency, Boosters, Credits, and new cards. While not all of these rewards hold equal importance, they collectively play a crucial role in winning matches and advancing up the ranked ladder.
Additionally,Marvel Snapincludes six upgradeable card levels, ranging from Uncommon to Infinity.The Infinity-level cardsare especially coveted for being “max quality” and featuring a striking purple animated frame. At this stage, players can also unlock Infinity Splits, making them appealing to collectors as they provide another opportunity to enhance the visual style of a player’s collection with unique animated effects and artwork.
AlthoughPokemon TCG Pocketdeveloper DeNA has not explicitly acknowledgedMarvel Snap, it seems likely they were influenced by it. Some have even referred to the game as “Pokemon meetsMarvel Snap,” highlighting their similar customization systems as a notable point of interest. WhenPokemon TCG Pocketwas released, The Pokemon Company emphasized the ability to customize card collections in several ways, including:
Given the 2024 release’s wide array of customization options, it’s clear the developers aimed to create a satisfying experience for players. After all,Pokemon TCG Pocketis a bite-sized version of the nearly 30-year-old card game, featuring simplified gameplay and a streamlined design for mobile. Throughout its history,rare and flashy Pokemon cardshave consistently stood out as a highlight of the franchise.
For those with duplicate cards, the “Obtain Flair” option serves as an excellent way to express themselves without hindering Battle progression. Byusing Shinedust currencyand extra copies of cards, players can apply special effects that not only enhance their cards but also ensure that duplicates retain value as their card dex expands. This mechanic encourages the collection of multiple card copies, promoting a sense of progression and personalization.
Similar toMarvel Snap, once Flairs are equipped, both players and their opponents will be able to see these effects in action during battles. Currently,Flairs come in four different stages of rarity, but players will need to unlock lower recipes before they can obtain the more expensive ones. To craft Flairs, players need to be in the My Cards Menu. However, if players are planning on taking part in trading when it’s released, they might consider saving some of their rarer cards.
Neither card upgrades inMarvel Snapnor Cosmetic Flairs or Battle Flairs inPokemon TCG Pocketprovide players with an advantage in battle.
Nonetheless, some players are already expressing a desire for more innovation within the Flair mechanic, suggesting that it should remain active at all times during battles and be applied to all copies of the card in their deck. Given that the mobile game is still in its early stages and trading has yet to be implemented, it’s clear that furtherupdates toPokemon TCG Pocketare on the horizon. Potential changes could significantly enhance the gameplay experience, opening new avenues for socialization and excitement among the growing player base.
Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience the fun of collecting Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) cards with Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, an upcoming game for iOS and Android devices from Creatures Inc., the original developers of the Pokémon TCG, and DeNA Co., Ltd. In this game, you will be able to open two booster packs every day at no cost. You can collect digital cards featuring nostalgic artwork from the past as well as brand-new cards that are exclusive to Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket.Be on the lookout for new “immersive cards,” which will make you feel as though you’ve leapt into the world of the card’s illustration.
