The Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket will not incorporate NFT technology

On Tuesday, a new digital experience of the Pokémon Trading Card Game was announced, set to release on iOS and Android devices in 2024.

The project is a collaboration between The Pokémon Company, Pokémon Trading Card Game creator Creatures Inc., and Pokémon Masters EX developer DeNA.

While it’s unclear if the game will be free-to-play, users will have the ability to open two packs of digital cards per day for free, suggesting in-app purchases may support the game.

Creatures Inc. president and CEO Yuji Kitano mentioned that the game will feature “immersive cards that give players the experience of leaping into the world of the card illustration” and “streamlined game rules” designed for quick battles.

Considering that rare Pokémon cards can be valuable in the real world, some players questioned whether the game’s digital collectibles might be sellable as NFTs.

However, in a statement to Polygon, The Pokémon Company distanced itself from cryptographic assets.

“The Pokémon Company International has not developed or approved of Non Fungible Tokens (NFTs) related to the Pokémon brand and associated intellectual property,” the statement said. “Fans should be aware that any NFTs in the marketplace featuring Pokémon intellectual property are unofficial and in no way affiliated with The Pokémon Company International or the Pokémon brand.”

Last year, The Pokémon Company was looking to hire someone with expertise in blockchain, NFTs, and the metaverse, among other skills. Although not confirming specific plans for Pokémon NFTs or a blockchain-based Pokémon game, the company expressed interest in exploring the technology.