So how many Pokémon cards are there? As of now, there are about 18,089 Pokémon trading cards released in English, with about 120 more expected to come out by mid-November 2025. This number includes every officially released card but does not count promos, booster toppers, or other special extras.
Keep in mind that this total doesn’t really answer the big “how many different Pokémon cards are there” because it only applies to English-language sets – other languages, like the Japanese Hot Air Arena set, aren’t part of this count.
How Many Unique Pokémon Cards Exist?
It really depends on what you consider “unique.” For this article, let’s define a unique Pokémon card as one that is visually distinct – meaning it has different artwork, holo patterns, or card layouts.
Using that definition, there are well over 200,000 unique Pokémon cards in existence, with more being released every year as new sets, regions, and special editions continue to expand the Pokémon TCG.
Different Pokémon Card Sets and Their Release Numbers
- Base Set and First Editions: Released in 1999, the Base Set 1 introduced 102 cards and started it all. The Jungle expansion followed with 64 cards, adding more classic Pokémon. These early sets are highly valuable, especially in 1st Edition or Shadowless form.
- Neo Genesis, Jungle, Fossil, and Other Key Sets: The Neo Series arrived in 2000-2001 with sets like Neo Genesis (111 cards) and Neo Discovery (75 cards). These different Pokémon card sets introduced second-generation Pokémon like Lugia and Espeon.
- Modern Sets (Sword & Shield, Sun & Moon): Modern series like Sun & Moon (2017) and Sword & Shield (2020) expanded the game massively. Sets like Guardians Rising and Rebel Clash each have over 160-200 cards, combining new mechanics with full-art and secret rare cards.
How Many Types of Pokémon Cards Are There?
- By Role in the Game: There are three basic roles – Pokémon cards (the creatures you battle with), Trainer cards (which give you items, abilities, or effects), and Energy cards (used to power attacks and moves).
- By Element Type: Each Pokémon has an elemental category like Fire, Water, Grass, Electric, Psychic, Fighting, Darkness, Metal, or Colorless. The Fairy type was retired in 2020 for new sets, though older cards retain the type.
- By Evolution Stage: Pokémon cards also differ by growth stage – Basic (starting form), Stage 1 (first evolution), and Stage 2 (final evolution).
Pokémon Card Editions and Their Significance
- EX, GX, and V Cards: EX cards first appeared in Generation 3, bringing stronger Pokémon with special rules. Later, GX cards arrived with powerful attacks, and V cards continued this trend in the Sword & Shield era, often paired with VMAX and VSTAR versions – large, high-HP cards with alternate artwork.
- Full Art and Alternate Art: Full Art cards show artwork that extends across the entire card instead of being boxed in. Alternate Art (Alt Art) cards use different artwork entirely, usually showing Pokémon in scenic or story-like poses. These are among the most collectible editions.
- Gold and Secret Rares: Gold Star and Gold Border cards are extremely limited, often marking shiny Pokémon or powerful trainers. Secret Rare cards have a card number higher than the set’s total (for example, 151/150). Each edition adds something new – texture, special foil, or mechanics.
How Often Are New Pokémon Cards Released?
New Pokemon cards are released quite often, with several new sets appearing each year. On average, about five to six major English-language expansions are launched annually, along with a few smaller special sets and promo packs.
In total, collectors can expect new releases multiple times a year – usually every few months. This helps keep the game fresh, players engaged, and collectors interested. While new cards continue to emerge, some rare cards, like the most expensive Pokemon card, only become more valuable over time, making them highly sought after by serious collectors. It’s a good pastime for collectors, those who like to sell comic books, and TCG fans.
