POKEMON
Pokémon cards are part of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), a collectible card game based on the popular
Pokémon franchise. Each card represents a Pokémon creature, trainer, or energy that players use to battle
each other in turn-based matches. Cards typically include:
- Name of the Pokémon
- Type (e.g., Fire, Water, Grass)
- Hit Points (HP)
- Moves or abilities
- Weaknesses/resistances
- Illustrations, which have become a popular part of the cards' appeal.
The TCG is played both casually and competitively, and many people also collect cards for their art, rarity,
and value.
- 1996 (Japan): Pokémon cards debuted in Japan, published by Media Factory. The game was inspired by the
Pokémon video games created by Game Freak and published by Nintendo.
- 1999 (Worldwide Launch): The cards were introduced to the West by Wizards
of the Coast, who localized and distributed the game in English.
The first English-language set was Base Set, which included iconic cards
like Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur.
- 2003: Nintendo transferred publishing rights to its own company,
The Pokémon Company International, which has managed the TCG since.
- 2000s–2010s: New expansions and game mechanics were added regularly
(e.g., EX, GX, V, VSTAR, Mega Evolutions, etc.), keeping the game fresh
and competitive.
- 2020–Present: The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a huge resurgence in popularity,
especially among collectors and resellers. Rare cards like first-edition Charizards
began selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.