Editing Pokémon Trading Card Game

{{Short description|Collectible card game}}
{{About|the card game|the video game|Pokémon Trading Card Game (video game){{!}}''Pokémon Trading Card Game'' (video game)}}
{{Italic title}}
{{Infobox card game
| logo             = Pokémon Trading Card Game logo.svg
| cardback         = Pokemon Trading Card Game cardback.jpg
| cardback_caption = ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'' logo (top) and cardback
| named_variant    = <!-- names of variant games that are listed on this page (rules must be different, even if only slightly) -->
| designer         = {{Unbulleted list|[[Tsunekazu Ishihara]]<ref name="assets.pokemon.com" />|Kouichi Ooyama|Takumi Akabane}}
| publisher        = {{Plainlist|
* [[The Pokémon Company]]
* '''Japan'''
* [[Media Factory]]
* (October 1996 – November 2000)
* '''United States'''
* [[Wizards of the Coast]]
* (December 1998 – July 2003)
}}
| date             = {{Start date and age|1996|10|20}} <!-- {{Start date and age|yyyy|mm|dd}} -->
| type             = [[Collectible card game|Collectible]]
| players          = 2
| ages             = 6+
| num_cards        = 60
| playing_time     = 2–120 minutes
| random_chance    = Some (order of cards drawn, dice, [[coin flip]])
| skills           = {{Plainlist|
* [[Collectible card game|Card playing]]
* [[Mathematics|Arithmetic]]
* [[Reading]]
}}
| website          = {{URL|tcg.pokemon.com}}
}}

The {{nihongo|'''''Pokémon Trading Card Game'''''|ポケモンカードゲーム|Pokemon Kādo Gēmu|"Pokémon Card Game"|lead=yes}}, abbreviated as '''''PTCG''''' or '''''Pokémon TCG''''', is a [[tabletop game|tabletop]] and [[collectible card game]] developed by [[Creatures (company)|Creatures Inc.]] based on the [[Pokémon|''Pokémon'' franchise]]. Originally published in Japan by [[Media Factory]] in 1996, publishing worldwide is currently handled by [[The Pokémon Company]]. In the United States and also by Gopu, ''Pokémon TCG'' publishing was originally licensed to [[Wizards of the Coast]], the producer of ''[[Magic: The Gathering]]''. Wizards published eight expansion sets between 1998 and 2003, after which point licensing was transferred to The Pokémon Company.

Players assume the role of Pokémon Trainers engaging in battle, and play with 60-card decks. Standard gameplay cards include [[List of Pokémon|Pokémon]] cards, Energy cards, and Trainer cards. Pokémon are introduced in battle from a "bench" and perform attacks on their opponent to deplete their health points. Attacks are enabled by the attachment of a sufficient number of Energy cards to the active Pokémon. Pokémon may also adjust other gameplay factors and evolve into more powerful stages. Players may use Trainer cards to draw cards into their hand, harm their opponent, or perform other gameplay functions. Card effects often rely on elements of luck, such as dice rolls and coin tosses, to decide an outcome. Gameplay relies on the usage of counters to indicate damage dealt and status effects. It is also classified as  a sport.

The ''Pokémon TCG'' has been the subject of both officially-sanctioned and informal tournaments. Wizards of the Coast staged multiple tournaments across American malls and stores. Official tournaments are currently overseen by [[Play! Pokémon]], a division of The Pokémon Company, and are hosted on a local, national, and international basis By Gopu. In addition, numerous video game adaptations of the ''Pokémon TCG'' have been published, including  ''[[Pokémon Trading Card Game (video game)|Pokémon Trading Card Game]]'' ([[Game Boy Color]]), the ''[[Pokémon: Play It!]]'' series (PC), ''[[Pokémon TCG Online]]'' (PC). After the closure of TCG Online in 2023, it was replaced with ''[[Pokémon Trading Card Game Live]]'' (PC) and ''[[Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket]]'' (mobile) in 2024.

As of March 2025, the game has produced over 75 billion cards worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pokémon in Figures |url=https://corporate.pokemon.co.jp/en/aboutus/figures |access-date=May 23, 2025 |website=The Pokémon Company |language=en |archive-date=May 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501124715/https://corporate.pokemon.co.jp/en/aboutus/figures/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Beside formal competitions and informal battling, the ''Pokémon TCG'' has also been the subject of [[collecting]] hobbies, with an extensive market for individual Pokémon cards, packs, and ephemera.

==Development and publication==
The ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'' was developed in Japan, based on the 1996 [[Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow|''Pokémon Red'', ''Blue'', and ''Yellow'']] [[Game Boy]] video game by Nintendo.<ref name="designers">{{Cite book |last=Shannon Appelcline |title=Designers & Dragons |publisher=Mongoose Publishing |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-907702-58-7 |page=286}}</ref> It was first published in October 1996 by [[Media Factory]] in Japan.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-02-27 |title=Pokémon at 25: A History - from Pocket Monsters, to TCG and Pokémon GO |url=https://www.bbc.com/newsround/56167405 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230912021330/https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/56167405 |archive-date=2023-09-12 |access-date=2023-09-09 |work=BBC Newsround |language=en-GB}}</ref> 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''.<ref name="designers" /> Over the next five years, Wizards of the Coast published more than a dozen [[Expansion pack|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.<ref name="designers" /> [[Hasbro]] bought Wizards of the Coast in September 1999 for $325 million dollars based on the strength of the Pokémon license.<ref name="designers" /> In 2001, Nintendo created its affiliate Pokémon USA, Inc., so that it could recover the US licensing rights to the game.<ref name="designers" /> In June 2003, [[Nintendo]] transferred the publishing rights from Wizards of the Coast to [[The Pokémon Company]].<ref name="DUMMIES">{{Cite book |last1=Kaufeld |first1=John |url=https://archive.org/details/tradingcardgames00kauf |title=Trading Card Games for Dummies |last2=Smith |first2=Jeremy |publisher=[[John Wiley & Sons]] |year=2006 |isbn=0470044071 |url-access=registration}}</ref> 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.<ref name="designers" />

==Gameplay==
[[File:Pokémon TCG gameplay.jpg|thumb|A ''Pokémon TCG'' playmat with labels of various gameplay aspects, e.g. Active Spot, Bench, Deck, and Discard Pile|left|alt=Official [[List of Pokémon|Primal Kyogre]] and [[List of Pokémon|Primal Groudon]]-themed Pokémon playmat depicting labels of numerous in-game aspects, such as the Active Pokémon, Bench Pokémon, Deck, and Discard Pile sections]]
The ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'' is a strategy-based card game that is usually played on a designated playmat or digitally on an official game client 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 (gaming)|HP]]–is referred to as being "Knocked Out", granting the opponent a prize card; however, powerful [[Game mechanics|card mechanics]] like Pokémon-V and Pokémon ex grant extra prize cards when Knocked Out.<ref name="assets.pokemon.com" />

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.<ref name="assets.pokemon.com">{{Cite web |title=Pokemon Rulebook |url=https://assets.pokemon.com//assets/cms2/pdf/trading-card-game/rulebook/pal_rulebook_en.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810105018/https://assets.pokemon.com//assets/cms2/pdf/trading-card-game/rulebook/pal_rulebook_en.pdf |archive-date=2023-08-10 |access-date=2023-09-07 |publisher=The Pokémon Company}}</ref>

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 (games)|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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Georgiou |first=Leon |title=How to Play Pokémon Cards: Your Guide to the Pokémon TCG |url=https://www.wargamer.com/pokemon-trading-card-game/how-to-play-pokemon-cards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619231921/https://www.wargamer.com/pokemon-trading-card-game/how-to-play-pokemon-cards |archive-date=June 19, 2022 |access-date=June 25, 2022 |website=[[Wargamer (website)|Wargamer]]}}</ref><ref name="assets.pokemon.com" />

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.<ref name="assets.pokemon.com" /> 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.<ref name="Honey">{{Cite news |last=Honey |first=Mia |date=February 5, 2020 |title=How to Play the Pokémon TCG: A Beginner's Guide |url=https://www.dicebreaker.com/categories/trading-card-game/how-to/how-to-play-pokemon-tcg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503215222/https://www.dicebreaker.com/categories/trading-card-game/how-to/how-to-play-pokemon-tcg |archive-date=May 3, 2022 |access-date=June 25, 2022 |work=[[Dicebreaker]]}}</ref><ref name="assets.pokemon.com" />

=== 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.<ref name="Honey" />

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,<ref name="Howcast">{{Cite news |date=7 November 2018 |title=What Are Abilities, Poke-Powers & Poke-Bodies in Pokemon? |url=https://www.howcast.com/videos/497345-abilities-poke-powers-poke-bodies-pokemon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723191403/https://www.howcast.com/videos/497345-abilities-poke-powers-poke-bodies-pokemon |archive-date=July 23, 2021 |access-date=June 26, 2022 |work=[[Howcast]]}}</ref> 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.<ref name="assets.pokemon.com" />

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.<ref name="Howcast" /> 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. 
{| class="wikitable"
|+Major Pokémon Card Attributes
!Card Type
!Release Expansion
!Evolution Stage(s)
!Mechanics
|-
|Shining Pokémon,
Pokémon ☆,
Radiant Pokémon
|''Neo Revelation'' & ''Shining Legends''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Comments |first=Theo Dwyer {{!}} |date=2021-10-25 |title=A Holographic History of The Pokémon TCG: Shining Pokémon |url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/a-holographic-history-of-the-pokemon-tcg-shining-pokemon/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127080437/https://bleedingcool.com/games/a-holographic-history-of-the-pokemon-tcg-shining-pokemon/ |archive-date=2021-11-27 |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=bleedingcool.com |language=en}}</ref> (Shining),
''EX Team Rocket Returns''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Comments |first=Theo Dwyer {{!}} |date=2021-11-28 |title=A Holographic History of The Pokémon TCG: Pokémon ☆ |url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/a-holographic-history-of-the-pokemon-tcg-pokemon-star-symbol/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124032339/https://bleedingcool.com/games/a-holographic-history-of-the-pokemon-tcg-pokemon-star-symbol/ |archive-date=2022-01-24 |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=bleedingcool.com |language=en}}</ref> (☆),
''Astral Radiance''<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=Quinton |date=2022-07-12 |title=What Are Radiant Cards in the Pokemon TCG? |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-tcg-radiant-cards-explained/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802181401/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-tcg-radiant-cards-explained/ |archive-date=2022-08-02 |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=TheGamer |language=en}}</ref> (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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet |url=https://tcg.pokemon.com/en-us/expansions/scarlet-violet/ |access-date=2024-02-28 |website=tcg.pokemon.com |archive-date=2023-10-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030192450/https://tcg.pokemon.com/en-us/expansions/scarlet-violet/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|Pokémon LV.X
|''Diamond & Pearl'' series
|LEVEL-UP
|2 Prizes, can use attacks, Poké-Powers, and Poké-Bodies from its previous evolution<ref>{{Cite web |title=Enjoy Pokémon TCG Cards Featuring These Spe-Shell Pokémon |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/enjoy-pokemon-tcg-cards-featuring-these-spe-shell-pokemon |access-date=2024-02-28 |website=Pokemon.com |archive-date=2024-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228032246/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/enjoy-pokemon-tcg-cards-featuring-these-spe-shell-pokemon |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|Pokémon LEGEND
|''HeartGold & SoulSilver'' series
|LEGEND
|2 Prizes, 2 cards must be played onto the Bench at the same time<ref>{{Cite web |last=Comments |first=Theo Dwyer {{!}} |date=2021-12-27 |title=A Holographic History of The Pokémon TCG: Pokémon LEGEND |url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/a-holographic-history-of-the-pokemon-tcg-pokemon-legend/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819204141/https://bleedingcool.com/games/a-holographic-history-of-the-pokemon-tcg-pokemon-legend/ |archive-date=2022-08-19 |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=bleedingcool.com |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|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<ref>{{Cite web |title=An Interview with Atsushi Nagashima About New Tag Team Pokémon-GX |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/an-interview-with-atsushi-nagashima-about-new-tag-team-pokemon-gx |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Pokemon.com |archive-date=2024-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228032247/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/an-interview-with-atsushi-nagashima-about-new-tag-team-pokemon-gx |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|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<ref>{{Cite web |title=Galar Pokémon and Pokémon V Arrive in Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield in February 2020 |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/galar-pokemon-and-pokemon-v-arrive-in-pokemon-tcg-sword-shield-in-february-2020/#:~:text=These%20Pok%C3%A9mon%20V%20feature%20immense,when%20they%20get%20Knocked%20Out. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312172700/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/galar-pokemon-and-pokemon-v-arrive-in-pokemon-tcg-sword-shield-in-february-2020/#:~:text=These%20Pok%C3%A9mon%20V%20feature%20immense,when%20they%20get%20Knocked%20Out. |archive-date=2021-03-12 |access-date=2022-06-26 |website=Pokemon.com}}</ref>
|-
|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<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parlock |first=Joe |date=2021-09-14 |title=What Are Pokemon V-UNION Cards, And How Do They Work? |url=https://www.thegamer.com/what-are-pokemon-tcg-v-union-cards-guide/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127150354/https://www.thegamer.com/what-are-pokemon-TCG-v-union-cards-guide/ |archive-date=2022-01-27 |access-date=2022-06-26 |website=TheGamer}}</ref> 
|-
|Pokémon VSTAR
|''Brilliant Stars''
|VSTAR
|2 Prizes, each player can use a VSTAR Power once per battle, evolves from Pokémon V<ref>{{Cite web |last=Michael |first=Cale |date=2021-10-19 |title=New VSTAR Mechanic Officially Revealed for the Pokémon TCG, Showcases Arceus VSTAR |url=https://dotesports.com/pokemon/news/new-vstar-mechanic-officially-revealed-for-the-pokemon-tcg-showcases-arceus-vstar |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626193256/https://dotesports.com/pokemon/news/new-vstar-mechanic-officially-revealed-for-the-pokemon-tcg-showcases-arceus-vstar |archive-date=2022-06-26 |access-date=2022-06-26 |website=Dot Esports}}</ref>
|-
|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<ref>{{Cite web |title=par_rulebook_en.pdf |url=https://www.pokemon.com/static-assets/content-assets/cms2/pdf/trading-card-game/rulebook/par_rulebook_en.pdf |access-date=2024-02-28 |website=Pokemon.com |archive-date=2024-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228054631/https://www.pokemon.com/static-assets/content-assets/cms2/pdf/trading-card-game/rulebook/par_rulebook_en.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|}
Other Pokémon attributes include Owner's Pokémon,<ref name="Glossary">{{Cite web |title=Pokemon TCG Glossary |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/about/pokemon-tcg-glossary |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Pokemon.com}}</ref> Baby Pokémon,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dwyer |first=Theo |date=2021-01-25 |title=Vintage Neo Genesis Pichu Pokémon Card Swirls Onto Auction |url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/vintage-neo-genesis-pichu-pokemon-card-swirls-onto-auction/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306053323/https://bleedingcool.com/games/vintage-neo-genesis-pichu-pokemon-card-swirls-onto-auction/ |archive-date=2021-03-06 |access-date=2022-06-26 |website=[[Bleeding Cool]]}}</ref> Crystal Pokémon,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rahaman |first=Reyadh |date=2020-12-11 |title=Pokemon TCG: All Crystal Pokemon, Ranked |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-tcg-best-crystal-card-ranked/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907102226/https://gamerant.com/pokemon-tcg-best-crystal-card-ranked/ |archive-date=2022-09-07 |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Game Rant |language=en}}</ref> Dark Pokémon,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rahaman |first=Reyadh |date=2020-12-10 |title=Pokemon TCG: 10 Strongest Dark Pokemon, Ranked |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-tcg-strongest-dark-cards-ranked/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407081043/https://gamerant.com/pokemon-tcg-strongest-dark-cards-ranked/ |archive-date=2023-04-07 |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Game Rant |language=en}}</ref> Light Pokémon,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rahaman |first=Reyadh |date=2020-12-11 |title=Pokemon TCG: 10 Strongest Light Pokemon, Ranked |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-tcg-tips-best-light-cards/ |access-date=2024-02-28 |website=Game Rant |language=en |archive-date=2024-08-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817153349/https://gamerant.com/pokemon-tcg-tips-best-light-cards/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Team Magma's cards,<ref name="poke">{{Cite web |title=EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/ex-team-magma-vs-team-aqua/explore-and-watch/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303105500/http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/ex-team-magma-vs-team-aqua/explore-and-watch/ |archive-date=2016-03-03 |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Pokemon.com}}</ref> Team Aqua's cards,<ref name="poke" /> δ Delta Species,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dennett |first=Thomas |date=2020-03-17 |title=Pokémon TCG: The 10 Coolest Delta Species Cards |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-tcg-coolest-delta-species-cards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407010519/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-tcg-coolest-delta-species-cards/ |archive-date=2023-04-07 |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=TheGamer |language=en}}</ref> Pokémon Prime,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Comments |first=Theo Dwyer {{!}} |date=2022-01-03 |title=A Holographic History of the Pokémon TCG: Pokémon Prime |url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/a-holographic-history-of-the-pokemon-tcg-pokemon-prime/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525063900/https://bleedingcool.com/games/a-holographic-history-of-the-pokemon-tcg-pokemon-prime/ |archive-date=2022-05-25 |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=bleedingcool.com |language=en}}</ref> Pokémon SP, Restored Pokémon, Team Plasma cards,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Black & White Plasma Storm Rulebook |url=https://media.pocketmonsters.net/pdf/bw_plasma_storm_rulebook.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801113941/https://media.pocketmonsters.net/pdf/bw_plasma_storm_rulebook.pdf |archive-date=2023-08-01 |access-date=2023-09-11}}</ref> Ancient Trait, Ultra Beasts,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sun & Moon—Crimson Invasion {{!}} Trading Card Game |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/sun-moon-crimson-invasion |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Pokemon.com |archive-date=2024-08-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817153512/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/sun-moon-crimson-invasion |url-status=live }}</ref> Single Strike,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sword & Shield—Battle Styles {{!}} Trading Card Game |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/sword-shield-battle-styles |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Pokemon.com |archive-date=2024-08-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817153353/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/sword-shield-battle-styles |url-status=live }}</ref> Rapid Strike, Fusion Strike,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sword & Shield—Fusion Strike {{!}} Trading Card Game |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/sword-shield-fusion-strike |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Pokemon.com |archive-date=2024-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228032245/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/sword-shield-fusion-strike |url-status=live }}</ref> Ancient,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scarlet & Violet—Paradox Rift {{!}} Trading Card Game |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/scarlet-violet-paradox-rift |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Pokemon.com |archive-date=2024-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228032245/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/scarlet-violet-paradox-rift |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref name="assets.pokemon.com" /> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2023 Pokémon TCG Standard Format Rotation and Pokémon Tool Errata |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/2023-pokemon-tcg-standard-format-rotation-and-pokemon-tool-errata |access-date=2023-09-13 |website=Pokemon.com |language=en |archive-date=2023-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915005726/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/2023-pokemon-tcg-standard-format-rotation-and-pokemon-tool-errata |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What Does a "Pokemon" Energy Card Do? |url=https://ourpastimes.com/pokemon-energy-card-do-12058435.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415230503/https://ourpastimes.com/pokemon-energy-card-do-12058435.html |archive-date=2021-04-15 |access-date=2022-06-26 |website=Our Pastimes}}</ref><ref name="dicebreaker.com">{{Cite web |date=2020-02-07 |title=How to build a Pokémon TCG deck for beginners |url=https://www.dicebreaker.com/categories/trading-card-game/how-to/how-to-build-a-pokemon-tcg-deck |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423152150/https://www.dicebreaker.com/categories/trading-card-game/how-to/how-to-build-a-pokemon-tcg-deck |archive-date=2021-04-23 |access-date=2022-06-26 |website=Dicebreaker}}</ref> 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.<ref name="assets.pokemon.com" /> 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===
{| class="wikitable floatright" style="width: 400px; text-align: center;"
|-
! TCG type
! Game type
|- style="background:#00de5f;"
| Grass
| Grass, Bug, and Poison (1996–2007)
|- style="background:#ff5040;"
| Fire
| Fire
|- style="background:#6af;"
| Water
| Water and Ice
|- style="background:#ff0;"
| Lightning
| Electric
|- style="background:#c0d;"
| Psychic
| Psychic, Ghost, Poison (2007–2019), and Fairy (2019–)
|- style="background:#c72;"
| Fighting
| Fighting, Rock, and Ground
|- style="background:#777666;"
| <span style="color:white;">Darkness</span>
| <span style="color:white;">Dark and Poison (2019–)</span>
|- style="background:silver;"
| Metal
| Steel
|- style="background:#c49f1a;"
| Dragon
| Dragon (2012–2019, 2021–)
|- style="background:#ff14b6;"
| Fairy
| Fairy (2014–2019)
|- style="background:#e5e8e8;"
| 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pokémon Type Chart: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Effectiveness Explained |url=https://www.theloadout.com/pokemon-type-chart |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123090257/https://www.theloadout.com/pokemon-type-chart |archive-date=January 23, 2022 |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=The Loadout}}</ref> These type matchups offset one another in [[rock–paper–scissors]]-style relationships.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fortner |first=Kirkland |date=January 28, 2022 |title=Pokemon: Immediate Changes Needed To Balance The Type Chart |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-changes-needed-balance-type-chart/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626193257/https://gamerant.com/pokemon-changes-needed-balance-type-chart/ |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=Game Rant}}</ref> Pokémon Types in the TCG include Fire, Fighting, Dragon, Lightning, Grass, Water, Fairy, Psychic, Darkness, Metal, and Colorless.<ref name="dicebreaker.com" /> 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<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garcia |first=Johnny |date=April 21, 2020 |title=Pokémon TCG: Every Energy Type in the Game, Ranked from Worst to Best |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-tcg-energy-types-ranked/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223210227/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-tcg-energy-types-ranked/ |archive-date=December 23, 2021 |access-date=June 29, 2022 |website=TheGamer}}</ref> and Ground type<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lowthian |first=Declan |date=April 24, 2022 |title=Pokémon: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Ground Types |url=https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-things-you-didnt-know-about-ground-types/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603195450/https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-things-you-didnt-know-about-ground-types/ |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |access-date=June 29, 2022 |website=CBR}}</ref> are categorized under Water type and Fighting type, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bishop |first=Ben |date=2022-03-21 |title=Why the Pokémon TCG Has Fewer Types Than the Video Games |url=https://www.cbr.com/why-pokemon-tcg-fewer-types/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626060419/https://www.cbr.com/why-pokemon-tcg-fewer-types/ |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |access-date=June 29, 2022 |website=CBR}}</ref>

Starting with ''Dragons Exalted'', Dragon type Pokémon are now listed as Dragon-type, and they were previously categorized under the Colorless type.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-08-15 |title=Black & White—Dragons Exalted |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/black-white-dragons-exalted/explore-and-watch/ |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=Pokemon.com |archive-date=2023-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406092709/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/black-white-dragons-exalted/explore-and-watch/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Similarly, starting with ''Sword & Shield'', Poison type Pokémon are categorized under Darkness-type; Poison-type were previously Psychic type,<ref name="Yehl-Jan9">{{Cite web |last=Yehl |first=Joshua |date=January 9, 2020 |title=Pokemon Removes Fairy-Type from the TCG |url=https://sea.ign.com/pokemon-trading-card-game-online/156716/feature/pokemon-removes-fairy-type-from-the-tcg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029114916/https://sea.ign.com/pokemon-trading-card-game-online/156716/feature/pokemon-removes-fairy-type-from-the-tcg |archive-date=October 29, 2020 |access-date=June 29, 2022 |website=IGN Southeast Asia}}</ref> and before that they were categorized under Grass type.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lowthian |first=Declan |date=2022-03-29 |title=Pokémon: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Grass Types |url=https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-things-you-didnt-know-about-grass-types/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510220003/https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-things-you-didnt-know-about-grass-types/ |archive-date=May 10, 2022 |access-date=June 29, 2022 |website=CBR}}</ref>

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|''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''.<ref name="Yehl-Jan9" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Changes Coming to the Pokémon TCG with Sword & Shield |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/changes-coming-to-the-pokemon-tcg-with-sword-shield/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204033211/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/changes-coming-to-the-pokemon-tcg-with-sword-shield/ |archive-date=4 February 2021 |access-date=12 February 2021 |website=Pokémon.com |publisher=[[The Pokémon Company]]}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/ex-team-magma-vs-team-aqua/explore-and-watch/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303105500/http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/ex-team-magma-vs-team-aqua/explore-and-watch/ |archive-date=2016-03-03 |access-date=2022-06-26 |website=Pokemon.com}}</ref> Dual types were also utilized in Pokémon-Legend cards from ''HeartGold and SoulSilver''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-08-24 |title=Discussing the Dual-Types: Are They Viable or Just Cool to Look At? - |url=https://www.pokebeach.com/2016/08/discussing-the-dual-types |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928101239/http://www.pokebeach.com/2016/08/discussing-the-dual-types |archive-date=2018-09-28 |access-date=2022-06-26 |website=PokéBeach}}</ref> In August 2016, ''XY'' ''Steam Siege'' reintroduced the dual-type mechanic, but this time on regular Pokémon and Pokémon-EX.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exploring the Pokemon TCG - Steam Siege Expansion |url=https://comicbook.com/news/exploring-the-pokemon-tcg-steam-siege-expansion/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626193257/https://comicbook.com/news/exploring-the-pokemon-tcg-steam-siege-expansion/ |archive-date=2022-06-26 |access-date=2022-06-26 |website=Comicbook.com|date=6 September 2017 }}</ref>

==Sets==
{{Main|List of Pokémon Trading Card Game sets{{!}}List of ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'' sets}}

The ''Pokémon TCG'' debuted In Japan in 1996<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-30 |title=The History of Pokémon Cards! |url=https://www.smrcollectibles.com/post/the-history-of-pokémon-cards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203175300/https://www.smrcollectibles.com/post/the-history-of-pok%C3%A9mon-cards |archive-date=2022-02-03 |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=smrcollectibles}}</ref> 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),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tadashi |date=2016-04-09 |title=What Is the First Printed Pokemon Card? That Card Is Undervaluation. |url=https://pokeboon.com/first-printed-pokemon-card/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210043918/https://pokeboon.com/first-printed-pokemon-card/ |archive-date=2021-02-10 |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=PokeBoon JAPAN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=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 |url=https://aucfan.com/intro/q-~c2e831c3c6b3c8c4a5a5d1a5c3a5af/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706034958/https://aucfan.com/intro/q-~c2e831c3c6b3c8c4a5a5d1a5c3a5af/ |archive-date=2022-07-06 |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=aucfan.com |language=ja}}</ref> which was the original core series of cards and Theme Decks released in Japan on October 20, 1996,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Joshua |date=2021-06-12 |title=Pokémon Japanese Base Set Booster Box up for Auction at Heritage |url=https://bleedingcool.com/sponsored/pokemon-japanese-base-set-booster-box-up-for-auction-at-heritage/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727150132/https://bleedingcool.com/sponsored/pokemon-japanese-base-set-booster-box-up-for-auction-at-heritage/ |archive-date=2021-07-27 |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=Bleeding Cool}}</ref> and in the United States on January 9, 1999.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Joshua |date=2021-06-13 |title=Pokémon TCG Unlimited Base Set Booster Box Auctioning at Heritage |url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/pokemon-tcg-unlimited-base-set-booster-box-auctioning-at-heritage/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727161155/https://bleedingcool.com/games/pokemon-tcg-unlimited-base-set-booster-box-auctioning-at-heritage/ |archive-date=2021-07-27 |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=Bleeding Cool}}</ref><ref name="Sudlow">{{Cite magazine |last=Sudlow |first=Paul |date=May 1999 |title=On deck: Alpha Centauri |magazine=[[InQuest Gamer|InQuest]] |publisher=[[Wizard Entertainment]] |pages=89 |issue=49}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pokémon Trading Card Game a Monster Success! |url=http://www.wizards.com/news/pressrelease.asp?19990204c |website=Wizards of the Coast |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000311110525/http://www.wizards.com/news/pressrelease.asp?19990204c |archive-date=2000-03-11 |access-date=2024-08-23 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The "1st Starter & Expansion Pack" contained various Pokémon cards depicting the original 150 Pokémon species in the main [[Pokémon|Pokémon franchise]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-03-21 |title=The 15 Best Pokémon Cards of the First Generation |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/best-pokemon-cards-first-generation-ebay/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622140131/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/best-pokemon-cards-first-generation-ebay/ |archive-date=2021-06-22 |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=Den of Geek}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Base Set Pokemon Cards |url=http://www.pokellector.com/Base-Set-Expansion/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706034957/https://www.pokellector.com/Base-Set-Expansion/ |archive-date=2022-07-06 |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=Pokéllector}}</ref> and it is the only expansion not to have a set logo or symbol<ref name=" Identifying Early Pokémon Cards">{{Cite web |title=Identifying Early Pokémon Cards |url=https://relentlessdragon.com/pokemon-card-game/identifying-early-pokemon-cards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524022317/https://relentlessdragon.com/pokemon-card-game/identifying-early-pokemon-cards/ |archive-date=2022-05-24 |access-date=2022-07-04}}</ref> (i.e. except for the error "no-symbol" ''Jungle'' cards).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Joshua |date=2022-04-12 |title=Pokémon TCG: "No-Symbol" Jungle Jolteon On Auction At Heritage |url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/pokemon-tcg-no-symbol-jungle-jolteon-on-auction-at-heritage/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220507033614/https://bleedingcool.com/games/pokemon-tcg-no-symbol-jungle-jolteon-on-auction-at-heritage/ |archive-date=2022-05-07 |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=Bleeding Cool}}</ref>

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";<ref name=" Identifying Early Pokémon Cards" /> and consisting of 24 Base Set shadowless cards and an instruction manual.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pokémon Demo Game Sealed Booster Pack (Wizards of the Coast, 1998) PSA GEM MT |url=https://comics.ha.com/itm/memorabilia/trading-cards/pokemon-demo-game-sealed-booster-pack-wizards-of-the-coast-1998-psa-gem-mt-10/a/7239-92135.s |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125151119/https://comics.ha.com/itm/memorabilia/trading-cards/pokemon-demo-game-sealed-booster-pack-wizards-of-the-coast-1998-psa-gem-mt-10/a/7239-92135.s |archive-date=2021-01-25 |access-date=2022-07-05 |website=Heritage Auctions}}</ref> "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 Coast]]s. 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How many Pokemon cards are there? All sets released so far |url=https://www.dexerto.com/pokemon/how-many-pokemon-cards-are-there-all-sets-released-so-far-1784998/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325165245/https://www.dexerto.com/pokemon/how-many-pokemon-cards-are-there-all-sets-released-so-far-1784998/ |archive-date=2022-03-25 |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=Dexerto}}</ref> Since July 2003, The Pokémon Company has published eight additional "Generation" sets, which has gradually transitioned the TCG to more modern gameplay and mechanics.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How many Pokémon are there in 2022? |url=https://www.wargamer.com/pokemon-trading-card-game/how-many-pokemon-are-there |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620074036/https://www.wargamer.com/pokemon-trading-card-game/how-many-pokemon-are-there |archive-date=2022-06-20 |access-date=2022-07-05 |website=Wargamer}}</ref>

== Card collecting ==
[[File:Pikachu Illustrator.jpg|thumb|The [[Professional Sports Authenticator#Grading scale|PSA 10]] Pikachu Illustrator is the [[list of most expensive CCG cards|most valuable]] Pokémon card ever sold.]]
Collecting and swapping cards outside of gameplay has been a key aspect of the hobby since the initial release of the Pokémon TCG; many collectors have little-to-no interest in using their cards for gameplay, instead focusing on acquiring cards based on rarity/market value, a desire to complete a particular set, or a fondness for a certain Pokémon species or a specific art style.

Pokémon cards are sold at stores in many different formats including individual booster packs, pre-constructed decks, boxed sets including several booster packs and one or more promotional cards, booster bundles of six packs, and booster boxes of 36 packs.<ref name="Covenant">{{Cite web |title=Pokemon TCG Buyers Guide - Booster Packs, Boxes, & Decks |url=https://teamcovenant.com/learning/pokemon-tcg-card-game/what-to-buy-for-the-pokemon-tcg-booster-packs-boxes-and-more |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212035225/https://teamcovenant.com/learning/pokemon-tcg-card-game/what-to-buy-for-the-pokemon-tcg-booster-packs-boxes-and-more |archive-date=December 12, 2019 |access-date=December 14, 2019 |website=Covenant}}</ref> Subsequently, cards are also available through e-commerce websites and individual sellers. However, buyers should be cautioned of [[counterfeit|fake]] Pokémon cards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How To Spot Fake Pokemon Cards |url=https://thecardbazaar.com.au/how-to-tell-if-a-pokemon-card-is-fake |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204034307/https://thecardbazaar.com.au/how-to-tell-if-a-pokemon-card-is-fake |archive-date=December 4, 2019 |access-date=December 14, 2019 |website=thecardbazaar.com.au}}</ref> Additionally, a resurgence in the TCG's popularity since the early 2020s has led to a rise in scalping of sealed products; many players and collectors have reported difficulties in finding packs and boxes of popular sets at normal retail prices, as scalpers have targeted online product drops with automated bots, while in-person drops of popular items at brick-and-mortar stores have often sold out in minutes.

Many collectors opt to have their cards graded by a professional service, with [[Professional Sports Authenticator|Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA)]], [[Certified Guaranty Company|Certified Guaranty Company (CGC)]], and [[Beckett Media|Beckett]] being the most popular among Pokémon TCG enthusiasts. A card with a high grade can be worth significantly more on the open market than its ungraded counterpart, with many collectors using a card's PSA 10 (Gem Mint) value as a benchmark for the maximum potential value of a card; CGC and Beckett "Pristine 10" cards, however, can often sell for even larger amounts.

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.<ref name="Yehl-Mar8" /> 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).<ref name="Yehl-Mar8">{{Cite web |last=Yehl |first=Joshua |date=March 8, 2021 |title=How to Check Pokemon Card Value and Appraise Your Collection |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/how-to-check-value-of-pokemon-cards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630052118/https://www.ign.com/articles/how-to-check-value-of-pokemon-cards |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |access-date=July 1, 2022 |website=IGN}}</ref> 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''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Comprehensive Review of Rarity in the Pokemon TCG - Part Two |url=https://www.flipsidegaming.com/blogs/pokemon-blog/a-comprehensive-review-of-rarity-in-the-pokemon-tcg-part-two |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213230836/https://www.flipsidegaming.com/blogs/pokemon-blog/a-comprehensive-review-of-rarity-in-the-pokemon-tcg-part-two |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |access-date=December 14, 2019 |website=Flipside Gaming}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Covenant" /> Starting with the ''Scarlet and Violet'' series however, each pack will contain one holographic card, as well as two reverse holographic cards.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Master |first=Water Pokémon |date=2023-03-16 |title="Scarlet & Violet" Complete Set Guide: English Cards, Set List, Products, Changes, and More! - |url=https://www.pokebeach.com/2023/03/pokemon-tcg-scarlet-violet-complete-guide-english-set-list-products-changes-and-more |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430183025/https://www.pokebeach.com/2023/03/pokemon-tcg-scarlet-violet-complete-guide-english-set-list-products-changes-and-more |archive-date=2023-04-30 |access-date=2023-04-30 |website=PokéBeach.com Forums |language=en-US}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Newell">{{Cite web |last=Newell |first=Adam |date=April 27, 2020 |title=Pokémon TCG Card Rarity Explained {{!}} What are Rare, Ultra, Secret, and more cards? |url=https://dotesports.com/news/pokemon-tcg-card-rarity-explained |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410225013/https://dotesports.com/news/pokemon-tcg-card-rarity-explained |archive-date=April 10, 2022 |access-date=July 1, 2022 |website=Dot Esports}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 3, 2021 |title=Why is the Gen 1 Pokemon card Base Set so expensive? |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/675482-why-is-the-gen-1-pokemon-card-base-set-so-expensive |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101120249/https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/675482-why-is-the-gen-1-pokemon-card-base-set-so-expensive |archive-date=November 1, 2021 |access-date=July 5, 2022 |website=GameRevolution}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web |date=October 14, 2020 |title=Top 15 Most Rare and Expensive Pokémon Cards |url=https://www.dicebreaker.com/games/pokemon-trading-card-game/best-games/rare-pokemon-cards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629051454/https://www.dicebreaker.com/games/pokemon-trading-card-game/best-games/rare-pokemon-cards |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |access-date=July 5, 2022 |website=Dicebreaker}}</ref>

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.<ref name="Newell" /><ref name="Yehl-Mar8" /> In response to these collectible's considerable rarities, card collectors use card sleeves to protect them from [[wear and tear]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 November 2020 |title=Best way to take care of & store your Pokemon cards |url=https://www.dexerto.com/pokemon/best-way-to-take-care-of-store-your-pokemon-cards-1448008/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623204202/https://www.dexerto.com/pokemon/best-way-to-take-care-of-store-your-pokemon-cards-1448008/ |archive-date=June 23, 2021 |access-date=July 1, 2022 |website=Dexerto}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Yehl |first=Joshua |date=February 14, 2020 |title=How Sword and Shield Kicks Off a New Era of the Pokemon TCG |url=https://in.ign.com/pokemon-sword/144859/feature/how-sword-and-shield-kicks-off-a-new-era-of-the-pokemon-tcg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701051808/https://in.ign.com/pokemon-sword/144859/feature/how-sword-and-shield-kicks-off-a-new-era-of-the-pokemon-tcg |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |access-date=July 1, 2022 |website=IGN}}</ref>

From least to most, the top 15 [[list of most expensive CCG cards|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 [[Professional Sports Authenticator#Grading scale|PSA-graded 10]] "Pikachu Illustrator".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-17 |title=33 Rarest Pokémon Cards In The World (Updated for 2022) |url=https://cardcollector.co.uk/rarest-pokemon-cards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117143835/https://cardcollector.co.uk/rarest-pokemon-cards/ |archive-date=2022-11-17 |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=cardcollector.co.uk}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA" />

The "Pikachu Illustrator" is the [[list of most expensive CCG cards|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."<ref name="ReferenceA" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dinsdale |first=Ryan |date=2022-04-04 |title=Logan Paul Wears Most Expensive Pokemon Card to Wrestlemania 38 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/logan-paul-wears-most-expensive-pokemon-card-to-wrestlemania |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428134601/https://www.ign.com/articles/logan-paul-wears-most-expensive-pokemon-card-to-wrestlemania |archive-date=2022-04-28 |access-date=2022-07-01 |website=IGN}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ANOTHER PIKACHU ILLUSTRATOR CARD! SOLD FOR $208,000 |url=https://zenmarket.jp/en/blog/post/9480/another-pikachu-illustrator-card |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230704010942/https://zenmarket.jp/en/blog/post/9480/another-pikachu-illustrator-card |archive-date=4 July 2023 |access-date=4 July 2023 |website=zenmarket.jp}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Facundo |first=Joe |date=11 August 2020 |title=Illustrator Pikachu PSA 9 Sells for Record High $233,244 |url=https://blog.psacard.com/2020/08/11/illustrator-pikachu-psa-9-sells-for-record-high-233244/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230704032416/https://blog.psacard.com/2020/08/11/illustrator-pikachu-psa-9-sells-for-record-high-233244/ |archive-date=4 July 2023 |access-date=4 July 2023 |website=psacard.com |publisher=Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA)}}</ref> A third card was sold on the platform in 2022 for US$772,000.<ref>{{Cite web |title=POKÉMON PIKACHU ILLUSTRATOR CARD SELLS FOR OVER $772,000 |url=https://zenmarket.jp/en/blog/post/11309/pokemon-card-sells-for-772-thousand |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230704010936/https://zenmarket.jp/en/blog/post/11309/pokemon-card-sells-for-772-thousand |archive-date=4 July 2023 |access-date=4 July 2023 |website=zenmarket.jp}}</ref>

There are various [[TikTok]] accounts dedicated to opening Pokémon card packs (also known as "ripping" packs) people buy live on [[Live streaming|stream]] for viewers.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Gotta buy 'em all: Rising popularity of Pokemon trading card game in Singapore attracting collectors... and also scammers |url=https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/pokemon-trading-card-game-collectors-scammers-2201266 |access-date=2024-10-28 |website=TODAY |language=en}}</ref> Some streamers even run "pulls", where certain cards or number values are associated with rare, high value cards that are included if they happen to be pulled during pack openings. While there are genuine accounts associated with this trend, there are also [[scammers]] intentionally selling resealed packs with valuable cards already taken out, sending [[counterfeit]] cards or not sending anything at all.<ref name=":1" /> Pack rips are also streamed for other popular card games such as [[Magic: The Gathering|Magic: the Gathering]] and [[One Piece Card Game|One Piece]]. Additionally, several [[YouTuber|YouTubers]] that focus on opening packs have accumulated millions of subscribers.

==Competitive play==
{{multiple image
| align             = right
| total_width       = 280
| image1            = POKEMON card battle.jpg
| caption1          = ''Pokémon TCG'' Junior (10 years old and younger) / Senior (11 to 14 years old)-class tournament
| alt1              = Children (hands holding cards) competing at a ''Pokémon TCG ''junior tournament
| image2            = Pyrkon 2022 Pokemon Trading Card Game.jpg
| alt2              = Adults (hands holding cards) competing at a ''Pokémon TCG'' junior tournament
| caption2          = ''Pokémon TCG'' Master (15 years old and older)-class tournament
| direction         = vertical
}}
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),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Play! Pokémon Glossary |url=https://www.pokemon.com/uk/play-pokemon/about/tournaments-glossary/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813131440/https://www.pokemon.com/uk/play-pokemon/about/tournaments-glossary/ |archive-date=2019-08-13 |access-date=2019-07-31 |website=Pokemon.com}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 Season Pokémon TCG Format Rotation |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/2020-season-pokemon-tcg-format-rotation/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204020037/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/2020-season-pokemon-tcg-format-rotation/ |archive-date=2019-12-04 |access-date=2019-12-04 |website=Pokemon.com}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-25 |title=1st Official Pokemon Card Game Tournament |url=https://pokumon.com/1st-official-pokemon-card-game-tournament/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529023924/https://pokumon.com/1st-official-pokemon-card-game-tournament/ |archive-date=2023-05-29 |access-date=2023-09-08 |website=Pokumon |language=en-US}}</ref>

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).<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 June 2021 |title=Changes revealed for Play! Pokémon 2022 Championship Series |url=https://cms.upcomer.com/changes-revealed-for-play-pokemon-2022-championship-series/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307015925/https://cms.upcomer.com/changes-revealed-for-play-pokemon-2022-championship-series/ |archive-date=2023-03-07 |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=Upcomer}}</ref> 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,<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 August 2017 |title=How Competitive Pokemon Works |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/08/12/how-competitive-pokemon-works |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204021716/https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/08/12/how-competitive-pokemon-works |archive-date=2019-12-04 |access-date=2019-12-04 |website=IGN}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 30, 2021 |title=Play! Pokémon Tournament Rules Handbook English Version |url=https://assets.pokemon.com/assets/cms2/pdf/play-pokemon/rules/play-pokemon-tournament-rules-handbook-09302021-en.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616194949/https://assets.pokemon.com//assets/cms2/pdf/play-pokemon/rules/play-pokemon-tournament-rules-handbook-09302021-en.pdf |archive-date=June 16, 2022 |access-date=July 1, 2022 |website=Pokémon Assets}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pokemon Organised Play TCG Championship Points |url=http://suttoncoldfieldpokeclub.weebly.com/championship-points.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204025045/http://suttoncoldfieldpokeclub.weebly.com/championship-points.html |archive-date=2019-12-04 |access-date=2019-12-04 |website=Sutton Coldfield Pokemon club}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pokémon Championship Series |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/pokemon-events/pokemon-tournaments/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630175956/https://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/pokemon-events/pokemon-tournaments/ |archive-date=2022-06-30 |access-date=2022-07-01 |website=Pokemon.com}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-30 |title=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 |url=https://indexarticles.com/business/business-wire/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/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908043639/https://indexarticles.com/business/business-wire/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/ |archive-date=2023-09-08 |access-date=2023-09-08 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="Wrack">{{Cite news |last=Wrack |first=Suzanne |date=2022-08-24 |title=Still catching 'em all: why the Pokémon World Championships are bigger than ever |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2022/aug/24/still-catching-em-all-why-the-pokemon-world-championships-are-bigger-than-ever |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331072102/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2022/aug/24/still-catching-em-all-why-the-pokemon-world-championships-are-bigger-than-ever |archive-date=2023-03-31 |access-date=2023-09-08 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Richman |first=Olivia |date=2023-07-31 |title=Pokémon Community Shocked by New Championship Point Requirements |url=https://esi.si.com/pokemon/tcg-world-championship-points-2024-qualification |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908043638/https://esi.si.com/pokemon/tcg-world-championship-points-2024-qualification |archive-date=2023-09-08 |access-date=2023-09-08 |website=Esports Illustrated |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Pokémon World Championships |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/pokemon-events/pokemon-tournaments/pokemon-world-championships |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828120846/https://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/pokemon-events/pokemon-tournaments/pokemon-world-championships/ |archive-date=2023-08-28 |access-date=2023-09-08 |website=Pokemon.com |language=en}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:left"
|+ 
|-
! Year !! Location
|-
|2004
|Orlando, Florida, U.S.<ref name="Wrack" /> 
|-
|2005
|San Diego, California, U.S.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Release |first=Press |date=June 22, 2005 |title=2005 Pokémon World Championship qualifier comes to town |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/neighborhood/article/2005-Pokemon-World-Championship-qualifier-comes-9807532.php |work=Houston Chronicle}}</ref>
|-
|2006
|Anaheim, California, U.S.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-22 |title=Pokemon Organized Play (POP) Timeline 2005-2006 (Pokemon League Year 7) |url=https://www.elitefourum.com/t/pokemon-organized-play-pop-timeline-2005-2006-pokemon-league-year-7/37539 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205135843/https://www.elitefourum.com/t/pokemon-organized-play-pop-timeline-2005-2006-pokemon-league-year-7/37539 |archive-date=2023-02-05 |access-date=2023-09-08 |website=Elite Fourum |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|2007
|Waikoloa Village, Hawaii, U.S.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-10 |title=Pokemon Organized Play (POP) Timeline 2006-2007 (Pokemon League Year 8) |url=https://www.elitefourum.com/t/pokemon-organized-play-pop-timeline-2006-2007-pokemon-league-year-8/40150 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908043658/https://www.elitefourum.com/t/pokemon-organized-play-pop-timeline-2006-2007-pokemon-league-year-8/40150 |archive-date=2023-09-08 |access-date=2023-09-08 |website=Elite Fourum |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|2008
|Orlando, Florida, U.S.<ref>{{Citation |title=Pokemon World Championships in Orlando, Florida | date=18 August 2008 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgPrAo7GwB4 |access-date=2023-09-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215090208/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgPrAo7GwB4&gl=US&hl=en |archive-date=2017-12-15 |url-status=live |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|2009
|San Diego, California, U.S.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 Pokémon Championship Series |url=https://www.serebii.net/playpokemon/2009.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729074933/https://www.serebii.net/playpokemon/2009.shtml |archive-date=2023-07-29 |access-date=2023-09-08 |website=www.serebii.net}}</ref>
|-
|2010
|Waikoloa Village, Hawaii, U.S.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Mastrapa |first=Gus |title=New Jerseyan Wins Pokemon World Championship |url=https://www.wired.com/2010/08/pokemon-championship-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222133209/https://www.wired.com/2010/08/pokemon-championship-2/ |archive-date=2016-12-22 |access-date=2023-09-08 |magazine=Wired |language=en-US |issn=1059-1028}}</ref>
|-
|2011
|San Diego, California, U.S.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-08-15 |title=Kent teen wins Pokemon Trading Card Game World Championship title |url=https://www.kentreporter.com/news/kent-teen-wins-pokemon-trading-card-game-world-championship-title/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908043640/https://www.kentreporter.com/news/kent-teen-wins-pokemon-trading-card-game-world-championship-title/ |archive-date=2023-09-08 |access-date=2023-09-08 |website=Kent Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|2012
|Waikoloa Village, Hawaii, U.S.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lien |first=Tracey |date=2012-08-14 |title=Pokémon World Champions crowned in Hawaii |url=https://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/8/14/3240908/pokemon-world-champions-crowned-in-hawaii |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208140149/https://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/8/14/3240908/pokemon-world-champions-crowned-in-hawaii |archive-date=2023-02-08 |access-date=2023-09-08 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|2013
|Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ellwood |first=Greg |date=2013-06-07 |title=Pokémon Trainers head to the 2013 Pokémon World Championships |url=https://entertainment-focus.com/2013/06/07/pokemon-trainers-head-to-the-2013-pokemon-world-championships/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210044556/https://entertainment-focus.com/2013/06/07/pokemon-trainers-head-to-the-2013-pokemon-world-championships/ |archive-date=2022-12-10 |access-date=2023-09-08 |website=Entertainment Focus |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|2014
|Washington D.C., U.S.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=2014-08-18 |title=A Weekend At The 2014 Pokémon World Championships |url=https://time.com/3136218/2014-pokemon-world-championships/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620230800/https://time.com/3136218/2014-pokemon-world-championships/ |archive-date=2023-06-20 |access-date=2023-09-08 |magazine=Time |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|2015
|Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 Pokémon World Championship (Local Guide) |url=https://www.bostoncentral.com/events/special/p43313.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908043643/https://www.bostoncentral.com/events/special/p43313.php |archive-date=2023-09-08 |access-date=2023-09-08 |website=www.bostoncentral.com |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|2016
|San Francisco, California, U.S.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rousseau |first=Jeffrey |date=2016-08-23 |title=The Elite 4: Our 2016 Pokemon World Championship Winners |url=https://www.gameskinny.com/news/the-elite-4-our-2016-pokemon-world-championship-winners/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908043820/https://www.gameskinny.com/news/the-elite-4-our-2016-pokemon-world-championship-winners/ |archive-date=2023-09-08 |access-date=2023-09-08 |website=GameSkinny |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|2017
|Anaheim, California, U.S.<ref name="2017PokemonRecapFinals">{{Cite web |title=The 2017 Worlds Is a Wrap! |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/worlds/2017/finals-recap/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927112546/https://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/worlds/2017/finals-recap/ |archive-date=2017-09-27 |access-date=2017-09-27 |website=Pokemon.com}}</ref>
|-
|2018
|Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blogger |date=2018-08-26 |title=Day 2 of the 2018 Pokémon World Championships is complete, here's the official recap |url=https://pokemonblog.com/2018/08/26/day-2-of-the-2018-pokemon-world-championships-is-complete-heres-the-official-recap/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908043821/https://pokemonblog.com/2018/08/26/day-2-of-the-2018-pokemon-world-championships-is-complete-heres-the-official-recap/ |archive-date=2023-09-08 |access-date=2023-09-08 |website=Pokémon Blog |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|2019
|Washington, D.C., U.S.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 August 2019 |title=2019 Pokemon World Championships: Prize pool, schedule, and how to watch |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/113421/2019-pokemon-world-championships-prize-pool-schedule-and-how-to-watch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307215037/https://www.shacknews.com/article/113421/2019-pokemon-world-championships-prize-pool-schedule-and-how-to-watch |archive-date=2023-03-07 |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=Shacknews}}</ref>
|-
|2020 - 2021
|All events have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marshall |first=Cass |date=2020-03-31 |title=Pokémon competitive circuit canceled for 2020 due to coronavirus |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/3/31/21201777/pokemon-play-competitive-card-game-cricuit-canceled-coronavirus-covid-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307215048/https://www.polygon.com/2020/3/31/21201777/pokemon-play-competitive-card-game-cricuit-canceled-coronavirus-covid-19 |archive-date=2023-03-07 |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=Polygon}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Diaz |first=Ana |date=2021-02-09 |title=The 2021 Pokémon World Championships canceled due to COVID-19 concerns |url=https://www.polygon.com/2021/2/9/22274834/pokemon-world-championship-canceled-covid-19-tcg-sword-shield-pokken |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307215036/https://www.polygon.com/2021/2/9/22274834/pokemon-world-championship-canceled-covid-19-tcg-sword-shield-pokken |archive-date=2023-03-07 |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=Polygon}}</ref>
|-
|2022
|London, England, U.K.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pokémon World Championships |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/pokemon-events/pokemon-tournaments/pokemon-world-championships/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626110410/https://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/pokemon-events/pokemon-tournaments/pokemon-world-championships/ |archive-date=2022-06-26 |access-date=2022-07-02 |website=Pokemon.com}}</ref>
|-
|2023
|Yokohama, Japan<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yehl |first=Joshua |date=2023-08-17 |title=Underdog Defeats Pokémon TCG's Greatest Player to Become World Champion |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/underdog-defeats-pokmon-tcgs-greatest-player-to-become-world-champion |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230911143243/https://www.ign.com/articles/underdog-defeats-pokmon-tcgs-greatest-player-to-become-world-champion |archive-date=2023-09-11 |access-date=2023-09-12 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|2024
|Honolulu, Hawaii <ref>The 2024 world championships got announced during the closing ceremony of the 2023 world championship. Along with the location of Hawaiʻi Convention Center 1801 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815.
https://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/pokemon-events/pokemon-tournaments/pokemon-world-championships {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828120846/https://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/pokemon-events/pokemon-tournaments/pokemon-world-championships/ |date=2023-08-28 }}</ref>
|}

== Controversies ==
{{wikinews|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,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kelts, Roland |title=Japanamerica: How Japanese Pop Culture Has Invaded the U.S. |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |year=2007 |isbn=978-1-4039-8476-0 |pages=95–96}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |date=November 18, 1998 |title=Uri Geller Vs. Pokémon |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,617196,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005152716/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,617196,00.html |archive-date=October 5, 2012 |access-date=September 29, 2009 |publisher=[[People magazine|People]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kelts, Roland |year=2007 |title=Japanamerica: How Japanese Pop Culture Has Invaded the U.S. |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |pages=95–96 |isbn=978-1-4039-8476-0}}</ref> 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".<ref name="gellerbbc">{{Cite news |date=November 2, 2000 |title=Geller sues Nintendo over Pokémon |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/1003454.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070329050555/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/1003454.stm |archive-date=March 29, 2007 |access-date=May 30, 2007 |work=BBC News}}</ref> A Nintendo director denied this, stating that they had no knowledge of any Pokémon named "based on the image of any particular person".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |date=January 4, 2000 |title=Uri Geller sues Pokémon |url=http://news.zdnet.co.uk/hardware/emergingtech/0,39020357,2076058,00.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616063221/http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/emerging-tech/2000/01/04/uri-geller-sues-pokemon-2076058/ |archive-date=June 16, 2012 |access-date=September 29, 2009 |publisher=[[ZDNet]]. [[CBS Interactive]]}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sahagian, Jon |date=July 4, 2008 |title=Second Interview with Masamitsu Hidaka – Many Interesting Points! |url=http://pokebeach.com/2008/07/second-pokemon-interview-with-masamitsu-hidaka-many-interesting-points |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120621235837/http://pokebeach.com/2008/07/second-pokemon-interview-with-masamitsu-hidaka-many-interesting-points |archive-date=June 21, 2012 |access-date=March 4, 2016 |publisher=PokéBeach}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carpenter |first=Nicole |date=November 30, 2020 |title=Magician ends 20-year battle with Nintendo over ''Pokemon'' card |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/11/30/21726492/pokemon-nintendo-lawsuit-uri-geller-kadabra-apology |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130170839/https://www.polygon.com/2020/11/30/21726492/pokemon-nintendo-lawsuit-uri-geller-kadabra-apology |archive-date=November 30, 2020 |access-date=August 25, 2021 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]]}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 March 2023 |title=Teen disqualified from Pokémon tournament for laughing upon being asked his pronouns |url=https://news.yahoo.com/teen-disqualified-pok-mon-tournament-222609535.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402183049/https://news.yahoo.com/teen-disqualified-pok-mon-tournament-222609535.html |archive-date=2 April 2023 |access-date=2 April 2023 |website=Yahoo News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=31 March 2023 |title=Teen who laughed when asked for 'preferred pronouns' booted from Pokémon card tournament |url=https://mynbc15.com/news/nation-world/teen-who-laughed-when-asked-for-preferred-pronouns-booted-from-pokmon-card-tournament-trading-card-game-makani-tran-charlotte |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402184037/https://mynbc15.com/news/nation-world/teen-who-laughed-when-asked-for-preferred-pronouns-booted-from-pokmon-card-tournament-trading-card-game-makani-tran-charlotte |archive-date=2 April 2023 |access-date=2 April 2023 |website=NBC News}}</ref>

==Reception==
The reviewer from the online second volume of ''[[Pyramid (magazine)|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."<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 29, 1999 |title=Pyramid: Pyramid Pick: Pokemon Trading Card Game |url=http://www.sjgames.com/pyramid/sample.html?id=571 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021223225/http://www.sjgames.com/pyramid/sample.html?id=571 |archive-date=2020-10-21 |access-date=2020-05-06 |website=SJ Games.com}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Carter |first=Reon |date=1999-04-13 |title=Pokémon power |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35145669/pokemon-power/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220080952/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35145669/pokemon-power/ |archive-date=2021-12-20 |access-date=2021-12-20 |work=[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]] |pages=23}}</ref>

In 2016, it was the year's top-selling toy in the strategic card game subclass.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 1, 2017 |title=The Top 150 Global Licensors |url=http://www.licensemag.com/license-global/top-150-global-licensors-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170414082257/http://www.licensemag.com/license-global/top-150-global-licensors-3 |archive-date=April 14, 2017 |access-date=April 13, 2017 |website=License Mag.com |quote=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.}}</ref> In 2017, it had an 82% share of Europe's strategic card game market.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 1, 2018 |title=Pokémon toys and trading card sales spike in Europe |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-03-01-pok-mon-toys-and-trading-card-sales-spike-in-europe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628072559/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-03-01-pok-mon-toys-and-trading-card-sales-spike-in-europe |archive-date=2018-06-28 |access-date=2018-06-28 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |quote=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<!--sic--> 82% share of the market (total sales of strategic trading cards sat at €122 million for Europe).}}</ref> As of March 2023, the game has sold over 52.9 billion cards worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 2023 |title=Business Summary |url=https://corporate.pokemon.co.jp/en/aboutus/figures/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010084800/https://corporate.pokemon.co.jp/en/aboutus/figures/ |archive-date=October 10, 2020 |access-date=May 26, 2023 |website=Pokémon official website |publisher=[[The Pokémon Company]]}}</ref>

==Reviews==
*''Family Games: The 100 Best''<ref>{{Cite book |last=Lowder |first=James |url=https://archive.org/details/familygames100be0000unse/page/266/mode/2up |title=Family games : The 100 best |date=2010 |publisher=Green Ronin |isbn=978-1-934547-21-2}}</ref>

==Video games==
The [[Pokémon Trading Card Game (video game)|''Pokémon Trading Card Game'']] video game adaptation was developed by [[Hudson Soft]] and [[Creatures (company)|Creatures]] and published by [[Nintendo]] for the [[Game Boy Color]] console.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-09-25 |title=1998{{!}}Creatures クリーチャーズ |url=http://www.creatures.co.jp/html/outline/1998/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080925221007/http://www.creatures.co.jp/html/outline/1998/ |archive-date=2008-09-25 |access-date=2022-07-06 |website=Creatures.co.jp |language=ja}}</ref> It was released in Japan in December 1998<ref>{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=1999-09-11 |title=Pokémon Card Game Coming to the US |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/09/11/pokamon-card-game-coming-to-the-us |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224174213/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/09/11/pokamon-card-game-coming-to-the-us |archive-date=2021-02-24 |access-date=2022-07-06 |website=IGN}}</ref> and later in North American and Europe in 2000,<ref>{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=1999-12-03 |title=Pokémon Card Delayed |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/03/pokamon-card-delayed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224171357/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/03/pokamon-card-delayed |archive-date=2021-02-24 |access-date=2022-07-06 |website=IGN}}</ref> reappearing in the [[Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console]] released in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-07-14 |title=This week's European downloads - July 10 (Pokemon TCG and more) - What are YOU waiting for? |url=http://www.gonintendo.com/s/232601-this-week-s-european-downloads-july-10-pokemon-tcg-and-more |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714034301/http://www.gonintendo.com/s/232601-this-week-s-european-downloads-july-10-pokemon-tcg-and-more |archive-date=2014-07-14 |access-date=2022-07-06 |website=GoNintendo}}</ref> The adaptation are similar in gameplay and rules, featuring 226 cards from the TCG with infrared linking for multiplayer and trading.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ギフトセンター |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n02/dmg/acxj/page05.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319151157/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n02/dmg/acxj/page05.html |archive-date=2018-03-19 |access-date=2022-07-06 |website=Nintendo.co.jp |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=「カードポン！」でカードが増える！友達が増える！！ |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n02/dmg/acxj/page06.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319084742/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n02/dmg/acxj/page06.html |archive-date=2018-03-19 |access-date=2022-07-06 |website=Nintendo.co.jp |language=ja}}</ref> The video game was accompanied by ''Pokémon Card GB2: Great Rocket-Dan Sanjō!'', a Japan-exclusive sequel released in March 2001.<ref>{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=2001-01-25 |title=A New Pokemon Game In The Cards |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/01/25/a-new-pokamon-game-in-the-cards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319152123/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/01/25/a-new-pokamon-game-in-the-cards |archive-date=2018-03-19 |access-date=2022-07-06 |website=IGN}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pokémon Play It! series |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game-group/pokmon-play-it-series |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903183020/http://www.mobygames.com/game-group/pokmon-play-it-series |archive-date=2018-09-03 |access-date=2018-09-03 |website=Moby Games}}</ref>

The ''[[Pokémon TCG Online|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 (operating system)|Android]], [[macOS]], [[iOS]], and [[iPadOS]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 October 2014 |title=Pokemon TCG Online now available for iPad users in North America |url=http://www.techtimes.com/articles/16922/20141002/pokemon-tcg-online-now-available-for-ipad-users-in-north-america.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614072135/http://www.techtimes.com/articles/16922/20141002/pokemon-tcg-online-now-available-for-ipad-users-in-north-america.htm |archive-date=14 June 2018 |access-date=14 June 2015 |website=Tech Times}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kato |first=Matthew |date=February 15, 2011 |title=Online Battles Start With Pokémon Trainer Challenge - News |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/02/15/pok-233-mon-trainer-challenge.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218090605/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/02/15/pok-233-mon-trainer-challenge.aspx |archive-date=2011-02-18 |access-date=2011-02-15 |magazine=[[Game Informer]]}}</ref><ref name="GRPTC">{{Cite web |last=Raby |first=Mark |date=2011-02-16 |title=Pokémon trading cards getting free browser-based game, Pokemon Black / White DS News |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/ds/pokemon-black-white/news/pokmon-trading-cards-getting-free-browser-based-game/a-2011021614310309043/g-201004091000657031 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419185341/https://www.gamesradar.com/pokemon-trading-cards-getting-free-browser-based-game/ |archive-date=2021-04-19 |access-date=2011-02-22 |website=GamesRadar}}</ref>

The ''{{Nihongo|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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Pokémon Trading Card Game Includes Nintendo DS Tutorial - News |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/27056/new-pokemon-trading-card-game-includes-nintendo-ds-tutorial |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920213058/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/27056/new-pokemon-trading-card-game-includes-nintendo-ds-tutorial |archive-date=2021-09-20 |access-date=2021-09-20 |website=Nintendo World Report}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pokémon TCG Live Makes its Canadian Debut in Limited Beta |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/pokemon-tcg-live-makes-its-canadian-debut-in-limited-beta/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301191614/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/pokemon-tcg-live-makes-its-canadian-debut-in-limited-beta/ |archive-date=2022-03-01 |access-date=2022-03-01 |website=Pokemon.com}}</ref> Later, a global beta of ''Pokémon Trading Card Game Live'' was released on November 15, 2022 on [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[iOS]], [[Microsoft Windows]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 November 2022 |title=Pokemon TCG Live beta finally hits US with global launch |url=https://www.dexerto.com/pokemon/pokemon-tcg-live-beta-finally-hits-us-with-global-launch-1985678/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307215037/https://www.dexerto.com/pokemon/pokemon-tcg-live-beta-finally-hits-us-with-global-launch-1985678/ |archive-date=2023-03-07 |access-date=2023-03-07 |website=Dexerto}}</ref> The game is now also available on [[macOS]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pokémon TCG Live |url=https://tcg.pokemon.com/en-us/tcgl/ |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=tcg.pokemon.com}}</ref> 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''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Card Set Development Ending for the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/card-set-development-ending-for-the-pokemon-trading-card-game-online |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225234119/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/card-set-development-ending-for-the-pokemon-trading-card-game-online |archive-date=2023-02-25 |access-date=2023-02-25 |website=Pokemon.com}}</ref> Existing players of ''Pokémon Trading Card Game Online'' can transfer their account and in-game data to ''Pokémon Trading Card Game Live.''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pokémon TCG Live Launches Soon on Mobile Devices, Tablets, PCs and Macs |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/pokemon-tcg-live-launches-soon-on-mobile-devices-tablets-pcs-and-macs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921042038/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/pokemon-tcg-live-launches-soon-on-mobile-devices-tablets-pcs-and-macs/ |archive-date=2021-09-21 |access-date=2021-09-20 |website=Pokemon.com}}</ref>

On February 27, 2024, another ''Pokémon Trading Card Game''-based video game for [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[iOS]] was announced in the ''Pokémon Presents'' presentation  developed by [[Creatures (company)]] and [[DeNA]] titled ''[[Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Updates from the Pokémon Day 2024 Pokémon Presents |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/updates-from-the-pokemon-day-2024-pokemon-presents |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=Pokemon.com |language=en |archive-date=2024-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302020240/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/updates-from-the-pokemon-day-2024-pokemon-presents |url-status=live }}</ref> 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. The gameplay utilizes streamlined battle and trading systems. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Yu |first=Johnny |date=2024-11-27 |title=When will trading release in Pokémon TCG Pocket? |url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-tcg-pocket-guides/484754/trading-release-date-unlock-restrictions |access-date=2025-01-01 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref>  Players are given two booster packs to open every day at no charge,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Announcement {{!}} Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket |url=https://tcgpocket.pokemon.com/en-us/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=tcgpocket.pokemon.com |language=en-us}}</ref> but also have the option to pay for [[In-app purchases|in app purchases]], including a paid premium membership. This membership allows you to open an additional free pack, and adds other features within the game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Julia |date=2024-10-31 |title=Is the Pokémon TCG Pocket Premium Pass worth buying? |url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-tcg-pocket-guides/473299/premium-pass-worth-it-free-trial |access-date=2024-11-02 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Pokémon TCG Pocket Purchase and Premium Pass FAQ |url=https://support.pokemon.com/hc/en-us/articles/30331739144596-Pok%C3%A9mon-TCG-Pocket-Purchase-and-Premium-Pass-FAQ |access-date=2024-11-02 |website=support.pokemon.com}}</ref> The game was released worldwide on October 30, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |title=Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket launches October 30 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/08/pokemon-trading-card-game-pocket-launches-october-30 |date=2024-08-19 |website=Gematsu |access-date=2024-10-30 |archive-date=2024-08-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819051212/https://www.gematsu.com/2024/08/pokemon-trading-card-game-pocket-launches-october-30 |url-status=live |language=en-us}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{Cite magazine |last=Venters |first=Jillian |date=January 1999 |title=Is that a monster in your pocket? |magazine=[[The Duelist (magazine)|The Duelist]] |publisher=[[Wizards of the Coast]] |pages=88–89 |issue=33}}<!-- introduction of game to North America --><!-- there are a number of Pokémon articles in The Duelist #35, March 1999, pages 52-63 -->
* [https://archive.org/details/ScryeMagazineIssue58-April2003/page/n51/mode/2up Preview] in ''[[Scrye]]'' #58
* [https://archive.org/details/scrye68/page/n23/mode/2up Overview] in ''[[Scrye]]'' #68
* [https://archive.org/details/ScryePokemonPriceAndPlayersGuide2000/mode/2up Scrye Pokemon Price and Players Guide 2000]

==External links==
{{wikibooks}}
* {{Official website|http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/}}

{{Pokémon}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Pokemon Trading Card Game}}
[[Category:Pokémon Trading Card Game| ]]
[[Category:Card games introduced in 1996]]
[[Category:Collectible card games based on video games]]
[[Category:Japanese card games]]
[[Category:Wizards of the Coast games]]
[[Category:Nintendo toys]]
[[Category:1990s fads and trends]]
[[Category:2020s fads and trends]]