Pokémon trading cards are coming to smartphones Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Pokémon trading cards are coming to smartphones Got? Need. News by Tom Phillips Deputy Editor Updated on 20 Sep 2021 15 comments The Pokémon Trading Card Game is getting an official free-to-play mobile app, TCG Live, which will let you play the venerable card game for the first time on smartphones. TCG Live will soft launch in Canada and then launch globally for PC and Mac later this year, with cross-platform play possible. This version of the TCG will let you build decks to take part in daily challenges and online battles against other players. But you won't be able to trade cards with other players. Watch on YouTube The long-running Pokémon TCG has been available in a digital format before, such as via the Pokémon TCG Online app for iPad. Indeed, you can log into the new TCG Live app with the same Pokémon Trainer account and your TCG Online content will carry forward. As for how you'll acquire cards? "Compile an extensive card collection that you can use to build fun and exciting decks," the game's website says. "Add new cards by scanning code cards, purchasing in-game booster packs, and participating in daily quests, among others." Daily challenges will allow you to unlock cosmetic avatar options and other customisation. "As we look back on 25 wonderful years of Pokémon, we are once again reminded of how the Pokémon Trading Card Game has always been a strong pillar of the franchise and beloved by young and veteran Trainers alike," Pokémon TCG boss Barry Sams said. "Pokémon TCG Live will go hand in hand with the tabletop version that fans know and love, and welcomes a new era of digital play where Trainers around the world can play together regardless of their preferred platform." The very first digital version of the Pokémon TCG came via a Game Boy edition featuring the series' original card sets. Could TCG Live continue that on Nintendo Switch? Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Google announces cloud gaming Chromebooks less than a fortnight after Stadia shutdown GeForce Now preinstalled. 4 Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Overwatch 2 suffers another DDoS attack and character roster bugs Mei Mei. 13 Latest Articles Digital Foundry Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090: a new level in graphics performance The Digital Foundry video review - and how the new GPU champion delivers for 4K 120fps gaming. Google announces cloud gaming Chromebooks less than a fortnight after Stadia shutdown GeForce Now preinstalled. 4 Feature Evercore Heroes wants to wind people up the right way "There's less rage at them, because they didn't end your fun." Genshin Impact Path of Gleaming Jade dates, login event rewards Including other anniversary rewards and how to claim them. Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store