Pokémon TCG Pocket | Major Changes Arrive with Dual Fusion – Longer Cycles & Special Packs

Six-week release schedule, unlimited rental decks and new pack types detailed!

Alongside the reveal of the Dual Fusion expansion, DeNA and The Pokémon Company have outlined several significant changes to how Pokémon TCG Pocket will operate from the end of October onwards. These updates affect both collecting and battling and represent one of the larger structural shifts the game has seen since launch.

The most noticeable change for collectors is the new booster pack release cycle. Until now, major expansions have typically arrived every four weeks. Starting with the C Series, that cycle is being extended to approximately six weeks. The longer gap is intended to give players more time to complete their collections without the constant pressure of a new set arriving so quickly.

A completely new pack type is also being introduced. Special Pack: First Partners will run from October 31, 2026 to December 26, 2026. Unlike regular booster packs, these use a separate weekly stamina system and guarantee at least one ★ card in every pack. The focus is on the first partner Pokémon from each of the nine regions, giving collectors a different target to chase alongside the main Dual Fusion cards.

Battling is receiving attention as well. From the launch of Dual Fusion on October 28, 2026 at 18:00 PDT (October 29, 2026 at 01:00 UK time) until mid-December, six rental decks themed around the new expansion will be available. These can be used an unlimited number of times in both solo and versus battles, and several of them will feature the new dual-type cards. When the next booster pack arrives, these rental decks will be replaced with a fresh set. An additional elite Dragon-type deck featuring Mega Rayquaza ex will also be distributed to players via the Gifts system.

Further quality-of-life improvements are planned for the new series, including expanded community deck tools that will make it easier to view and copy popular decks, and a broader range of mission rewards. Immersive cards will also become available as mission rewards more regularly.

Taken together, these changes suggest Pokémon TCG Pocket is trying to strike a better balance between keeping the meta fresh and giving players enough time to enjoy each expansion. The combination of dual-type cards, longer release cycles and more flexible battle options should make the game feel less rushed while still offering plenty of new content to engage with.

Pokémon TCG Pocket | Dual Fusion Expansion Launches October 29 with Dual-Type Cards

Source: The Pokémon Company