The 2025 Pokémon TCG Pocket Guide: 5 Things to Do Now
Get ready for Pokémon TCG Pocket in 2025! Our guide reveals 5 essential things you can do right now to prepare, from mastering strategy to budgeting wisely.
Alex Chen
A lifelong Pokémon TCG player and digital card game strategist for over a decade.
The Next Evolution of Pokémon TCG
The Pokémon Company sent shockwaves through the community with the announcement of Pokémon TCG Pocket, a new mobile app slated for a 2025 release. Developed in collaboration with Creatures Inc. (the masterminds behind the card game) and DeNA (mobile gaming giants), this app promises to streamline the Pokémon Trading Card Game experience, focusing on quick battles and the thrill of opening digital packs.
With features like "immersive cards" that bring illustrations to life and a system designed for on-the-go play, anticipation is at an all-time high. But 2025 can feel like a long way off. The good news? The most dedicated trainers are already preparing. If you want to hit the ground running and build a top-tier collection from day one, here are five essential things you should be doing right now.
1. Master the Kanto Classics (The Original Base Set)
All signs point to Pokémon TCG Pocket launching with a focus on the classic cards that started it all. The initial gameplay footage showcased iconic artwork from the Base Set. Mastering the fundamentals of this era will give you a significant strategic advantage over players who are only familiar with modern, more complex mechanics.
Study the Foundational Cards
The original 151 Pokémon and their corresponding trainer cards created a meta that was simple yet surprisingly deep. Spend some time re-familiarizing yourself with the titans of the format. Look up databases on sites like Bulbapedia or LimitlessTCG to understand:
- The Big Three: Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur were the poster children, but their Stage 2 evolutions made them slow. Understand their strengths and weaknesses.
- The Core Attackers: Basic Pokémon like Hitmonchan, Electabuzz, and Scyther were the real powerhouses of the early game due to their speed and efficiency.
- Essential Trainer Cards: The game was defined by powerful trainers. Cards like Professor Oak (discard your hand, draw 7), Bill (draw 2), and Gust of Wind (switch one of your opponent's Benched Pokémon with their Active) are the engines that drove every successful deck. Understanding their impact is non-negotiable.
Understand Classic Strategies
The most dominant deck archetype of the Base Set era was the "Haymaker." This strategy focused on using fast, powerful Basic Pokémon (like Hitmonchan and Electabuzz) to deal damage quickly, while using Trainer cards like Gust of Wind and PlusPower to control the board and secure knockouts. Learning the principles behind Haymaker—aggression, resource management, and disruption—will be invaluable, as these fundamentals are timeless in any TCG format.
2. Hone Your Skills on Pokémon TCG Live
The best way to prepare for a new digital Pokémon TCG is to play the current one. Pokémon TCG Live is the perfect training ground. While its card pool and interface will differ from TCG Pocket, the core game rules are universal. By playing TCG Live, you will internalize the turn structure and core mechanics:
- Attaching one Energy card per turn.
- Evolving your Pokémon.
- The proper timing for playing Supporter, Item, and Stadium cards.
- Managing your Bench and planning your Active Pokémon.
- Understanding the Prize Card trade.
Jumping into TCG Live now means you won't be fumbling with the basics when TCG Pocket launches. You'll be able to focus immediately on the unique aspects of the new app, its meta, and its collection system, putting you miles ahead of the competition.
3. Join the Community and Stay Informed
Information is a resource, and in the lead-up to a major game launch, being connected is crucial. The Pokémon TCG community is buzzing with theories, analysis of the reveal trailer, and speculation. Joining these discussions will not only keep you updated but also help you find like-minded players to connect with when the game launches.
Find Your Hub for News and Discussion
Don't wait for the release date to find your people. Start engaging now:
- Reddit: The r/PokemonTCG and r/ptcgl subreddits are fantastic sources for news and discussion. Expect a dedicated subreddit for TCG Pocket to emerge and become the primary hub.
- Discord: Many content creators and fan sites have Discord servers where real-time discussion happens. This is the best place for instant news and deep strategic conversations.
- Social Media: Follow the official @Pokemon and @PokemonTCG accounts on X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms. Turn on notifications so you don't miss announcements about beta tests, pre-registration, or regional launch details.
4. Plan Your (Digital) Collection Strategy
Pokémon TCG Pocket will be a "free-to-start" game. We know we'll get free packs daily, but it's a safe bet that there will be in-app purchases for those who want to accelerate their collection. Deciding on your approach to this now can save you from impulsive spending later.
Set a Launch Day Budget
You don't need to spend money to have fun, but a small, planned investment at launch can make a huge difference. Consider setting aside a modest budget—perhaps the equivalent of a video game or a few movie tickets ($20 to $50). Using this on day one to buy a bundle of packs can give you the card base needed to build a cohesive, competitive deck right away. This allows you to start winning more games, earning more in-game rewards, and fueling a positive feedback loop of progression. The key is to plan it now so it's a strategic decision, not an impulse buy.
Pokémon TCG Pocket vs. TCG Live vs. Physical TCG
| Feature | Pokémon TCG Pocket (Speculated) | Pokémon TCG Live | Physical TCG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Designed for quick, on-the-go mobile play. Very high accessibility. | Available on mobile and desktop; full-featured but more complex. | Requires physical cards, space, and an in-person opponent. Lower accessibility. |
| Collection Method | Digital pack opening, daily free packs, likely in-app purchases. Focus on the 'thrill of the pull.' | Code cards from physical packs, in-game currency, battle pass rewards. | Booster packs, singles from card shops, trading with others. |
| Gameplay Focus | Streamlined, faster battles. May have simplified rules or a smaller card pool at launch. | Full, standard TCG rules and expanded formats. Caters to competitive players. | The complete, official TCG experience. Both casual and competitive play. |
| Social Features | Trading with friends is a confirmed feature. Likely a simple friend/battle system. | Friend battles, but no in-game trading or chat features. | In-person trading, tournaments, and leagues. The most social experience. |
| Cost | Free-to-start with optional in-app purchases. | Free-to-play; progression can be supplemented by buying physical packs for codes. | Can be a very expensive hobby, with competitive decks costing hundreds of dollars. |
5. Prepare Your Device for Launch Day
This final step is simple but often overlooked. A new, graphically-rich game will require a decent amount of storage space and a modern operating system. Don't wait until launch day to discover your phone is full.
Sometime in late 2024, take a few minutes to do some digital housekeeping. Clear out old photos, uninstall apps you no longer use, and ensure you have at least 5-10 GB of free space. Also, make sure your phone's OS (iOS or Android) is up to date to ensure compatibility. As 2025 approaches, keep an eye on the App Store and Google Play Store for a pre-registration page. Signing up often grants you exclusive launch day bonuses!