Pokétoshi: Lightning Network Lapp Brings Pokemon to Bitcoin

Post-release of Bitcoin's Lightning Network, developers find innovative ways to create dApps on Bitcoin without increasing the strain of Bitcoin's transaction layer.

One of the most remarkable apps created is Poketoshi, a hivemind way of playing Pokemon games.

In February of 2014, the ultimate social experiment began, allowing users to control the outcome of Pokemon video games through Twitch chat.

Griefers tried to release beloved starter pokemon while heroes tried to complete the Elite Four, the final battle of the game.

Years after the genius of Twitch Plays Pokemon, developer created his own version allowing users to control the player in Pokemon through Lightning Network payments.

Unlike the first playthrough, Bitcoin supporters managed to precisely name the main character Bitcoin, and the rival BCash, poking fun at its competing cryptocurrency: Bitcoin Cash.

While paying 10 Satoshis per move is not the most practical or fun way to play Pokemon, it shows the significant potential for applications the Lightning Network creates.

After opening up a channel which has the same cost as an onchain transaction, Lightning Network users can send instant transactions to almost anyone else on the network for Satoshis.

Bitcoin's lightning network allows for near infinite scaling of applications, without sacrificing the speed or cost of main chain transactions.

Lightning Network truly is amazing, and Poketoshi is just the start of Bitcoin LApps that will be created.