Pocketpair has officially announced the Palworld Trading Card Game (TCG), set for release on July 30, 2026.
In partnership with Japanese TCG specialist Bushiroad, the game will bring the vibrant world of "Palworld" to competitive card battles for the first time. A teaser trailer released by the studio showcases unique Pals ready for combat and hints at the game's strategic mechanics.
Strategic Gameplay with Unique Pals
The "Palworld TCG" is a two-player competitive card game that emphasizes strategy and tactics. Players deploy distinctive Pals to battle opponents, gather resources, and construct bases to secure victory.
Each Pal features unique abilities and traits, encouraging varied strategies and inventive gameplay. Pocketpair notes that forming bonds with your Pals adds immersion, bridging the digital adventures of Palworld with physical card battles.
Palworld vs. Pokémon: Fans Spot the Similarities
The announcement has drawn immediate comparisons to Pokémon's trading card game, with fans commenting on social media about collectible appeal and marketing strategies.
According to IGN, responses ranged from playful "Palworld anime when?" to humorous "Nintendo: heavy breathing." If you're a long-time Pokémon fan, you probably know the tension between the Big N and Pocketpair.
The TCG launch is part of Pocketpair's strategy to expand the "Palworld" universe. In September, the studio introduced "Palworld: Palfarm," a farming and crafting spinoff, following updates to Craftopia. The new TCG complements these projects, offering fans another way to engage with Palworld beyond video games.
Legal Battles with Nintendo and Pokémon
Palworld's rapid expansion comes amid a high-profile patent dispute with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, ongoing since September 2024 in Japan.
The case involves three patents related to monster capture, release mechanics, and riding characters. Despite legal challenges, Pocketpair remains committed to growing the franchise, with the TCG launch reinforcing its global presence.
Some fans believe that the Pokemon is the pioneer of the monster-catching gimmick while others think that any developer can use that featuer especially in JRPG.
