Pokemon TCG Pocket: Pack Hourglasses Remain Essential for Future Expansions
Recent speculation suggested that the upcoming Pokemon TCG Pocket expansion would render Pack Hourglasses obsolete. However, The Pokemon Company has officially confirmed that this is untrue. Pack Hourglasses will continue to function as intended, reducing booster pack opening delays by one hour per hourglass, regardless of the expansion.
This confirmation is a relief to players who have been stockpiling hourglasses. The rumor mill had even suggested the introduction of a new expansion-specific currency for reducing wait times. While this remains a possibility in the future, it's not the case for the anticipated 2025 expansion.
Launched in October 2024, Pokemon TCG Pocket has quickly gained popularity, largely replacing Pokemon TCG Live for many players. The addition of the Mythical Island booster pack, featuring 68 new cards, further fueled this growth. However, concerns arose about the utility of Pack Hourglasses with the prospect of a new expansion.
The core mechanics remain consistent: players earn Pack Stamina, allowing two pack openings per day (with a 12-hour wait). Pack Hourglasses expedite this process, shaving off one hour per hourglass. These hourglasses are obtainable through daily challenges and the daily Complimentary Item Set in the shop. The game also features a variety of other in-game currencies, including Wonder Hourglasses, various tickets, Poke Gold, and Pack Points.
The Pokemon Company's statement assures players that their accumulated Pack Hourglasses will remain valuable assets in the ongoing development of Pokemon TCG Pocket, suggesting a bright future for the game and the continued relevance of its existing mechanics.