If you grew up in the 1990s, you were probably familiar with Pokémon, the popular collectible card game that captivated millions of kids and adults. But 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, Pokémon cards have been in circulation for over 27 years. 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 collecting them challenging. However, that number is constantly increasing with the release of new sets and expansion packs. It's worth noting 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. These cards feature colorful images of different creatures, each with unique powers and abilities. The game quickly became popular in Japan and was soon introduced to other parts of the world.
In 1999, “Pokémon Trading Card Game” was released in North America and quickly became popular. Children and adults alike began collecting and trading cards in hopes of finding rare and powerful creatures to add to their decks. The game was so popular it sparked a media frenzy with news stories about kids spending all their money on cards and trading them at school.
To be fair, the original Pokémon card base set, released in 1999, contained 102 cards. Since then, new sets have been released each year, each featuring hundreds of new cards. For example, the Sword and Shield expansion pack released in 2020 contains 216 new cards.
One of the reasons for the success of Pokémon cards is their collectibility. Some cards are rarer than others, making them more valuable to collectors. For example, the first edition of the Charizard card in 1999 featured a powerful dragon-type Pokémon and was considered one of the rarest and most valuable cards. In pristine condition it can fetch thousands of dollars.
See also: Pokemon ROMs