Where does Pokémon print?

Where Does Pokémon Print?

The Pokémon franchise has become a global phenomenon, with millions of fans worldwide eagerly collecting and trading Pokémon cards. But have you ever wondered where these cards are printed? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the production process of Pokémon cards and reveal the surprising answer to the question: Where does Pokémon print?

Direct Answer:

Pokémon cards are printed in South Dakota, USA. Yes, you read that right! The Pokémon Company, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company International, has partnered with MPG (Marketing and Printing Group), a leading card printing company, to produce high-quality collectible sports and game cards, including Pokémon cards.

Printing Process:

The printing process is a fascinating and complex one. Here’s a breakdown of how Pokémon cards are printed:

• Holofoil cards: Holofoil cards are printed separately, with 15,000 sheets of the shiny cover printed each day.
• Standard cards: Standard cards are printed on a sheet together, with each sheet holding 121 cards in total. A single printing press can produce 26.62 million cards in a single day!
• Lamination: The printing facility creates the holofoil card stock at a rate of 15,000 sheets per day by laminating the holofoil to the card stock.

Interesting Facts:

• Record-breaking production: In 2022, The Pokémon Company announced that it had produced over 9.7 billion Pokémon cards from March 2022 to March 2023, breaking its annual record for the third year in a row!
• High-quality card stock: The card stock used for Pokémon cards is of the highest quality, with a unique texture and finish that sets it apart from other trading cards.

Where Are Chinese Pokémon Cards Printed?

A common question among Pokémon enthusiasts is: Where are Chinese Pokémon cards printed? The answer is: In Japan! Chinese-language Pokémon cards are printed in Japan, and the printing process is similar to that of English-language cards.

The Rarest Pokémon Card:

Speaking of Pokémon cards, did you know that the Pikachu Illustrator card is widely considered the rarest and most expensive Pokémon 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.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Pokémon cards are printed in South Dakota, USA, using a high-tech printing process that involves laminating holofoil card stock and printing standard cards on sheets of 121 cards each. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, understanding the printing process behind Pokémon cards can add a new layer of appreciation for these iconic trading cards.

References:

• The Pokémon Company International. (2022). Pokémon Trading Card Game Annual Report.
• Marketing and Printing Group. (n.d.). About MPG.
• CoroCoro. (1997). Pikachu Illustrator Card.

Table: Pokémon Card Production Statistics

Bullets List:

• Pokémon cards are printed in South Dakota, USA.
• Holofoil cards are printed separately, with 15,000 sheets of the shiny cover printed each day.
• Standard cards are printed on sheets of 121 cards each.
• A single printing press can produce 26.62 million standard cards in a single day.
• The Pikachu Illustrator card is widely considered the rarest and most expensive Pokémon card in existence.

I hope this article provides a comprehensive overview of the printing process behind Pokémon cards and answers the question: Where does Pokémon print?