Pokémon Trading Card Game Online inches closer to a Pokémon MMO

Come on, you know you came up with that brilliant idea years ago just like everybody else. Before we get into this incredible news, I have a confession to make. I'm a reformed Pokémon card addict--I bought hundreds of dollars worth of cards in my youth, attended tournaments and was even part of a weekly league (remember those?). Go on, commence the teasing in the comments.

So, imagine the pitch of my nerd squeal when I learned that we can now play Pokemon cards with anyone over our web browsers ... for free. The Pokémon Company just launched Pokémon Trading Card Game Online, a browser-based edition of the mega popular TCG (trading card game). But before we continue, a disclaimer: This does not mean Nintendo will get into free-to-play MMOs (massively multiplayer online games), as this is an effort by The Pokémon Company, which has a certain level of independence from Nintendo.

Pokémon TCG Online enters "open beta" today or, in other words, it has gone live and will improve as time passes (and players complain). All you need to do is sign up for an account with The Pokémon Company, choose your deck of cards from a selection of pre-made decks and start dueling. Of course, there are plenty of interactive tutorials for the uninformed, and advanced players will be able to build their own decks.

According to Kotaku, the launch of this game coincides with the most recent release of physical Pokémon cards, Pokémon TCG: Black & White Emerging Powers, which come in packs stuffed with codes to redeem special cards in the browser game. (Whoever thought this whole thing up deserves a vacation, a raise and a beefy Christmas bonus.)

The game looks to emulate the experience you'd find at a convention, but with infinitely flashier Pokémon attacks presented in a smooth interface. And, better yet, you don't have to remember every single rule--the game will execute those effects as you play. Ah, the beauty of the Internet ... and Pokémon.

Click here to play Pokémon TCG Online Now >

[Source and Image Credit: Kotaku]

How excited are you that you can now play Pokémon cards from the comfort of your parents' basement? Do you think (hope and pray) that this is the next step toward a Pokémon MMO? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.