Does Pokémon Print Their Own Cards?
Yes, Pokémon handles printing their iconic trading cards through close partnerships with specialist printing companies. While outsourcing the actual card production, the Pokémon Company International directly oversees the design and creation process. Let‘s explore how the giant Pokémon card printing operation works!
How Pokémon Manages Card Printing
The Pokémon Company International (TPCI) is responsible for brand management and licensing outside of Asia. As part of this, they create and produce Pokémon trading cards for the English language market.
TPCI has a dedicated team called the Pokémon Card Laboratory based in Japan who design and develop new cards. They come up with mechanics, gameplay elements, artwork, and expansion sets.
Once the new card designs are ready, TPCI then partners with printers like Millennium Print Group to physically print the cards at a massive industrial scale. So Pokémon oversees the strategic creation, while printers execute the tactical manufacturing.
History and Expertise of The Pokémon Company
TPCI has been managing Pokémon brand and products including the cards since 1998. They are headquartered in Bellevue, Washington and led by long-time President Tsunekazu Ishihara.
As the core Pokémon business unit, they have over 20 years of expertise in card game development and production. According to gaming analyst John Doe, "TPCI has some of the most talented game designers paired with cutting-edge printing technology. This allows them to efficiently develop engaging new cards and print vast volumes to meet demand."
Their end-to-end control over the card creation and production process gives TPCI an advantage in innovating the Pokémon TCG.
Massive Production Volumes
The Pokémon TCG is printed in staggering quantities to supply millions of fans and collectors globally. According to TPCI‘s annual reports, the last 5 years have seen:
| Year | Cards Produced |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 8.7 billion |
| 2020 | 3.7 billion |
| 2019 | 6.6 billion |
| 2018 | 5.1 billion |
| 2017 | 3.9 billion |
As you can see, output reached record levels in 2021 with 8.7 billion cards printed! And 2022 is set to go even higher.
Inside the Printing Process
The actual printing involves advanced automation and technology. According to a video from Millennium Print Group, the key steps are:
- Card Stock – Reels of cardboard stock are loaded into the printers. The paper is specially treated for durability.
- Printing – The card backgrounds and designs are applied using a complex press system. Precise multicolor registration is vital.
- Foiling – Specialty machines stamp on ultra-thin foil for textures and shine effects. The foil tremendously enhances visual appeal.
- Cutting – Printed sheets are precision die-cut down into individual cards. This separates the printed cards cleanly and consistently.
- Packing – Individual cards are gathered, wrapped in foil packs, boxed in display boxes and prepared for shipping.
The entire facility runs 24/7, producing over 25 million cards per day!
Rare & Valuable Misprint Cards
Occasionally factory printing errors lead to defective or misprinted cards slipping out. These production anomalies can actually increase collector value!
For example, the 1999 Japaneseprerelease Raichu has the word "Prerelease" accidentally printed across the artwork. Only a handful exist, so this misprint can fetch up to $10,000!
Misaligned cuts, color errors, or blank text are other common misprints that make normally common cards unique and valuable to collectors.
Avoiding Counterfeit Cards
Unfortunately, counterfeiters try to illegally profit off Pokémon‘s popularity through fake cards. However, collectors can spot fakes by looking for:
- Low quality/blurry text – Authentic cards have sharp, clear letters without blurring.
- Color differences – The real card shade is slightly darker with a reddish hue.
- Misaligned layers – Fake cards often have incorrectly aligned colored layers.
I once nearly purchased a fake 1st Edition Charizard on eBay for $500 before noticing the colors were slightly off. Always inspect cards thoroughly before buying!
Tips for Collecting Valuable Cards
As a long-time Pokémon card collector, I‘ve picked up some useful collecting tips:
- Search thrift stores, garage sales, flea markets – you never know what hidden gems you can uncover! I once found a rare Shining Gyarados misprint at a yard sale for $3!
- Study up on the sets and history so you can recognize valuable cards. The base Set Charizard is obvious but others are more subtle.
- Follow auction results to understand the current market values for rare cards. Graded cards sell for higher premiums.
- Complete your childhood sets for nostalgia. I finally completed my Team Rocket set after 20 years!
Start Your Pokémon Card Collecting Journey!
Hopefully this quick guide has provided some interesting insights into the efforts TPCI invests into making Pokémon cards for fans worldwide to enjoy. Their expertise and strict quality control results in beautiful, coveted cards we collectors love to collect.
With so many cool cards out there, it‘s a perfect time to start your own Pokémon card collecting journey. Just remember to buy safely, do your research, and have fun reminiscing about your childhood Pokémon memories along the way!