Pocket TCG Players Enraged: Is This Update a Rip-Off?

Look Sports Media – Pokémon TCG Pocket players are expressing widespread frustration following the launch of the "Deluxe Pack ex" update, citing concerns over collection mechanics, perceived greed, and unaddressed quality-of-life issues. The update, intended to inject fresh content into the mobile game, has instead sparked controversy within the community.

The core of the issue lies in the handling of reprinted cards within the Deluxe Packs ex. While the packs guarantee a card of at least two-star rarity, these cards frustratingly do not count towards completing existing Pokédex collections. This decision has left completionist players feeling betrayed, as the new cards offer no progress towards their existing goals.

Adding fuel to the fire, the new cards are assigned separate Pokédex entries despite being identical to their predecessors, creating unnecessary confusion and clutter. Wonderpicks, a feature designed to showcase desirable cards, have also been negatively impacted, with the new Deluxe Pack ex cards dominating the options, even if players have no interest in them.

The limited-time nature of the Deluxe Pack ex, available for only one month, further exacerbates the problem. The set contains a staggering 353 cards, making completion seem nearly impossible without significant financial investment. To add insult to injury, the Deluxe Packs ex contain only four cards, a reduction from the standard five, despite being marketed as "Deluxe."

Beyond the Deluxe Pack ex controversy, players are also lamenting the lack of progress on long-standing issues within the game. Basic quality-of-life improvements, such as bulk-buying options for certain items and a streamlined way to clear notifications, remain unaddressed, adding to the growing sense of frustration.

The combination of these factors has led to a decline in player motivation, with many feeling exploited by the update’s perceived greed. Some players are even urging others to boycott spending money on the game in hopes of prompting DeNa, the game’s developer, to listen to community feedback. As the Pokémon TCG Pocket community grapples with these issues, the future of the game hangs in the balance.