The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has evolved significantly since its inception, with new mechanics, powerful cards, and an ever-growing list of Pokémon introduced into the game. Pokémon TCG Pocket, a digital version of the card game, is no exception. While the game remains faithful to the traditional TCG experience, there are still numerous cards that have yet to see the upgrades they truly need. Whether it’s due to outdated mechanics, weak stats, or the evolution of the game’s meta, some cards desperately need a refresh to stay competitive in the fast-evolving world of Pokémon TCG Pocket.

In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 cards in Pokémon TCG Pocket that could benefit from significant upgrades, whether it’s in the form of boosted stats, new abilities, or adjustments to their abilities. These cards may not be the most popular picks at the moment, but with the right adjustments, they could see a resurgence in decks across the game.

1. Jynx (Base Set)

Jynx has been a part of the Pokémon TCG since the very first set, and while it’s a nostalgic card, it hasn’t aged well in terms of playability. The original Jynx card has a weak attack and a below-average HP, making it difficult to fit into modern decks. A potential upgrade could involve improving its HP or giving it an attack that synergizes better with other Pokémon abilities or items in Pokémon TCG Pocket. A second attack effect or a status condition like Sleep or Paralysis could make Jynx more versatile, allowing it to control the game and offer support to other cards.

2. Farfetch’d (Base Set)

Farfetch’d is another Pokémon that has been around for a while but lacks the power to compete with the more modern, stronger cards in the game. While the Farfetch’d card has always had a cute and simple design, its low attack values and limited utility hold it back. A potential upgrade could involve improving its attack power or giving it a better ability that supports its role in the game. For example, a new support ability that boosts other Pokémon’s attacks or helps with energy acceleration could give Farfetch’d a better niche in decks.

3. Clefairy (Base Set)

Clefairy’s charm is undeniable, but its card has struggled to remain relevant. The original Clefairy card offers a weak attack and low HP, making it vulnerable to stronger cards. Its Metronome attack is fun but lacks the power to truly impact a game. A potential upgrade could involve giving Clefairy an ability that interacts with Fairy-type energies or an ability that allows it to recover from the discard pile. Upgrading its HP or adding a more impactful attack could give Clefairy a stronger role in Fairy-based decks.

4. Pidgeot (Base Set)

Pidgeot has always been a fan-favorite, and its Pidgeot card has been a staple in many decks over the years. However, despite its strong Attack and Defense, it hasn’t aged well due to the game’s power creep. One possible upgrade for Pidgeot could involve boosting its ability to search for cards or enabling its attacks to affect opponents’ Pokémon more significantly. Giving it a more powerful Flying-type ability or a healing mechanic could make it a more effective asset in decks that focus on mid-range play or control mechanics.

5. Poliwrath (Base Set)

Poliwrath’s base card is reliant on a niche attack that doesn’t always deliver the desired results. Its weak attack combined with its fragile HP means it often gets knocked out quickly. Upgrading Poliwrath could involve increasing its HP or attack damage. A rework could also introduce an ability like Water Absorb or Rain Dance to support water-type decks. Alternatively, its attack effects could be adjusted to deal more damage or to apply status effects like Paralysis or Confusion to create greater utility.

6. Tangela (Base Set)

While Tangela is often overlooked, it could become a viable option in grass-type decks if it received an upgrade. Its attack isn’t particularly strong, and its HP is nothing special. A potential upgrade could involve boosting its HP or giving it status-imposing effects like Poison or Sleep as part of its attack. Additionally, an ability that helps it recover energies or heal damage could open the door for Tangela to become a solid defensive wall in grass decks.

7. Machoke (Base Set)

Machoke’s single attack, Low Kick, does not have much impact on the game in its current form. It has average HP, but without the necessary support, Machoke can easily be outclassed by more powerful Pokémon. A potential upgrade would involve giving Machoke access to additional attacks or improving its HP. Its Fighting-type attacks could benefit from a rework that ignores defense or deals extra damage to special types. Increasing its synergy with other Fighting-type cards would elevate Machoke’s role as a potential tank for physical combat decks.

8. Rattata (Base Set)

Rattata’s card has always been an early-game utility Pokémon, but it hasn’t seen much play in competitive environments due to its fragile HP and weak attacks. A potential upgrade could involve improving Rattata’s abilities. Giving it a supportive role, like allowing it to draw more cards or accelerate energy, could help improve its usefulness in decks that rely on swarming with basic Pokémon. A synergy with cards that accelerate attack setups could help Rattata become a more efficient card in the early stages of the game.

9. Nidorina (Base Set)

While Nidorina has a decent set of attacks, it lacks the firepower to keep up with modern decks. A potential upgrade would involve improving its attack damage or introducing an ability that provides more consistent energy or card advantage. Additionally, the inclusion of an evolutionary boost from Nidoqueen could provide a stronger synergy with poison or evolution-based decks. A Nidorina that synergizes better with Nidoqueen could become a stronger staple in evolving decks.

10. Dugtrio (Base Set)

Dugtrio is a card with huge potential, but its current attack lacks the punch needed to be competitive. Given its focus on speed and underground abilities, a potential upgrade could involve boosting Dugtrio’s speed or making it more effective against specific types (like Electric). Additionally, Dugtrio’s HP could be improved to allow it to survive longer in the game. Implementing a poison-based mechanic or enhancing its ability to affect the opponent’s energy supply could make Dugtrio more relevant in both competitive and casual gameplay.

Conclusion

In Pokémon TCG Pocket, cards come and go in waves of popularity, and the power of certain Pokémon fluctuates over time. Some of the older cards, despite their nostalgic value, have long been left behind due to their outdated stats and lack of synergy with newer mechanics. However, with a little love and attention, these 10 Pokémon cards could become key components in the meta, offering strategic depth and exciting new possibilities for players. You can buy Pokémon TCG Pocket Account from MMOexp.com, then to Upgrade these cards.

Whether through new abilities, boosted stats, or synergies with other Pokémon, a well-timed upgrade could breathe new life into these cards, making them viable and competitive once again. Pokémon TCG Pocket offers the flexibility to update and rework these cards to match the ever-evolving game mechanics, and in doing so, it could create a more diverse and engaging experience for players everywhere.

MMOexp Pokemon TCG Pocket Team