The Pokémon Company International has globally launched Pokémon TCG Battle Academy, the first board game adaptation of their trading card game. You can find it at participating hobby stores and mass retailers around the world. It is also available at online retailers like PokemonCenter.com. The new board game is designed for trainers of all ages, and attempts to re-imagine the game in a classic board game format. Here is their how to play video:
Each box comes with everything trainers need to master the basics of the game, including the 2-player board, three 60-card decks, tutorial guides, and some accessories. You also get a code card for Pokémon Trading Card Game Online, a free-to-play game on Android and iOS. You can find out more about Pokémon TCG Battle Academy at Pokemon.com/BattleAcademy. Senior director of consumer marketing at the Pokémon Company International, J.C. Smith, had this to say in the press release:
“For more than 20 years, the beloved Pokémon Trading Card Game has connected people across the globe over their shared love of collecting cool cards, trading them with friends, and playing the official game. With Battle Academy, we are excited to give families a fun and accessible way to spend quality time together while bonding over something both kids and longtime fans of the franchise adore: Pokémon TCG cards.”
Below are some images of the box, the box cover art, the game board, the previously mentioned card packs, and more (click to enlarge):