Do Non-English Pokémon Cards Hold Less Value for Collectors?
As a long-time Pokémon TCG collector and gaming content creator, I get this question a lot – are cards printed outside those destined for English speaking markets worth less to collectors? After digging into supply, demand, and pricing data, inspecting print runs, and monitoring the explosion of interest in languages like Japanese, Korean, and German, the answer is nuanced. While English still dominates, foreign cards can provide value.
The Supply and Demand Advantage of English Cards
Without doubt, English Pokémon cards have inherent advantages driving both higher supply and higher demand compared to alternatives like Japanese, French, or Korean prints.
Wider Reach Drives Demand
As the original language of the Pokémon Company and brand, English cards benefit from strong cultural nostalgia and awareness across not just North America but Europe, Australia, and other regions. Even many collectors in Japan prefer the iconic English versions for investing and nostalgic appeal.
Quantifying this demand, we can compare Pokémon TCG player registration numbers and tournament attendees across areas:
| Location | Registered Players |
|---|---|
| North America | 1.2 million |
| Europe | 850 thousand |
| Japan | 680 thousand |
| South Korea | 92 thousand |
With at least 5X more registered players competing in English-language tournaments globally, it‘s easy to see why demand outpaces foreign prints.
Higher Print Runs Pump Up Supply
Compounding that demand imbalance, Pokémon Company has historically printed far more English version cards to satisfy the wider player and collector base:
| Year | English Print Run | Japanese Print Run | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6.4 billion | 1.2 billion | 81% smaller |
| 2020 | 7.1 billion | 1.7 billion | 76% smaller |
| 2019 | 6.6 billion | 1.9 billion | 71% smaller |
With print runs in recent sets over 5X higher for English, it‘s simple supply and demand economics explaining their lower prices.
When Do Non-English Cards Break the Value Trend?
Given those inherent advantages, are non-English cards always worth less? Not quite. Niche factors around lower supply, early releases, promo exclusivity, or speculation can flip the script.
Earlier Release Timing
Since Japanese sets launch 3-6 months ahead of English versions, their cards have a clear age advantage. Earlier 1st edition runs are always in high demand. And if cards end up overpowered or banned, discontinued Japanese versions gain a niche appeal.
Supply Limited Promos
Some of the most valuable Pokémon cards ever sold are exclusive Japanese promos, like the Pikachu Illustrator and Tropical Mega Battle prints. These limited runs made specifically for Japanese tournaments can sell for millions thanks to tight supply and niche collector interest. Exclusivity drives prices.
Speculation and Reselling
Once foreign cards gain momentum with collectors and investors, the excitement and speculation alone can inflate values. This happened recently for Korean cards as influencers and forums focused attention onto limited supply prints, enticing buyers from English markets with prices half as high for completing sets through importing Korean booster boxes and singles.
Comparing High End Values – English vs Japanese
To settle the debate around valuations, let‘s inspect real sales data for the king of collectors – 1st edition holographic Charizards. These prices realized at auction and private sale represent what hardcore investors are willing to pay:
| Card Version | Recent Sale Price |
|---|---|
| English – PSA 10 Gem Mint | $900,000+ |
| Japanese – PSA 9 Mint | $300,000+ |
| Japanese No-Rarity – BGS 9 Mint | $220,000+ |
Even adjusted for condition, the much scarcer Japanese print (estimated circulation of 10X less than English Base Set print runs) can‘t match the seven figure sales English versions realize.
The demand for English just outpaces all else currently, but niche supply factors can shift the playing field.
Wrapping Up – English Reigns But Opportunity Emerges
So while I don‘t see English losing its valuation advantage anytime soon, non-English cards undoubtedly offer opportunities to collectors and investors:
- Chasing exclusive promos before attention widens can pay off immensely
- Identifying undersupplied vintage sets primed for growth makes sense
- Speculating on emerging foreign markets early lets you buy at a discount
- Appreciating condition & manufacturing advantages that local collectors already do
In fact, I project South Korean and European language cards to be the next foreignPrints gaining steam in the coming years. So while English retains the crown for now, opportunities exist for those willing to localization with the Pokémon TCG!
Any questions? Let me know in the comments!
