It looks like the days of holographic Charizards, Pokémon trading, and card collecting aren't quite behind us yet. On the contrary, a new endeavor from the Pokémon Company shows that their intention is quite the opposite.
Pokémon Trading Card Game: Battle Academy is an upcoming venture from the company in the hopes of reaching wider and potentially younger audiences. By simplifying the rules and the cards allowed, players who are brand new to the game will have no trouble learning the ropes.
As can be seen in the images below, the focus seems to be on Generation I, or rather, the creatures from the video games Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue. Popular pocket monsters such as Charizard, Pikachu, and Mewtwo are brandished on the cover, which should come as no surprise as they are three of the most recognizable creatures in the game and have high marketability.
The mobile game Pokémon Go has proven that fans exist in all shapes and sizes and that many more players are able to enjoy the fantasy world when things are simplified. Even the console titles Pokémon Let's Go! Pikachu and Pokémon Let's Go! Eevee feature easier controls that appeal to younger and newer audiences. It's likely that Pokémon Trading Game: Battle Academy won't be the last.
Everything you need to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game is here! Pokémon TCG Battle Academy is a great and easy first step toward learning how to battle with your Pokémon trading cards.
Even if you've never played the Pokémon Trading Card Game before, Pokémon TCG Battle Academy has everything you need to get started. Inside each box, you'll find three 60-card Pokémon TCG decks, a game board, tutorial guides for beginners and a rulebook for advanced players, and accessories to enhance your game.
Pokémon Trading Card Game Battle Academy will be available exclusively at Target in the U.S. on June 21st, officially releasing everywhere else on July 31st.