Index
1. Bringing the Pokémon Card Game into everyday life
The “Pokémon Trading Card Game” (“Pokémon TCG”) first launched in 1996. On October 30, 2024, we released a smartphone app called “Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket,” or “Pokémon TCG Pocket” for short.
The Pokémon Company, Creatures Inc., and DeNA Co., Ltd., jointly developed the app. Its central theme is “collecting” Pokémon cards.
To ensure players can experience the daily thrill of opening a fresh pack and the joy of holding a new card, the app provides two five-card booster packs every day at no cost.
“Pokémon TCG” is a full-scale trading card game that recreates the “battle” and “collecting” aspects of the “Pokémon” video games. In addition to its gameplay, the card game features an astonishing array of illustrations. This results in a high collectability that appeals even to those who may not be familiar with the competitive aspect.
A staff member from The Pokémon Company explained the focus on collecting: “The act of collecting is the original source of fun across all Pokémon games. So that’s the aspect we decided to focus on for the app, to bring the enjoyment of collecting to more and more people everywhere.”
2. The Challenge of Fusing Physical and Digital Elements
We designed the game experience for “Pokémon TCG Pocket” around two major elements: “recreating the physical feel of a card” and “including uniquely digital expressions.” For example, when opening a pack of new cards on the app, users swipe a finger across the top of the digital package, and the sensation of opening the physical package is realistically re-created in sound and vibration.
We wanted users to feel as if they were handling and collecting physical cards, even though they are interacting with digital images on a smartphone screen. Players can check each card individually or organize them into collection files.
Players are also able to tilt their devices to view their cards from different angles, simulating the experience of holding a real card in their hand.
“Immersive Cards” are a feature we developed to maximize the charm of each card through a digital expression. These cards allow players to feel as though they are stepping directly into the world of the card’s illustration.
These cards feature 3D illustrations that make use of parallax effects. While we aim to recreate the classic Pokémon card experience, this is how we pursue visual effects that only a digital medium can achieve.
3. Various Features that Inspire Collecting
With its global release, “Pokémon TCG Pocket” offers cards in nine different languages. The most avid collectors may find it exciting to seek out the same card art in multiple languages.
Furthermore, we included a “ Display Board” feature where users can show their favorite cards to friends and other players across the globe. We packed the app with features that encourage players to find that one special card and build a collection of their own.
By refining the textures and visual effects, the development team aimed to create a specific connection for the players. A member of the team stated, “We want players to feel as if these digital cards are truly in their hands. We want them to think of these cards as their personal treasures.”
4. Casual Battles With Favorite Cards
Of course, players can also enjoy the “Pokémon TCG’s” biggest thrill: battles. We optimized the rules for smartphones, adjusting the mechanics so that matches wrap up in about five minutes. This allows players to enjoy a quick match when they have spare time.
Additionally, we reduced the number of cards per deck from 60 to 20. We also included various other features that allow even those with no experience playing “Pokémon TCG” to get maximum enjoyment. These include features such as “Auto-battle,” “Auto-Build” for decks, and the availability of “Rental Decks.”
5. Continuing to Expand the Appeal of Pokémon Cards
Since the release of “Pokémon TCG Pocket,” players have shared their excitement about the satisfying pack-opening experience and the detailed card illustrations. On social media, users are actively posting their collections, battle highlights, and deck builds, showing the many ways people are enjoying the app.
“Pokémon TCG Pocket” expresses the appeal of the physical card game in an exciting way on the digital stage. We will continue to challenge ourselves to find new and exciting possibilities for the “Pokémon Trading Card Game” for years to come.