© Copyright khedmeh Wall
As a lifelong collector of Pokémon cards, I’ve always been driven by the thrill of completing sets. However, the growing number of releases and constant updates in the trading card game (TCG) world have presented a tough challenge, especially in the digital realm. Pokémon TCG Pocket, with its collector-focused approach, initially seemed like the answer to my dreams. But as I’ve discovered, the reality of collecting in this fast-paced game is far from simple.
When I first got into the Pokémon TCG with the Sword & Shield era, the idea of owning a complete master set felt like an achievable goal. I managed to gather every card in the Sword & Shield Base Set, including all the V, Full Art, Rainbow Rare, and Gold Secret Rares—216 cards in total. But Pokémon TCG Pocket introduced me to a different kind of struggle: a digital collection where sets are released at breakneck speed, making it nearly impossible to finish a collection before the next wave arrives.
Unlike traditional TCGs, Pokémon TCG Pocket sidesteps the game aspect, allowing collectors to focus on acquiring cards. The promise of collecting a complete set in this digital-only space initially sparked excitement in me. I imagined a world where I could collect and complete sets one after another without feeling overwhelmed. However, the developer’s admission at a preview event made me realize that collecting every card in this game would require more than just time and effort—it would require money. While some players may find joy in the pursuit of rare cards through in-game currency, the truth is that completing a full set without financial investment is highly unlikely.
As I continued to play, the pace of new set releases became overwhelming. In December, a mini-set with 60 to 80 new cards will drop, followed by another full set in January. Pokémon TCG Pocket plans to release six new sets each year, much like the physical TCG, keeping the game dynamic for players but creating a frustrating experience for collectors like me who strive for completeness. The idea of constantly chasing after the next set, only to have gaps in my collection from the previous one, feels like an endless cycle that can never be fully satisfied.
For players who focus on battling, the constant updates are exciting, as each new set can shake up the meta. However, for those of us driven by the joy of collecting, this rapid turnover of new cards creates a problem: how do you finish what you’ve started when the next set is already on the horizon? Pokémon TCG Pocket, while catering to collectors, also imposes limitations on how far one can go without significant monetary investment.
If you're determined to keep up with the sets and complete your collection, a few splurges on Poke Gold may help, but even with that, achieving a full set remains an elusive goal. It seems that no matter how many packs I open or events I farm for resources, there will always be cards missing from my collection. For serious collectors, Pokémon TCG Pocket may feel more like a series of missed opportunities than a fulfilling pursuit.
Ultimately, this leaves me wondering about the long-term value of spending on a game where cards have no real-world value. Unlike physical cards, these digital-only cards are confined to the app, with no option for trading or selling. The idea of collecting for the sake of completion loses its charm when the goal is always just out of reach. While I can continue to enjoy the thrill of opening packs and adding new cards to my virtual binder, I can't help but feel that something is missing.
For those who are invested in this experience, there’s always the option to top up and enhance your chances of completing your set. If you're looking to make the most out of Pokémon TCG Pocket, you can pokemon tcg pocket top up through platforms like U4GM. Whether you're a dedicated collector or a player seeking to enhance your deck, topping up can provide the extra push you need to stay ahead in the ever-expanding world of Pokémon TCG Pocket.
The Wall