Pokémon has recently announced its biggest news in years: its newest mobile app, Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, which will be released sometime in 2024. Many fans expect this to reach the popularity levels that Pokémon GO has reached since its launch in 2016.
The creators of this mobile game mention their enthusiasm for making these cards digitally immersive, as collecting will be a huge aspect of TCG Pocket. This wouldn't be the first time that a Pokémon mobile app captured attention beyond their fan base.
The projected success of this upcoming app has everything to do with 2016's Pokémon GO, which was a game-changer! This augmented reality experience was able to get people on their feet as they searched local neighborhoods and trails for Pokémon. The concept was inspired by video games, more so than card collecting.
So, while all of this can be very exciting, collectors and vendors have begun to worry about the future of physical cards—especially as the release of TCG Pocket draws near. Who's to say that this game doesn't slowly overhaul the culture of opening tangible packs?
It's unrealistic to say that the rarity of cards will automatically deteriorate at the release of this app, but the mass accessibility of TCG Pocket does prove to be a threat. Many people grew up collecting Pokémon cards, and it's likely that many have since stepped away from the hobby. This free application could surely capture the attention of those people, thus growing the Pokémon fan base.
At first sight, the existence of TCG Pocket directly threatens physical card collecting. Why collect physically when digital collecting is much easier? Accessibility ought to be more popular, too. The new capabilities can also outshine paper cards that have been around since 1996. Even though these things are true, TCG Pocket has ensured the continual demand for physical cards. The two entities are very similar, but a few key differences will keep exclusivity amongst those who play the original Trading Card Game.
"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," says Pokémon.
The mobile game will feature the digital form of cards that already exist, while also adding digitally immersive cards that will only exist on the app. Players will be able to use their cards in online battles against other players. These battles will be simplified and short, as opposed to the 45–60 minute battles that are done with physical cards. The app will absolutely bring new and returning fans back to Pokémon, but will not replace what is already happening with the physical cards.
The app is set to be released sometime in 2024 to iOS and Android devices.
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