Shiny Mewtwo Ex: $20 Paywall Sparks Outrage in Pokemon TCG Pocket

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Summary

  • Shining Revelry in Pokemon TCG Pocket offers shiny critters and new cards, but the full-art Mewtwo Ex promo card can only be obtained by purchasing a $20+ bundle.
  • The promo card controversy stems from the fact that it’s locked behind a paywall and not accessible through free trials, unlike previous promos in the game.
  • The introduction of a paid-only promo card in Pokemon TCG Pocket raises concerns about potential pay-to-win elements and may lead to the game adding mechanisms to buy specific cards with real money in the future.

The latest collection from Pokemon TCG Pocket, called Shining Revelry and boasting shiny creatures along with numerous fresh cards, was released today, accompanied by tasks for players to amass sufficient rewards to open multiple packs at no cost. While some gamers have expressed reservations about the effectiveness of cards such as the new Charizard Ex, given the Genetic Apex version’s immense power, Shining Revelry still includes several rare cards for enthusiasts to pursue. For instance, Pokemon TCG Pocket’s latest Crown card is a Poke Ball, which is a popular pick owing to the widespread use of the card. However, the set’s new promotional item has sparked debate.

In the world of Pokemon TCG Pocket, collectible cards have often been a source of frustration due to their unique nature. These special promo cards not only fuel a fear of missing out (FOMO) but also cannot be traded and there is no mechanism to obtain older ones. This means that certain rare cards may be missed and unobtainable later on, leaving players at a disadvantage. The game has announced plans to improve trading, which will eventually allow promo cards to be exchanged, but for now, it remains challenging to trade the Shining Revelry promo featuring a shiny Mewtwo Ex, as it can only be obtained with real-world currency. Given the game’s gacha system, this monetary requirement is an expected aspect.

Pokemon TCG Pocket is Shooting Itself In The Foot With Its Shining Revelry Promo

Presently, the exclusive offer for Shining Revelry features a glossy adaptation of the Mewtwo Ex card from Pokemon TCG Pocket’s Genetic Apex, in its full art form. This card can be acquired by purchasing a package that costs more than $20. Given that it is the primary attraction of this bundle, it’s extremely rare to find it offered for free. Since other game promos were previously locked behind the Premium Pass, this was a predictable development.

It could be contended that cards such as the full-art promo Pikachu from the Premium Pass within Pokemon TCG Pocket could initially be acquired during the 14-day free trial, making it possible to collect additional items. Nevertheless, this underscores the fact that the game has always incorporated paid promotional cards, with the exception of the shiny Mewtwo Ex, which can only be obtained by spending money, and not through free trials or other means. Given its rarity and effectiveness in competitive decks, the shiny Mewtwo Ex is highly sought after.

Shiny Mewtwo Ex Could Pave The Way For More P2W Cards in Pokemon TCG Pocket

It’s possible to contend that the game is subtly leaning towards “pay-to-win” content, considering it already incorporates pay-to-play elements through its pack-opening system. Players can purchase Poke Gold and use it to buy booster packs, which increases their card collection over time, expediting the process of constructing strong decks. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t ensure they’ll get any specific valuable cards. On the other hand, the new bundle provides players with a Mewtwo Ex card for their Pokemon TCG Pocket decks, which could be advantageous in competitive play.

In the popular game Pokemon TCG Pocket, players often argue about the scarcity of Pack Points and the challenge in obtaining certain cards. It’s not far-fetched to imagine that the game might eventually introduce an option to purchase specific cards using Poke Gold or a similar currency. However, introducing exclusive, paid-only promo cards could lead to a slippery slope, especially considering the negative connotations associated with some gacha games and their predatory monetization strategies. Given this, it might be wise to avoid such practices altogether, as they could tarnish the game’s reputation. As of now, details about future promo plans remain unclear, but this potential move has already stirred controversy, regardless of how foreseeable it may seem in hindsight.

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2025-03-28 01:26