Pokémon TCG Pocket's monumental release has fans buzzing – and feeling a bit let down – about the limited availability of new, beautifully designed full-art cards that are exclusive to the mobile game. The new app has surged interest in the TCG, with 10 million downloads in Pocket's first two days, and even longtime Pokémon Trading Card Game players are interested thanks to the game's unique cards.
One standout example is a full-art Cubone card highlighted alongside two others by Reddit user honkytonkbadonkykong, which has particularly struck a chord with fans, resonating not only for its stunning artwork, but for its depiction of Cubone's tragic backstory as it weeps over its departed mother.
This digital-only release is especially painful for Cubone collectors who relate deeply to its story and are disappointed by the missed opportunity to add this card to their physical collections. As Redditor Trash_Panda_Trading says in the comments, "That Cubone is one of the best they’ve ever released. TCGP is gonna hype up physical product even more. Genius."
Pokémon TCG Pocket Fuels Fan Interest In The Physical Card Game
Pocket-Exclusive Cards Could See Physical Prints In The Future
The Pokemon Company
The reaction highlights how TCG Pocket's exclusive releases could fuel interest in the physical market, with the game's coolest Genetic Apex set cards potentially enticing players to seek similar gratification in the original tabletop game. Pocket notably has an extremely low barrier to entry, being free-to-play on Android and iOS device, and its simplified rules are nonetheless a steppig stone to playing and investing in the physical trading card game.
Beyond newcomers, though, Pocket appears to be deepening interest among those who already play the TCG. Many comments in the Reddit thread discuss the possibility of Pocket-exclusive cards eventually being printed in physical form, much like Pokémon TCG's previous Pokémon GO-inspired cards, some of which were released exclusively in China. The Cubone card is a wonderful example of how brilliant artwork, combined with a relatively popular Pokémon, can create a highly sought after card for collectors.
Our Take: Pokémon TCG Pocket Is A Great Move For The Popularity Of The Card Game
Pokémon TCG Interest Has Never Been Higher
Custom image by Katarina Cimbaljevic
The Pokémon Trading Card Game has captivated fans since its 1996 release, offering a unique blend of strategy, collectible art, and socialization. Pokémon TCG quickly became a phenomenon, with cards like Charizard becoming legendary among fans and collectors. Over the years, the game’s popularity ebbed and flowed, but it has seen a major resurgence recently due to factors like the release of rare collectible cards, influencer involvement, and pandemic-era interest in hobbies that could be enjoyed at home.
Renewed interest in Pokémon TCG has also been driven by both nostalgia and the excitement of limited-edition sets. The Scarlet & Violet series' 151 set, for instance, introduced new artwork for every Gen 1 Pokémon, many of which remain among the most popular in the series. Pokémon TCG has cemented itself as a cross-generational hobby, with current fans ranging from kids to original collectors still chasing the thrill of rare pulls. ThePokémon TCG Pocket app only adds fuel to that fire, with both exclusive, incredible cards, and a very low barrier to entry.
The Pokemon Company 
Custom image by Katarina Cimbaljevic 
English (US) ·