Why Collectors Are Switching to Chinese Pokémon Cards

Summary

Simplified Chinese Pokémon cards are revolutionizing the collecting hobby with exclusive artwork, unique holo patterns, and innovative card textures that rival traditional Japanese and English releases. Unlike traditional Chinese TCG, simplified Chinese sets catch up multiple past series quickly, including Sun & Moon and Sword & Shield, while introducing new collector-focused features like anti-counterfeit stamps and varied rarity systems. Standout releases such as Radiant cards and Gemack Volume 2 offer visually striking holo effects and rare illustration cards, attracting global collectors. With rising demand and limited-run promos, simplified Chinese cards are reshaping the market, proving that language is no longer a barrier for collectible value and excitement.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Pokémon TCG has traditionally been divided into two main markets: Japanese and international cards, but recently Chinese cards have started to disrupt the hobby.
• 😀 Chinese cards offer unique exclusive sets and artwork that rival Japanese releases, even though they are a generation behind in terms of series releases.
• 😀 Simplified Chinese Pokémon cards feature exclusive holo patterns and stunning artwork, which have caught the attention of international collectors, including English-speaking fans.
• 😀 The Chinese cards use a distinct holo pattern that blends crosshatch and pixel effects, creating a visually impressive look. Some collectors believe that Chinese card textures are superior to English cards.
• 😀 A major difference between Chinese and international cards is the use of a counterfeiting watermark in the lower left corner of Chinese cards for easy authentication.
• 😀 The texture of Chinese cards is more intricate, reflecting light uniquely compared to the fingerprint-like texture of English cards, and is comparable to the fine details of Japanese cards.
• 😀 The Simplified Chinese TCG releases follow a different schedule than the English and Japanese sets. Chinese cards started from the Sun and Moon series and are rapidly catching up to the Scarlet and Violet era.
• 😀 Simplified Chinese cards are printed in mainland China, with an entirely different Pokémon TCG distribution compared to Traditional Chinese cards, which are primarily available in Taiwan and Hong Kong.
• 😀 The Gemack Volume 2 set in Simplified Chinese introduces several exclusive illustration rares and unique holo patterns, showcasing the growing demand for these cards internationally.
• 😀 The market for Simplified Chinese Pokémon cards is growing rapidly, with high-demand exclusive cards like the Mew promo causing prices to rise and signaling a shift in global Pokémon TCG collecting.
• 😀 The introduction of limited print runs and serialized cards (e.g., the Mew promo with only 1,510 copies) in Simplified Chinese cards could change the landscape of Pokémon collecting, introducing scarcity to the market.

Q & A

What is the main difference between Japanese, English, and Simplified Chinese Pokémon cards?

The main difference lies in artwork, holo patterns, and card texture. Simplified Chinese cards introduce exclusive artwork and holo patterns that are unique to the Chinese market. They also feature a different rarity scale and anti-counterfeiting stamps not found on Japanese or English versions.

How do the holo patterns on Simplified Chinese cards compare to other language cards?

Simplified Chinese cards feature unique holo patterns that have caught the attention of collectors, such as a mix between crosshatch and pixel patterns. The Japanese versions tend to have even more striking holo effects, but Chinese cards are still praised for their depth and intricate designs.

What is the significance of the watermark or stamp on Chinese Pokémon cards?

The watermark or stamp is a counterfeiting measure aimed at authenticating the cards. It helps collectors quickly verify the authenticity of their cards, though it’s not foolproof. This feature could potentially be adopted by other languages in the future.

How do the textures of Simplified Chinese cards differ from English and Japanese cards?

The texture on Simplified Chinese cards is finer and more intricate compared to the thicker, fingerprint-like texture of English cards. The textures on both Chinese and Japanese cards are more refined and reflect light differently, contributing to their premium feel.

What was the impact of the Simplified Chinese Pokémon TCG’s launch in October 2022?

The launch marked the beginning of a new era for the Pokémon TCG in China. Simplified Chinese Pokémon cards are now part of a strategy to introduce exclusive content, starting from Sun and Moon sets, and quickly catching up to the latest Scarlet and Violet sets.

Why did Simplified Chinese cards start with older sets like Sun and Moon instead of newer releases?

Simplified Chinese cards started with older sets to quickly catch up with international releases. By releasing comprehensive sets that spanned multiple years, they were able to cover the entire Sun and Moon series in just under a year.

What makes the Gemack Volume 2 set unique in the context of Simplified Chinese cards?

Gemack Volume 2 is notable for its exclusive illustration rares, new holo patterns, and a simplified rarity scale. It also features repeat cards with varying patterns and has introduced Simplified Chinese Pokémon cards to English-speaking collectors.

How do the rarity scales of Simplified Chinese Pokémon cards differ from those of English cards?

Simplified Chinese cards use a different rarity scale, featuring simple symbols like circle, diamond, star, and triple star. This scale is easier to understand than the more complex system used in English sets and is aimed at clarifying the card hierarchy.

What factors are driving the increasing value of Simplified Chinese Pokémon cards?

The increasing value is driven by the introduction of exclusive cards, such as Radiant cards, and the scarcity of certain releases. The Mew promo, for instance, has a limited print run, making it highly collectible. Additionally, the growing demand in China and across the globe is pushing up prices.

How do Simplified Chinese Pokémon cards challenge the dominance of Japanese and English cards in the secondary market?

Simplified Chinese cards are introducing unique artwork and scarcity-driven releases, challenging the historical dominance of Japanese and English cards. For the first time, cards from a non-Japanese and non-English market are gaining significant attention, especially in North America and Europe.