Pokémon Trading Card Game

This article is about the card game. For the video game, see Pokémon Trading Card Game (video game).

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (ポケモンカードゲーム, Pokemon Kādo Gēmu, "Pokémon Card Game"), abbreviated as PTCG or Pokémon TCG, is a collectible card game developed by Creatures Inc. based on the Pokémon franchise. Standard gameplay cards include Pokémon cards, energy cards, trainer cards, and stadium cards, a variant of trainer cards. Pokémon cards contain data about the creature's type, attacks, ability, and HP as well as any special effects the cards have on the game. Basic (unevolved) Pokémon can change into their evolved forms during the game by playing subsequent evolution cards in the deck. Energy cards can be attached to Pokémon cards to power up attacks, and trainer cards can be used for different effects on the game. Card effects often rely on elements of luck, such as dice rolls and coin tosses, to decide an outcome. Counters are stacked on top of cards in play to indicate damage dealt, and players may choose to put their Pokémon cards on a bench to switch to a different attacker.

Pokémon Trading Card Game

Pokémon Trading Card Game logo (top) and cardback
Designer	Tsunekazu Ishihara^[1] Kouichi Ooyama Takumi Akabane
Publisher	The Pokémon Company Japan Media Factory (October 1996 – November 2000) United States Wizards of the Coast (December 1998 – July 2003)
Release date	October 20, 1996; 27 years ago (1996-10-20)
Type	Collectible
Players	2
Skills	Card playing Arithmetic Reading
Age range	6+
Cards	60
Playing time	2–120 minutes
Chance	Some (order of cards drawn, dice, coin flip)
Website	tcg.pokemon.com

The game was originally released in Japan by Media Factory in 1996 as Pocket Monsters, which was based on the Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow Game Boy video games. Beginning in 1998, Pokémon trading cards were released in North America by Wizards of the Coast, which was known at the time for producing Magic: The Gathering. Wizards of the Coast released one demo set and eight expansion sets of cards for the first generation of Pokémon as well as nine expansion sets for the second generation of Pokémon. In June 2003, publishing rights were transferred from Wizards to The Pokémon Company. Since the release of EX Ruby and Sapphire in 2003, the Pokémon Company has handled publishing for every English-language expansion of the series.

Competitive challenges have been a part of the game since its early inception in Japan. Wizards of the Coast handled early tournaments during the Pokémon Trading Card Game League era, during which local competitions were held at American venues such as Toys "R" Us. A wide set of prizes, including Pokémon badges and Pokémon cards, were offered as prizes during this time. Competition has continued since the Pokémon Company assumed the role of publishing in 2003.

Spin-off media for the Pokémon Trading Card Game include the video game adaptation of the same name for Game Boy Color, the Pokémon: Play It! series for PC, Pokémon TCG Online, and Pokémon Card Game: How to Play DS. As of March 2023, the game has produced over 52.9 billion cards worldwide.^[2]

Development and publication

The Pokémon Trading Card Game was developed in Japan, based on the 1996 Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow Game Boy video game by Nintendo.^[3] It was first published in October 1996 by Media Factory in Japan.^[4] In the US, it was first published by Wizards of the Coast, towards the end of 1998 to capitalize on the US popularity of Pokémon.^[3] Over the next five years, Wizards of the Coast published more than a dozen expansion sets for the game, allowing the company to sell millions of cards and earn more revenue from Pokémon than they had from Magic: The Gathering in its first 10 years.^[3] Hasbro bought Wizards of the Coast in September 1999 for $325 million dollars based on the strength of the Pokémon license.^[3] In 2001, Nintendo created its affiliate Pokémon USA, Inc., so that it could recover the US licensing rights to the game.^[3] In June 2003, Nintendo transferred the publishing rights from Wizards of the Coast to The Pokémon Company.^[5] Wizards sued Nintendo on October 1, 2003, and accused the company of poaching employees and violating its patent; the lawsuit was settled out of court.^[3]

Gameplay

 

A Pokémon TCG playmat with labels of various gameplay aspects, e.g. Active Spot, Bench, Deck, and Discard Pile

The Pokémon Trading Card Game is a strategy-based card game that is usually played on a designated playmat or digitally on the official game client Pokémon TCG Live where two players (assuming the role of Pokémon Trainer) use their Pokémon to battle one another. Pokémon that have sustained enough damage from attacks–that reaches or exceeds its HP–is referred to as being "Knocked Out", granting the opponent a prize card; however, powerful card mechanics like Pokémon-V and Pokémon ex grant extra prize cards when Knocked Out.^[1]

Taking all six prize cards is the most common win condition. Other ways to win are by "Knocking Out" or by removing all opponent's Pokémon in play–the Active and those on the Bench (i.e. the row behind the Active that can house up to five additional Pokémon to support and substitute Active Pokémon if it retreats or is "Knocked Out"), or by Decked Out–if at the opponent's next turn they have no cards left in deck to draw into.^[1]

Players begin by having one player select heads or tails, and the other flips a coin; the winner of the coin flip will decide who goes first or second. (Dice may be used in place of coins, with even numbers representing heads and odd numbers representing tails; dice are also primarily used in official tournaments organized by The Pokémon Company). The player going first cannot attack or play a Supporter card (powerful Trainer effects card) on their first turn. Players shuffle their decks and draw seven cards, and then each puts one Basic Pokémon in play as their Active Pokémon. This Pokémon is the one that is actively attacking and receiving damage. If a player does not have any Basic Pokémon, they must call mulligan, shuffle, and then draw another hand until they draw a Basic Pokémon; the opponent may draw one additional card per mulligan. Once both players have at least one Basic Pokémon, they can play up to five more Basic Pokémon onto their Bench, and then take the top six cards of their deck and place them to the side as Prize cards.^[6][1]

Play alternates between players who may take several actions during their turn, including playing additional Basic Pokémon, evolving their Pokémon, attaching an Energy card, playing Trainer cards, and using Pokémon abilities and attacks. After Trainer cards are played, cards are discarded by effects from Trainer cards or Abilities, and after Pokémon were "Knocked Out", they are put into the discard pile.^[1] A player may also retreat their Active Pokémon, switching the Active Pokémon with one on the Bench by paying the Active Pokémon's retreat cost of a certain number of Energies. At the cost of ending the turn, players may use one of their Active Pokémon's attacks once the prerequisite number and types of Energy attached to that Pokémon is fulfilled. Effects from that attack are then activated and damage may be dealt on the defending Pokémon, which may modify based on the defender Pokémon's type weakness or a resistance policies, and/or by any other effects on the defending Pokémon. Players alternate attacking until a player wins either through one of the above win conditions or by concession.^[7][1]

Card types

Pokémon cards depict one or multiple Pokémon from the Pokémon franchise, one to two elemental types, one or more attacks and/or an Ability, and a certain amount of HP. Basic Pokémon are Pokémon that have not evolved and can be played directly onto the Bench; they have Stage 1, Stage 2, and/or special mechanic evolutions. Each player may have up to six Pokémon in play: one in the Active Spot and five on the Bench.^[7]

Most Pokémon have attacks that require a certain amount of Energies to use. Attacks deal damage to the opponent's Active Pokémon and sometimes deal additional damage to their Benched Pokémon; they may have additional effects like drawing cards, inflicting Special Conditions (Asleep, Burned, Confused, Paralyzed, or Poisoned) or altering the opponent's deck and/or board state. Abilities, previously called Poké-Powers and Poké-Bodies until 2011,^[8] are not attacks, but special effects on Pokémon that may be activated once or multiple times during their turn, such as drawing additional cards or switching the opponent's Active Pokémon with one of their Benched Pokémon, or can be passive, i.e. they remain in effect as long as the Pokémon with the Ability remains in play.^[1]

The other type of Pokémon cards are Evolution Pokémon. In contrast to a Basic Pokémon, Evolution Pokémon cannot be directly put into play; they must be placed on top of the corresponding previous Stage Pokémon to evolve it, and they cannot be played onto a Pokémon the same turn that Pokémon was put into the Bench or during the player's first turn. Stage 1 Pokémon evolve from Basic Pokémon, and Stage 2 Pokémon evolve from Stage 1 Pokémon. As a Pokémon evolves, it gains HP and their attacks change, usually becoming more powerful.^[8] Over the years many different variations to the standard mechanics have been added, the most prominent of which are the signature feature of their respective expansion series.

Major Pokémon Card Attributes

Card Type	Release Expansion	Evolution Stage(s)	Mechanics
Shining Pokémon, Pokémon ☆, Radiant Pokémon	Neo Revelation & Shining Legends^[9] (Shining), EX Team Rocket Returns^[10] (☆), Astral Radiance^[11] (Radiant)	Basic	One per deck(excluding Shining Pokémon released after Shining Legends)
Pokémon-ex, Pokémon ex	EX Ruby & Sapphire series, Scarlet & Violet series	Basic, Stage 1, Stage 2	2 Prizes, official documentation writes the names from the two releases differently but they function the same and are treated as such.^[12]
Pokémon LV.X	Diamond & Pearl series	LEVEL-UP	2 Prizes, can use attacks, Poké-Powers, and Poké-Bodies from its previous evolution^[13]
Pokémon LEGEND	HeartGold & SoulSilver series	LEGEND	2 Prizes, 2 cards must be played onto the Bench at the same time^[14]
Pokémon-EX	Next Destinies	Basic	2 Prizes, distinct from Pokémon-ex
Mega Pokémon-EX	XY series	MEGA	2 Prizes, turn ends after evolving from Pokémon-EX
Pokémon BREAK	BREAKthrough	BREAK	Increases HP and gives an additional attack/Ability to its previous evolution.
Pokémon GX	Sun and Moon series	Basic, Stage 1, Stage 2	2 Prizes, each player can use a GX attack once per battle
TAG TEAM Pokémon GX	Team Up	Basic	3 prizes, each player can use a GX attack once per battle^[15]
Prism Star Cards	Ultra Prism	Basic	One of each Prism Star card per deck, sent to the Lost Zone when discarded
Pokémon V	Sword and Shield series	Basic	2 Prizes
Pokémon VMAX	Sword and Shield series	VMAX	3 Prizes, evolves from Pokémon V^[16]
Pokémon V-UNION	SWSH Black Star Promos	V-UNION	3 Prizes, once per game for each V-UNION name: add four V-UNION cards with the same name to the Bench^[17]
Pokémon VSTAR	Brilliant Stars	VSTAR	2 Prizes, each player can use a VSTAR Power once per battle, evolves from Pokémon V^[18]
Tera Pokémon ex	Scarlet & Violet series	Basic, Stage 1, Stage 2	2 Prizes, different types than normal but uses the same energy, cannot be dealt damage by attacks while on the Bench^[19]

Other Pokémon attributes include Owner's Pokémon,^[20] Baby Pokémon,^[21] Crystal Pokémon,^[22] Dark Pokémon,^[23] Light Pokémon,^[24] Team Magma's cards,^[25] Team Aqua's cards,^[25] δ Delta Species,^[26] Pokémon Prime,^[27] Pokémon SP, Restored Pokémon, Team Plasma cards,^[28] Ancient Trait, Ultra Beasts,^[29] Single Strike,^[30] Rapid Strike, Fusion Strike,^[31] Ancient,^[32] and Future cards.

Trainer cards perform various effects to affect the game, including but not limited to: drawing cards, healing Pokémon, discarding Energy from opposing Pokémon, or retrieving cards from the discard pile. Before the Diamond & Pearl series, all cards that were not Pokémon or Energy were considered Trainer cards. Afterward, Trainer cards were subdivided into three categories, Item, Stadium, and Supporter. Item cards directly affect the battling Pokémon and include the subcategory Pokémon Tool cards to attach to a Pokémon and provide for different effects. Stadium cards provide global effects both players can use, usually once per turn. Supporter cards have considerably the strongest effects, but they are limited to one per turn.^[1] Starting with Scarlet & Violet, Pokémon Tool cards are considered as a separate category from Item cards; existing Pokémon Tool cards have received errata to conform to this change.^[33] ACE SPEC Trainer cards have powerful unique effects but only one ACE SPEC card is allowed in the deck.

Energy cards are attached to Pokémon in play to power their attacks. Only one Energy card may be attached per turn, unless a player has an effect that specifies otherwise. There are two categories of Energy cards: Basic Energy and Special Energy. The nine different Basic Energy types which correspond to Pokémon card types are Grass, Fire, Water, Lightning, Psychic, Fighting, Darkness, Metal, and Fairy.^[34][35] The Dragon type does not have a corresponding Basic Energy card, and instead uses multiple types of Energy cards. Basic Energy cards fulfill costs for attacking and retreating and don't have additional effects, while most Special Energy cards have additional effects. Most attacks require a certain type and amount of Energy. If the attack has a Colorless Energy requirement, that requirement can be met by any Energy card.^[1] Any amount of Basic Energy can be put in the deck, but only four of each special energy can be put in, just like Trainer and Pokémon cards.

Pokémon types

TCG type	Game type
Grass	Grass, Bug, and Poison (1996–2007)
Fire	Fire
Water	Water and Ice
Lightning	Electric
Psychic	Psychic, Ghost, Poison (2007–2019), and Fairy (2019–)
Fighting	Fighting, Rock, and Ground
Darkness	Dark and Poison (2019–)
Metal	Steel
Dragon	Dragon (2012–2019, 2021–)
Fairy	Fairy (2014–2019)
Colorless	Normal, Flying, and Dragon (1996–2012, 2019–2021)

Pokémon Types are elemental attributes, determining the strengths and weaknesses for each Pokémon and its attacks. Pokémon take double damage from attacks of types they are weak to and less damage from attacks they resist.^[36] These type matchups offset one another in rock–paper–scissors-style relationships.^[37] Pokémon Types in the TCG include Fire, Fighting, Dragon, Lightning, Grass, Water, Fairy, Psychic, Darkness, Metal, and Colorless.^[35] Other Pokémon types such as Ice and Ground types from the franchise, however, do not have their own types in the TCG and instead are categorized/incorporated inside other types; for example, Ice type^[38] and Ground type^[39] are categorized under Water type and Fighting type, respectively.^[40]

Starting with Dragons Exalted, Dragon type Pokémon are now listed as Dragon-type, and they were previously categorized under the Colorless type.^[41] Similarly, starting with Sword & Shield, Poison type Pokémon are categorized under Darkness-type; Poison-type were previously Psychic type,^[42] and before that they were categorized under Grass type.^[43]

A simplified type system was adopted from the video games for use in the trading card game. Darkness and Metal types was introduced alongside the corresponding Pokémon Gold and Silver video game, the Dragon-type was introduced in the Japanese Dragon Selection set; and Fairy type was introduced in the XY set to correspond to its introduction in the franchise, but they were later categorized under Psychic type starting with Sword and Pokémon Shield.^[42][44] While most Pokémon have only one type, three exceptions are EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua which introduced dual-type Pokémon that have two different types, as well as XY and HeartGold and SoulSilver series sets.^[45] Dual types were also utilized in Pokémon-Legend cards from HeartGold and SoulSilver.^[46] In August 2016, XY Steam Siege reintroduced the dual-type mechanic, but this time on regular Pokémon and Pokémon-EX.^[47]

Sets

Main article: List of Pokémon Trading Card Game sets

The Pokémon TCG debuted In Japan in 1996^[48] with the release of "1st Starter & Expansion Pack/Base Set" (第1弾スターターパック & 第1弾拡張パック),^[49][50] which was the original core series of cards and Theme Decks released in Japan on October 20, 1996,^[51] and in the United States on January 9, 1999.^[52][53] The "1st Starter & Expansion Pack" contained various Pokémon cards depicting the original 150 Pokémon species in the main Pokémon franchise,^[54][55] and it is the only expansion not to have a set logo or symbol^[56] (i.e. except for the error "no-symbol" Jungle cards).^[57]

In the United States, the "1998 Pokémon Demo Game Plastic Pack" was the earliest introduction to the Pokémon TCG, preceding the "1st Starter & Expansion Pack";^[56] and consisting of 24 Base Set shadowless cards and an instruction manual.^[58] "The Pokémon Demo Game Plastic Pack", "Base Set", along with the subsequent expansions "Jungle", "Fossil", "Base Set 2", "Team Rocket", "Gym Heroes", "Gym Challenge", make up the "First Generation Sets" published by the original English-edition publisher Wizards of the Coasts. Similarly, the "Second Generation Sets" published by Wizards comprised "Neo Genesis", "Neo Discovery", "Southern Islands", "Neo Revelation", "Neo Destiny", "Legendary Collection", "Expedition Base Set", "Aquapolis", and "Skyridge". The "Second Generation Sets" is the last collection set published by Wizards before Nintendo transferred the publishing right to The Pokémon Company In July 2003.^[59] Since July 2003, The Pokémon Company has published eight additional "Generation" sets, which has gradually transitioned the TCG to more modern gameplay and mechanics.^[60]

Card collecting

 

The PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator is the most valuable Pokémon card ever sold

Pokémon cards are sold at stores in many different formats including pre-constructed decks, booster-packs-bundled promo cards set, booster box of 36 packs, or individual packs.^[61] Subsequently, cards are also available through e-commerce websites and individual sellers. However, buyers should be cautioned of fake Pokémon cards.^[62]

Pokémon card collectables are valued based on their rarity, though some lower rarity cards can be worth more than higher rarity ones. This depends on the popularity of the card within competitive play, the age of the card, number of cards printed, and various other factors.^[63] From the lowest to the highest level, cards rarities are indicated by different shapes on the bottom corner, i.e. Common (circle), Uncommon (diamond), and Rare (star).^[63] Japanese-edition cards use letters rather than shapes to denote rarities; i.e. from the lowest to the highest level, C, U, R, RR, SR, and UR.^[64] In a single Pokémon TCG booster pack, a collector can pull 10 cards in total, i.e. five Common cards, three Uncommon cards, a reverse holographic card of any rarity, and sometimes a Rare card.^[61] Starting with the Scarlet and Violet series however, each pack will contain one holographic card, as well as two reverse holographic cards.^[65] Unlike the basic Common and Uncommon, Rare collectables are divided into many different sub-groups, comprising Holo Rare, Reverse Holo, Half Art/Half Body, Full Art/Full Body, Secret Rare, Ultra Rare, Rainbow Rare, Promo, and card mechanics including EX/GX, V/VSTAR/VMAX, and Tag Team.^[66] Rarities can be also account for old card collectibles such as "1st-edition Base Set" and "First Generation Sets", and such collectibles are some of the rarest and most expensive Pokémon cards with some valuing at thousands and millions of dollars.^[67][68]

Holo Rare are Rare cards that have a holographic illustration, whereas Reverse Holo are any-rarity cards that have holographic textures elsewhere on the surface except for the main illustration. Half Art and Full Art are Half Body and Full Body artworks covering the entire/half the card surface, respectively. In comparison, Secret Rares can be Full Art or Half Arts but with additional artwork schemes such as alternative holofoil scheme, shiny scheme, or a gold trim; they are characterized by a set number past the actual printed size of the set (ex. 242/220). Secret Rares also comprise the subset Rainbow Rare, which features similar materials but in rainbow-color foil schemes.^[66][63] In response to these collectible's considerable rarities, card collectors use card sleeves to protect them from wear and tear.^[69][70]

From least to most, the top 15 most rare and expensive Pokémon cards are "20th Anniversary 24-karat real-gold Pikachu", "Prerelease Raichu", "Master's Key", "Espeon and Umbreon Gold Star POP Series 5", "2002 Pokémon World Championships No. 1 Trainer", "1996 Pokémon Japanese Base Set No Rarity Symbol Holo Venusaur", "1999 Pokémon Japanese Promo Tropical Mega Battle Tropical Wind", "1999 Super Secret Battle No. 1 Trainer, "2006 Pokémon World Championships Promo No. 2 Trainer", "2000 Pokémon Neo Genesis 1st Edition Holo Lugia #9", "Kangaskhan-Holo #115 Family Event Trophy Card", "Black Star Ishihara Signed GX Promo Card", "Pokémon Blastoise #009/165R Commissioned Presentation Galaxy Star Hologram", "1999 First Edition Shadowless Holographic Charizard #4", and a PSA-graded 10 "Pikachu Illustrator".^[71][68]

The "Pikachu Illustrator" is the rarest and most expensive Pokémon card ever sold in history, and it was acquired by the celebrity and collector Logan Paul for $5,275,000 in July 2021. Created as a prize for the 1997-1998 Pokémon design contests organized by the Japanese manga-magazine CoroCoro Comic and with only 41 copies printed, it is the only Pokémon card to say "Illustrator" instead of "Trainer" like other Trainer cards. The card was illustrated by Atsuko Nishida, the original designer of the Pokémon species including Pikachu. The Japanese imprint reads: "We certify that your illustration is an excellent entry in the Pokémon Card Game Illust Contest. Therefore, we state that you are an Officially Authorized Pokémon Card Illustrator and admire your skill."^[68][72] While the Pikachu Illustrator Card purchased by Logan Paul has the record for the most expensive Pokémon Card ever sold, other lower grade versions of the card have been sold for high prices elsewhere. Shopping platform ZenPlus, a subsidiary of shopping service ZenMarket (now part of ZenGroup), sold two of the cards in 2020, for the Japanese Yen equivalent of US$233,000 and US$208,496 respectively.^[73][74] A third card was sold on the platform in 2022 for US$772,000.^[75]

Competitive play

See also: Pokémon competitive play

 

Pokémon TCG Junior (10 years old and younger) / Senior (11 to 14 years old)-class tournament

 

Pokémon TCG Master (15 years old and older) -class tournament

In addition to the collectible aspect of the card game, The Pokémon Company International (formerly known as Pokémon USA) has also organized Play! Pokémon, a program run by Pokémon Organized Play (POP),^[76] players can compete against others in tournaments and earn player points, two-card booster packets for promotional sets, badges, stickers and other prizes. POP are governed by League Leaders and League Owners. Play! Pokémon also features a professor program, where individuals aged 18 or over may be nominated as a "professor", who can help sanction the tournament.

League Leaders assist in organizing the league, while League Owners are the main organizer of the event. The latter report directly to the Organized Play program every seven weeks. A league cycle is usually divided into eight seasons, each of which lasts about five weeks and is typically represented by themes found in Pokémon (e.g. gym badges, starter Pokémon). Play! Pokémon supports both standard and expanded card format, however in its competitive tournaments only standard format (i.e. card rotation format that discontinues older Pokémon cards to foster new strategies and a healthy competitive environment) are permitted. In contrast to the former, expanded card format permits inclusion of any Pokémon cards, regardless if they are older cards.^[77]

The first Pokémon TCG tournament began on June 14–15, 1997, at the Makuhari Messe Event Hall. As the tournament had no real skill-based qualifiers, participants were admitted through preregistration and through an extensive lottery system process if too many people applied. Many deck lists including the winning deck lists used in the tournament are poorly built because of the lack of skill sets in the admittance process, with many players running incomplete evolution lines and excessive Trainer cards. The tournament was divided into four sessions with three solely restricted to elementary school players and one allowing players up to junior high. The top three player of the tournament were awarded the No.1, 2, and 3 trainer trophy cards; this practice continue through subsequent Pokémon TCG tournaments and organized plays.^[78]

Players in a tournament are split into three age categories: Junior (11 years old and younger), Senior (12 to 15 years old), and Master (16 years old and older).^[79] Notable references include Austin Brewen who won the first junior tournament, Brenden Zhang who won the first Senior Tournament, and Arturo Heras who won the first Master Tournament. These tournaments play several rounds, where players will play a standard game against each other and wins and losses will be recorded. In most tournaments, there are some Swiss-style rounds where players are paired up against others of similar win/loss ratios,^[80] usually from their age group (this does not always occur in smaller events, though). Afterward, there will be a cut off the top record-holders (approximately the top 1/8 of participants) where players will play best two out of three matches and the loser gets eliminated (standard tournament bracket style), with an eventual winner.^[81]

POP runs a season for these tournaments, which allows players to earn larger prizes and play in a more competitive environment in comparison to League. These range from City and Regional Championships, all the way up to the Pokémon World Championships, the single invite-only event of the year. Players can earn invites to the World Championships by winning or ranking high at International Championships, doing well at tournaments to get Championship Points, or by qualifying in the Last Chance Qualifier.^[82] Some of these methods are only used in the United States, as PUI and POP are based in the United States, but they are represented by local distributors who provide the Organized Play program to their own country.^[83]

Although The Pokémon Company International tries to keep Organized Play as uniform as possible globally, there are some notable differences in how POP is run outside of the United States. The Pokémon Card Laboratory (PCL), located in Japan, is the designer of new cards and the ultimate authority on any matter relating to the Pokémon Trading Card Game. It can declare rulings on any in-game circumstance, issue errata, change card text after publishing, and change the basic game rules, although the latter three rarely occur. PCL runs Organized Play in Japan. The Pokémon Trading Card Game in most European countries is currently handled by The Pokémon Company International. Certain countries have no direct official presence; in these regions, distributors of the game run tournaments. European countries can qualify for positions at the Pokémon Trading Card Game World Championships each year, through National Championships and European Rankings.

Pokémon TCG World Championships

The first Pokémon TCG World Championships was held in 2004 at Orlando, Florida, U.S. The venue was organized by Wizards of Coasts, with more than 100 invited contestants from various countries.^[84][85] To qualify for the championships, players are required to collect Championship Points across regionals and other official tournaments, which can vary based on each championship and different regions.^[86][87]

Year	Location
2004	Orlando, Florida, U.S.^[85]
2005	San Diego, California, U.S.^[88]
2006	Anaheim, California, U.S.^[89]
2007	Waikoloa Village, Hawaii, U.S.^[90]
2008	Orlando, Florida, U.S.^[91]
2009	San Diego, California, U.S.^[92]
2010	Waikoloa Village, Hawaii, U.S.^[93]
2011	San Diego, California, U.S.^[94]
2012	Waikoloa Village, Hawaii, U.S.^[95]
2013	Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada^[96]
2014	Washington D.C., U.S.^[97]
2015	Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.^[98]
2016	San Francisco, California, U.S.^[99]
2017	Anaheim, California, U.S.^[100]
2018	Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.^[101]
2019	Washington, D.C., U.S.^[102]
2020 - 2021	All events have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic^[103]^[104]
2022	London, England, U.K.^[105]
2023	Yokohama, Japan^[106]
2024	Honolulu, Hawaii ^[107]

Controversies

 

Wikinews has related news:

• Judge dismisses copyright lawsuit against Uri Geller

In November 2000, Israeli magician Uri Geller alleged that Kadabra's spoon bending and Japanese name, Yungera, were unauthorized appropriations of his identity, leading him to sue Nintendo. Geller learned of the similarity after fans of both himself and Pokémon noted the similarities between him and Kadabra,^{[108][109][110]} He remarked that the lightning patterns on its abdomen is popular with the Waffen-SS and that Nintendo had "turned [Geller] into an evil, occult Pokémon character".^[111] A Nintendo director denied this, stating that they had no knowledge of any Pokémon named "based on the image of any particular person".^[112] In 2008, Pokémon anime director and storyboard artist Masamitsu Hidaka stated that Kadabra would not be used in the Pokémon Trading Card Game until an agreement was reached on the case.^[113] In November 2020, Geller told TheGamer that he received emails from Pokémon fans which convinced him to drop the case and allow Nintendo to bring back Kadabra.^[114]

In March 2023, a player was disqualified from a regional tournament for allegedly laughing when they were asked by a game official for their pronouns. This generated backlash from the community and a fundraiser was created to help cover the teenager's travel and lodging costs. The fundraiser, as of March 30, had raised over $3,000.^[115][116]

Reception

The reviewer from the online second volume of Pyramid in 1999 stated that "Pokémon is the second most popular CCG in Japan (behind Magic: The Gathering), and it's no fluke. The game plays like a kinder, gentler version of Magic, with easier rules and graphics geared to the younger crowd."^[117] In the United States, Wizards of the Coast reported in early 1999 that it had sold 400,000 packs of Pokémon trading cards in less than six weeks of its release.^[118]

In 2016, it was the year's top-selling toy in the strategic card game subclass.^[119] In 2017, it had an 82% share of Europe's strategic card game market.^[120] As of March 2023, the game has sold over 52.9 billion cards worldwide.^[121]

Reviews

• Family Games: The 100 Best^[122]

Video games

The Pokémon Trading Card Game video game adaptation was developed by Hudson Soft and Creatures and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Color console.^[123] It was released in Japan in December 1998^[124] and later in North American and Europe in 2000,^[125] reappearing in the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console released in 2014.^[126] The adaptation are similar in gameplay and rules, featuring 226 cards from the TCG with infrared linking for multiplayer and trading.^[127][128] The video game was accompanied by Pokémon Card GB2: Great Rocket-Dan Sanjō!, a Japan-exclusive sequel released in March 2001.^[129] In addition to the Pokémon Trading Card Game video game, Wizards has developed another digitized adaptation, Pokémon Play It!, which consisted of two versions that offer players a beginner's introduction to the different gameplay aspects of TCG as they slowly transitioned into "Advanced Challenges" in the 2nd version. The first version of Pokémon Play It! was released in 1999, followed by its sequel Pokémon Play It! Version 2 in 2000.^[130]

The Pokémon Trading Card Game Online was a prominent video game adaptation of the Pokémon TCG. It was released on March 24, 2011, as Pokémon Trainer Challenge for Microsoft Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and iPadOS.^[131] The game initially offered three starting decks but significantly expanded its card collection shortly after release. Card packs and premade decks could be redeemed using in-game currencies and rewards. Beginning April 6, 2011, players could redeem digital booster packs using a promo code card bundled inside printed booster packs.^[132][133]

The Pokémon Card Game: How to Play DS (ポケモンカードゲーム あそびかたDS, Pokemon Kādo Gēmu asobi kata DS) how-to-guide video game adaptation was released in Japan on August 5, 2011, for Nintendo DS, alongside three bundled 30-card decks, a play mat, and damage counters tokens.^[134]

On September 20, 2021, another Pokémon Trading Card Game-based video game was announced, titled Pokémon Trading Card Game Live. A closed beta of Pokémon Trading Card Game Live was released for Canadian players on February 22, 2022.^[135] Later, a global beta of Pokémon Trading Card Game Live was released on November 15, 2022 on Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows.^[136] Upon the full release, Pokémon Trading Card Game Live replaced Pokémon Trading Card Game Online, and the latter was discontinued shortly after. Crown Zenith was the final set supported on Pokémon Trading Card Game Online.^[137] Existing players of Pokémon Trading Card Game Online can transfer their account and in-game data to Pokémon Trading Card Game Live.^[138]

On February 27, 2024, yet another Pokémon Trading Card Game-based video game for Android and iOS was announced in the Pokémon Presents presentation developed by Creatures (company) and DeNA titled Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket.^[139] The game features entirely original digital cards not present in the physical card game featuring dynamic artwork, as well as the ability to look into the artwork of certain cards to see obscured elements. A streamlined battle system is present, as well as the ability to trade cards with other players. Players are given two booster packs to open every day at no charge. The game is set to launch in 2024.^[140]

See also

• Collectible card game

References

1. "Pokemon Rulebook" (PDF). The Pokémon Company. (PDF) from the original on 2023-08-10. Retrieved 2023-09-07.
2. "Pokémon in Figures". The Pokémon Company. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
3. Shannon Appelcline (2011). Designers & Dragons. Mongoose Publishing. p. 286. ISBN 978-1-907702-58-7.
4. "Pokémon at 25: A History - from Pocket Monsters, to TCG and Pokémon GO". BBC Newsround. 2021-02-27. from the original on 2023-09-12. Retrieved 2023-09-09.
5. Kaufeld, John; Smith, Jeremy (2006). Trading Card Games for Dummies. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 0470044071.
6. Georgiou, Leon. "How to Play Pokémon Cards: Your Guide to the Pokémon TCG". Wargamer. from the original on June 19, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
7. Honey, Mia (February 5, 2020). "How to Play the Pokémon TCG: A Beginner's Guide". Dicebreaker. from the original on May 3, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
8. "What Are Abilities, Poke-Powers & Poke-Bodies in Pokemon?". Howcast. 7 November 2018. from the original on July 23, 2021. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
9. Comments, Theo Dwyer | (2021-10-25). "A Holographic History of The Pokémon TCG: Shining Pokémon". bleedingcool.com. from the original on 2021-11-27. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
10. Comments, Theo Dwyer | (2021-11-28). "A Holographic History of The Pokémon TCG: Pokémon ☆". bleedingcool.com. from the original on 2022-01-24. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
11. O'Connor, Quinton (2022-07-12). "What Are Radiant Cards in the Pokemon TCG?". TheGamer. from the original on 2022-08-02. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
12. "Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet". tcg.pokemon.com. Retrieved 2024-02-28.
13. "Enjoy Pokémon TCG Cards Featuring These Spe-Shell Pokémon". Pokemon.com. Retrieved 2024-02-28.
14. Comments, Theo Dwyer | (2021-12-27). "A Holographic History of The Pokémon TCG: Pokémon LEGEND". bleedingcool.com. from the original on 2022-08-19. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
15. "An Interview with Atsushi Nagashima About New Tag Team Pokémon-GX". Pokemon.com. Retrieved 2024-02-27.
16. "Galar Pokémon and Pokémon V Arrive in Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield in February 2020". Pokemon.com. from the original on 2021-03-12. Retrieved 2022-06-26.
17. Parlock, Joe (2021-09-14). "What Are Pokemon V-UNION Cards, And How Do They Work?". TheGamer. from the original on 2022-01-27. Retrieved 2022-06-26.
18. Michael, Cale (2021-10-19). "New VSTAR Mechanic Officially Revealed for the Pokémon TCG, Showcases Arceus VSTAR". Dot Esports. from the original on 2022-06-26. Retrieved 2022-06-26.
19. "par_rulebook_en.pdf" (PDF). Pokemon.com. Retrieved 2024-02-28.
20. "Pokemon TCG Glossary". Pokemon.com. Retrieved 2024-02-27.
21. Dwyer, Theo (2021-01-25). "Vintage Neo Genesis Pichu Pokémon Card Swirls Onto Auction". Bleeding Cool. from the original on 2021-03-06. Retrieved 2022-06-26.
22. Rahaman, Reyadh (2020-12-11). "Pokemon TCG: All Crystal Pokemon, Ranked". Game Rant. from the original on 2022-09-07. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
23. Rahaman, Reyadh (2020-12-10). "Pokemon TCG: 10 Strongest Dark Pokemon, Ranked". Game Rant. from the original on 2023-04-07. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
24. Rahaman, Reyadh (2020-12-11). "Pokemon TCG: 10 Strongest Light Pokemon, Ranked". Game Rant. Retrieved 2024-02-28.
25. "EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua". Pokemon.com. from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
26. Dennett, Thomas (2020-03-17). "Pokémon TCG: The 10 Coolest Delta Species Cards". TheGamer. from the original on 2023-04-07. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
27. Comments, Theo Dwyer | (2022-01-03). "A Holographic History of the Pokémon TCG: Pokémon Prime". bleedingcool.com. from the original on 2022-05-25. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
28. "Black & White Plasma Storm Rulebook" (PDF). (PDF) from the original on 2023-08-01. Retrieved 2023-09-11.
29. "Sun & Moon—Crimson Invasion | Trading Card Game". Pokemon.com. Retrieved 2024-02-27.
30. "Sword & Shield—Battle Styles | Trading Card Game". Pokemon.com. Retrieved 2024-02-27.
31. "Sword & Shield—Fusion Strike | Trading Card Game". Pokemon.com. Retrieved 2024-02-27.
32. "Scarlet & Violet—Paradox Rift | Trading Card Game". Pokemon.com. Retrieved 2024-02-27.
33. "2023 Pokémon TCG Standard Format Rotation and Pokémon Tool Errata". Pokemon.com. Retrieved 2023-09-13.
34. "What Does a "Pokemon" Energy Card Do?". Our Pastimes. from the original on 2021-04-15. Retrieved 2022-06-26.
35. "How to build a Pokémon TCG deck for beginners". Dicebreaker. 2020-02-07. from the original on 2021-04-23. Retrieved 2022-06-26.
36. "Pokémon Type Chart: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Effectiveness Explained". The Loadout. from the original on January 23, 2022. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
37. Fortner, Kirkland (January 28, 2022). "Pokemon: Immediate Changes Needed To Balance The Type Chart". Game Rant. from the original on June 26, 2022. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
38. Garcia, Johnny (April 21, 2020). "Pokémon TCG: Every Energy Type in the Game, Ranked from Worst to Best". TheGamer. from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
39. Lowthian, Declan (April 24, 2022). "Pokémon: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Ground Types". CBR. from the original on June 3, 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
40. Bishop, Ben (2022-03-21). "Why the Pokémon TCG Has Fewer Types Than the Video Games". CBR. from the original on June 26, 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
41. "Black & White—Dragons Exalted". Pokemon.com. 2012-08-15. Retrieved 2023-09-21.
42. Yehl, Joshua (January 9, 2020). "Pokemon Removes Fairy-Type from the TCG". IGN Southeast Asia. from the original on October 29, 2020. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
43. Lowthian, Declan (2022-03-29). "Pokémon: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Grass Types". CBR. from the original on May 10, 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
44. "Changes Coming to the Pokémon TCG with Sword & Shield". Pokémon.com. The Pokémon Company. from the original on 4 February 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
45. "EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua". Pokemon.com. from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2022-06-26.
46. "Discussing the Dual-Types: Are They Viable or Just Cool to Look At? -". PokéBeach. 2016-08-24. from the original on 2018-09-28. Retrieved 2022-06-26.
47. "Exploring the Pokemon TCG - Steam Siege Expansion". Comicbook.com. from the original on 2022-06-26. Retrieved 2022-06-26.
48. "The History of Pokémon Cards!". smrcollectibles. 2021-03-30. from the original on 2022-02-03. Retrieved 2022-07-04.
49. Tadashi (2016-04-09). "What Is the First Printed Pokemon Card? That Card Is Undervaluation". PokeBoon JAPAN. from the original on 2021-02-10. Retrieved 2022-07-04.
50. "第1弾拡張パックの値段と価格推移は？｜594件の売買情報を集計した第1弾拡張パックの価格や価値の推移データを公開". aucfan.com (in Japanese). from the original on 2022-07-06. Retrieved 2022-07-04.
51. Nelson, Joshua (2021-06-12). "Pokémon Japanese Base Set Booster Box up for Auction at Heritage". Bleeding Cool. from the original on 2021-07-27. Retrieved 2022-07-04.
52. Nelson, Joshua (2021-06-13). "Pokémon TCG Unlimited Base Set Booster Box Auctioning at Heritage". Bleeding Cool. from the original on 2021-07-27. Retrieved 2022-07-04.
53. Sudlow, Paul (May 1999). "On deck: Alpha Centauri". InQuest. No. 49. Wizard Entertainment. p. 89.
54. "The 15 Best Pokémon Cards of the First Generation". Den of Geek. 2020-03-21. from the original on 2021-06-22. Retrieved 2022-07-04.
55. "Base Set Pokemon Cards". Pokéllector. from the original on 2022-07-06. Retrieved 2022-07-04.
56. "Identifying Early Pokémon Cards". from the original on 2022-05-24. Retrieved 2022-07-04.
57. Nelson, Joshua (2022-04-12). "Pokémon TCG: "No-Symbol" Jungle Jolteon On Auction At Heritage". Bleeding Cool. from the original on 2022-05-07. Retrieved 2022-07-04.
58. "Pokémon Demo Game Sealed Booster Pack (Wizards of the Coast, 1998) PSA GEM MT". Heritage Auctions. from the original on 2021-01-25. Retrieved 2022-07-05.
59. "How many Pokemon cards are there? All sets released so far". Dexerto. from the original on 2022-03-25. Retrieved 2022-07-04.
60. "How many Pokémon are there in 2022?". Wargamer. from the original on 2022-06-20. Retrieved 2022-07-05.
61. "Pokemon TCG Buyers Guide - Booster Packs, Boxes, & Decks". Covenant. from the original on December 12, 2019. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
62. "How To Spot Fake Pokemon Cards". thecardbazaar.com.au. from the original on December 4, 2019. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
63. Yehl, Joshua (March 8, 2021). "How to Check Pokemon Card Value and Appraise Your Collection". IGN. from the original on June 30, 2022. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
64. "A Comprehensive Review of Rarity in the Pokemon TCG - Part Two". Flipside Gaming. from the original on December 13, 2019. Retrieved December 14, 2019.
65. Master, Water Pokémon (2023-03-16). ""Scarlet & Violet" Complete Set Guide: English Cards, Set List, Products, Changes, and More! -". PokéBeach.com Forums. from the original on 2023-04-30. Retrieved 2023-04-30.
66. Newell, Adam (April 27, 2020). "Pokémon TCG Card Rarity Explained | What are Rare, Ultra, Secret, and more cards?". Dot Esports. from the original on April 10, 2022. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
67. "Why is the Gen 1 Pokemon card Base Set so expensive?". GameRevolution. March 3, 2021. from the original on November 1, 2021. Retrieved July 5, 2022.
68. "Top 15 Most Rare and Expensive Pokémon Cards". Dicebreaker. October 14, 2020. from the original on June 29, 2022. Retrieved July 5, 2022.
69. "Best way to take care of & store your Pokemon cards". Dexerto. 6 November 2020. from the original on June 23, 2021. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
70. Yehl, Joshua (February 14, 2020). "How Sword and Shield Kicks Off a New Era of the Pokemon TCG". IGN. from the original on July 1, 2022. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
71. "33 Rarest Pokémon Cards In The World (Updated for 2022)". cardcollector.co.uk. 2022-02-17. from the original on 2022-11-17. Retrieved 2022-11-17.
72. Dinsdale, Ryan (2022-04-04). "Logan Paul Wears Most Expensive Pokemon Card to Wrestlemania 38". IGN. from the original on 2022-04-28. Retrieved 2022-07-01.
73. "ANOTHER PIKACHU ILLUSTRATOR CARD! SOLD FOR $208,000". zenmarket.jp. from the original on 4 July 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
74. Facundo, Joe (11 August 2020). "Illustrator Pikachu PSA 9 Sells for Record High $233,244". psacard.com. Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). from the original on 4 July 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
75. "POKÉMON PIKACHU ILLUSTRATOR CARD SELLS FOR OVER $772,000". zenmarket.jp. from the original on 4 July 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
76. "Play! Pokémon Glossary". Pokemon.com. from the original on 2019-08-13. Retrieved 2019-07-31.
77. "2020 Season Pokémon TCG Format Rotation". Pokemon.com. from the original on 2019-12-04. Retrieved 2019-12-04.
78. "1st Official Pokemon Card Game Tournament". Pokumon. 2021-06-25. from the original on 2023-05-29. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
79. "Changes revealed for Play! Pokémon 2022 Championship Series". Upcomer. 22 June 2021. from the original on 2023-03-07. Retrieved 2023-03-07.
80. "How Competitive Pokemon Works". IGN. 12 August 2017. from the original on 2019-12-04. Retrieved 2019-12-04.
81. "Play! Pokémon Tournament Rules Handbook English Version" (PDF). Pokémon Assets. September 30, 2021. (PDF) from the original on June 16, 2022. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
82. "Pokemon Organised Play TCG Championship Points". Sutton Coldfield Pokemon club. from the original on 2019-12-04. Retrieved 2019-12-04.
83. "Pokémon Championship Series". Pokemon.com. from the original on 2022-06-30. Retrieved 2022-07-01.
84. "First-Ever Pokemon Trading Card Game World Champion Titles Won by Dylan Austin, 14 of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Mindy Lambkee, 10 of Kent, Washington – IndexArticles". 2021-06-30. from the original on 2023-09-08. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
85. Wrack, Suzanne (2022-08-24). "Still catching 'em all: why the Pokémon World Championships are bigger than ever". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. from the original on 2023-03-31. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
86. Richman, Olivia (2023-07-31). "Pokémon Community Shocked by New Championship Point Requirements". Esports Illustrated. from the original on 2023-09-08. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
87. "Pokémon World Championships". Pokemon.com. from the original on 2023-08-28. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
88. Release, Press (June 22, 2005). "2005 Pokémon World Championship qualifier comes to town". Houston Chronicle.
89. "Pokemon Organized Play (POP) Timeline 2005-2006 (Pokemon League Year 7)". Elite Fourum. 2022-10-22. from the original on 2023-02-05. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
90. "Pokemon Organized Play (POP) Timeline 2006-2007 (Pokemon League Year 8)". Elite Fourum. 2023-03-10. from the original on 2023-09-08. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
91. Pokemon World Championships in Orlando, Florida, from the original on 2017-12-15, retrieved 2023-09-08
92. "2009 Pokémon Championship Series". www.serebii.net. from the original on 2023-07-29. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
93. Mastrapa, Gus. "New Jerseyan Wins Pokemon World Championship". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. from the original on 2016-12-22. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
94. "Kent teen wins Pokemon Trading Card Game World Championship title". Kent Reporter. 2011-08-15. from the original on 2023-09-08. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
95. Lien, Tracey (2012-08-14). "Pokémon World Champions crowned in Hawaii". Polygon. from the original on 2023-02-08. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
96. Ellwood, Greg (2013-06-07). "Pokémon Trainers head to the 2013 Pokémon World Championships". Entertainment Focus. from the original on 2022-12-10. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
97. "A Weekend At The 2014 Pokémon World Championships". Time. 2014-08-18. from the original on 2023-06-20. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
98. "2015 Pokémon World Championship (Local Guide)". www.bostoncentral.com. from the original on 2023-09-08. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
99. Rousseau, Jeffrey (2016-08-23). "The Elite 4: Our 2016 Pokemon World Championship Winners". GameSkinny. from the original on 2023-09-08. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
100. "The 2017 Worlds Is a Wrap!". Pokemon.com. from the original on 2017-09-27. Retrieved 2017-09-27.
101. Blogger (2018-08-26). "Day 2 of the 2018 Pokémon World Championships is complete, here's the official recap". Pokémon Blog. from the original on 2023-09-08. Retrieved 2023-09-08.
102. "2019 Pokemon World Championships: Prize pool, schedule, and how to watch". Shacknews. 15 August 2019. from the original on 2023-03-07. Retrieved 2023-03-07.
103. Marshall, Cass (2020-03-31). "Pokémon competitive circuit canceled for 2020 due to coronavirus". Polygon. from the original on 2023-03-07. Retrieved 2023-03-07.
104. Diaz, Ana (2021-02-09). "The 2021 Pokémon World Championships canceled due to COVID-19 concerns". Polygon. from the original on 2023-03-07. Retrieved 2023-03-07.
105. "Pokémon World Championships". Pokemon.com. from the original on 2022-06-26. Retrieved 2022-07-02.
106. Yehl, Joshua (2023-08-17). "Underdog Defeats Pokémon TCG's Greatest Player to Become World Champion". IGN. from the original on 2023-09-11. Retrieved 2023-09-12.
107. The 2024 world championships got announced during the closing ceremony of the 2023 world championship. Along with the location. https://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/pokemon-events/pokemon-tournaments/pokemon-world-championships
108. Kelts, Roland (2007). Japanamerica: How Japanese Pop Culture Has Invaded the U.S. Palgrave Macmillan. pp. 95–96. ISBN 978-1-4039-8476-0.
109. Staff (November 18, 1998). "Uri Geller Vs. Pokémon". People. from the original on October 5, 2012. Retrieved September 29, 2009.
110. Kelts, Roland (2007). "Japanamerica: How Japanese Pop Culture Has Invaded the U.S.". Palgrave Macmillan. pp. 95–96. ISBN 978-1-4039-8476-0.
111. "Geller sues Nintendo over Pokémon". BBC News. November 2, 2000. from the original on March 29, 2007. Retrieved May 30, 2007.
112. Staff (January 4, 2000). . ZDNet. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on June 16, 2012. Retrieved September 29, 2009.
113. Sahagian, Jon (July 4, 2008). "Second Interview with Masamitsu Hidaka – Many Interesting Points!". PokéBeach. from the original on June 21, 2012. Retrieved March 4, 2016.
114. Carpenter, Nicole (November 30, 2020). "Magician ends 20-year battle with Nintendo over Pokemon card". Polygon. Vox Media. from the original on November 30, 2020. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
115. "Teen disqualified from Pokémon tournament for laughing upon being asked his pronouns". Yahoo News. 30 March 2023. from the original on 2 April 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
116. "Teen who laughed when asked for 'preferred pronouns' booted from Pokémon card tournament". NBC News. 31 March 2023. from the original on 2 April 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
117. "Pyramid: Pyramid Pick: Pokemon Trading Card Game". SJ Games.com. January 29, 1999. from the original on 2020-10-21. Retrieved 2020-05-06.
118. Carter, Reon (1999-04-13). "Pokémon power". The Cincinnati Enquirer. p. 23. from the original on 2021-12-20. Retrieved 2021-12-20.
119. "The Top 150 Global Licensors". License Mag.com. April 1, 2017. from the original on April 14, 2017. Retrieved April 13, 2017. The Pokémon trading card game continues to be popular with 21.5 million cards shipped globally as of 2016, and was the No. 1 selling toy in the strategic card games subclass.
120. "Pokémon toys and trading card sales spike in Europe". GamesIndustry.biz. March 1, 2018. from the original on 2018-06-28. Retrieved 2018-06-28. Data from NPD, and relayed by The Pokémon Company, states that trading €100 million was spent on the Pokémon Trading Card Game last year, which gave the firm a 82% share of the market (total sales of strategic trading cards sat at €122 million for Europe).
121. "Business Summary". Pokémon official website. The Pokémon Company. March 2023. from the original on October 10, 2020. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
122. Lowder, James (2010). Family games : The 100 best. Green Ronin. ISBN 978-1-934547-21-2.
123. . Creatures.co.jp (in Japanese). 2008-09-25. Archived from the original on 2008-09-25. Retrieved 2022-07-06.
124. IGN Staff (1999-09-11). "Pokémon Card Game Coming to the US". IGN. from the original on 2021-02-24. Retrieved 2022-07-06.
125. IGN Staff (1999-12-03). "Pokémon Card Delayed". IGN. from the original on 2021-02-24. Retrieved 2022-07-06.
126. . GoNintendo. 2014-07-14. Archived from the original on 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2022-07-06.
127. "ギフトセンター". Nintendo.co.jp (in Japanese). from the original on 2018-03-19. Retrieved 2022-07-06.
128. "「カードポン！」でカードが増える！友達が増える！！". Nintendo.co.jp (in Japanese). from the original on 2018-03-19. Retrieved 2022-07-06.
129. IGN Staff (2001-01-25). "A New Pokemon Game In The Cards". IGN. from the original on 2018-03-19. Retrieved 2022-07-06.
130. "Pokémon Play It! series". Moby Games. from the original on 2018-09-03. Retrieved 2018-09-03.
131. "Pokemon TCG Online now available for iPad users in North America". Tech Times. 2 October 2014. from the original on 14 June 2018. Retrieved 14 June 2015.
132. Kato, Matthew (February 15, 2011). "Online Battles Start With Pokémon Trainer Challenge - News". Game Informer. from the original on 2011-02-18. Retrieved 2011-02-15.
133. Raby, Mark (2011-02-16). "Pokémon trading cards getting free browser-based game, Pokemon Black / White DS News". GamesRadar. from the original on 2021-04-19. Retrieved 2011-02-22.
134. "New Pokémon Trading Card Game Includes Nintendo DS Tutorial - News". Nintendo World Report. from the original on 2021-09-20. Retrieved 2021-09-20.
135. "Pokémon TCG Live Makes its Canadian Debut in Limited Beta". Pokemon.com. from the original on 2022-03-01. Retrieved 2022-03-01.
136. "Pokemon TCG Live beta finally hits US with global launch". Dexerto. 15 November 2022. from the original on 2023-03-07. Retrieved 2023-03-07.
137. "Card Set Development Ending for the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online". Pokemon.com. from the original on 2023-02-25. Retrieved 2023-02-25.
138. "Pokémon TCG Live Launches Soon on Mobile Devices, Tablets, PCs and Macs". Pokemon.com. from the original on 2021-09-21. Retrieved 2021-09-20.
139. "Updates from the Pokémon Day 2024 Pokémon Presents". Pokemon.com. Retrieved 2024-03-02.
140. "Announcement | Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket". tcgpocket.pokemon.com. Retrieved 2024-03-02.

Further reading

• Venters, Jillian (January 1999). "Is that a monster in your pocket?". The Duelist. No. 33. Wizards of the Coast. pp. 88–89.
• Preview in Scrye #58
• Overview in Scrye #68
• Scrye Pokemon Price and Players Guide 2000

External links

 

Wikibooks has more on the topic of: Pokémon Trading Card Game

• Official website