While the trading cards themselves may still be going strong (and we should know - there's a load of them sitting here on the desk), getting together with some friends and slapping some cards on the table hasn't been the only way to enjoy the Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG) for a while. Having launched on PC a few years ago as a browser based game, before becoming a separate download last year, the Pokémon TCG has taken another leap, and is now available on the Apple App Store too!
Available on iPad Mini and iPad (from third generation onward - the ones with the "retina display") you can now play the hugely popular card game digitally on your Apple tablet device. Offering the same fun as the PC/Mac version, but in a more portable format, the App packs in all the features of the desktop version, and there's no need to make another account. All you have to do is log in with your "Play! Pokémon" account, and all the decks and cards you obtained on the PC/Mac version will be there.
Now you can play Pokémon TCG on the move! So long as you have an internet connection, be it Wi-Fi or a data plan on your device, anyway...
Perfect for beginners and veterans alike, Pokémon TCG Online has loads of features. New players can learn how to play the game through extensive tutorials, while more experienced players can try building their own decks, or take on other players online. If you fancy starting out with something a little bit easier, you can play against the computer on a difficulty level of your choosing - or if battles in general just aren't your thing, you can trade cards and grow your digital collection. Several free decks and booster packs are available to get you started, you can also unlock more in game by redeeming codes found in physical booster packs, promotional packs, and theme decks.
"The iPad version of the Pokémon TCG Online makes it even easier for fans to pick up the game and begin playing immediately," said J.C. Smith, director of Consumer Marketing at The Pokémon Company International. "We want to provide players with various access points to play and enjoy the Pokémon TCG, whether it's the traditional tabletop game, PC and Mac version, or the iPad and iPad mini app."
Here's hoping an Android version will be following soon...
To celebrate the launch of the Pokémon TCG Online app for iPad, we here at Everybody Plays have an exclusive code for a free booster pack to help you get started! Simply redeem the code in game to get your free (virtual) cards!
EPLAYS-POKEMON-TCGO-APP
But you'd better be quick! The code expires on Friday 10th October!
Instructions for redemption:
1. Download the Pokémon TCGO app on your computer from the Pokemon site or through the app store on your retina display iPad.
2. Set up a TCGO account
3. Redeem the code through the app (Click Shop & redeem on title screen)
4. Enjoy your new cards!
