Pokémon TCG Pocket launches Mythical Island booster set and first major update

Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket has launched a new booster set, Mythical Island, alongside its first major update. Mythical Island adds more than 80 cards that players could grab. More Step-Up Battles are also included as part of the update, along with some all-new missions and rewards.

The new update is available immediately, and it is a permanent one, unlike the Genetic Apex Wonder Pick Event, which will only continue running for the next couple of days. Although fans are happy to see new cards added to the game, as that is ultimately what any trading card game is all about, it is a little disappointing compared to the massive 286 cards introduced as part of Genetic Apex.

Pokémon TCG Pocket launched at the end of October.  Within a month of launch, it had racked up more than $200 million in revenue and already become the third most profitable Pokémon mobile title behind Pokémon Masters EX and, of course, Pokémon Go.

The main aim of the trading card game is to open packs and build a card collection. Battling and playing the card game is almost meant as a secondary aim for players. That said, TCG Pocket does give players the ability to battle locally and online using the decks they have built.

What’s part of the update?

• 86 total cards – 68 new cards and 18 rare versions that include one immersive card and one crown card.
• New Dex missions have been added as part of the update, with tickets available for completing multiples of five unique Mythical Island cards.
• Rental Decks can be used to collect some of the new cards, including Celebi ex, Mew ex, and Pidgeot ex.
• Mission rewards are granted for completing themed collections of cards, such as the Florges flower Pokémon.
• Eight Step-Up Battles enable players to battle against some of the most powerful new decks.
• And, as well as 12 Pack Hourglasses included as standard for all players, a further seven are rewarded for each Expert Battle tier.

Unfortunately, immediately following the release of the new update, many players reported game crashes due to the download. Users reported seeing messages stating “server authentication process failed,” although the problem did not affect all users.

Pokémon TCG Pocket is a free-to-play game. However, one expert has calculated it would take almost two years of continuous playing to complete the game without making any purchases. Alternatively, those with bottomless pockets would need to spend approximately $1,500. Most players would likely fall somewhere between these two figures.

TCG Pocket in 2025

According to an official letter from The Pokémon Company, many developments are planned for the game in 2025 and beyond. In January, players can expect some form of card trading to be enabled come January, and the Pokémon team has said that the range of cards that can be traded will expand throughout the year.

Away from TCG Pocket, Pokémon is set to launch Pokémon Legends: Z-A in 2025, taking players to Lumiose City. The game will launch around the world on Nintendo Switch. Meanwhile, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company are still embroiled in a patent battle with Palworld maker Pocketpair.

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