5 Reasons Why People Collect Fake Pokémon Cards

Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as an endorsement or encouragement to purchase fake cards. The act of purchasing fake cards is frowned upon and has a negative impact on the hobby and those who enjoy it.

1. Availability

Collecting and playing Pokémon cards can become quite costly, especially if you’re trying to build a variety of decks or compete in official tournaments. If your goal is simply to build a few decks and play with friends or family, purchasing fake cards at a fraction of the retail price may seem like a good option. 

However, it’s important to keep in mind that fake cards are not allowed in official tournaments and may not have the same quality or durability as genuine cards.

One example of less durability would be counterfeit cards not having the graphene laminate layer introduced during the manufacturing process. This layer is strong and is responsible for the Pokémon card snapping back into place after being slightly bent. This laminate layer is also the key component to the rip test, used to identify fake cards. 

2. Vintage Fakes Are A Part Of History

Fake Pokémon cards have been around since the North American release of the game in 1999. With the growing popularity of the franchise, the production of fake Pokémon cards has continued, and they have been present in the market for over two decades. 

Some collectors find vintage fake Pokémon cards to be interesting and fascinating. They view these cards as a representation of the insane popularity of “Pokémania” in 1999 when the franchise first exploded. 

While fake cards do not have the same value or quality as genuine cards, some collectors are drawn to their cultural and historical significance as a representation of the early days of the Pokémon phenomenon.

3. Some Fakes Are Really Funny

Parodies and parodic cards are a part of many popular franchises, including Pokémon. Mad Magazine’s “Puk-e-mon” cards are an example of this. Mad Magazine created its own set of Pokémon-style cards, known as “Puk-e-mon” cards, as a parody of the popular franchise.

These cards are meant to be humorous takes on the original Pokémon characters and cards, and often feature exaggerated or absurd versions of the creatures. For some collectors, these kinds of cards can add to the enjoyment of their favorite IP and can be a fun addition to their collection. 

These cards are typically created as jokes or comedic takes on the original franchise, and they are not intended to scam people or harm the hobby in any way. Instead, they are often viewed as a way to enhance and improve the hobby, adding humor and creativity to the collection.

 It’s important to note, however, that these kinds of cards are not considered legitimate for official tournaments and may not have the same value or durability as genuine cards.

4. People Make Custom Cards

Custom Pokémon cards are also a popular option for collectors and fans of the franchise. These cards can be found on sites such as Etsy or eBay and can be a great way to personalize your collection. 

Some people have custom cards made for their pets, to commemorate special events such as weddings, or to feature themselves or their friends. Some collectors even make a hobby out of creating custom cards, including new Pokémon designs. 

These custom cards can be a unique and fun addition to a collection and can make for great gift ideas for fellow fans of the franchise.

5. Research

Yes, some more dedicated and niche collectors may choose to collect fake Pokémon cards as reference material. For these collectors, understanding how to identify high-quality fakes or fake 1st edition stamps on authentic cards can be valuable knowledge. 

Sharing this information publicly on forums or through other means can benefit the larger collector community. While fake cards are not considered legitimate for official tournaments or have the same value as genuine cards, some collectors find that researching and collecting fake cards can add an extra layer of interest to their hobby. 

It’s important to note, however, that collecting fake cards is not for everyone and that the focus should always be on obtaining genuine cards and preserving the integrity of the hobby. Collecting fake cards can be a fun experience if you’re experimenting with building a new deck or editing a current deck!