Pokémon Trading Cards: Production and Popularity

The Pokémon Company produced more than 10 billion Pokémon trading cards over the past year. That staggering figure is higher than the number of people on Earth. Even so, supply issues continue, and Pokémon cards are still hard to find in stores, leading to shortages and scalping. The ongoing popularity of Pokémon cards, especially the rarer variants, has also led to a rise in thefts, with dozens of reported store break-ins across the United States.

Current Production Figures

According to the latest data from The Pokémon Company, a total of 85 billion Pokémon cards have been produced so far. That massive number highlights the franchise’s enduring appeal and success:

• 10 billion Pokémon cards were produced in 2026.
• 85 billion cards have been produced since the launch of the TCG.

Software Sales

In the world of Pokémon video games, more than 515 million units of Pokémon-related software have been shipped to date. In the past year alone, 16 million units were sold, including recent releases:

• 4 million copies of Pokémon Pokopia have sold since launching on Nintendo Switch in early March.
• Pokémon Legends: Z-A has now sold 12 million copies across Switch and Switch 2.

These rising software sales underline the franchise’s lasting popularity, as Pokémon continues to expand not only its card game, but also its video game lineup.

Shortages and Theft Issues

Despite the significant increase in production, serious shortages of Pokémon cards remain. Several incidents have been reported involving fans trying to get their hands on cards, underscoring the high demand:

• Florida arrest: A man was arrested after stealing $12,000 worth of Pokémon cards using a battery-powered chainsaw.
• Best Buy break-in: A fan was arrested in Pasadena, California, after hiding inside a closed Best Buy while waiting for a Pokémon card drop.
• Manhattan robbery: In January, staff and customers were threatened with a firearm during a robbery, with $100,000 worth of cards stolen from a local card shop.

The situation around Pokémon trading cards continues to demand close attention, given the combination of high production and persistent shortages.