Fans of the Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket have been captivated by its stunning card art for months, but a recent discovery has added a new layer of excitement. It turns out that some of the game's cards contain hidden details that link them directly to the classic Game Boy Pokémon games, sparking a wave of enthusiasm among players.
The intrigue began over the weekend when Reddit user asch_win highlighted a Spearow card that features more than just the Normal/Flying type Pokémon. The card's background includes grass, a fence, trees, and two distinct buildings. Asch_win pointed out that the purple and yellow building in the background is none other than the Celadon City Department Store from Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen. Adjacent to Celadon City lies Route 16, known for its fenced-in grassy area where players can encounter Spearow, further solidifying the connection.
The location of image!
byu/asch_win inPTCGP
It's clear that developers Creatures Inc. and DeNA have intentionally woven these references into the card designs, paying homage to the iconic games that propelled Pokémon to global fame. But the Easter eggs don't end with Spearow. Another Reddit user, jteede, discovered additional nods to early Pokémon titles, such as a full-art Diglett card set just East of Vermillion City and a Haunter card positioned next to the eerie Lavender Town tower. Asch_win also used a magnifying glass to uncover location-specific references on some Supporter cards.
While many card illustrations depict Pokémon in fantastical, dreamlike settings without direct ties to the series' lore, some cards, like a particular Pikachu variant, are recognizable as collectibles from the real world. Others, however, are exclusive to Pokémon TCG Pocket, where players are uncovering these cleverly hidden references.
The Pokémon TCG Pocket community has been buzzing with excitement, meticulously examining other cards for more hidden gems. Notable finds include the S.S. Anne cruise liner subtly featured in a Gyarados full art card, and a trio of Oddish, Venonat, and Bellsprout cards that together narrate a story set near the seaside Snorlax location from FireRed and LeafGreen.
Let's visit our beloved Supporters!
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Since its launch for mobile gaming enthusiasts in October, Pokémon TCG Pocket has released only one additional booster expansion set, Mythical Island, bringing the total to four packs available. More sets are anticipated in the future, with new cards occasionally introduced through Wonder Pick Events and other updates. As Creatures and DeNA continue to expand the card collection across various Pokémon generations, players are encouraged to keep their eyes peeled for more nostalgic references.
In the meantime, you can learn more about the current Wonder Pick event, which highlights Charmander and Squirtle. Additionally, don't miss out on why the developers are being coy about whether pack choice matters.