Free Pokémon game announced for mobile, and we don't think we'll ever put it down

Pokémon Day can often be a hit and miss event; although we adore all things Pokémon, there are certain games we want to see happen (that still aren’t). However, Pokémon Presents 2024 had one specific highlight that made it all worthwhile.

Having learnt that Pokémon Gold and Silver remakes are looking increasingly likely, some of us had, foolishly, prepared ourselves for the possibility of that announcement. Unfortunately, it never came. We’re still wearing clown makeup to remind ourselves of our mistake.

We want the Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket now – it's too long to wait before its release!

Still, while the games most deserving of remakes didn’t get announced, there is one free Pokémon game coming to mobile that has “new obsession” written all over it. Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is a highly accessible way of getting involved with the TCG without needing to know too many details.

Personally, I love Pokémon TCG, though I won’t claim to be an expert in it. As such, it’s nice to have a pocket friendly mobile version that focuses more on the excitement of opening up booster packs and admiring the artwork. Anyone who claims that isn’t one of the best bits is lying to themselves.

For those more bothered about battling – like a true Pokémon Master – the battle system is designed for speed and ease. But we wouldn’t say that seems to be the main selling point of this promising app.

“This was actually my favourite announcement,” revealed one delighted fan. “Outside of the broadcast tournaments, I've honestly never seen anyone play the card game – but I've had lots of fun collecting and trading them with plenty of people anyway. So sure, as long as it's not a battery killer, I'd download that and open the daily two packs.”

Arguably, it’s the casualness of the game that makes it so appealing, at least for general audiences. As for us die-hard fans, we simply love any excuse to fawn over gorgeous artwork amongst friends.

Of course, for those who prefer gameplay with little pixelated characters, a new open world Pokémon RPG was also announced. Some of the details are… underwhelming… but it’s still a thrilling prospect if it’s done correctly.

Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket will launch later in 2024 for both iOS and Android phones.