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Pokémon TCG Live

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Pokémon Trading Card Game Live
DeveloperThe Pokémon Company International
PublisherThe Pokémon Company International
SeriesPokémon Trading Card Game
Platforms
ReleaseJune 8, 2023 (2023-06-08)
GenreDigital collectible card game
ModeMultiplayer

Pokémon Trading Card Game Live (abbreviated as Pokémon TCG Live or Pokémon Live) is a digital collectible card game developed and published by The Pokémon Company International. It is the official digital adaptation of the Pokémon Trading Card Game and serves as the successor to Pokémon TCG Online. The game was announced in September 2021 and officially launched worldwide on June 8, 2023. The platform allows players to redeem codes from physical products and participate in the same competitive formats.[1]

Development and release

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Pokémon TCG Live was announced on September 21, 2021, as the replacement for the decade-old Pokémon TCG Online platform.[2] The game was designed to offer a modernized digital experience with improved graphics, cross-platform play, and enhanced features compared to its predecessor.[3]

The development process included a global beta phase that began in November 2022, allowing players worldwide to test the new platform and provide feedback.[4] The beta was initially limited to Canada before expanding globally. The official worldwide launch occurred on June 8, 2023, coinciding with the release of the "Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: Paldea Evolved" expansion.

Following the launch of Pokémon TCG Live, Pokémon TCG Online was officially discontinued. The older platform was removed from app stores and its servers were shut down.

In its first year of operation, Pokémon TCG Live had 60 million games played, 61 billion damage dealt by cards, and 141 million cards sent to the "Lost Zone."[5]

Gameplay

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Pokémon TCG Live faithfully recreates the traditional Pokémon Trading Card Game experience in digital format. Players build decks using cards from various Pokémon TCG expansions and battle against other players in real-time matches.

Core mechanics

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The game follows the same rules as the physical Pokémon Trading Card Game, including:

  • Deck building: Players construct 60-card decks using Pokémon, Trainer, and Energy cards
  • Turn-based gameplay: Players take turns playing cards, attacking, and managing resources
  • Prize cards: Players win by taking all six of their opponent's prize cards or by other win conditions
  • Energy system: Pokémon require Energy cards to use attacks

Game modes

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  • Standard Format: The primary competitive format featuring recent card sets
  • Expanded Format: A broader format including older card sets (initially limited to Sun & Moon era and later)
  • Ranked Matches: Competitive play with a ladder system featuring multiple leagues up to the prestigious Arceus League
  • Casual Matches: Relaxed gameplay for practice and experimentation
  • Tutorial Mode: Comprehensive learning system for new players

Deck building and collection

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Players begin with eight starter decks covering different Pokémon types and strategies.[6] The deck editor allows for full customization, supporting cards from various series including:

  • Sword & Shield
  • Sun & Moon
  • XY series
  • Black & White (limited)

New cards can be obtained through:

  • Redeeming code cards from physical Pokémon TCG products[7]
  • Earning digital booster packs through gameplay
  • Completing daily quests and challenges
  • Battle Pass progression

Features

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Cross-platform play

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Pokémon TCG Live supports seamless cross-platform play across:

  • iOS devices (iPhone 7 and later, iPad 2017 and later)
  • Android devices (Samsung Galaxy S7 and later)
  • Microsoft Windows (Windows 7 and later)
  • macOS (OS X 10.12 and later)

Players can access their account and card collection from any supported device, with progress syncing automatically across platforms.

Battle Pass system

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The game features a Battle Pass with daily quests that provide:[6]

  • Experience points (XP)
  • Digital booster packs
  • In-game currency (Crystals)
  • Cosmetic items
  • Premium Pass tiers for additional rewards

Avatar customization

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Players can personalize their in-game avatars with:

  • Various hats and accessories
  • Custom catchphrases
  • Victory poses
  • Deck boxes and card sleeves
  • Custom coins

Migration from Pokémon TCG Online

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Players transitioning from Pokémon TCG Online could migrate their existing collections to Pokémon TCG Live.[2] However, not all digital items were transferable:

  • Most cards and decks were successfully migrated
  • Unopened items that couldn't be transferred were compensated with in-game currency
  • Certain legacy items were not supported in the new platform

System requirements

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iOS

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  • iPhone 7 or later
  • iPad (2017) or later
  • iOS 15.0 or later
  • 2 GB RAM minimum

Android

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  • Samsung Galaxy S7 or equivalent
  • Android 8.0 (Oreo) or later
  • 2 GB RAM minimum

Windows PC

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  • Windows 7 or later
  • Intel Pentium D or AMD Athlon 64 X2 processor
  • NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT or ATI Radeon HD 2600XT graphics
  • 3 GB RAM minimum

macOS

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  • OS X 10.12 or later
  • Intel Core 2 Duo processor
  • NVIDIA GeForce GT 8600M GT or ATI Radeon HD 2600 Pro graphics
  • 3 GB RAM minimum

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Pinera, Alexander (October 30, 2024). "Pokemon TCG Pocket vs Pokemon TCG Live: Which Game Is Better?". TheGamer. Retrieved October 25, 2025.
  2. ^ a b Chee, Ian (September 21, 2021). "The Pokemon Company Announces TCG Live; Coming To PC, Mac, Mobile". Lowyat.net. Retrieved October 25, 2025.
  3. ^ B., Mark (September 26, 2021). "The Pokémon Company Reveals 'Pokémon TCG Live'". Tech Times. Retrieved October 25, 2025.
  4. ^ Murray, Sean (November 15, 2022). "Pokemon TCG Live Beta Is Now Available Globally". TheGamer. Retrieved October 25, 2025.
  5. ^ "Pokemon TCG Live's First Year of Stats Released: Less Than 3% Usage Compared to Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duel". PokeBeach. June 2024. Retrieved October 25, 2025.
  6. ^ a b O'Connor, Quinton (November 19, 2022). "The Major Differences Between Pokemon TCG Live And Pokemon TCG Online". TheGamer. Retrieved October 25, 2025.
  7. ^ "Updates to Pokémon TCG Live Code Cards Included in Certain Pokémon TCG Products". The Pokémon Company. Retrieved October 25, 2025.
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