Pokemon TCG Pocket's Flair is based on Marvel Snap's upgrades

Announced in February, Pokemon TCG Pocket has now officially launched on mobile devices as a casual, portable alternative to the original Pokemon Trading Card Game. Remarkably, it already holds the record as the third most successful mobile launch ever, bringing in $1.9 million in revenue on its first day and surpassing 10 million downloads within the first 48 hours on the market. While The Pokemon Company continues to innovate in the gaming world, it's clear that its latest mobile game builds on the foundation of Second Dinner's superhero card game, Marvel Snap.

Although deck building games like Balatro, Gwent: The Witcher card gameand Warhammer 40,000: Warpforge may also have influenced the development of Pokemon TCG Pocketthe parallels with Marvel Snap is particularly striking. Notably, its Flair mechanic seems to draw from Marvel Snap. Specifically, it seems comparable to the upgrade system introduced in the 2022 card game.

Pokemon TCG Pocket may have taken inspiration from Marvel Snap

Pokemon TCG Pocket Flair feature rewards collectors

IN Marvel Snapupgrading a card introduces various aesthetic changes while increasing the player's collection level. As players level up their collection, they earn currency, boosters, credits and new cards. While not all of these rewards are equally important, together they play a critical role in winning matches and advancing up the ranked ladder.

In addition, Marvel Snap features six upgradeable card tiers ranging from uncommon to infinite. The Infinity level cards are particularly sought after for being “max quality” and featuring a striking purple animated frame. At this stage, players can also unlock Infinity Splits, making them appealing to collectors as they provide another opportunity to enhance the visual style of a player's collection with unique animated effects and artwork.

Even if Pokemon TCG Pocket developer DeNA has not explicitly acknowledged Marvel Snapit seems likely that they were influenced by it. Some have even referred to the game as “Pokemon meets Marvel Snap,” and highlights their similar adaptation systems as a notable point of interest. When Pokemon TCG Pocket released, The Pokemon Company emphasized the ability to customize card collections in several ways, including:

• Display boards
• Binders
• Play mats
• Card case
• Coin
• Style

Considering the 2024 edition's wide range of customization options, it's clear that the developers aimed to create a satisfying experience for players. After all, Pokemon TCG Pocket is a proper version of the almost 30-year-old card game, with simplified gameplay and a streamlined design for mobile. Throughout its history, rare and flashy Pokemon cards have consistently stood out as a highlight of the franchise.

For those with duplicate cards, the “Obtain Flair” option serves as a great way to express yourself without hindering the progress of the battle. By using Shinedust currency and extra copies of cards, players can use special effects that not only enhance their cards, but also ensure that duplicates retain value as their card dex expands. This mechanic encourages the collection of multiple card copies, promoting a sense of progression and customization.

Similar Marvel Snaponce Flairs are equipped, both players and their opponents will be able to see these effects in combat during battles. Currently, Flairs come in four different stages of rarity, but players must unlock lower recipes before they can get the more expensive ones. To create Flairs, players must be in the My Cards menu. However, if players plan to participate in the trade when it is released, they may consider saving some of their rarer cards.

Neither card is upgraded
Marvel Snap
nor Cosmetic Flairs or Battle Flairs in
Pokemon TCG Pocket
give players an advantage in battle.

Nonetheless, some players are already expressing a desire for more innovation in the Flair mechanic, suggesting that it should remain active at all times during combat and be applied to all copies of the card in their deck. Given that the mobile game is still in its early stages and trading has yet to be implemented, it is clear that further updates to Pokemon TCG Pocket is on the horizon. Potential changes could greatly improve the gaming experience and open up new avenues for socialization and excitement among the growing player base.