Pokémon TCG Player Spends $1,500 to Finish First Set

A dedicated player of Pokémon TCG Pocket has spent a staggering $1,500 to complete the Genetic Apex card set, opening 1,741 booster packs in the process. The player, known as Weens4Life, reported that it took nearly two years to gather all required cards, which includes 60 rare alternate art cards alongside the base set. They initially spent around $200 for a target number of 226 base cards but encountered significant difficulty with the alternate art ones, ultimately shelling out between $500 and $700 for the last three cards needed. Despite the hefty investment, the player expressed satisfaction with their collection completion but vowed to avoid such spending in the future. The game, which features a classic mobile strategy model, has quickly captivated an audience, amassing $120 million in revenues and 30 million downloads shortly after its launch. Upcoming expansions are on the horizon, ensuring sustained interest in the game.

Completing Pokémon TCG Pocket's Genetic Apex set can take nearly two years according to player estimates, particularly when aiming for all rare alternate art cards in addition to the base set.

Pokémon TCG Pocket is a mobile iteration of the beloved Pokémon Trading Card Game that has quickly gained traction among fans. Released in late 2023, it utilizes a free-to-play model and offers players the chance to collect cards from various sets, with Genetic Apex being its first major expansion. The game's ability to combine nostalgia with modern mobile gaming elements has contributed to its rapid popularity and significant revenue generation.