Pokémon cards have been a source of entertainment and fun for children and adults alike for over two decades. With the release of new Pokémon games, movies, and TV shows, the popularity of Pokémon cards continues to grow and remains a beloved hobby for many people as well as a fun investment method. Whether you're a passionate collector or a new fan interested in starting your collection, our guide to getting started with Pokémon card collecting is just what you need.

In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know about starting your Pokémon card collection, from how to spot fake cards to how to protect your cards and how to determine the value of your cards. Let's get started!

How to start collecting?

Getting started collecting Pokémon cards can be an exciting and fun hobby, but it can also be a bit overwhelming if you're new to the world of Pokémon cards. Here are some tips to get your collection off to a good start.

Decide what kind of cards interest you

There are many different types of Pokémon cards you can collect, from basic cards to special edition cards. Before you start buying cards, you should decide what type of cards you are interested in and how you want to collect them.

• You can focus on collecting a single card or a particular Pokémon.
• You can collect all the cards in a particular series or expansion.
• You can collect cards of certain types or rarities.

Find places to buy cards

There are many different ways to get Pokémon cards. You can buy them from specialty stores, online through auction websites, or online through online retailers. It's important to shop around and look for reputable sellers to ensure you're getting the best price and quality.

Types of products

There are many different types of Pokémon merchandise you can purchase to start your collection. Here are some of the most common ones.

Pokémon Envelopes and Boxes

Pokémon card booster packs and boxes are a common way to acquire cards. These packs and boxes often contain a variety of random cards and may include rare and exclusive cards. Some of the most popular Pokémon card booster packs and boxes include:

• Pokémon Card Pack: These are packs that contain several random cards from a particular expansion.
• Box of 36 Boosters: These boxes contain 36 booster packs of Pokémon Cards, only the normal expansions come with a box of booster packs.
• Elite Trainer Box: ETB for short. These boxes contain several card booster packs, as well as a guide with the cards in the collection, sleeves, dividers, markers, dice, and other accessories useful for playing the game.
• Theme Box: These boxes contain one or more promotional cards in addition to envelopes, the contents of each box are different and they usually have several different expansions.

You can see products from the Assorted Boxes by clicking on the image or on THIS link.

Individual letters

You can also buy Pokémon cards individually from specialty retailers or online. By purchasing individual cards, you have the chance to get a specific card that you need for your collection, and you can also choose from a wide variety of rarities and editions.

What do I recommend to start with?

If you're new to the world of Pokémon cards, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are some tips to get your collection off to a good start.

• Start small: Don't try to collect all the Pokémon cards at once. Start by deciding what types of cards interest you and build your collection from there.
• Buy from trusted sellers: Buy your Pokémon cards from trusted sellers and avoid auction websites or unofficial marketplaces.
• Start with something simple, like a Trainer Box:

Difference between Collection and Expansion

It's important to know the difference between Pokémon card sets and expansions. Here we explain the difference and why it's important for you to know it.

What is a collection?

A Pokémon card set is a collection of cards that have been released over a specific period of time. Sets often include cards of different types and rarities.

Collection Examples: Sun and Moon, Sword and Shield or Scarlet and Purple.

What is an expansion?

A Pokémon card expansion is a series of cards that are released as part of a particular game. Expansions typically include a set of cards that focus on a specific theme or character.

Expansion example: Cosmic Eclipse, Evolving Skies or Paldea Evolutions.

Difference between normal and special expansion

Within the Pokémon card expansions, there are normal and special expansions. Here we explain the differences between them and how they affect your collection.

Normal expansions

Regular Pokémon card expansions include a selection of cards that focus on a specific theme. Cards in regular expansions may include new editions of Pokémon, as well as trainer and energy cards.

Special expansions

Special Pokémon card expansions often include exclusive cards that are not available in other expansions. These exclusive cards may include new editions of Pokémon, as well as Trainer and Energy cards. Special expansions may also include promotional cards that are given away at special events or can only be obtained at certain stores or locations.

It's important to note that special expansion cards can be more valuable than regular expansion cards due to their rarity and exclusivity. If you're looking to build a complete Pokémon card collection, it's important to consider both expansions and decide which is the best option for you.

How to know the value of your cards

If you're a serious collector, it's important to know how to determine the value of your Pokémon cards. Here we show you how to do it and what factors you should take into account.

Rarity

Rarity is an important factor in determining the value of a Pokémon card. Rarer cards, such as holographic cards or limited edition cards, are usually worth more than common cards.

COMMON:

• Common cards are the easiest to find and tend to appear more frequently in card packs.
• They have a low rarity and are generally not as valuable as other cards.

INFREQUENT:

• Uncommon cards are harder to find than common cards, but they still appear fairly frequently.
• They have an intermediate rarity and can have a higher value than common cards depending on their popularity and demand.

STRANGE:

• Rare cards are much harder to find than common and uncommon cards.
• They have a high rarity and can be very valuable depending on their popularity and demand in the market.

Condition

The condition of a Pokémon card is also important in determining its value. Cards in good condition, without any tears or stains, will have a higher value than cards in poor condition.

Edition

The edition of a Pokémon card can also affect its value. Early editions of a card are often more valuable than later editions due to their rarity and exclusivity.

Demand

Demand for a Pokémon card can also affect its value. If a card becomes popular among players or collectors, its value may increase due to high demand.

How to protect your cards

Protecting your Pokémon cards is essential to maintaining their value and preventing damage. Here's how to best protect your cards.

Grade a card

Card grading is a process used to evaluate the condition of a card. Graded cards are given a score based on their condition, and this score can help determine their market value. You can send your cards to a card grading company to have them evaluated and graded for you.

At Pokemillon we have a collaboration with CGC, the #1 company in the authentication sector worldwide, so you can send your cards to be graded with them, more information HERE

Storage

Proper storage of your Pokémon cards is essential to protect them from damage and maintain their value. It is recommended to store your cards in protective sleeves and keep them in a storage box to protect them from light, moisture, and dust.

COVERS:

• Soft card sleeves, such as Ultra Pro sleeves, are an economical option for protecting Pokémon cards.
• Hard card sleeves, such as toploader sleeves, are a popular choice for protecting valuable or rare Pokémon cards.

TOPLOADERS:

• Toploaders are rigid sleeves that slide over the card to protect it from dirt, dust and moisture.
• They are ideal for valuable or rare cards as they provide excellent protection against damage and tampering.
• They are available in different sizes and thicknesses to suit different types of cards.

ALBUMS:

• Albums are a popular option for storing and displaying Pokémon cards neatly and safely.
• Pokémon card albums are specifically designed to fit standard-sized cards, and usually come with clear plastic sheets to insert your cards into and keep them in place.

ONE TOUCH:

• One Touch cards are a popular choice for displaying valuable or rare Pokémon cards.
• One Touch cards are rigid sleeves with a clear plastic frame that fits perfectly around the card.
• They offer excellent protection against damage and tampering, and are ideal for displaying special cards.

Identifying fake letters

If you're just starting out collecting Pokémon cards, it's important to know how to spot fake cards. Many unscrupulous collectors and sellers try to sell fake cards as authentic, which can be a big problem for collectors. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make sure the cards you're buying are authentic.

How to identify fake letters?

Fake Pokémon cards often have printing errors or slight differences in colors and designs. Some things to look for include:

• Font: Authentic cards have a consistent and clear font, while fake cards may have a blurry or uneven font.
• Print quality: Authentic cards have high print quality, while fake cards may have dull colors or misaligned printing.
• Texture: Authentic cards have a uniform texture, while fake cards may have a different texture or feel thinner.
• The watermark: Authentic cards have a watermark, which you can see by holding the card up to the light, while fake cards do not have a watermark.

It is also important to purchase your Pokémon cards from reputable sellers and avoid buying Pokémon cards through unofficial marketplaces or websites. By following these tips, you can ensure that your Pokémon cards are authentic and not fake.

Final Recommendations

Getting started collecting Pokémon cards can be an exciting and rewarding hobby. Here are some final tips to help you get your collection off to a good start:

• Learn to identify fake cards and only buy from trusted sellers.
• Decide what types of cards interest you and how you want to collect them.
• Research prices and compare different sellers before purchasing.
• Protect your Pokémon cards properly
• Consider grading your cards to get an objective assessment of their condition and value.
• Keep your cards in a safe and suitable place, away from direct sunlight, moisture and dust.
• Enjoy your collection and share your passion with other collectors and fans.

With these tips and recommendations, you're ready to get your Pokémon card collection off to a great start. Remember that collecting Pokémon cards is an exciting and fun hobby, and the value of your collection lies in the satisfaction it brings you. Good luck and enjoy your Pokémon card collection!