The Pokemon TCG Online servers shut down after over 10 years of service for the Pokemon TCG Live. It is a sad day for the trading card game enthusiasts. After all, it means that the digital version of the Pokemon card game is no longer available to players.
The Pokemon Company terminated its services for the Pokemon TCG Online app as of June 5, 2023. They also scheduled the shutdown earlier back in May. However, the company officially removed the website and the game from all Android and iOS app stores.
What Is the Pokemon TCG Online?
The Pokemon Company initially released the online trading card game back in 2011. It was an online digital version of the Pokemon Trading Card Game. Undoubtedly, the developers brought the tabletop card game to the online world.
It also allows the players, both new and old, to continue the online trading card game fun. The developers made sure to thoroughly test the app with its worldwide beta phase. The beta testing also included experiments on all devices.
Why Did The Pokemon Company Shut It Down?
One of the main reasons why the company shut down the Pokemon TCG Online app is for the new release. They wanted to pour their resources and efforts into the new version called Pokemon TCG Live. The new app will go live on June 8, 2023,
It also allows the players, both new and old, to continue the online trading card game fun. The developers made sure to thoroughly test the app with its worldwide beta phase. The beta testing also included experiments on all devices.
Yet, another reason why they wanted to shut down the Pokemon TCG Online app was because it was outdated. It also didn’t receive any major updates since 2016, making it incompatible with most devices. Undoubtedly, the game became less and less popular because of it being an old game.
In no time, Hearthstone and Magic: The Gathering Arena surpassed the online trading card game. After all, it’s been years since it was the most popular digital card game app online. Unfortunately, the shutdown received mixed reactions from fans and players alike.
It disappointed some players because they couldn’t play the online trading card game anymore. Yet, it also excited other fans because it could give way to the new Pokemon TCG Live. After all, the trading card game isn’t going away — it just became more updated.
Can I Migrate to Pokemon TCG Live?
Yes, you can migrate your collections over to TCG Live. Undoubtedly, the Pokemon TCG Online app had tons of players with a large amount of collected cards and decks. After the app goes live on June 8, 2023, you can start transferring your data.
However, the migration does come with limits, and you might not like them. You can only transfer four copies of a single card upon transfer. So, you might as well start choosing your cards and planning your custom decks. After all, not all the cards you have in Pokemon TCG Online will make the cut for TCG Live.
After you’re done choosing your cards, you can start processing them once the company releases the steps. It can be exciting and terrifying to know that you’ll face a different game. However, the new features of the online experience will help you out.
TCG Live will feature an improved version of the Ranked Ladder alongside cosmetics and card backs. You can start saving up some money because the online trading card game will have microtransactions. Even more, you will also be able to obtain the cosmetics by completing the Battle Pass.
