Importance Score: 42 / 100 🔵
Pokémon TCG Pocket Introduces Shining Revelry Set with Controversial Paywall
The Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket mobile game continues its rapid release schedule with the arrival of the Shining Revelry expansion, the fifth set since its launch in late October. However, this latest collection has sparked debate as it marks the first instance of a card being exclusively locked behind a premium, high-cost bundle within the gacha-style app. The sought-after shiny Mewtwo ex full art promotional card is now only obtainable by purchasing a $25 bundle.
First Paywalled Card Sparks Player Concerns
While Pokémon TCG Pocket has previously implemented paywalls, such as reserving a monthly card for Premium battle pass subscribers at $10, locking a card within an expensive bundle is a new, more aggressive monetization tactic. Acquiring the desirable shiny Mewtwo full art card necessitates this additional $25 expenditure.
Shining Revelry Introduces Shiny Pokémon to Pocket
The Shining Revelry set is notable for introducing shiny Pokémon to Pokémon TCG Pocket. Shiny Pokémon, a concept sometimes misunderstood as simply holographic cards, are alternate color variations of Pokémon, prized for their rarity and visual distinction within the physical card game. These sought-after variants are now part of the mobile experience, making the decision to lock a highly desirable shiny card behind a significant paywall a point of contention for players.
Bundle Contents and Perceived Value
Further criticism arises from the perceived lack of value within these bundles. Despite the cost, the contents include 120 Poké Gold, alongside cosmetic items such as coins, playmats, sleeves, and a frame, in addition to the Mewtwo card. Purchasing 120 Gold at its standard rate would cost $20, suggesting minimal or no discount for the bundle’s contents beyond the exclusive card.
Gacha Mechanics and Card Acquisition
The game’s gacha mechanics, where in-game currency purchases do not guarantee specific cards, exacerbate player frustration. Personal accounts illustrate the unpredictable nature of card acquisition, with examples of spending currency and receiving no new cards, or a low rate of special art card duplicates, even after opening numerous packs. This inherent randomness is characteristic of the gacha system.
Shining Revelry Update and Changes
Upon launching Pokémon TCG Pocket, players are prompted to install an update implementing the Shining Revelry set. Consistent with previous set releases, the update does not include celebratory bonuses, such as bonus hourglasses or new challenges to unlock content, leaving players reliant on standard pack acquisition methods or in-app purchases.
Wonder Picks Feature Update
A minor adjustment has been made to the Wonder Picks feature. The update streamlines the selection process by removing a previous pause before shuffling, resulting in a faster user experience. However, a less favorably received alteration now reveals the unselected cards prior to unveiling the player’s chosen card, potentially highlighting missed higher-rarity cards before displaying the acquired lower-value cards.
Shiny Pokémon Rarity in Standard Packs
Early player experiences indicate a low encounter rate for shiny Pokémon within standard packs and Wonder Picks after the Shining Revelry update. This perceived scarcity further emphasizes the paid bundle as the primary guaranteed method for obtaining at least one shiny Pokémon from the new set.