Is the Pokemon TCG Pocket Mythical Island Pikachu Card Worth the Pull?

One of the freshly unveiled cards from the Pokémon TCG Pocket’s upcoming Mythical Island expansion features yet another iteration of Pikachu. However, enthusiasts may find that this particular card might not be worth the effort to pull due to its overly situational attack mechanics that do not align with the current competitive landscape.

In the existing Pokémon Pocket tournament scene, certain decks, such as Pikachu ex, have emerged as dominant forces. The Circle Circuit attack of Pikachu ex, when positioned as the Active Pokemon, is capable of inflicting 30 damage multiplied by the number of Lightning Pokémon on the Bench, ultimately reaching a maximum of 90 damage if a full team is utilized.

A new version of Pikachu featuring a somewhat comparable ability has been leaked in discussions surrounding the Mythical Island set. According to a post found on the PTCGP Reddit, this new Pikachu card unfortunately falls short of expectations. Specifically, it delivers only 10 damage for each Lightning Pokémon on the Bench and possesses a modest health pool of just 60 HP.

NEW Pikachu Card by u/Dense_Wear8807 in PTCGP

The Limitations of the Mythical Island Pikachu

The primary drawback of the new Pikachu card lies in its dependence on having a nearly full Bench to achieve a reasonable damage output. Unlike its counterpart in the Genetic Apex expansion, which delivers consistent damage outputs without as stringent requirements, this Pikachu’s maximum potential becomes only 30 damage—marginally better than existing cards like Blitzle and Magnemite, which can both dish out 20 damage.

This intrinsic unpredictability can hinder gameplay; if this Pikachu is drawn as an opening hand card without other Basic Pokémon present, it is rendered ineffective, lacking any means to launch an attack. The need for multiple Pokémon on the Bench to match or exceed the utility of established options significantly diminishes its value.

Instead of relying on this new Pikachu card, players would be better off incorporating Giovanni Supporter cards into their decks. These cards provide a straightforward +10 damage boost for any Pokémon attack executed within the same turn, maintaining consistent offensive pressure without the constraints of Bench space.

Ultimately, while the new Pikachu card had the potential to be a notable addition, its lack of inherent damage output combined with the risk of being underutilized makes it less appealing. With numerous superior cards available in Mythical Island, it is advisable for players to seek alternatives that offer more reliable performance in competitive play.

For a deeper dive into the upcoming changes and strategies, check out further insights here.