Ever wondered how your favorite Pokémon cards go from concept to collector's binder? Here's a quick look at how Pokémon cards are made!
1. Design and Artwork
It all starts with a concept. The Pokémon Company and Game Freak decide which Pokémon to include and how the cards should function in the game. Then, talented artists create the unique illustrations you see on each card.
2. Card Layout and Text
Designers add the card’s stats—like HP, moves, abilities, and energy requirements—along with the name, rarity symbol, and set number. This layout ensures the card is balanced for gameplay.
3. Printing
Once the design is finalized, it’s sent to large-scale printers. Cards are printed on big sheets using high-quality presses. Special foil layers are added for holographic or rare cards.
4. Cutting and Sorting
The printed sheets are cut into individual cards with precise machinery. After cutting, cards are sorted into booster packs with a carefully controlled mix of commons, uncommons, rares, and sometimes ultra-rares.
5. Packaging
Booster packs are sealed, grouped into booster boxes or theme decks, and then sent to stores around the world.
Fun Fact:
Each booster pack is randomly assembled, which means the excitement of opening a pack and finding a rare card is part of what makes collecting so much fun!
