The physicalPokemon TCGmay still be leading the charge for the card game’s presence within the franchise, butPokemon TCG Pocketis filling the much-needed role of bringing the game to the palm of players' hands. The mobile card collecting and battle simulator has seen a steady stream of content added in the months since its launch back in October 2024, and its upcomingEevee Grove setis ready to shine a spotlight on the popular critter and its evolutions. WhilePokemon TCG Pocketis dedicating its next set to Eevee, the physical TCG’s latest set has brought back a popular gimmick that its mobile counterpart may want to steal.
AlthoughPokemon TCG Pocketdiffers slightly from its physical counterpart in its rules and gameplay format, the games are two sides of the same coin when it comes to collecting the cards themselves.Pokemon TCG Pockethas done a great job of translating both old and new artwork from the physical card game to the digital space. Now that the physical TCG has brought back the Owner’s Pokemon gimmick in its Destined Rivals set, there has never been a better time forPokemon TCG Pocketto put its own spin on this card format.
The Return of Owner’s Pokemon in Destined Rivals is a Burst of Classic Pokemon TCG Nostalgia
The “Owner’s Pokemon” style of cards debuted back in 2000’s Gym Heroes expansion of the original trading card game. These cards took iconic trainers from the franchise and allowed players to collect special cards of critters belonging to them. Cards like Brock’s Sandslash andMisty’s Seadrabecame icons of this set, but the gimmick has expanded over the years to include trainers from across the franchise’s nine generations of games.
Destined Rivals is the latest setto feature this nostalgic gimmick, putting an emphasis on Team Rocket and Team Rocket’s Pokemon cards. While the Team Rocket’s Pokemon are the highlight of Destined Rivals, cards like Cynthia’s Garchomp EX, Arven’s Mabosstiff EX, and Marine’s Grimmsnarl EX are also exciting new additions that showcase a nice cross-section of generational representation. However, as great as the physical versions of these cards are,Pokemon TCG Pocketcould take them to the next level with a feature unique to the mobile title.
Pokemon TCG Pocket Could Make the Most of This Gimmick with Its Immersive Art Feature
Owner’s Pokemon would be the perfect addition toPokemon TCG Pocketbecause they could have their own immersive art variants, showcasing a scene of the creature and its trainer together in a way the physical version of the game can’t. Immersive art cards have been one of the main selling points ofPokemon TCG Pocket, allowing players to take a look behind the curtain and see a larger, animated version of a card’s artwork that goes beyond the confines of a card’s frame. So far,Pokemon TCG Pocket’simmersive artincludes cards like:
WithPokemon TCG Pocket’s A4 set rumored to beBlack and Whitethemed, it could take the opportunity to introduce N’s Pokemon cards or even Ghetsis' Pokemon cards. Adding Owner’s Pokemon cards to the line-up of potential immersive art cards could give them even more personality by showing the connection the featured trainer has with their partner mons in greater detail. Although it’s unclear if Destined Rivals will inspirePokemon TCG Pocketto follow suit with Owner’s Pokemon cards, the consistent release of sets for the mobile title makes it seem like this addition will eventually become a reality.
