Why Collect Chinese Pokémon TCG?
Simplified Chinese Pokémon cards have become some of the most talked-about products among collectors. They come with their own special sets, mini packs and gift boxes you will not find anywhere else. Here is a guide to what makes them different and the kinds of products to look out for.
Official Pokémon cards, made for China
The Pokémon Trading Card Game has been released in mainland China by The Pokémon Company since October 2022, printed in Simplified Chinese. It is its own product line, with its own sets, packs and special releases, separate from the English and Japanese cards.
A different look and feel
- Unique foil patterns. Simplified Chinese holo and reverse holo cards use foil patterns designed for this edition, and several of the newer sets introduced new ones.
- Special logo printing. Many cards have a textured Pokémon logo in the corner that is raised or debossed, a detail collectors look for when checking a card.
- Glossy finish. Many collectors describe the card stock as thin and glossy compared to English cards. It is a matter of taste, so some people love it and some prefer the English feel.
Gem Packs: tiny packs, big sparkle
The Gem Pack series is a Simplified Chinese exclusive, a special run of sets released alongside the main expansions. The first, Gem Pack Vol. 1, came out in January 2025 and has 114 cards, mostly themed around the Pokémon Horizons anime. It includes cards that were not released in any other language, such as Liko with Meowscarada and Friede with Captain Pikachu. Since then the series has grown to at least six volumes.
- Mini packs. Gem Packs are small packs of just a few cards, so they are quick and exciting to open.
- All-holo. The cards in these packs are holofoil, and some packs can also contain Poké Ball or Master Ball mirror foils.
- Gem rarities. The sets use their own rarity tiers, with names like Gem C, Gem U, Gem R, Gem RR and Gem RRR, so chasing the top rarity of your favourite Pokémon is part of the fun.
- Themed volumes. Each volume has its own focus. Volume 2, for example, is built around Eevee and its evolutions, with new artwork and reprints of favourite Eevee cards.
- Booster boxes. Each volume is also sold as a booster box, which is a popular way to open the whole set.
Gift boxes and special sets
China is known for its wide range of gift boxes and special sets, and there are several types to look for. The contents vary from one box to the next, but they usually combine cards with something extra.
- Character gift boxes. Boxes built around one Pokémon, such as an Eevee evolution or Charizard. These can include exclusive promo cards, booster packs, and themed extras like a binder, sleeves or a dice box.
- Card display set gift boxes. A promo card plus a display sleeve or case to show it off, and often a booster pack. They are made for shelves and display cabinets.
- Battle sets and deck-building gift boxes. Ready-to-play products with cards for building or playing a deck, often themed around a V, VMAX or ex Pokémon.
- Festival and celebration boxes. Seasonal and themed releases tied to an event, an art series or an anniversary, often with exclusive artwork.
- Travel and theme packs. Smaller themed sets made for gifting, sometimes with accessories.
Why collectors love them
- Something different. Cards, finishes and artwork you will not find in your English collection.
- Great for display. The foils and gift box presentation suit shelves and display cases.
- Great for gifting. A gift box is a ready-made present for any Pokémon fan.
Good to know
- The text on these cards is in Simplified Chinese, not English. Always check a product page for the details of a particular item, because box contents can differ between versions.
- Prices of sealed products can go up or down. We recommend buying what you love rather than treating cards as a guaranteed investment.