Is the Pokémon TCG Pocket game still the king of mobile card games in 2026? Discover the January Mega Latios ex event, the new B1b booster set, and pro deck strategies for Mega Gyarados ex. Start your collection today!
Introduction: The Pokémon TCG Pocket Game in 2026
The Pokémon TCG Pocket game has officially entered its most competitive era yet. As of January 2026, the game has evolved from a simple digital collectible app into a high-stakes tactical battler, primarily due to the global rollout of Mega Evolution mechanics. This “snackable” version of the classic trading card game now boasts over 100 million active Trainers, making it the #1 grossing card game on the Google Play Store.
In 2026, the meta has shifted toward high-HP “Mill” decks and aggressive Mega Evolution setups. Whether you are a free-to-play collector opening your two free daily packs or a competitive player grinding the Rank Match Season 9, this guide breaks down the essential January 2026 updates you cannot afford to miss.
Groundbreaking Features in the January 2026 Update
The latest version of the Pokémon TCG Pocket game introduces several new ways to play, trade, and dominate the board.
1. Mega Evolution Drop Events
From January 16 to January 26, 2026, players can participate in the Mega Latios ex Drop Event. By winning solo battles across four difficulty tiers, you can earn exclusive promo cards featuring unique 2026 anniversary artwork. These events now utilize “Event Stamina,” a separate resource that allows for dedicated grinding without spending your main pack hourglasses.
2. The B1b Booster Set Launch
On January 29, 2026, the first major expansion of the year, dubbed the B1b Themed Booster Set, is scheduled to hit the shop. This set is expected to add over 100 new cards to the game, focusing on “Ascended Heroes.” Early leaks suggest a heavy focus on Mega Zygarde ex and Mega Lucario ex, which are predicted to counter the current “Mill-Tank” water meta.
3. Enhanced Trading & “Share” Feature
The Pokémon TCG Pocket game finally overhauled its social hub in late 2025. You can now use the Share Feature to gift 1-4 diamond rarity cards to friends. Even better, the trading system now supports 2-star and “Shiny” rarity cards, allowing veteran collectors to help new players complete their Genetic Apex and Shining Revelry sets.
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Mastering the 2026 Meta: The Rise of Mega Gyarados ex
Currently, the “Mill-Tank” strategy is dominating the ranked ladders. Here is why this specific deck is a must-have:
- Mega Gyarados ex: Boasts a massive 210 HP and the “Mega Blaster” attack, which discards the top 3 cards of your opponent’s deck.
- Jellicent Support: Its “Bouncy Body” ability accelerates energy from the Energy Zone to your benched Magikarp whenever Jellicent takes damage.
- Massive Sustain: Using the 2026 Irida support card allows you to heal 40 damage from every Pokémon on your field with Water Energy attached, making your Mega Gyarados nearly unkillable.
System Requirements & Performance for 2026
With the addition of Immersive 3D Cards, the Pokémon TCG Pocket game requires modern hardware for the best experience.
- Android: Android 9.0 or later, Vulkan support, and at least 4GB of RAM (8GB recommended for 3D card viewing).
- Storage: 5.5GB of initial data, growing up to 12GB with all high-resolution card assets downloaded.
Is Pokémon TCG Pocket Free-to-Play Friendly in 2026?
Despite the introduction of “Premium Rare” tiers, the Pokémon TCG Pocket game remains remarkably F2P-friendly. By logging in daily during the New Year 2026 campaign, players can earn over 24 Pack Hourglasses and multiple Mega Rising packs. While “Whales” can acquire shiny versions of cards faster, the base stats of the cards remain identical, ensuring that tactical skill always beats a heavy wallet in Ranked matches.
Conclusion: Why You Should Play Today
The Pokémon TCG Pocket game has successfully captured the “tactile thrill” of ripping open a physical pack and combined it with the fast-paced logic of a mobile battler. With the January 2026 Mega Latios event currently live and the B1b expansion just days away, there has never been a better time to jump back in.
Download the latest Pokémon TCG Pocket game update today and pull your first Secret Art Rare!