A surprisingly large portion of it features different rules and mechanics. Technically, every single card used in Pokémon TCG Pocket is exclusive to the app, because the HP, moves, and other stats are unique. However, many cards feature artwork previously found on physical trading cards. Some of that card art dates back to the original Base Set, while other cards use artwork previously found only on promo or Japanese-exclusive cards.

While all the alternate art cards in Pokémon TCG Pocket feature artwork exclusive to the mobile game, a surprisingly large amount of common and uncommon cards also boast unique art. In fact, 115 of the 286 cards in Genetic Apex feature brand-new artwork for the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Although it's hard to tell which art is exclusive at first glance, much of the newer art features a cleaner art and color style than older pieces.

Genetic Apex Cards Include TCG Pocket Exclusives

Over 100 Cards in Genetic Apex Are Exclusive to Pokémon TCG Pocket

All of the "secret rare" cards in Genetic Apex use artwork exclusive to Pokémon TCG Pocket, including the immersive art cards and rare gold cards. The Pokémon ex cards also feature new artwork by the PLANETA group, which specializes in 3D computer-generated artwork. PLANETA works on both Pokémon TCG card illustrations and character models for various Pokémon games. Several common and uncommon Pokémon TCG Pocket cards also feature new artwork that combine to tell a narrative story. Examples of this include the art on the Pidgey evolution line and Oddish, Venonat, Bellsprout, and the alternate art Snorlax card.

A full list of all the Pokémon TCG Pocket cards with exclusive artwork is below:

The cards not listed above feature art previously used in the Pokémon TCG. Some of the artwork appeared on cards that never appeared outside of Japan, while other cards use art that only appeared on promo cards. Still, players should recognize the artwork of at least a few cards, especially those from classic sets like the Base Set or Fossil.

Genetic Apex Full Art Cards Are Highlights

New Full Art Cards Are Among The Best Pokémon TCG Cards Ever

The highlight of Pokémon TCG Pocket is the game's new full art cards, all of which use artwork new to the game. The new cards follow the expanding line of alternate art cards in the physical Pokémon Trading Card Game, with art pieces that often depict Pokémon in their natural habitat or expressing their personality outside of battle. There are 24 full art "gold star" cards, plus six full art "two gold star" cards featuring Pokémon ex cards. The latter cards are the equivalent of the Special Illustration Rare cards, which are among the most expensive cards in the physical game.

Players have quickly taken to these full art cards, largely because the art quality matches or exceeds that of the physical cards. The Pokémon Company tapped some of their top artists to illustrate these cards, including Haru Akasaka, Nurikabe, and AKIRA EGAWA. Many of these artists have distinctive art styles, which helps to make the new cards stand out to digital collectors. Because Pokémon TCG Pocket uses the same top-tier artists as the physical card game, the possibility that some could eventually become physical cards is appealing.

Will Genetic Apex Cards Come To The Pokémon TCG?

Many Pokémon TCG Pocket Cards Seem Perfect For A Special Set

The Pokémon Company has not said whether there are any plans to make physical versions of the digital exclusive cards in Pokémon TCG Pocket. However, if the game continues to perform well, it feels like many of these cards would be perfect for a special set similar to the Pokémon GO set or the Prismatic Evolutions set. The cards would obviously need to receive updated stats and abilities to move in line with the main Pokémon TCG game, but it still seems like the art is simply too good to not get a physical edition.

However, at least a few cards from Pokémon TCG Pocket will never see physical print. The immersive art cards don't translate well into a physical edition, nor do the full art cards that feature a 3D effect. Those cards seem destined to remain digital only, although it's always possible that the immersive art could get incorporated into some kind of future product like a playmat or poster. The more popular Pokémon TCG Pocket becomes, the more likely that The Pokémon Company will want to capitalize by making a physical product promoting it.