Players of Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket have been captivated by its stunning card art for months, but a recent discovery has added a new layer of excitement. Fans are now uncovering hidden details in the artwork that link some of the monsters directly to the iconic Game Boy games.
The intrigue began over the weekend when Reddit user asch_win highlighted that the Spearow card features familiar landmarks. The Normal/Flying type Pokémon is depicted amidst grass, a fence, trees, and two distinctive buildings. Asch_win pointed out that the purple and yellow building in the background is none other than the Celadon City Department Store from Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen. To the left of Celadon City lies Route 16 in the Kanto region, known for its fenced-in grassy area where players can encounter Spearow.
The location of image! from r/PTCGP
It's evident that Creatures Inc. and DeNA, the developers behind the game, have intentionally crafted these cards to pay homage to the classic games that catapulted Pokémon into a global phenomenon. The fun doesn't end with Spearow, as Reddit user jteede has spotted more connections to early titles. These include a full-art Diglett card set east of Vermillion City, a Haunter card near the Lavender Town tower, and more. Asch_win has also examined Supporter cards closely, revealing further nods to specific locations within Pokémon's rich history.
While many card illustrations depict Pokémon in fantastical settings without direct ties to the lore, some cards, like a particular Pikachu variant, are recognizable as collectibles from the real world. However, it's within Pokémon TCG Pocket that these cleverly concealed Easter Eggs are being discovered.
The Pokémon TCG Pocket community has been busy over the weekend, dissecting other cards in search of more references. Notable findings include the S.S. Anne cruise liner subtly featured on a Gyarados full art card, as well as Oddish, Venonat, and Bellsprout cards that collectively narrate a story set near the seaside Snorlax location from FireRed and LeafGreen.
Let's visit our beloved Supporters! from r/PTCGP
Since its launch for mobile gaming enthusiasts in October, Pokémon TCG Pocket has released only one additional booster expansion set, Mythical Island, bringing the total to four packs available. More sets are expected to be released in the future, with additional cards occasionally introduced through Wonder Pick Events and other updates. As Creatures and DeNA continue to expand the card collection across various generations, players are encouraged to remain vigilant for more hidden references.
In the meantime, you can learn more about the current Wonder Pick event, spotlighting Charmander and Squirtle. Also, be sure to check out why the developers are being elusive about whether pack choice matters or not.
