Just before the release of the Pokémon TCG Pocket Deluxe Packs last week, I was optimistic about their potential to help players catch up. The packs promised a high-value experience, guaranteeing at least one four-diamond or better card in every pack—a fantastic deal for those who had fallen behind or started late, making it easier to complete their collections. I believed this could address some of the main frustrations I had with the game, assuming the packs delivered on their promises.

However, my optimism was misplaced. Unfortunately, the Deluxe Packs fell short in many ways. While they do deliver on the promise of quickly acquiring powerful ex cards, the overall design and execution are bewildering and, frankly, disappointing. The way these packs are structured creates more confusion and frustration rather than motivation. Instead of encouraging players to keep grinding, they seem to undermine that effort, making the entire experience less rewarding and more perplexing.

When news broke that the Pokémon TCG Deluxe Pack ex set included an ex card in every pack, many expected it to be a prime opportunity to fill gaps in their collections or acquire rare, desirable cards. For dedicated collectors, the allure was even greater, thanks to the promise of exclusive alternate art versions that would make opening each pack exciting even for those with complete decks. Unfortunately, reality fell far short of those expectations.

The Deluxe Pack ex is heavily cluttered with filler content, mirroring the issues seen in the standard Pokémon TCG releases. The set boasts nearly 400 cards—double the size of the largest regular set—most of which serve little purpose. A significant portion of this bulk comes from a parallel foil subset, which amplifies the number of common cards with one or two diamonds. This sheer volume diminishes the likelihood of pulling valuable or sought-after cards, making it an inefficient way to hunt for specific cards compared to opening the original sets they come from.

This problem extends to the four-diamond ex cards as well. With 75 four-diamond ex cards and an additional 30 diamond cards in the set, the probability of pulling any single desired ex is roughly 1%. Considering the published rate for four-diamond cards in a typical set is around 1.6%, trying to obtain a particular ex card through random packs is unlikely to succeed, and buying the specific pack that contains the card might be a smarter choice.

Adding to the confusion, the developers decided to isolate all cards from the Deluxe Pack ex into a separate deck rather than integrating them into the main collection. This means that any card pulled from an older set, even if it’s one you need, will be recorded as a Deluxe Pack ex card rather than a card from its original set. Such a design makes it even harder to track progress or identify valuable pulls.

While the set does feature some striking reprints with new, eye-catching artwork, the overwhelming amount of filler reduces the chances of pulling rarer, more desirable cards. Unless you’re starting from scratch, have unlimited resources, and plan to open countless packs, the value of the Deluxe Pack ex set seems questionable. It offers visual appeal and a few nice reprints, but for most players, the odds and organizational choices make it an unwise investment.

The Deluxe Pack EX initially appeared to be a promising addition for Pokémon TCG Pocket, especially as the game nears its one-year milestone. Many players who started late or fell behind might have seen this set as an ideal opportunity to catch up, thanks to its inclusion of numerous four-diamond cards. However, the reality turned out quite differently. The set is riddled with filler content, which undermines its intended purpose as a catch-up tool—assuming that was even its goal from the start.

It's unclear who this expansion truly caters to. For newcomers or players returning after a break, purchasing EX packs probably isn't the most effective way to expand their collections. These packs contain fewer cards compared to standard sets, and there's a higher chance of pulling useless EX cards rather than valuable ones. Since it doesn't assist in completing older Pokédex entries, seasoned players might prefer to open older packs instead.

High-spenders, or "whales," are likely to find this set disappointing as well. With its limited availability and high cost to complete, it becomes an unappealing investment. The set lacks mechanically unique cards, and although some reprints are appealing, they don't justify the expense for most collectors or players. Consequently, even big spenders might choose to pass on this set altogether.

It almost seems like the purpose behind this release was intentional—possibly a strategic move to avoid player burnout before a major new base set. Paradoxically, however, the large size of the set makes it feel overwhelming and less rewarding. I initially looked forward to opening deluxe packs, completing collections, and chasing rare alternative art cards. Yet, after just a few days, my enthusiasm waned, and I found myself completely over the set.

What is Pokémon TCG Pocket and Poké Gold?

In Pokemon TCG Pocket, Poké Gold serves as the primary currency for enhancing gameplay by allowing players to purchase essential items, restore stamina, and acquire exclusive collectibles like special cards and covers. Players can obtain Poké Gold through various game trading platforms, with Lootbar.gg being a recommended option for secure and efficient top-up services. This platform ensures a smooth transaction process, helping players quickly boost their in-game resources. Utilizing these services enables enthusiasts to fully enjoy the dynamic features of Pokemon TCG Pocket.

Why do you choose Lootbar.gg for Poké Gold Top up?

If players are looking to top up Poké Gold, they may want to consider the lootbar game trading platform for a seamless and rewarding experience. Choosing lootbar.gg for your Poké Gold buy brings a variety of advantages, especially for dedicated fans of the Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket. Not only does the platform offer consistently competitive prices and special discounts, but it also guarantees that every transaction is safe and compliant with industry standards. This means players can enjoy significant savings while recharging their in-game currency, making it an appealing choice for both casual and serious collectors.

Furthermore, lootbar.gg stands out by delivering Poké Gold rapidly—often within just three minutes of purchase—so players can jump back into their game with minimal downtime. The platform is backed by 24/7 customer support, ensuring that any issues or questions about the Pokemon TCG recharge process are resolved quickly and efficiently. In addition, the lootbar game trading platform fosters a vibrant gaming community through its Lootbar Blog, where users can find the latest game news, event updates, and strategy guides. With its blend of affordability, security, speed, and community support, lootbar.gg is an excellent option for anyone seeking a safe and efficient way to purchase Poké Gold.

A Step-by-Step Guide to top up Pokémon TCG Pocket on LootBar

To top up Pokémon TCG Pocket Poké Gold on the lootbar trading platform, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website of Lootbar at https://lootbar.gg, select your preferred language and currency, and log into your account.
2. Navigate from the homepage to the Pokémon TCG Pocket top-up section.
3. Decide on the amount of Poké Gold you wish to purchase and then click the “Top-up Now” button.
4. Enter your login account details, password, and character name as prompted, and follow the on-screen instructions for the top-up process.
5. Select your desired payment method and complete the transaction by clicking "Pay Now."
6. After your order is confirmed, the Poké Gold will be credited to your Pokémon TCG Pocket account within a few minutes, allowing you to enjoy your newly acquired in-game currency.

What is the best Gaming Top-Up Platform？

LootBar stands out as a reliable and professional platform for gaming recharge. Its reliability and popularity are reflected in excellent reviews, including a 4.9/5.0 rating on Trustpilot.