Since its inception and release in 1996, Pokémon and its vast, fantastical world have been a cultural obsession of many generations of boys and girls.
The franchise started off as a role-playing game developed for a Gameboy console and has since grown to include manga series, trading card games, anime series, and films. Today, Pokémon is estimated to be the world’s highest-grossing media franchise and one of the best-selling video game franchises.
A surprisingly large source of revenue is the trading card game. Originally released by Media Factory in 1996 in Japan, the collectible card game has since grown to be a worldwide phenomenon.
As of March 2023, the game has sold over 52.9 billion cards worldwide.
From Child’s Play to Multi-Billion Dollar Industry
Since the card game’s release, multiple sets and expansions have been introduced, each adding new mechanics, themes, and strategies to the gameplay, enriching the overall experience and keeping the game fresh for both new and veteran players.
Pokémon cards can typically be purchased at physical or online stores, or through individual sellers. Unfortunately, these secondary markets are also rife with counterfeits. In 2021, Chinese finance news outlet Yicai reported that customs officials intercepted a whopping 7.6 million tons of counterfeit Pokémon cards at the Shanghai Airport.
Breaking the Bank, Booster by Booster
It’s not that surprising there are large-scale counterfeiting efforts: Market research consulting firm Market Decipher reported that the Pokémon trading card market was worth $21.4 billion in 2024 in a press release.
Pokémon cards are sold in various formats, including pre-constructed decks, booster packs, Bundle promo card sets, booster boxes (36 packs), and individual packs. A typical Booster pack contains ten cards: 5 Common, 3 Uncommon, 1 reverse holographic, and sometimes a Rare card. Standard booster packs retail anywhere from $4–$12, depending on the vendor and set release.
However, the Scarlet and Violet series slightly changed that up. Each pack guarantees one holographic card and two reverse holographic cards—and a much higher price tag to boot.
Trading Cards, Trading Futures
The value of Pokémon cards is influenced by factors such as rarity, popularity in competitive play, age, and print numbers. Interestingly, lower rarity cards can sometimes surpass higher rarity ones in value due to their demand or strategic significance. Due to their high value and rarity, collectors often use protective card sleeves to prevent wear and tear.
The cards are valued based on different factors like rarity, popularity in competitive play, card age, and print numbers that influence a card’s worth. Occasionally, lower rarity cards may be more valuable than higher rarity ones.
Old editions like the 1st-edition Base Set or First Generation Sets are among the most valuable, sometimes reaching the six-figure range.
The Pikachu Illustrator Card is recognized as the rarest and most expensive card in the world. It was illustrated by Atsuko Nishida—the designer of Pikachu.
Only 41 copies were printed as prizes for a 1997—1998 design contest. It is the only Pokémon card that bears the unique “Illustrator” label instead of “Trainer.”
The card set a world record in 2021 as the most expensive card ever sold when it was purchased by American celebrity and collector Logan Paul, who got a PSA-graded 10 copy for $5.275 million.
Paul posted a YouTube video about his purchase that has been viewed nearly nine million times.
Other lesser grades versions of this card have sold for $208,496, $233,000, and $772,000 on platforms like ZenPlus.
The enduring legacy of Pokémon cards goes beyond their monetary value or competitive play; they are a bridge between generations, a testament to the power of storytelling, and a reminder of the joy that simple pieces of cardboard can bring.
As the world continues to evolve, these cherished collectibles hold a special place in our hearts, connecting us to a past worth preserving and a future still full of possibilities.
Related: Late Microsoft Co-Founder Paul Allen’s Treasures Fetch $17 Million at Auction
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not represent recommendations for any specific financial actions. Neither author nor publication receives a commission through recommended links in this content.
