Overview
- The Pokemon Company disclosed on Wednesday that roughly 10 billion cards were printed in the fiscal year to March 31, 2026 and that more than 85 billion cards have been produced since the TCG launched.
- Independent analysis cited by reporting calculates those new cards are about 11.7% of all Pokemon cards ever made, showing production grew sharply in the past year.
- Retailers report that bulk buying by scalpers and resellers is the main reason customers still struggle to find recent sets, with secondary markets selling packs and single cards at inflated prices.
- Stores have used ad hoc tactics such as buyer quizzes and opening packs at checkout to deter bulk purchases, and The Pokemon Company is considering stricter steps including government ID checks to curb reselling.
- The surge in production follows years of rising demand since 2021 and could reshape store policies, pricing and collector access if the industry moves to formal buyer limits or ID verification.