An unexpected discovery in Pokémon TCG Pocket: a card breaks a key rule

Meanwhile, followers of the collectible card game Pokémon (Pokémon TCG) are preparing for the imminent arrival of the Scarlet and Violet – Predestined Rivals expansion, a curiosity caught the community's attention: the Wimpod card in the Pokémon TCG Pocket app is completely identical to its physical version, something unusual within the new digital format.

The Pokémon TCG Pocket app, which simplifies the game to make it more accessible and faster—with games lasting less than five minutes— has been a real success since its launch. Part of that popularity lies in the fact that digital cards usually present significant differences compared to their physical versions, whether in stats, abilities, or illustrations.

The exception that proves the rule

However, a Reddit user, identified as HamLitt229, found an exceptional case. "The Wimpod card that appears in the Celestial Guardians expansion is exactly the same as the original in all its characteristics: same art, same stats, same abilities," he wrote in a post accompanied by a comparative image of both versions.

This finding is striking because it breaks with the design logic that the app has been maintaining.  For example, in the case of Greninja in the Formidable Genes edition, its digital illustration corresponds to one card, but its stats refer to another.  This kind of "creative mix" is the norm in Pokémon TCG Pocket, where the goal is to maintain the essence of the game while streamlining the experience.

An error or a hint of what's to come?

The community is divided between those who believe it's a simple oversight and those who speculate about a possible new strategy of fidelity between digital and physical versions. The curious thing, according to many fans, is that Wimpod is not exactly a central figure among Grass-type Pokémon. "It's not a character that stirs passions, like Meowscarada, Decidueye EX, or Celebi EX," noted a user on X.

Whether a nod or a preview of something bigger, the Wimpod card already occupies a particular place in the recent history of the digital game.  We will have to wait to see if this case remains a rarity or if it inaugurates a new stage in Pokémon TCG Pocket, with cards more faithful to their physical origin.