If you grew up in the 1990s, chances are you’re familiar with Pokémon, the popular trading card game that captivated millions of children and adults alike. But just how many Pokémon cards are there? In this article, we’ll explore the history of Pokémon cards, their popularity, and the total number of cards available today.
How Many Pokemon Cards Are There
Today, there are over 27 years of Pokémon cards in circulation. As of 2023, there are over 25,000 different Pokémon cards available, including standard cards, holographic cards, and rare cards. Each card features a different Pokémon with unique powers and abilities, making it challenging to collect them all. However, this number is constantly increasing as new sets and expansions are released. It’s important to note that not all of these cards are currently in circulation or available for purchase, as some are rare or have been discontinued.
Pokémon cards were first introduced in Japan in 1996 as a way to promote the Pokémon video game franchise. The cards featured colorful images of different creatures, each with unique powers and abilities. The game quickly gained popularity in Japan and was soon introduced to the rest of the world.
In 1999, the Pokémon Trading Card Game was released in North America, and it quickly became a hit. Children and adults alike began collecting and trading the cards, hoping to find rare and powerful creatures to add to their decks. The game was so popular that it sparked a media frenzy, with news stories about children spending all their money on cards and trading them at school.
To put it into perspective, the original base set of Pokémon cards released in 1999 had 102 cards in total. Since then, new sets have been released every year, each with hundreds of new cards. For example, the Sword & Shield expansion, released in 2020, included 216 new cards.
One reason for the success of Pokémon cards is their collectability. Some cards are rarer than others, making them more valuable to collectors. For example, the 1999 First Edition Shadowless Charizard card, which features the powerful dragon-type Pokémon, is considered one of the rarest and most valuable cards. It can sell for thousands of dollars in mint condition.
Also see: Pokemon ROMs
