The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has been in existence since 1996 but has only come to digital devices in 2023 with the release of Pokémon TCG Live. This is the very first, competitive TCG-based video game. Pokémon TCG Live is a complete digital version of the beloved Trading Card Game, with the goal of bringing the experience to mobile.
- Read more: Pokémon TCG Pocket Mythical Island Expansion Adds 80 Cards, Includes Ability to Disable Evolutions
However, in 2024, the Pokémon Company, in collaboration with Creatures, Inc. and DeNA, introduced an additional TCG game called Pokémon TCG Pocket. This article is designed to compare the differences between Pokémon TCG Live and Pokémon TCG Pocket, so players can know which game is best for them.
Pokémon TCG Live and Pokémon TCG Pocket are entirely separate games with no connection. Furthermore, the available cards are different as are the gameplay mechanics.
Pokémon TCG Live vs. Pokémon TCG Pocket Differences
Pokémon TCG Live and Pokémon TCG Pocket represent the same classic trading card game, but one game is meant for more competitive play while the other is meant for more casual play. Below are the differences, explained.
Card Acquisition
| Live | |
| You acquire cards via battle pass and redeem codes | You acquire cards via booster packs |
- Pokémon TCG Live players primarily acquire cards via physical TCG packs and the free Battle Pass.
- Pokémon TCG Pocket players primarily acquire cards via free and paid booster packs.
Combat and Rules
| Live | |
| Replicates the TCG | Simplified version of the TCG |
- Pokémon TCG Live replicates the physical trading card game as much as possible. You collect 6 Prize Cards, earned through various actions, to win. Live allows five Pokémon on the bench, and up to 7 cards in your hand. Live has more damage points and handles damage distribution differently than Pocket. Includes a Mulligan mechanic.
- Pokémon TCG Pocket is a more casual version of the real thing, simplifying the physical trading card game’s mechanics and rules. You win by defeating the opponent’s Active Pokémon 3 times. Pocket allows 3 Pokémon on the bench, and up to 5 cards in your hand. Pocket has less damage points and handles damage distribution differently than live. Does not include a Mulligan mechanic. Missing features like Resistance and Pokémon V cards.
Deck-Building
| Live | |
| Extensive deck building | Simplified deck building |
- Pokémon TCG Live decks consist of 60 cards, with up to four of each Pokémon or utility card. Includes Stadium and Tool cards.
- Pokémon TCG Pocket decks consist of 20 cards, with only two variants of an identical card allowed. Focuses only on Trainer (Item and Supporter) and Pokémon cards.
Game Modes
| Live | |
| Replicates the physical TCG’s game modes | Has unique game modes |
- Pokémon TCG Live replicates the physical trading card game’s various modes, including Standard, Expanded, Casual, and Ranked.
- Pokémon TCG Pocket offers players the chance to challenge friends to matches and compete in PvP, with the added option to battle AI, which is missing from Live.
Microtransactions
| Live | |
| One premium pass | Has multiple paid services |
- Pokémon TCG Live offers optional physical booster packs, digital pack codes, and premium packages, which are generally cheaper than TCG Pocket.
- Pokémon TCG Pocket offers paid currencies such as Poke Gold. While they are not required to progress, they help players get access to better cards and open packs faster.
Progression
| Live | |
| Progression is focused on competitive (PvP) | Progression is focused on collecting cards |
- Pokémon TCG Live focuses on the competitive aspect of the game, encouraging players to compete against others to progress ranked leaderboards.
- Pokémon TCG Pocket focuses on collecting cards, unlocking rarer Pokémon, and either showing them off or trading them via the game’s social features.
Why Are There Two Digital Pokémon TCG Games?
According to a pre-launch interview on Nerdist with Pokémon TCG Pocket Executive Corporate Officer Keita Hirobe, the goal of Pocket is to create an experience for Pokémon fans who are newcomers to the trading card game aspect of the franchise.
Hirobe further explained, “Pocket is our idea to make [the Pokemon TCG] more approachable and accessible to a wider range of players.” He contrasted this with Pokemon TCG Live, describing it as an extension of the physical card game aimed at helping players learn the rules and test decks. In contrast, Pocket emphasizes the card-collecting experience, blending card-collection and competition elements in one digital format.