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Pokemon

Pokemon Guide

Pokémon Pokémon reaches across trading cards, video games, animation, toys and collectables, with the same Pokémon appearing in very different forms. Pikachu may be a card in a competitive deck, a plush toy, a figure or part of a building set. That connection between the different parts of Pokémon has helped the series remain familiar to several generations of fans. Pokémon marks its 30th anniversary in 2026, three decades after the first games appeared in Japan in 1996.

View the full Pokemon guide and FAQs

Pokémon Trading Cards

The Pokémon Trading Card Game is both a card game and a collecting hobby. Players build a 60 card deck using Pokémon, Trainer and Energy cards, then battle another player. Cards also attract collectors because each expansion introduces new artwork, Pokémon and card variations.

ToyTown Longford now stocks Japanese and Korean Pokémon TCG booster packs on ToyTown.ie. The cards and packaging in these imported booster packs are printed in Japanese or Korean, and the language is stated in each product title so you can see which version you are buying before you order.

English language Pokémon TCG cards are also often available to buy in store only. Visit ToyTown Longford to see the full Pokémon TCG range currently available in store, including English language cards that may not be listed for online purchase on ToyTown.ie.

The type of TCG product matters. A preconstructed deck contains a fixed set of 60 cards and can be played straight from the box. Booster packs contain randomly selected cards and are used to expand a collection or find cards for deck building. Standard English language booster packs from recent expansions contain 10 game cards, one Basic Energy card and one code card for Pokémon TCG Live. Japanese and Korean booster packs can contain a different number of cards, depending on the set.

Elite Trainer Boxes, tins and boxed collections work differently again. They combine booster packs with other contents such as promo cards, sleeves, dice, counters or storage. Extra booster packs in these products do not have better odds than the same booster packs sold individually.

Pokémon Toys and Collectables

Trading cards are only one part of Pokémon. Official Pokémon merchandise also includes plush toys, figures and building sets. Plush focuses on individual Pokémon, while figures give fans smaller versions of characters that can be collected or displayed. Building sets turn Pokémon, locations and other parts of the series into models assembled from pieces.

The huge cast of Pokémon gives this part of the range much of its variety. Long established favourites continue to appear beside Pokémon introduced in later generations, so two fans can follow the same series while having completely different favourite characters. Pokémon's own 30th anniversary campaign in 2026 has centred heavily on that idea of choosing a favourite from across three decades.

Pokémon toys also make more sense when the type of item is clear. A plush Pikachu and a Pikachu trading card share the same character but are bought for completely different reasons. Figures, building sets, cards and plush should therefore be compared within their own type rather than treated as interchangeable Pokémon merchandise.

Understanding Pokémon TCG Sets

Pokémon cards are released in expansions. Each expansion has its own card list, artwork and collector numbers, and larger expansions may contain well over 100 cards. Booster packaging normally identifies the expansion, but the Pokémon pictured on the wrapper is not a guarantee that the same Pokémon will be inside.

Players also need to distinguish collecting from tournament legality. A card can remain collectable after it leaves the Standard competitive format. For the 2026 Standard format, cards carrying regulation marks H, I and J are legal, along with future marks released during the format. Regulation mark G rotated out on 10 April 2026. Certain older versions of cards can still be used when the same card has a current legal reprint.

ToyTown.ie is the website for ToyTown Longford. You can shop Pokémon toys, collectables and selected Pokémon TCG products online for delivery across Ireland or click and collect in Longford, while additional English language Pokémon TCG cards are often available in our Longford store.

Pokémon FAQ

What is the Pokémon Trading Card Game?

The Pokémon TCG is a two player card game. Each player uses a 60 card deck containing Pokémon, Trainer and Energy cards and tries to defeat the opponent's Pokémon and take Prize cards. The same cards are also widely collected and traded.

What is the difference between a Pokémon booster pack and a deck?

A booster pack contains randomly selected cards. A preconstructed deck contains a fixed 60 card selection that can be played immediately. Booster packs are better suited to expanding an existing card collection, while a deck provides the cards needed to start playing.

How many cards are in a Pokémon booster pack?

The number depends on the language and set. Standard English language booster packs from recent expansions contain 10 game cards, one Basic Energy card and one Pokémon TCG Live code card. Japanese and Korean booster packs can contain a different number of cards.

Does the Pokémon shown on a booster pack appear inside?

Not necessarily. The artwork on the wrapper shows Pokémon associated with the expansion, but it does not identify the cards inside that individual pack. Booster contents are random.

What is a Pokémon TCG expansion?

An expansion is a new release of Pokémon cards with its own set list, collector numbers and artwork. New expansions introduce additional cards for collecting and deck building.

Can older Pokémon cards still be used in games?

Yes, but competitive Standard play has its own legality rules. In 2026, cards with H, I and J regulation marks are legal in Standard, together with later regulation marks. Some older cards can also remain legal when the same card has been reprinted with a current regulation mark.

What is Pokémon TCG Live?

Pokémon TCG Live is the official digital version of the Trading Card Game. It uses the rules of the physical TCG and includes tutorials and online battles. Code cards supplied with physical booster packs can be redeemed in Pokémon TCG Live.

Can I buy English language Pokémon TCG cards at ToyTown Longford?

Yes. English language Pokémon TCG cards are often available to buy in our ToyTown Longford store even when they are not listed for online purchase. Visit the store to see the full Pokémon TCG range currently available.

What other Pokémon toys are available apart from trading cards?

Pokémon merchandise includes plush toys, figures and building sets as well as the Trading Card Game. These give fans different ways to follow favourite Pokémon without collecting cards.

Is Pokémon only for children?

No. Pokémon's official 30th anniversary material specifically recognises both younger fans and long time fans who grew up with the series. The appropriate age for a toy, building set or TCG product still depends on the individual item.

Shop Pokémon toys, collectables and trading cards from ToyTown Longford on ToyTown.ie with fast delivery across Ireland, or visit ToyTown Longford to see the full Pokémon TCG range available in store.