A surprisingly large portion ofPokémon Trading Card Game Pocket’s card art is exclusive to the new mobile game. AlthoughPokémon TCG Pocketlooks very similar to the physicalPokémon Trading Card Game,it features different rules and mechanics.Technically, every single card used inPokémon TCG Pocketis exclusive to the app, because the HP, moves, and other stats are unique. However, many cards feature artwork previously found on physical trading cards. Some of that card art dates back to the original Base Set, while other cards use artwork previously found only on promo or Japanese-exclusive cards.
While all the alternate art cards inPokémon TCG Pocketfeature artwork exclusive to the mobile game, a surprisingly large amount of common and uncommon cards also boast unique art. In fact,115 of the 286 cards in Genetic Apex feature brand-new artwork for thePokémon Trading Card Game. Although it’s hard to tell which art is exclusive at first glance, much of the newer art features a cleaner art and color style than older pieces.
Genetic Apex Cards Include TCG Pocket Exclusives
Over 100 Cards in Genetic Apex Are Exclusive to Pokémon TCG Pocket
All of the “secret rare” cards inGenetic Apexuse artwork exclusive toPokémon TCG Pocket, including the immersive art cards and rare gold cards. The Pokémon ex cards also feature new artwork by the PLANETA group, which specializes in 3D computer-generated artwork. PLANETA works on both Pokémon TCG card illustrations and character models for various Pokémon games.Several common and uncommonPokémon TCG Pocketcards also feature new artwork that combine to tell a narrative story. Examples of this include the art on the Pidgey evolution line and Oddish, Venonat, Bellsprout, and the alternate art Snorlax card.
A full list of all the Pokémon TCG Pocket cards with exclusive artwork is below:
1
2
3
4
Venusaur ex
11
16
18
23
Exeggutor ex
33
34
35
36
Charizard ex
41
Arcanine ex
44
47
Moltres ex
51
52
53
54
55
56
Blastoise ex
62
76
Starmie ex
84
Articuno ex
92
93
96
Pikachu ex
101
104
Zapdos ex
112
123
Gengar ex
127
129
Mewtwo ex
146
Machamp ex
153
Marowak ex
162
163
174
186
187
188
189
191
195
Wigglytuff ex
199
214
215
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
The cards not listed above feature art previously used in thePokémonTCG. Some of the artwork appeared on cards that never appeared outside of Japan, while other cards use art that only appeared on promo cards. Still, players should recognize the artwork of at least a few cards,especially those from classic sets like theBase SetorFossil.
Genetic Apex Full Art Cards Are Highlights
New Full Art Cards Are Among The Best Pokémon TCG Cards Ever
The highlight ofPokémon TCG Pocketis thegame’s new full art cards, all of which use artwork new to the game. The new cards follow the expanding line of alternate art cards in the physicalPokémon Trading Card Game,with art pieces that often depict Pokémon in their natural habitat or expressing their personality outside of battle. There are 24 full art “gold star” cards, plus six full art “two gold star” cards featuring Pokémon ex cards. The latter cards are the equivalent of the Special Illustration Rare cards, which are among the most expensive cards in the physical game.
Alolan Dugtrio Is Surf-Ready In Hilarious Pokémon TCG Surging Sparks Illustration Rare
The newest Pokémon TCG: Surging Sparks reveal is a fun one, and anyone who’s found of the Alolan Dugtrio design might want the Illustration Rare.
Players have quickly taken to these full art cards, largely because the art quality matches or exceeds that of the physical cards. The Pokémon Company tapped some of their top artists to illustrate these cards, including Haru Akasaka, Nurikabe, and AKIRA EGAWA. Many of these artists have distinctive art styles, which helps to make the new cards stand out to digital collectors. Because Pokémon TCG Pocket uses the same top-tier artists as the physical card game, the possibility that some could eventually become physical cards is appealing.
Will Genetic Apex Cards Come To The Pokémon TCG?
Many Pokémon TCG Pocket Cards Seem Perfect For A Special Set
The Pokémon Company has not said whether there are any plans to make physical versions of the digital exclusive cards inPokémon TCG Pocket. However, if the game continues to perform well,it feels like many of these cards would be perfect for a special set similar to the Pokémon GO setor theupcomingPrismatic Evolutionsset. The cards would obviously need to receive updated stats and abilities to move in line with the mainPokémon TCGgame, but it still seems like the art is simply too good to not get a physical edition.
What Happens When You Complete The Kanto Pokédex In Pokémon TCG Pocket
Pokémon TCG Pocket has a special reward for players who manage to complete the Kanto pokédex, and it is certainly worth the time and effort.
However, at least a few cards fromPokémon TCG Pocketwill never see physical print. The immersive art cards don’t translate well into a physical edition, nor do the full art cards that feature a 3D effect. Those cards seem destined to remain digital only, although it’s always possible that the immersive art could get incorporated into some kind of future product like a playmat or poster. The more popularPokémon TCG Pocketbecomes, the more likely that The Pokémon Company will want to capitalize by making a physical product promoting it.
