How Pokémon TCG Pocket Rekindled My Passion for Competitive Card Games (and Late-Night Phone Outbursts)

My relationship with Pokemon TCG Pocket is a wild rollercoaster ride, full of both love and frustration. It’s undeniably my top mobile game release this year. The transition from the physical trading card game to this charming digital collectible experience is brilliantly executed. Yet, this game has also awakened a part of me I thought had faded away after my early twenties—a side filled with intense rivalry and, at times, an unreasonable disdain for online opponents.

Regularly, I find myself playing Pokemon TCG Pocket into the wee hours, something that feels much less appealing as the years go by. I fall asleep with annoyance lingering, and it trails me into the next day. Even as I sip my morning coffee, my mind’s tangled up in strategies involving Mewtwo EX decks and my growing skepticism of the “carried” players who favor them. But this isn’t a signal of a bad game. Quite the contrary. Only a game of true excellence can evoke such deep emotional involvement.

We previously discussed the need for a competitive ranking system in the game, a way to test skills against other Pokemon trainers worldwide. While what we’ve received since isn’t exactly what we envisioned, it has definitely stirred up the competitive spirit. Initially, there was a straightforward PvP mode that granted rewards for victories. More recently, a version that required consecutive wins emerged, and that one really hooked me.

This mode perfectly showcases the thrilling ebbs and flows of the current meta. It also pushes the community to craft the optimal decks before new cards shift the landscape once more. It’s like a nod to the game’s early champions—the relentlessly played Charizard EX and Mewtwo EX decks, or the devious Starmie/Articuno EX with Misty combo. We’ve just been treated to a new basic PvP event alongside the Mythical Island pack, which means all these powerhouse decks, including the current stand-out Celebi EX, are back causing players everywhere some serious headaches.

The developers genuinely deserve the acclaim they’re getting. Sure, the popularity of the Pokemon franchise and its card game provides a solid foundation, but they’ve crafted a game that captivates players across a wide skill range. They sprinkle in special events to keep even the most seasoned players engaged. This is likely why the game keeps fans relentlessly opening packs—it’s addictively enticing.

With upcoming card releases, I’m completely hooked. I took advantage of the premium pass free trial when it first debuted (a clever move on their part), and I don’t foresee canceling my subscription anytime soon. In my view, it’s money well spent. How else am I going to build the decks that can take down top-tier opponents in the silent comfort of early morning gaming sessions?