Why is everyone obsessed with Pokémon TCG Pocket?

The 2000s had just begun, and the world was swept away by the tiny, colorful Japanese creatures: the Pokémon. For Game Boy owners, who were considered the chosen ones at the time, the first games quickly became classics, almost radically changing the trajectory of their parent company, Nintendo. The less fortunate ones, whose parents refused to buy them the console, were left to entertain themselves with collectible cards (Pokémon Trading Cards). And so, while some battled gym leaders in the Kanto region, others were dueling their classmates, turning school corridors into small arenas. The card game unexpectedly became a cultural phenomenon, becoming a cornerstone of childhood for millions of kids worldwide. Many young adults, too, were drawn to the Japanese game's unique imagery and atmosphere. Over time, however, the increasing accessibility of consoles and the digitalization of games turned the cards into a distant memory, replaced by new titles and spin-offs in the series. When smartphones began to overshadow the cultural relevance of consoles, Nintendo made a bold move, launching Pokémon GO on the App Store. The summer of 2016 may forever be remembered for the app's virality, which for the first time brought players directly into the Pokémon universe while simultaneously pushing them out of their homes. Nearly a decade later, Nintendo reignited the obsession by bringing the nostalgia of the card game back to the App Store with Pokémon TCG Pocket.

What is Pokémon TCG Pocket?

Released less than a month ago, the Pokémon Pocket app has already flooded social media with fans of the saga, who quickly became obsessed with the game. The gameplay is relatively simple: every day, players can open two expansion packs for free, each containing five cards. Naturally, as in the original game, some cards are rarer than others, but the digital version introduces immersive cards, allowing players to interactively explore the illustrations. Battles are back too, but in a simplified format: players can compete against each other or the AI using decks of 20 cards, which can be pre-set or customized by the player. To recapture one of the most beloved aspects of the physical game, the app includes a social feature, enabling players to connect, share strategies, and even showcase their Pokédex progress.

How to get rare cards?

Just like in the 2000s, the primary goal of the game is to complete the Pokédex by collecting all the cards, especially the rare ones. At present, the app includes only the Pokémon from the first generation, taking nostalgic players back to the Kanto Pokédex. Social media has already seen the emergence of urban legends and "tricks and tips" on how to find packs with legendary cards. Some analyze the pack’s bulge, others try specific card rotations, and some even weigh their phones in hopes of identifying the “heaviest” pack (defying all laws of physics). However, there seems to be no definitive trick: it all comes down to patience and strategy, choosing packs based on the gaps in your Pokédex. The nostalgia of Pokémon TCG Pocket is undoubtedly the game's strong point, the engine driving millions of fans, old and new, to dive back into the Pokémon world. This revival fits perfectly within the broader trend of returning to the 2000s, the so-called Y2K revival, which likely represents just the most evident symptom of a deeper desire to rediscover a bygone era, perceived as simpler and more authentic. The 2000s, with their unique aesthetics and iconic gadgets, have long found a new life: think of the success of Tamagotchis, resurrected as a pop phenomenon straddling nostalgia and modernity. Now, it seems to be the Pokémon’s turn, still deeply tied to the collective imagination that made them a generational icon.