Written by Jim Ziegler

The Pokémon Trading Card Game is one of the most popular trading card games in the world, alongside Yu-Gi-Oh and Magic: The Gathering. But it also seems to have more collectors than players, with many kids collecting cards without knowing how to play the game and lots of adults using them as an investment strategy.

 

The Pokémon Company knows their audience, which is one of the reasons why they developed Pokémon TCG Pocket, the newest way to play the Pokémon TCG. Pokémon TCG Pocket released on iOS and Android on October 30th, but we’ve had an early look at the game.

 

Pokémon TCG Pocket is an abridged version of the Pokémon TCG. Unlike Pokémon TCG Live, you won’t get codes for free packs when you buy booster packs from Gam3Escape unless there’s a crossover set sometime down the road like Pokémon GO had. Instead, players get free five-card packs at a rate of two per day, while players with a subscription can receive a third, and Pack Hourglasses can cut an hour off of the cooldown between packs.

 

Speaking of packs, it turns out that the first one you choose is kind of important. Each of the three options contains a Kanto First Partner and a powerful ex Pokémon, but they also determine which illustration rare Kanto First Partner you receive from your first Wonder Pick and which tutorial deck you’ll receive when you unlock Battles. If you need help picking your first pack, I’ve got you covered.

 

One of the most exciting features for Pokémon TCG Pocket is the ability to interact with your cards. Some cards have special effects, like the fire surrounding the Arcanine EX card, which shifts as you turn it from side to side. Others are more immersive, with full-art cards taking you on an animated trip into the art itself.

 

Pokémon TCG Pocket is not going to replace Pokémon TCG Live or the Pokémon Trading Card, and at this time there are no indications that it will join the video games, GO, and Unite at the World Championship, but it’s a fun way to get a quick game in now and then and to scratch the itch to open packs without spending any more pocket change.

IN THE WORLD OF POKÉMON

Pokémon Day

Sunday, 1:00 PM

The ever-popular monthly Pokémon Day event is back with all of your favorite activities. See Pokémon Professor Jim to Learn To Play and for help building your new deck at 1:00, then hang around for everyone's favorite activity, Pokémon Bingo. Win packs, promos, and prizes! Remember, all players under 13 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Entry fee: $10.

 

Pokémon TCG League Challenge

Sunday, 3:00 PM

Best of 1 format, 30 minute matches, age divisions honored as much as possible based on participation. Deck lists are required, and must be submitted by 2:30 PM. Late and illegible deck lists may not be accepted. Prizes include packs, promos, and other Pokémon merchandise. Entry fee: $7.00

 

Pokémon League Casual Play

Monday and Saturday at 6:30 PM, Sunday at noon

Receive a pack of your choice from any in the store, as well as a promo pack. Participants are entered into the end-of-season prize pool. Entry fee: $10

 

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet VGC Casual League

Thursday, 6:00 PM

Explore the Paldea region in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. Meet new Pokémon, and battle it out with other Trainers at Gam3Escape’s VGC Casual League. Entry fee: $5

 

Pokémon GO Scavenger Hunt

Grab an achievement sheet in-store and GO out to collect them! Complete the scavenger sheet to earn a booster pack and a promo pack, and to be entered into a drawing for an Elite Trainer Box and other prizes. Entry fee: $10 

 

GATHER FOR MAGIC

Foundations Prerelease

Friday & Saturday, 6:00 PM 

Experience the new Foundations set, which will be legal in Standard until 2029. Build a 40-card deck from six packs and compete for prizes! Entry: $35

 

Standard Showdown

Saturday, 3:00 PM

Adorable bunnies mix with nightmare monsters in the Duskmourn Standard Showdown. Standard constructed format. Entry fee: $10

 

Commander-Ish League

Thursday, 6:00 PM

Build a commander deck using only commons & uncommons in the 99. Build from in-store bulk, or bring your deck, and compete against others with similar decks. Each week you’ll earn a pack and a pull to add to the deck. Ban list applies, proxies not permitted (but c’mon, they’re commons), and deck list required. Entry fee: $10

 

Casual Commander

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 6:00 PM.

The most popular format in Magic, Commander, is back on the table. Bring your favorite deck, or playtest a new one against other magicians. No entry fee: These battles are for honor, not prizes!

 

TIME TO DUEL! Yu-Gi-Oh!

Quarter Century Bonanza Release Celebration Advanced Constructed Tournament

Saturday, 2:00 PM

It’s been a quarter century since the Yu-Gi-Oh! Was released in Japan, and we’re celebrating with a  bonanza! Join the party and compete for a promo playmat. Each player also receives three Quarter Century Bonanza booster packs. Entry fee: $18

Grand Prix Series Advanced Constructed Tournament

Friday, 7:00 PM

Participate in the 2024 Yu-Gi-Oh! Advanced Constructed Grand Prix Series. Earn booster packs and OTS Tournament Packs while demonstrating your skills as a duelist. Entry fee: $10

 

Advanced Constructed Tournament

Wednesday, 7:00 PM

Duel for supremacy in the Yu-Gi-Oh Trading Card Game. Earn booster packs and OTS Tournament Packs while demonstrating your skills as a duelist. Entry fee: $10

A WHOLE NEW WORLD

Shimmering Skies Lorcana League

Monday, & Saturday, 6:30 PM

The adventures in the Inklands continue with Locana League. Bring your sealed deck, or join the fun! The initial entry fee includes a starter deck of your choice, a booster pack, and a 200-card deck box to keep your sealed cards from getting mixed up with your collection. Entry fee: $25 (one-time charge)

 

STAR WARS: UNLIMITED

Casual Play League

Tuesdays, 6:00 PM

Whether you’re an aspiring Jedi, a sinister Sith, or a bounty hunter looking for your next score, Star Wars: Unlimited has all the excitement of your favorite space opera in cardboard form. 

 

THIS MEANS WAR(HAMMER)!

Casual Warhammer

Friday & Sunday, 5:00 PM

In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war. At Gam3Escape, there is only Warhammer! Whether it’s a Tyranid terror or a Blood Angel battalion, stage your army and prepare for battle at the weekly Casual Warhammer event. 

 

CARDFIGHT! VANGUARD!

Divinez Constructed Tournament

Monday, 5:30 PM

Bring your cards and get ready to fight! Cardfight! Vanguard is back with weekly tournaments, every Monday night. Entry fee: $6

Check out Jim's latest articles on The Gamer at: https://www.thegamer.com/author/james-ziegler/

Here is one of his latest articles on Pokemon TCG Pocket's limited Wonder Pick Event: https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-pocket-wonder-pick-chansey-meowth-event/