Why You’ll be Hooked on the Pokémon Trading Card Game (Even If You Don’t Play It)

Remember that thrill when you pulled your first holographic Pokémon card? 

That magic hasn’t gone away. The Pokémon Trading Card Game is cooler now than ever, whether you’re a player, collector, or just a fan of the franchise. 

Contrary to the name, the Pokémon TCG isn’t just about cards; it’s about art, nostalgia, and community. 

There’s so much to love and enjoy — let’s explore why this journey is perfect for you.

 

Reliving the nostalgia of Pokémon

Pokémon first hit the States in 1998 with the release of the Red and Blue video games. The trading card game came a year later, in 1999. 

To anyone like me growing up in the '90s, you know that Pokémon wasn’t just a fad — it was a way of life. 

Pokémon is a timeless franchise synonymous with the wonders of childhood. 

There’s something to be said about how a little piece of cardboard can transport you back to a simpler, carefree time. It's like some sort of nostalgic, magical spell. 

I still vividly remember begging my father to get me a shiny holo-foil Gyarados from Base Set. I was hooked on that big fish (see what I did there?). 

When he saw the $6.50 price tag on a single card, he looked at me like I was sick in the head. 

“Are you sure this is what you want to spend your money on?” he asked, not sure what I could possibly be thinking. 

Little did he know I was sick. And the diagnosis was a lifelong case of “Pokemania.” 

 

Why Pokémon card art is a collector’s dream

Now, I’m no art snob, but forgive me for standing on business when I say that Pokémon card art is some of the most vibrant, energetic, and insanely collectible art you’ll see anywhere. 

In the International Museum of FireleafTCG, you’ll find Van Gogh and Ken Sugimori on the same wall. It’s that good.

And new artists are popping up every day with new and outstanding artwork, like my current favorite artist in the scene, Okacheke:

Even if you’re not a connoisseur of the fine arts, anyone with an eye for creativity or A E S T H E T I C S can appreciate the iconic artwork you’ll find on these cards.

 

Pokémon TCG: A game for all skill levels.

You know that adrenaline rush when you overcome a challenge? Especially when it’s with nothing but your wits and the belief that victory was yours to claim? 

Well, that’s the feeling I get when I pull a win out, even when defeat looks certain. 

I won’t get too in-depth on the rules or how to actually play the Pokémon TCG today. We’ll save that for a later date. 

With that said, it’s not because the game is too complicated. Unlike other TCGs that get pretty complex (looking at you, Yu-Gi-Oh!), Pokémon is a relatively accessible card game to get into.

Each player controls one active Pokémon card, supported by a bench of up to five others. The goal is to gather prize points by knocking out the opponent’s Pokémon. 

Along the way, you have so many opportunities to buff yourself and hinder your opponent that the game is never over until it’s over. 

Friendships are formed; rivalries are set — all over the coolest and cutest little critters.

I mean, just look at this guy. Can you believe he can destroy planets?

And compared to the sky-high prices you have to pay for a competitive deck with games like Magic: the Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pokémon probably has the best affordability of all the big TCGs. 

The Pokémon Trading Card Game sells pre-made decks for those starting out. And even the competitive decks that win tournaments can be had for the cheap.

 

Collecting Pokémon cards is more than a hobby

Years ago, in a moment that I chalk up as “being a bonehead,” I gave all my old cards away. 

I was too cool to have Pokémon cards. 🤪

But with the release of Scarlet & Violet: 151, I saw the error of my ways. I won’t be making that mistake again. 

Now, I have a growing collection of my favorite cards that make me smile whenever I look at them. 

And you can be cool like me too — but with over 200,000 different cards spanning nearly 30 years, where should you start? (Did that number blow your mind? Because it did for me when I looked it up!)

Don’t worry. Just start where it feels right. 

Whether you want to hunt for the old favorites or hop on the modern train, barreling toward some of the greatest sets of all time, it’s all about finding Pokémon you enjoy. 

If you still need a good place to start, though, Scarlet and Violet: 151 or Crown Zenith are both great choices. 

One is the OG 151 that took the world by storm all those years ago. The other is the swansong of the last yellow-bordered cards. The art won’t let you down on either.

                   

I have zero control when it comes to these two packs

The community behind the Pokémon TCG

Would you believe a card game nearing its 30th anniversary has a huge community that has arguably never been bigger? In-person and online, there’s a vibrant community nearly everywhere you look. 

From heated discussions to classic funny memes like the "Surprised Pikachu,” there’s a place for everyone to feel a sense of togetherness. 

If you’re a shut-in like me, you can find Pokémon card social groups on nearly all platforms, including Instagram and Discord.

Just search Pokémon wherever you’re at, and I’m sure there’s a discussion going on there. 

Bonus points if you search for FireleafTCG *wink*.

Outside the safety of our internet bubbles (if you want to risk it), local game stores also bring fans together for events like pre-release set parties. 

Some even sponsor and hold official Pokémon tournaments where you can enter, compete, and win actual prize money and trophies. How’s that for being the very best?

Ready to catch ‘em all? 

Between its stunning artwork, the joy of collecting, and the thrill of the game, the Pokémon TCG offers something special for everyone. 

I haven’t even touched on other aspects of the TCG, such as trading with other players and investing in cards to create long-term value (I haven’t dabbled in those too much myself, so I wouldn’t want to lead anyone astray).

If any of this sounds interesting to you, head to your local card store if you have one. 

Buy yourself a booster pack and say hi to the kid with the Pikachu hat. They may be a beginner, just like you. 

You might just make a memory — one that feels nostalgic before you know it. 

It’s always the right time to start your journey to be the very best.