I have a tumultuous relationship with Pokémon TCG Pocket, oscillating between love and frustration. Clearly, it stands out as my top pick for mobile games released this year. It’s a delightful experience, capturing the essence of the physical trading card game and turning it into an engaging and easy-to-use virtual collection adventure. Yet, it has awakened a part of me I thought was long gone—a more tempestuous self with an irrational irritation towards anonymous players worldwide.
Pokémon TCG Pocket often has me wide awake at 2 AM—a time I’d usually reserve for sleeping—given my age and the diminishing appeal of late-night gaming marathons. I find myself going to sleep with a lingering annoyance, only to wake up the next day still haunted by it, especially over coffee, while contemplating Mewtwo EX decks and how reliant their players seem to be on them. But, let’s be clear, these strong feelings aren’t indicative of a poor game. Quite the contrary—a truly exceptional game draws you in emotionally.
We previously discussed how the game needed a competitive ranked mode, a way to test one’s prowess against Pokémon trainers worldwide. While the current version isn’t exactly what we envisioned, it’s still sparked competitive spirits. Initially, there was a basic PvP mode rewarding players for victories, and more recently, a version demanding consecutive wins. This latter feature really captured my attention.
It’s the ideal mode to showcase the ups and downs of the current meta, encouraging players to perfect their decks before the introduction of new cards shakes things up again. It’s a nod to the champions of the game’s first version, with decks like the voracious Charizard EX, the sinister Mewtwo EX, and the cunning Starmie/Articuno EX paired with Misty. Just recently, a simple PvP event came along with the Mythical Island pack, rekindling the competitive spirit with headaches courtesy of decks featuring Celebi EX, this month’s formidable contender.
The developers truly merit the acclaim they’re receiving. No doubt, the Pokémon brand and the card game’s legacy amplify its popularity, but they’ve crafted something that appeals broadly across skill levels and keeps even the most niche players engaged through cleverly timed events. That’s the secret behind why so many of us are continuously opening packs. It’s quite addictive.
With new cards on the horizon, I find myself fully hooked on this game. I started with the free trial of the premium pass when it was launched—a savvy choice—and I can’t imagine canceling my subscription anytime soon. In my opinion, it’s money well spent. After all, how else will I gather the cards necessary to tackle top-tier decks in the dead of night, ensconced in darkness?
