Pokémon TCG Pocket Excludes Competitive Play

The Pokémon Company has confirmed there are currently no intentions to integrate Pokémon TCG Pocket into official competitive play. Here's why the digital card game won't be joining the championship circuit and what this means for its future development.

Pokémon TCG Pocket Won't Join Championship Events

Official Statement on Competitive Exclusion

Pokémon TCG Pocket won't be entering the company's competitive tournament system, at least in the immediate future. During a February 25, 2025 interview with VGC, The Pokémon Company's Director of eSports Chris Brown explained they continually evaluate potential competitive titles, but Pokémon TCG Pocket isn't currently under consideration.

Brown humorously referenced "Pokemon Sleep is out there too," recalling their April Fool's joke about a Sleep Championship Tournament. He clarified "At this time there are no plans for Pokemon Pocket to join the competitive circuit, though we're always evaluating new opportunities."

Early Development and Balance Concerns

While no official reasons were given for keeping Pokémon TCG Pocket out of competitive play, community speculation points to several factors. Having launched just four months prior in October 2024 with only two card sets released, the game remains in its early stages of development.

The app does include player-versus-player features, but fans frequently request balance adjustments. As a streamlined version of the physical Pokémon Trading Card Game designed for accessibility, competitive play wasn't a core design priority for TCG Pocket.

The Pokémon Championship Series continues to feature Pokémon TCG, Pokémon GO, Pokémon Scarlet/Violet, and Pokémon Unite, all of which will appear at the 2025 Pokémon World Championships in Anaheim, California this August.

Visit our Pokémon TCG Pocket coverage for the latest updates about the digital card game.

Potential New Set Reveal at Pokémon Presents

The upcoming Pokémon Presents presentation could unveil new content for Pokémon TCG Pocket, as its previous expansion Space Time Smackdown launched January 30, 2025. While Pokémon hasn't confirmed the livestream's content, fans anticipate major announcements across the franchise.

Despite limited updates since its 2024 reveal, enthusiasts remain hopeful for news about Pokémon Legends: Z-A, slated for 2025 release with promised new Mega Evolutions. The presentation may offer insights into future plans across all Pokémon titles.

Pokémon Day 2025's Pokémon Presents airs February 27 at 6 AM PT / 9 AM ET on YouTube and Twitch. Visit our Pokémon Day coverage for complete event details.