Should I start with TCG Live or wait for Pocket?
byu/JoelMillero inPTCGL
The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has long been a beloved pastime for fans, and with the introduction of Pokémon TCG Pocket (PTCG Pocket), the community is buzzing with excitement and questions. As one of the players who are eagerly anticipating this new release, I find myself pondering the differences between Pokémon TCG Pocket vs. Live. Will Pocket replace Live? How do they differ in gameplay and features? And for those eager to play on iOS, how to access Pokémon TCG Pocket if it’s not available for preorder in your country? Since there are many TGC players asking, let’s dive deep into these questions together!
First of all, let’s start with a simple introduction to both for those new players who are waiting and watching Pokémon TCG.
What is Pokémon TCG Live?
Pokémon TCG Live is the current online platform that allows players to engage in battles using their Pokémon cards. Launched as a successor to the now-defunct Pokémon TCG Online, it offers various game modes, redemption codes, and battle passes. The focus here is primarily on competitive gameplay, where players can build decks, strategize, and face off against others in real-time matches. This game caters to those who thrive on the thrill of battle and strategy.
What is Pokémon TCG Pocket?
On the other hand, Pokémon TCG Pocket is set to launch on October 30, 2024 for iOS and Android devices only (since many users are asking about the Pokémon TCG Pocket release date), and it promises a fresh take on the Pokémon card experience. Unlike Live, Pocket emphasizes card collecting and trading rather than battling. Players will enjoy opening two free booster packs daily, showcasing their collections with enhanced 3D graphics and immersive art. This game is designed for collectors who appreciate the aesthetic and social aspects of card collecting. So you can see this difference between Pokémon TCG Pocket vs. Live at the first place.
Pokémon TCG Pocket vs. Live: Key Differences
1. Gameplay and Card Collection
Pokémon TCG Live closely mirrors the physical TCG experience. It offers a faithful replication of the card sets available in the real world, allowing players to collect, trade, and battle with these cards. The game emphasizes strategic play, deck-building, and adherence to the official rules of the Pokémon TCG.
Pokémon TCG Pocket vs. Live, on the other hand, takes a more casual approach, designed to be accessible to newcomers and casual players. Instead of mirroring the physical card sets, Pocket features original cards created specifically for the game, complete with immersive animations. The deck size is reduced from 60 to 20 cards, and there are no energy cards. Instead, it uses an energy-generating system each turn, which simplifies gameplay considerably.
2. Battle Mechanics
Pokémon TCG Live maintains the traditional rules and mechanics of the Pokémon TCG, including the use of Prize cards and a larger bench size. This makes it a preferred choice for players who enjoy the depth and complexity of the original game.
Pokémon TCG Pocket simplifies these mechanics. Players earn points instead of taking Prize cards to win, and battles are designed to be quicker and more streamlined. This game focuses more on collecting cards than on intense battles, making it ideal for those who enjoy the collecting aspect of TCGs (Nerdist).
3. Platforms and Availability
Pokémon TCG Live is available on both mobile and PC platforms, providing flexibility for players who want to switch between devices.
Pokémon TCG Pocket is currently slated for mobile devices only (iOS and Android), with no PC version announced. It is set to launch globally on October 30th, but has already had a soft launch in New Zealand.
Pokémon TCG Pocket vs. Live: Game Mode and Feature Difference
The features of both games further highlight their differences:
Feature | Pokémon TCG Live | Pokémon TCG Pocket |
|---|---|---|
Preview |  |  |
Primary Focus | Competitive battles | Card collecting and trading |
Daily Rewards | Limited rewards through gameplay | Two free booster packs daily |
Graphics Style | Standard 2D graphics | Enhanced 3D card art |
Social Interaction | Battle-focused interactions | Emphasis on showcasing collections |
While players can still enjoy some deck-building elements in Pocket, it does not aim to compete with Live’s extensive battle modes.
Is Pokémon TCG Pocket Replacing TCG Live?
When it comes to Pokémon TCG Pocket vs. Live, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Pokémon TCG Pocket will replace Pokémon TCG Live? Is Pokémon TCG Live shutting down? The answer appears to be no; both games will coexist but cater to different audiences within the Pokémon community. The Pokémon Company seems to recognize that there are diverse interests among fans—some prefer battling while others enjoy collecting.
According to recent discussions, many fans appreciate having both options available. This means that whether you are a competitive player or a collector at heart, there will be a game tailored just for you. The introduction of Pocket is not about replacing Live but rather expanding the Pokémon gaming experience.
So when you decide between Pokémon TCG Live and the upcoming Pokémon TCG Pocket, consider your goals. TCG Live offers a full simulator experience for the traditional card game, emphasizing competitive play and practice for real-life events. It’s free, with generous deck options and minimal microtransactions. TCG Pocket, on the other hand, is designed as a casual, mobile-friendly game focused on collecting and short play sessions, but may involve more microtransactions.
Where is Pokémon TCG Pocket Available?
Generally, Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket will be available in over 89 countries on its full release on October 30, 2024. However, this game is restricted in the following regions due to local laws such as stricter gambling regulations, export controls, and sociopolitical policies.
- Europe: Albania, Austria, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
- North America and the Caribbean: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Montserrat, Nicaragua, Panama, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the United States.
- South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
- Asia: Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Macao, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
- Africa: Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Eswatini, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Principe, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia.
- Oceania: Australia, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu.
- Middle East: Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates.
- Africa: Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Libya, Mali, Senegal, Zimbabwe
- Asia: Afghanistan, China, Iraq, Myanmar, The Maldives, Vietnam, Yemen
- Europe: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Georgia, Gibraltar, Kosovo, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Russia, and San Marino
- Oceania: Nauru, Tonga, and Vanuatu
How to Get Pokémon TCG Pocket on Your iOS Device?
For those eager to get their hands on Pokémon TCG Pocket, especially iOS users in countries where it may not be available for preorder, there are a few potential solutions:
1. Check Regional Availability Regularly
Keep an eye on announcements from The Pokémon Company regarding regional releases to see if any update on your country. So Regularly check your app store for updates or announcements related to Pokémon TCG Pocket’s availability.
2. Change Your Location for Pokémon TCG Pocket Beta
With a reliable VPN for iOS, for example, Bear VPN, you can install Pokémon TCG Pocket on your iPhone or iPad even if it’s not available in your country. VPN can change your locations by simulating being in a different country where the app is available. Here is a step-by-step guide on this.
- Disable Stolen Device Protection to prevent delays when signing out of your Apple ID due to the VPN (you can also let it on if you don’t mind). Simply go to Settings > ID & Passcode > Stolen Device Protection and turn it off.
- Search Bear VPN in App Store and Install it on your iPhone or iPad. Select a location that Pokémon TCG Pocket is available, for example, New Zealand for Pokémon TCG Pocket beta.
- Create a New Apple ID with New Zealand as your region. It’s recommended to use a different phone number (consider using services like Google Voice) and email, as well as a different browser or private window.
- Sign out of Your Current Apple ID by Settings, click on your name, scroll down to the bottom, and choose sign out. And then sign in with your new New Zealand Apple ID.
- Download Pokémon TCG Pocket by searching for “TCG Pocket” in the App Store. You may encounter prompts about agreeing to terms and needing a credit card; select “None” for payment. Provide a random New Zealand hotel address for registration and use the phone number associated with your NZ account.
Don’t forget to re-enable Stolen Device Protection and sign back into your original Apple ID after installation!
As the approaching of the release date of Pokémon TCG Pocket, community discussions are rife with excitement. Many players express enthusiasm about having a dedicated platform for collecting cards without the competitive pressures found in Live. This sentiment reflects a broader trend within gaming communities where players seek varied experiences tailored to their preferences.
Moreover, with features like daily booster packs and enhanced graphics, collectors are eager to showcase their prized cards in new ways. The anticipation surrounding this release indicates that The Pokémon Company has tapped into a significant demand within its fanbase.
Final Thoughts
In summary, while both Pokémon TCG Pocket vs. Live serve different purposes within the Pokémon universe, they enrich the overall experience for fans. Whether you’re drawn to intense battles or prefer leisurely card collecting, there’s something for everyone.
As we look forward to October 30, 2024, it’s clear that this new chapter in the Pokémon Trading Card Game saga will provide exciting opportunities for players worldwide. So gear up, prepare your decks or collections, and get ready for an adventure that will cater to your unique interests in the world of Pokémon with Bear VPN!
