Out of the blue, The Pokemon Company International today announced that the Pokemon trading card series is getting a new, free-to-play game for Android, iOS, as well as PC and Mac called Pokemon TCG Live. The release date hasn’t been revealed yet, but the company said that later this year a soft launch will be rolled out to iOS and Android users in Canada while PC and Mac users will get to participate in a global open beta test. Any cross-play capabilities haven’t been confirmed yet.
Following the reveal of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl and Pokemon Legends: Arceus, this announcement is also part of the Pokemon franchise’s 25th anniversary. Officially branded as Pokémon25, during the entire year of 2021 The Pokemon Company is celebrating Pikachu and its 800+ friends’ success since the original Japanese release of Pokemon Red and Green for the Game Boy on February 27, 1996. Pokemon TCG Live also marks the first time that a Pokemon trading card game is playable on Android and iOS smartphones.
As you might already expect, this digital version will try to follow the original tabletop contents with continuous updates following the game’s launch. You will be able to add new cards by simply scanning code cards or purchasing in-game booster packs. Aside from building decks and battling other Trainers online, Pokemon TCG Live also features customizable avatars, daily quests, and more. Vice president of the Pokemon TCG at The Pokemon Company International Barry Sams said that Pokemon TCG Live is designed to be easy to learn while offering “fresh challenges” for veterans who’ve been following the scene since the first card was printed worldwide in 1998.
