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5 Tips On Spotting Pokémon TCG Fakes

By Jordan Linder
Collecting Pokémon cards is fun for all ages.

Hey there, Pokémon card collectors! Welcome to this quick guide, with assistance from Indivisible Gaming, to spotting fake Pokémon cards while you’re leveling up your collection. Whether you’re just stepping into this world or you’ve been hunting for some elusive cards, there’s always something new to learn and discover. Spotting fake cards can be a bit of science, and let’s be honest, a bit of luck too. But don’t worry, you don’t need to be a Pokémon Master to get started. All you need is a bit of guidance and a bit of passion.

Pokémon Cards: To Buy Or Not To Buy?

Before we jump into our tips, let’s set the stage. Imagine walking into a room filled with Pokémon cards, each one unique, telling its own story through its artwork, abilities, and the adventures it’s been on. Some of these cards are shiny and rare, catching your eye immediately. Others might look ordinary at first glance but hold unexpected value or significance. You’re intrigued, but you think something looks off about a card in particular. Do you shrug off the feeling or trust your gut? Because nothing fills a card collector with dread more than figuring out you’ve been duped on a rare find.

The Bleak Reality

Collecting cards isn’t always fun and games. There are people out there willing to do everything they can to swindle you out of your hard earned money. They attempt to make very convincing fake Pokémon cards that are nigh identical to the originals. Thankfully we can arm you with the knowledge to protect you from these dregs of society and keep you on top of your game.

So, are you ready to dive in? Whether you’re aiming to make a profit or just want to revel in nostalgia, keep these feelings in mind as we explore the world of Pokémon card collecting together. Whatever your plan is, remember, the goal is to enjoy every step of the journey. Now… Let’s get started and safely collect ‘em all!

  • 1. Compare Card Printing Quality

    100% authentic Pokémon cards are printed very precisely and with high-quality materials. Always check the quality of the print (front and back), checking how vibrant the colors are and if there are any strange discrepancies in the details. Counterfeits tend to be inconsistent with their colors, have blurry images, or even pixelation. If you believe the blue on the back of a card is the wrong shade, you can easily check using its hexadecimal color code (#0075BE)

  • 2. Check The Card Texture And Material

    Real Pokémon cards have a specific texture, whereas fake cards may have a smoother, glossier, or plastic feeling finish. Compare a questionable card with known authentic cards. An authentic Pokémon card will often have a slightly coarse texture, so you should be able to tell the difference just by touching the surface.

  • 3. Inspect the Holographic Foil Elements

    A lot of Pokémon cards feature a variety of of holographic foil patterns. These are rather difficult for counterfeiters to copy. Look for inconsistencies in the shine, loss of color depth, and missing details. Genuine holographic foil cards should show distinct and consistent patterns.

  • 4. Verify Card Size And Thickness

    Authentic Pokémon cards follow specific size and thickness standards, which differ for each collection. Counterfeit cards will sometimes deviate from these dimensions, so be sure to compare any questionable card with a known authentic card from the same set. You should also bend the card a little bit, as fakes often feel flimsy compared to high-quality real ones.

    Indivisible Gaming says, an easy way to spot a certain fake is to examine the edge of the card closely. Real Pokémon cards have a very thin sheet of black between the cardboard; it’s only visible up close, but you’ll be able to see the darkness between the two thin halves of the card. Without this, it’s not a genuine Pokémon card.

  • 5. Be Familiar with All Characters and Stats

    For those buyers who aren’t familiar with all 1,025 Pokémon, it’s easy to be duped by fake cards that have character images from other franchises, such as Digimon. The sheer volume of characters can make it tricky to be certain from memory alone, so do your research and verify the picture is of an official Pokémon.

    Indivisible Gaming also stated that specific stats can also reveal a card’s authenticity; for example, if the HP is over 340 (aside from a few unique rare cards), it is likely to be fake. Verifying the attacks on the card will also confirm if they are real, as fake cards have previously listed some that don’t exist.

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