Pokemon Trading Card Game Live has officially launched its global beta test with players around the world able to try out the new online app. The Pokemon Company first revealed the new online simulator for its massively popular TCG late last year as a replacement for the franchise's already-existing Pokemon Trading Card Game Online. The new online version of the TCG is set to feature flashy animations and streamlined "true-to-life" gameplay, allowing players to quickly jump on and play with their friends online. Now, players will have their first opportunity to try out the new card game.
The Pokemon Trading Card Game has been no stranger to video games and online simulators, even in its early days. From the franchise's beginning, the Game Boy received its own version of the Pokemon Trading Card Game, along with a Japan-exclusive sequel. Pokemon Trading Card Game Online has been one of the predominant ways for many Pokemon players to play the card game online since its introduction in 2011. Now, Pokemon Trading Card Game Live is set to revolutionize the way players battle against one another.
The Pokemon Company officially rolled out the Pokemon Trading Card Game Live beta worldwide on Tuesday, with players now able to try out the new Pokemon TCG simulator that has been teased since last year. Live is set to bring several new features to online Pokemon TCG play including a fully fleshed-out Ranked ladder and a Battle Pass system for earning cosmetics and packs. The developer had previously confirmed that, while Live will replace Online as the main supported client, players will be able to migrate their full collections over to the new game.
Pokemon Trading Card Game Live's global beta debuts with heavy competition from a variety of other card games in the online TCG space. Konami launched Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel to massive success earlier this year, breaking records for card games on Steam following its January release. Pokemon's other biggest physical TCG competitor, Wizards of the Coast, has an established online presence as well with Magic: The Gathering Arena. Pokemon TCG Live will also look to compete with other digital-exclusive card games like Legends of Runeterra and Hearthstone.
Pokemon Trading Card Game Live's beta comes as the card game looks to be moving into a new era alongside its video game counterparts. The Pokemon Company recently revealed its final new set of the Sword and Shield era with Crown Zenith set to release in January. The final Sword and Shield set will bring the game's Galar era to a close with new VSTAR cards, as well as three new Radiant Pokemon for collectors to pick up. Pokemon Trading Card Game Live will mark a new beginning for the online branch of one of the world's premiere TCGs.
Pokemon Trading Card Game Live is available now for PC and mobile devices.
Source: Dexerto
