Confusion Over UI Design in Pokémon TCG Pocket After Latest Expansion Launch
The new pack selection UI in Pokémon TCG Pocket is causing frustration among players, as many realize they can still open old booster packs despite the new expansion’s arrival.
The release of the Space-Time Smackdown set in Pokémon TCG Pocket on January 29 has brought excitement for players, but it has also led to some confusing moments for the community. The latest expansion, which marks the third major release since the game’s late October 2024 debut, has caused some players to overlook the continued availability of the Genetic Apex booster packs. This confusion stems from an unintuitive user interface (UI) design that has sparked complaints and prompted discussions about possible improvements.
UI Quirks and Hidden Packs
In the days following the release of Space-Time Smackdown, several players took to online forums to share their realization: the Genetic Apex booster packs weren’t actually removed from the game as expected. Instead, players discovered that these packs were still accessible, but had been hidden behind an additional menu option.
The design flaw occurs when accessing the home screen, where only the most recent two expansions are displayed by default. This led many players to believe that Genetic Apex was no longer available, as it had been pushed to the back of the pack selection. However, the Genetic Apex boosters are still available for opening; players just need to tap on the “Select other booster packs” button located near the bottom-right corner of the screen, just above the hamburger menu. This extra step caused confusion, and players were left wondering if the game had unintentionally made older packs inaccessible.
A Community Solution: UI Redesign Concept
The UI confusion didn't go unnoticed. Reddit user JesperTV took to the r/PTCGP subreddit, offering a concept for a more intuitive design. Their suggestion was straightforward—organize the home screen to show one slot per available expansion pack, making it easier for players to see all the packs at once. If there are ever more than three sets available, a carousel system could allow users to scroll through them. This concept, quickly gaining traction and support within the community, could help prevent further confusion down the road, especially as future sets rotate in and out of the game.
The post has sparked a broader conversation about the user interface, with many fans agreeing that the current system could be streamlined to make pack management less of a hassle. The suggestion reached the front page of the subreddit, gathering momentum and support from players who felt the current UI simply wasn’t working.
Potential Deliberate Design or Poor Implementation?
As the discussion evolved, some fans speculated whether DeNA, the developers behind Pokémon TCG Pocket, had intentionally designed the UI to promote newer booster packs. The current design could be seen as a way to highlight the latest expansions, potentially driving more engagement with fresh content. However, this approach has backfired, leaving many players confused and frustrated by the unintuitive layout.
Moreover, the ongoing rotation of expansions in Pokémon TCG Pocket means that older sets like Genetic Apex may eventually be rotated out of availability. Players who didn’t realize the packs were still accessible may miss out on collecting specific cards or completing their collections before the set disappears. The game’s future expansion rotations could exacerbate this issue if the UI remains unchanged.
A Larger Critique: Trading System Woes
The frustration with the Pokémon TCG Pocket UI doesn’t end with the pack selection. Recently, players have also criticized the game’s trading system, which many find difficult to navigate. The current system has been labeled as inaccessible and off-putting, making it hard for players to trade cards with others in a way that feels rewarding or user-friendly.
DeNA has promised to address this feedback and make adjustments to the trading feature, but the developers have yet to provide concrete details on what changes will be made or when they will be implemented. As the community waits for updates, players continue to express their concerns about the trading system’s functionality.
Conclusion: A Game in Need of Tweaks
While Pokémon TCG Pocket has been a hit for many fans, the recent design flaws and UI confusion surrounding the pack selection system highlight the need for improvement. With future expansions expected and the potential for more rotating sets, it’s crucial that DeNA fine-tunes the interface to make navigation smoother and more intuitive. Whether it’s redesigning the home screen or reworking the trading system, addressing these issues will be key to ensuring that Pokémon TCG Pocket continues to attract and retain players in the long term.
As the game evolves, the community’s voice will be essential in shaping its future updates and making sure it delivers the best experience possible for card collectors and fans alike.