Are Pokemon Go Cards Legal?
Yes, Pokemon Go cards are perfectly legal to own, trade, gift, and use in casual play. However, they are not tournament-legal in officially sanctioned Pokemon TCG events and leagues due to format restrictions. While unusable competitively, these collectible cards retain value and interest for many fans.
Why Pokemon Go Cards Can‘t Be Used in Tournaments
As an avid player and collector myself, I was intrigued when the Pokemon Go card series debuted in summer 2022. The mini 88-card collection creatively tied into the hit mobile game, featuring trainers, iconic species like Charizard, and gameplay elements like Evolution requirements.
However, I soon discovered these cards lacked essential tournament legality:
"Only cards that are part of the Modified format may be used in official events. When older cards can no longer be used in official events, it is because they have been rotated out of the Modified format." – Pokemon.com Support
The Pokemon Company intentionally designs sets to cycle in and out of the Standard and Expanded formats over time. This provides a fair, balanced competitive scene.
As you can see in the table below, the most recent 4-9 card sets make up Standard:
| Year | Standard Format Sets |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Lost Origin, Silver Tempest, Crown Zenith |
| 2022 | Brilliant Stars, Astral Radiance, Lost Origin |
| 2021 | Chilling Reign, Evolving Skies, Fusion Strike |
Pokemon Go cards were never inserted into these rotating tournament formats. With no regulation symbols, they exist outside the Modified format entirely as a casual collectors series.
While some fans are disappointed they can‘t play these cards competitively, I understand and respect Pokemon‘s approach. Tournament integrity is crucial – overpowered promo cards could easily unbalance the scene. Still, the collectibility and hype around Pokemon Go cards persists.
Pokemon Go Card Value and Scarcity
Despite lacking tournament play, the Pokemon Go collection has become desirable for collectors:
- Only 88 cards in the entire series
- Ties into the real-world mobile game
- Iconic rare Holo and VMAX species like Charizard and Mewtwo
This built-in scarcity and novelty has driven up resale prices:
- Holo Mewtwo VMAX – $120+
- Reverse Holo Charizard – $90+
- Rainbow Rare Trainer – $80+
Of course, condition greatly impacts collectible value. Well-kept cards command higher premiums. But even played copies retain decent worth in this small set.
Personally, I believe Pokemon Go cards will continue rising depending on long-term demand. However, they may stay restricted to collectors rather than competitive play.
Why Would Pokemon Make a Non-Tournament Card Set?
As an expert TCG enthusiast, I have some theories on why The Pokemon Company created this unique side series:
- Promote the mobile game – Reinforce brand synergy and hype
- Test niche products – Experiment with small print runs
- Bolster collectors – Provide Scarce promos amid reprint sets
- Diversify play – Appeal to casual and competitive audiences
Pokemon frequently produces promo cards given away at events, bundled with merch, or included in other games. While tournament-legal, these are produced in such small supplies that collecting a "master set" becomes almost impossible for fans like myself.
Reprinting helps make key cards affordable and accessible for new players. But it also diminishes value for dedicated collectors over time. Perhaps sets like Pokemon Go give The Pokemon Company a way to service both types of fans.
The mobile title has clearly impacted the TCG before too. Pokemon GO was likely the inspiration behind the iconic Cosmic Eclipse Secret Rare Character Cards depicting trainers like Candela walking their buddy Pokemon.
As a hardcore fan, I love when Pokemon takes risks with its sprawling card game. Between Skyridge‘s e-Reader innovation and the BREAK era‘s mechanics, the TCG boldly experiments. The Pokemon Go set continues that spirit – ultimately giving collectors like myself small grails to chase.
