Over 10 Billion Pokemon Cards Sold in Fiscal Year 2024-2025 | PokeGuardian | The Latest Pokémon TCG News and Updates Daily
- J Narc
- May 23
- 4 min read
Pokemon cards sold very well, but not as well as last year!
The Pokémon Company has released its worldwide sales data for the fiscal year 2024/2025 (as of March 31, 2025), revealing that they produced 10.2 billion Pokémon cards, bringing the lifetime total to over 75 billion cards. Notably, this year marks the first time in several years that production did not surpass the previous fiscal year's output. In the last fiscal year, they produced over 11.9 billion cards.
Compared to last year's financial results of 11.9 billion cards, the sales difference represents a decrease of 1.7 billion cards, which translates to a -14.28% change. This decrease indicates a slight cooling in the previously rapidly expanding market. However, the overall number of cards produced has increased by 15.56%, from 64.9 billion to 75 billion, showcasing continued growth when considering the entire history of Pokémon TCG production.
The 10.2 billion cards sold in fiscal year 2024/2025 account for 13.59% of their lifetime sales. This signifies that a significant portion of all Pokémon cards ever sold were sold in this single fiscal year, underscoring the continued popularity and market presence of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has become a global phenomenon, captivating millions of players and collectors worldwide. Its enduring popularity stems from a combination of factors, including the beloved Pokémon franchise, strategic gameplay, and the thrill of collecting rare and valuable cards. The TCG's success is deeply intertwined with the broader Pokémon brand, which encompasses video games, anime, movies, and merchandise, creating a synergistic ecosystem that fuels its growth.
The reasons behind the sales trends in the Pokémon TCG market are multifaceted. Initially, the surge in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased demand as people sought at-home entertainment and nostalgic connections. This surge caused supply chain disruptions and price inflation, particularly for sought-after cards. While the market has cooled slightly since then, the underlying passion for the game and collecting remains strong.
The Pokémon TCG community is a vibrant and diverse group, ranging from casual players to competitive strategists and dedicated collectors. Organized play events, such as tournaments and leagues, provide opportunities for players to test their skills and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Collectors, on the other hand, are drawn to the rarity and aesthetic appeal of certain cards, often investing significant sums in building their collections. The community's engagement is further amplified by online platforms, where fans share their experiences, trade cards, and discuss strategies.
The global distribution of the Pokémon TCG plays a crucial role in its sales performance. With availability in over 90 countries and regions, the brand has established a widespread presence that transcends cultural boundaries. This global reach allows the Pokémon Company to tap into diverse markets and cater to local preferences. The localization of the game, including translations and region-specific card designs, further enhances its appeal to international audiences.
Interesting facts about the Pokémon TCG community include the existence of extremely rare and valuable cards, such as the Pikachu Illustrator card, which has sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction. These high-value cards contribute to the allure of collecting and drive interest in the market. Additionally, the Pokémon TCG has fostered a strong sense of nostalgia among adult collectors who grew up with the franchise, further fueling demand for vintage cards and sealed products.
Here's a look at some TCG sales history data from past fiscal years:
2024/2025 - 75 billion cards - (as of the end of March 2025)
2023/2024 - 64.9 billion cards - (as of the end of March 2024)
2022/2023 - 52.9 billion cards - (as of the end of March 2023)
2021/2022 - 43.2 billion cards - (as of the end of March 2022)
2020/2021 - 34.1 billion cards - (as of the end of March 2021)
2019/2020 - 30.4 billion cards - (as of the end of March 2020)
2019 - 28.8 billion cards - (as of the end of September 2019)
2018/2019 - 27.2 billion cards - (as of the end of March 2019)
2017/2018 - 25.7 billion cards - (as of the end of March 2018)
2016/2017 - 23.6 billion cards - (as of the end of March 2017)
2015/2016 seems not to be present
2014/2015 - 21.5 billion cards - (as of the end of March 2015)
The number of countries and regions where Pokémon cards are sold is a critical indicator of the brand's global reach and expansion. A wider distribution network allows for increased sales and market penetration.
Here's the number of countries and regions over the years:
2020-2021: 76
2021-2022: 77
2022-2023: 89
2023-2024: 93
2024-2025: "over 90 countries and regions
While the exact number for 2024-2025 isn't specified, the statement "over 90 countries and regions" suggests a slight consolidation or a focus on strengthening existing markets rather than aggressively expanding into new ones. The consistent increase in the number of countries and regions from 2020 to 2024 demonstrates a strong global expansion strategy, making the current number a testament to the Pokémon TCG's widespread appeal.
In conclusion, the Pokémon TCG market remains robust, driven by a passionate community, strategic gameplay, and the allure of collecting. While sales may have experienced a slight dip in the most recent fiscal year, the overall trend indicates continued growth and a strong market presence. The brand's global reach, coupled with its ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences, positions it for sustained success in the years to come. The future outlook for the Pokémon card market is positive, with ongoing releases of new sets, organized play events, and digital adaptations expected to further engage players and collectors worldwide.