Where Does Pokémon Print? Unveiling the Global Production Network of Pokémon Cards
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The world of Pokémon cards is a vibrant ecosystem, fueled by the insatiable desire of collectors and players alike. From the thrill of opening a booster pack to the strategic depth of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), these cards are more than just pieces of cardboard. But where are these coveted cards actually made? The answer, while seemingly simple, reveals a fascinating global network of manufacturing and logistics. In short, Pokémon cards are primarily printed in the United States and Japan. While the United States handles the bulk of the English and other language prints, Japan takes care of its domestic market and, crucially, the Simplified Chinese version.
The United States: A Powerhouse of Production
For decades, the United States has served as a major hub for Pokémon card production, particularly for the English-language market and other worldwide distributions. More specifically, it is South Dakota that is printing and packaging the Pokemon game cards, and MPG is a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company International, specializing in the production of high-quality collectible sports and game cards. This highlights the significant investment and infrastructure The Pokémon Company International has placed in the US to meet global demand. Except for cards in Japanese and Portuguese, all cards worldwide are printed in the USA.
The sheer scale of production is staggering. Recent reports indicate that billions of Pokémon cards are produced annually, with a significant portion originating from these US facilities. They need printing facilities that can do the kind of highly specialized printing needed for the cards. With a single printing press producing millions of cards in a single day. The printing facility creates the holofoil card stock at a rate of 15,000 sheets per day. They do so by laminating the holofoil to the card stock. The holo cards are printed separately.
Japan: The Land of Origin and Simplified Chinese
Japan, the birthplace of Pokémon, naturally plays a crucial role in the production of Pokémon cards. While the US handles much of the international market, Japan focuses on the Japanese-language cards sold within the country. Additionally, and perhaps surprisingly, Japan is responsible for printing the Simplified Chinese version of the Pokémon TCG.
This decision to produce Simplified Chinese cards in Japan is noteworthy. It’s generally believed to ensure quality control and consistency with the Japanese versions, which are known for their high production standards. As the Simplified Chinese version of Pokemon TCG is printed in Japan, the look and feel of the cards are comparable vs. Japanese version, and in some cases even sharper given the evolution of printing technology over the years.
A Global Network: Beyond the Core Locations
While the US and Japan are the primary printing locations, the story doesn’t end there. The Pokémon Company International operates a complex global supply chain that involves distribution centers and retailers worldwide. This network ensures that Pokémon cards reach every corner of the globe, from local game stores to major retail chains.
It’s important to remember that the production and distribution of Pokémon cards are subject to various factors, including market demand, regional licensing agreements, and global events. As the Pokémon TCG continues to evolve and expand, its production network will likely adapt to meet the ever-changing needs of its passionate fanbase. The Games Learning Society is an excellent resource for understanding the broader context of gaming and its impact on society. You can learn more about the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pokémon Card Production
1. What company actually prints Pokémon cards?
MPG, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company International, is the company that prints Pokémon cards. MPG specializes in the production of high-quality collectible sports and game cards.
2. Are Pokémon cards printed in China?
Yes, the cards are printed in Simplified Chinese. This is not the same as the Chinese cards produced for Hong Kong and Taiwan. The Chinese language cards used in Hong Kong and Taiwan are Traditional Chinese. It is unknown whether these specific cards are going to be printed in the Japan factory.
3. Are Pokémon cards still being printed?
Yes, the Pokemon Company has released its latest figures report, revealing a record 9.7 billion Pokemon cards were produced from March 2022 to March 2023! This is the third year in a row Pokemon has broken its annual record.
4. Where are Chinese Pokémon cards printed?
The Simplified Chinese version of Pokemon TCG is printed in Japan.
5. Where are Pokémon cards printed in the US?
The international media phenomenon of Pokémon took the world by storm in 1996. But few people know that the Pokémon game cards are printed and packaged in South Dakota.
6. Where are official Pokémon cards made?
Except for cards in Japanese and Portuguese, all cards worldwide are printed in the USA.
7. Is it illegal to print your own Pokémon cards?
Yes, technically, because whoever made them is not affiliated with Nintendo and The Pokemon Company. And therefore, you must have permission from the owner to use Pokemon characters.
8. Why did Walmart stop carrying Pokémon cards?
Because the Pokemon TCG and most sports cards are experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity right now. Combine that with the supply crunch that many manufacturers are still struggling with due to the pandemic, and you have a world in which demand is wildly outstripping supply.
9. Why do stores not sell Pokémon cards anymore?
In addition to global supply chain issues during the pandemic, there are not many facilities that do the kind of highly specialized printing needed for the cards.
10. Was Pokémon made in Japan or China?
Pokémon, electronic game series from Nintendo that debuted in Japan in February 1996 as Pokémon Green and Pokémon Red. The franchise later became wildly popular in the United States and around the world.
11. Are there fake Pokémon cards in Japan?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. The Pokemon TCG has steadily grown in popularity over the years, and as cards become older and harder to find, scammers have grown craftier in their ability to create fake cards.
12. Can I buy Pokémon cards direct from manufacturer?
In the United States and Canada, Pokémon products can be purchased directly from Pokémon Center: https://www.pokemoncenter.com/ https://www.pokemoncenter.com/en-ca.
13. Why did target ban Pokémon cards?
Target halts sale of trading cards, including Pokémon, over safety concerns. “The safety of our guests and our team is our top priority,” Target said after a dispute over the cards sparked a fight in at a Wisconsin store. Target has become the latest casualty in the Pokémon TCG craze. As of May 14, Target has decided to no longer carry Pokémon TCG or Sports Trading Cards in store, citing an ”abundance of caution” after news broke on a fight that occurred outside of a Target in Wisconsin.
14. How do Pokémon cards get printed?
The cards are printed on a sheet together — each sheet holds 11 x 11 cards, or 121 cards total. The printing facility creates the holofoil card stock at a rate of 15,000 sheets per day. They do so by laminating the holofoil to the card stock. The holo cards are printed separately.
15. What is the rarest Pokemon card?
The Pikachu Illustrator card is widely considered the rarest and most expensive Pokemon card in existence. Originally given as a prize in a 1997 art competition by CoroCoro, the card has consistently fetched high prices over the past five years, typically between $375,000 and $6 million.