pokémon TCG Pocket‘s Deluxe Pack EX Faces Collector Backlash Over Completion Challenges
October 26, 2023 – The latest set release for pokémon TCG Pocket, the Deluxe Pack EX, is drawing criticism from collectors who say it makes completing the full set nearly impossible for free-to-play (F2P) players. Concerns center around duplicate pulls, the inclusion of cards from older sets within the new set, and the uncertain future of packing point redemption.
According to a Reddit thread started by user Superpapernick, receiving duplicate cards substantially hinders collection progress. Without duplicates, a player would only obtain 42% of the set through free daily packs.This necessitates spending money to complete the collection.
The set also includes “super paper” cards – reprints of older cards packaged within the new set – which cannot contribute to completing collections of the original sets.
Further complicating matters is the system of packing points earned from opening packs. While Pokémon TCG Pocket stated on X (formerly Twitter) that these points do not expire when a set is removed, it remains unclear how or if they can be redeemed once a set is no longer available for purchase, or if redemption is contingent on a set’s potential return.
Community reaction is mixed. While many players echo Superpapernick’s frustrations, others see value in the set. Reddit user Mixeygoat suggests F2P players simply avoid aiming for full completion, while reedyxxbug believes the set is beneficial for returning players due to the higher volume of cards per set. New player Alexno_x appreciates the guaranteed inclusion of special cards.
Experts suggest the set is most useful for players returning after a hiatus, offering a large influx of new cards. However, for targeted deck building, pulling from other sets is more efficient due to a smaller card pool.
Ultimately, the consensus leans towards collectors, particularly F2P players, focusing solely on daily packs and avoiding extensive investment in the Deluxe Pack EX, as the cards are largely unusable for other sets and full collection is financially prohibitive.
