Pokemon TCG Pocket (PTCGP)

Pokemon TCG Pocket vs Live

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Pokemon TCG Pocket - All Differences Explained
Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket (PTCG Pocket) is an alternative and simpler way to play with Pokemon cards online compared to its main digital counterpart, Pokemon TCG Live. Read on to learn about how they are different, and whether Pokemon TCG Pocket replace Pokemon Live!

List of Contents

Will Pokemon TCG Pocket Replace Pokemon TCG Live?

Pokemon TCG Pocket Will Not Replace Pokemon Live

Pokemon TCG Pocket Pokemon Live
Key Differences ・Mobile Only
・Simple Rules
・Limited Deck Building		 ・Mobile and Desktop
・Similar Rules to Original TCG
・Extensive Deck Building

Although they share similar TCG aspects, Pokemon TCG Pocket will not replace Pokemon Live.

Pokemon TCG Pocket is made to introduce people to the Pokemon TCG so the rules were altered to be more simple. Removing mechanics like energy cards and setting the card limit to 20 in a deck makes the game easy to learn and promotes Pokemon TCG to a wider audience.

Meanwhile, Pokemon Live caters to more knowledgeable TCG players by replicating the original card game experience and offering different game modes to challenge their personalized decks.

Pokemon TCG Pocket vs TCG Live Differences

Rules and Gameplay Differences

Element TCG Pocket Pokemon TCG
Deck Size 20 Cards 60 Cards
Energy No Energy Cards (Energy Zone) Energy Cards
(No Energy Zone)
1st Turn Draw Player going first does not draw a card. Player going first must draw a card.
1st Turn Supporter Card Player going first can use a Supporter card. Player going first cannot use a Supporter card.
1st Turn Energy Attachment Player going first cannot attach an Energy Card from the Energy Zone. Player going first can attach an Energy Card from their hand.
Points / Prize Cards Players score 1 point when defeating a regular Pokemon, or 2 for an ex. First to 3 Points wins. Players draw 1 Prize Card when defeating a regular Pokemon, or 2 for an ex, Tera or V. Draw 6 Prize Cards to win.
Number of Same Cards Up to 2 copies of a card with the same name. Up to 4 copies of a card with the same name.
Bench Size Up to 3 Pokemon on the Bench. Up to 5 Pokemon on the Bench.
Weaknesses Weaknesses deal +20 Damage Weaknesses deal 2x Damage
Resistances No Resistances Resistances deal -30 Damage
Opening Hand Size 5 Cards 7 Cards
Maximum Hand Size 10 Cards Unlimited
Lose by Deck Out No Yes

All Pokemon TCG Pocket Rule Differences

Available Platforms

Pokemon TCG Pocket is for Mobile Only

Pokemon TCG Pocket - iOS and Android

Pokemon TCG Pocket will be available on iOS and Android on its global launch on October 30, 2024.

To play it, you will need to first download the game via the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
Available Platforms and Devices Guide

All Available Platforms

Available On Not Available On
✔︎ iOS
✔︎ Android
 ✖︎ Nintendo Switch
✖︎ Windows PC
✖︎ Mac
✖︎ PlayStation (PS4/PS5)
✖︎ Xbox (One, Series X/S)

TCG Pocket is Mobile-Focused

Pokemon TCG Pocket - Mobile-Focused

One of the possible reasons why Pokemon TCG Pocket will not be released PC or consoles, at least on launch, is that the game is designed to be experienced on mobile.

For casual players, TCG Pocket might be a game that they will only check out a few times during the day to open packs rather than spend a few hours playing it.

Pokemon TCG Live Can Be Played on Mobile or Desktop

Pokemon TCG Live Logo

Pokemon TCG Live serves as a digital alternative to paper Pokemon TCG using actual cards. Players are able to play Pokemon TCG Live on both mobile and desktop.

Gameplay Differences

Ranked Battles are Available in Pokemon TCG Live

Pokemon TCG Live Ranked
Pokemon TCG Live has an online Ranked Ladder where players can test their skill against other players. The different ranks range from Togepi Rank at the bottom to Arceus Rank at the top.

As for Pokemon TCG Pocket, the developers are currently considering the option of including Ranked Battles but it is not yet guaranteed. Casual games will likely be available on launch for people to enjoy games with other Trainers and friends!

Are There Ranked Battles or a Ladder System?

Standard Sets are Available on Pokemon TCG Live

Pokemon TCG Iono
Pokemon TCG Live allows players to redeem cards online using QR codes found in booster packs that they purchase. This lets them receive digital cards which they can add to their collections on Pokemon TCG Live. Duplicates of cards turn into Crystals which players can use to craft into cards that they need.

No Trading

Pokemon TCG Live Trading
There is no trading in Pokemon TCG Live, unlike its predecessor Pokemon TCG Online.

As of writing, it has been revealed that trading will also not be available on release of Pokemon TCG Pocket. While no reason was given on why, it's most likely due to this being one of the first mobile games with a gacha system that allows trading.

When is Trading Coming to Pokemon TCG Pocket?

Pokemon TCG Pocket Related Guides

Pokemon TCG Pocket - News

Latest News
## Patch Notes and Updates

Gifts

Latest News

Bugs and Error Codes

Bugs and Errors
101-8101 102-032-014
102-063-014 102-065-014
102-091-014 Unable to Open
Premium Pass Bug Coin Toss Bug
Private Match Not Working Space-Time Smackdown Error Codes

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