Trading Card Game

The Pokémon TCG battlefield is also an occasion for friendly interaction through communication. Good manners – an exchange of greetings or a hearty handshake – are an integral element of the game to ensure that both players will take to the battlefield with a positive attitude. To make Pokémon TCG fun for all players, from novices to high-ranking competitors, battlegrounds are set for different levels of skill or objectives. Classes for beginners are offered at Pokémon Card Stations located at Pokémon Centers, and at official Pokémon Card Gyms. Those same venues also hold informal events where players can do battle using a newly purchased deck or try incorporating a new product into their present deck. Events for experienced competitors are held where they can win Championship Points toward qualifying for participation in the Pokémon TCG World Championships. Currently there are near 1,700 Pokémon Card Gyms* in Japan where roughly 280,000 events* take place each year. In addition, The Pokémon Company organizes various official competitions in which players engage in heated battles toward winning the right to participate in World Championships.

Many people work behind the scenes to support activities for expanding the popularity of Pokémon TCG. Since 2015 The Pokémon Company has operated two systems under which participants can acquire certification as “Event Organizers” or “Rule Experts.” Certification as an Event Organizer enables individuals to hold officially recognized events. Often, they are supported by cooperating businesses such as toy shops, electronics stores and community centers that provide space where local players can do battle. Certification as a Rule Expert is given in recognition of profound knowledge of game rules and logic. Rule Experts are qualified to serve as judges at official competitions organized by The Pokémon Company, and their support is indispensable to ensure the fairness of Pokémon TCG battles. Volunteer activities like these are an essential element in expanding Pokémon TCG’s battlegrounds, and ensuring the love of the game by more and more players in myriad locations.

Pokémon TCG is played according to the same rules everywhere, and Pokémon cards feature the same illustrations everywhere. So with a single glance, players speaking different languages have a convenient communication tool immediately telling them each card’s characteristics and capabilities. Besides their role in gameplay, Pokémon cards can also be appreciated for their artwork and collected like a hobby. Each card is dynamically illustrated, and whenever a new card is acquired, the Pokémon featured, the background depicted and the Pokémon’s specific abilities together tell the complete story. Children too young to build their own deck and engage in battles can collect their favorite Pokémon cards and take pleasure just looking at them and having them as their personal treasure. Today Pokémon card variations expand continuously along with a growing field of illustrators using diverse techniques and art styles. So Pokémon TCG, and Pokémon cards, can be enjoyed by fans of all ages.

Today, more than a quarter century after its market debut, our steadfast mission remains to keep the Pokémon TCG gaming experience always fresh and exciting for players of all ages. In keeping with that commitment, in 2018 we released the GX Starter Deck, followed in 2020 by the V Starter Deck. Both became instant hits thanks to the convenience of acquiring a ready-to-play deck, and also to their attractive price, just 550 yen, which made it easy to invite play partners. Next came the Starter Deck 100 in 2021, which offered a new element of surprise: when a purchase is made, the buyer receives, entirely at random, 1 of 100 different variations available. This was followed in 2023 by the Omakase ex Starter Deck, in which the purchaser randomly receives 1 of 10 versions. These latest two offerings have attracted players with the thrill of not knowing which version will be yours until you open the package. But we won’t stop here. We’ll continue creating and marketing innovative new products to keep Pokémon TCG evolving into ever more unimagined realms of fun and excitement.