Pokémon TCG Pocket: Release date, pre-orders and latest news
Forget the binders - collect all 151 Pokémon and more via your mobile.
For those who love Pokémon, but don't want to walk miles on end in Pokémon Go or clutter their lives with thousands of cards, Pokémon TCG Pocket could be just the ticket and we've got everything about its release date, pre-orders and more to get you up to speed!
Announced during Pokémon Presents in February 2024, players can unlock, trade and battle all the original 151 Gen 1 Pokémon like it's 1996 all over again, all without the hassle of having to buy real booster packs or keep a physical collection.
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The Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket release date has been officially announced now too so we think it's appropriate for the hype train to leave the station now.
As such, a new trailer has dropped as well as information regarding pre-orders so let's get to it!
When is the Pokémon TCG Pocket release date?
Pokémon TCG Pocket will launch Wednesday 30th October 2024.
Previously, the Pokémon Company officially stated that the game would be released "within 2024", so it's good to see that the target window hasn't been missed.
With no further Pokémon games announced, that leaves a full year between Pokémon TCG Pocket and the upcoming Pokémon Legends ZA, that is of course unless no new titles are announced to debut alongside the upcoming next-gen Switch 2.
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Which consoles and platforms can play Pokémon TCG Pocket?
Pokémon TCG Pocket will launch exclusively for mobile, specifically on iOS and Android devices.
The project is being co-developed by The Pokémon Company, Creatures Inc (the creators of the Pokémon TCG) and DeNA (Pokémon Masters EX).
There's been no word from any of the studios about the game coming to any other platforms - however, we could see it arriving on Nintendo Switch at a later date if it proves successful.
Can I pre-order Pokémon TCG Pocket?
Pokémon TCG Pocket is available for pre-order now via pre-registration, with the game launching on mobile as a free-to-start game.
You can check out the Apple App Store and Google Play Store pages for more details.
Players will be able to "open two packs per day at no cost" simply by logging into the game. From there, it's likely real money will need to be exchanged to access more cards.
Pokémon TCG Pocket gameplay details
Pokémon TCG Pocket gameplay looks to surround the act of opening booster packs, similar to the real-life experience that helped make Pokémon the phenomenon it is today.
These cards can then be arranged with different variations like shiny and "immersive" with an enhanced backdrop.
So far, the likes of Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Snorlax, Charizard, Vaporeon, Moltres, Haunter, Meowth and more have been confirmed to appear.
A "streamlined" version of Pokémon TCG and its rules will also allow players to utilise their cards in battle. These are described as quick battles to compete in whenever you get a free moment.
The official blurb from The Pokémon Company can be seen below:
"The beloved Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) franchise continues to evolve with the debut of Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, a new app that reimagines the experience of collecting Pokémon TCG cards in an innovative digital format.
"In Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket, players will be able to enjoy the thrill of opening booster packs and collecting cards showcasing special visual effects unique to this digital adaptation of the Pokémon TCG.
"Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket introduces 'immersive cards', which give players the experience of leaping into the world of the cards' illustration, providing a whole new way to enjoy the Pokémon TCG.
"Players will be able to open two booster packs every day at no cost, including cards with nostalgic illustrations, as well as new cards only found in the app.
"In addition, players will be able to engage in quick battles featuring streamlined rules based on the classic Pokémon TCG battle system."
Is there a Pokémon TCG Pocket trailer?
Yes, a new trailer for Pokémon TCG Pocket announcing the release date recently came out. Check it out above!
The minute-and-a-half trailer shows players sliding open packs, trading with friends and battling.
We also get a better look at the Immersive Scenes, most notably of Mewtwo who appears to be escaping. The camera zooms into the window he has smashed through before cutting to black. Perhaps we will be able to unravel a wider mystery of sorts.
Read more on Pokémon:
- Best Pokémon gifts - the greatest merch
- Best Pokémon games on Switch - our ranking
- Best shiny Pokémon - the coolest creatures
- Best Dragon-type Pokémon - who's your fave?
- All cat Pokémon - the felines to catch
- Pokémon natures guide - all you need to know
- Pokémon type chart - strengths and weaknesses explained
- Legendary Pokémon - the full list
- Pokémon Scarlet and Violet cheats - handy hacks
- Pokémon Emerald cheats - what you need to know
- Pokémon Fire Red cheats - all codes
- Pokémon Go friend codes - and how to find them
- Pokémon games in order - where to start
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