The Pokémon Company produced over 10 billion trading cards last year alone, bringing its total output to a massive 85 billion cards so far. That single-year figure alone surpasses the entire global population, yet despite that staggering production, cards remain difficult to find in stores.
Recent releases continue to face ongoing challenges, including widespread scalping, chaotic in-store rushes and repeated sell-outs. The intense demand for Pokémon cards, especially the rarest editions, has also fueled a wave of thefts across the country, with numerous reports of trading card stores being broken into in the U.S. alone. Players looking for new content can check out the latest details on the Pokémon TCG Live Getting New ‘Paradox Drive’ Expansion.
The latest production numbers come from a recently updated page on The Pokémon Company’s official website, which tracks key sales milestones. The franchise’s reach extends beyond cards, with more than 515 million “Pokémon-related software” units shipped for video games. That total includes strong performance from titles like Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet, which remain popular among fans. The company also saw continued interest in earlier entries within the franchise.
On a related note, the Pokémon franchise has expanded into new animated series, with a fresh trailer introducing the upcoming show.
Meanwhile, reports continue to highlight the risks tied to the hobby’s popularity. Earlier this month, a Florida man was arrested after $12,000 worth of Pokémon cards were stolen in a heist involving a battery-powered chainsaw. Last month, another fan was detained in Pasadena, California, after hiding inside a closed Best Buy ahead of a card release. And in January, a Manhattan card shop was targeted in a brazen robbery, where staff and customers were held at gunpoint while thieves made off with $100,000 in stock.
