PHOTO COURTESY OF POKÉMON
From playground trades to worldwide tournaments, the Pokémon Trading Card Game has become an integral part of global pop culture. The excitement of opening a fresh pack, the hunt for a favourite card and the camaraderie amongst collectors have kept the phenomenon alive for nearly three decades.
And if you’re wondering what makes Pokémon so special, here are 10 starter facts every budding collector should know that touches quickly on the latest set to catch 'em all, grading tips and trade shows.
01 - As the beloved game approaches its 30th anniversary, this is a milestone moment to start your collection. The #Pokemon30 celebrations are even roping in stars like Lady Gaga and Jisoo. Naturally, it feels like a significant event for the entire Pokémon community.
02 - While there are sneak peeks of the upcoming First Partner Illustration collections set to release throughout the year, all eyes are currently fixed on Ascended Heroes. Booster packs and Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs) are beginning to hit the market. In fact, the entire set comprises 295 cards, making it the largest English set ever.
03 - As with most sets, card rarities are predominantly split. The main set consists of common cards including Holo Rares and Trainers, so it won’t necessarily count as a hit. Instead, the bigger hits are often referred to as Special Illustration Rare and Mega Ultra Rare gold cards. For Ascended Heroes, such coveted pulls include Dragonite, Gengar and Pikachu.
04 - The moment you pull a hit, it should go straight into a sleeve. Think of it as a raincoat for your card. For extra protection against accidental damage, slide the sleeved card into a top loader, a harder plastic case. In this state, the cards are considered ‘raw’ and ‘ungraded’.
05 - If you wish to lock in the condition and receive a numerical grade, several companies determine a card’s value. Sending a card to established players like PSA, BGS or CGC means they will judge it on four strict pillars.
06 - Centering determines whether the artwork on a card lines up perfectly within the borders. Ideally, the ratio is 50:50, though 55:45 or 60:40 may pass as exceptions. Graders also check corners for sharp or rough cuts and inspect edges for whitening, chipping or indents. Finally, they examine card surfaces for scratches and print lines.
07 - Think of this grading process as how one would assess handbags and leather goods in the resale market. A better condition earns a high numerical value, such as a PSA10, and commands the highest value. Conversely, adverse card conditions result in poorer grades and prices. That explains why some cards are worth more than others.
08 - Japanese and English cards are both popular right now, with the English version typically released a short while after the Japanese. In this case, Ascended Heroes is the English counterpart to the Japanese Mega Dream. While English cards generally attract a larger resale market, Japanese cards like ‘waifus’ (female trainers) and ‘promos’ often hold niche value.
09 - In Singapore, a great way to hit the ground running if you are an aspiring collector is to visit trade shows. Google 'Pokémon trade show Singapore' and you'll almost always find one running on any given weekend. Other places to get acquainted quickly include live sellers on TikTok, various groups on Telegram and of course, the TCG stores that can be found all over the island.
10 - Of course, you literally cannot catch ’em all unless you have a museum-sized budget. Most successful collectors pick a subset instead of completing entire sets. Alternatively, they focus on their favourite Pokémon, such as collecting every Pikachu or Snorlax across different sets.
Others collect the works of specific illustrators, such as Shinji Kanda, who designed the Giratina V (Lost Origin), Magikarp (Paldea Evolved) and Roaring Moon EX (Prismatic Evolutions), amongst many others.
