When it comes to gaming, Pokemon is not a singular series, as most people assume. While the mainline games are certainly the most popular Pokemon products, the Pokemon TCG also enjoys a huge playerbase. The Pokemon TCG is a robust trading card game that has endured alongside staples like Magic The Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh. Much of the free shipping currently offered by the Pokemon Center is undoubtedly utilized by players buying the latest packs of Pokemon cards, and the game shows no signs of slowing.
The mainline Pokemon games and the Pokemon TCG were introduced in the same year, and have evolved alongside each other. Each new game in the main series introduces new Pokemon that are soon after featured in the TCG, alongside new iterations of old Pokemon. While it can be tricky to play for first timers, that hasn't stopped people from having a blast with it.
Now the Pokemon Company is introducing a new element to the TCG: a self-contained Pokemon TCG themed board game. The board is designed specifically to teach new players the game and provides an easy visual reference. The game also comes with three premade decks, each with a different theme and playstyle. These elements combine to create a perfect introduction for new players.
The board game, titled Pokemon TCG Battle Academy, can serve as a great way to introduce a family to the TCG. This could prove particularly useful as a passtime during the quarantine, especially for experienced TCG players. Since it's hard to practice in the flesh these days, the game could provide a way to do that for anyone who wants to participate in the upcoming Pokemon Online Championship tournament. Battle Academy will be available on June 21 through physical retailers or online order.
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