Collecting

How to start a Pokémon card collection: what to buy and where to begin

Updated on 15/10/2026👁 1 reader

Six ways to set up a collection. Pick one (or two): a clear goal means spending less and enjoying it more than a random pile.

1. Choose a goal

The difference between a pile of cards and a collection is the goal. Here are the most popular ones, each with a real example.

By Pokémon

Eight Pikachu cards from different sets — Eight Pikachu from eight different sets, from the Sword & Shield CHRs to the 30th Celebration SARs: every illustrator draws it their own way. All the cards are on the Pikachu page.

It's the simplest way: pick your favourite Pokémon and look for all its cards. On our Pokémon pagesyou'll find every card of each one, from the cheapest to the rarest.

By illustrator

Eight AR cards drawn by HYOGONOSUKE — Eight cards by HYOGONOSUKE, all from our stock: pastel colours, Pokémon caught in everyday moments, scenes that often continue from one card to the next.

Every illustrator has a recognisable style: some use clay, some watercolour, some pixel art. Collecting an artist is the best way to learn to really look at cards. Start from the illustrator pages.

By set, rarity or connected scenes

Completing all the ARs of a Japanese set is an achievable goal (we also sell complete sets). Or you can hunt for connected illustrations: cards that, placed side by side, form a single scene.

2. Packs or singles?

	Packs and boxes	Single cards
Fun	High: the surprise	Low
Cost for a specific card	High and uncertain	Low and certain
Best for	The joy of opening	Completing a collection

Most collectors do both: open a few packs for fun and buy singles to complete. To see what's in a box read Japanese booster box: what's inside.

3. How much to spend

You can start small: many Japanese ARs cost just a few euros. Set a monthly budget and keep a list of the cards you're after, from most wanted to least.

ARs under €5, in stock now

Chandelure

069/067

3,99 €2 pcs

Kleavor

071/067

2,49 €1 pcs

Mightyena

072/067

3,49 €1 pcs

Hisuian Voltorb

173/172

3,49 €2 pcs

4. Japanese or English?

For an artwork collection, Japanese cards are a natural choice: they come out months earlier, have smaller sets and very careful printing. All the differences are in the guide Japanese or English.

5. The starter kit

The protective layers for a valuable card: tight inner sleeve, outer sleeve and rigid toploader. This is how we ship every card.

Sleeves for every card;
toploaders for the most important cards;
a side-loading binder for the collection;
a closed box, away from sunlight and humidity.

All the details in how to store your cards.

Frequently asked questions

Which Pokémon cards should I buy to start?+

The ones you really like, with a goal: the cards of your favourite Pokémon, of an illustrator or of a set. That way every card you add makes sense.

Is it better to buy packs or singles?+

Packs are fun to open, but for a specific card singles almost always cost less. Many collectors do both.

How much do you need to spend?+

You can start with a few euros: many Japanese AR cards cost under €5. Set a monthly budget and stick to it.

Japanese or English cards?+

For collecting artwork, Japanese cards are great: they come out first, are carefully printed and often cost less. For tournaments outside Japan you need the permitted languages.