Pokemon TCG Simplified Chinese Launch: A Game-Changer

Hey Trainers! Welcome to PokiPair, your go-to spot for all things Pokemon TCG. We’re thrilled to dive into the buzz surrounding the somewhat recent launch of Pokemon TCG in Simplified Chinese, making waves in Mainland China since October 2022. Let’s explore how this move is reshaping the game and what it means for you as a Pokemon collector.

Expanding the Horizon: A Market of 1.4 Billion

Get ready for a seismic shift! The introduction of Pokemon TCG in Simplified Chinese isn’t just a launch; it’s a game-changer. With a massive population exceeding 1.4 billion in Mainland China, we’re talking about a huge new player base. The doors are wide open for Pokemon to capture the hearts of a diverse audience, bringing the joy of card collecting, trading, and battling to millions (if not billions!).

Breaking Language Barriers: Simplified Chinese vs. Other Editions

Unlike your usual Pokemon TCG releases in various languages, the Simplified Chinese edition is forging its own path. “Crossing the Sky” which is considered the “base set”, contains 3 subsets: Radiant (Chinese: 赫), Verdant (Chinese: 苍) and Abundant (Chinese: 泽), with each subset covering specific types of Pokémon cards. The Radiant subset was assigned expansion mark CSM1a, has the flame Pokémon Charizard as cover Pokémon, and features Fire, Psychic and Metal Pokémon. The Verdant subset was assigned expansion mark CSM1b, has the sky high Pokémon Rayquaza as cover Pokémon, and features Grass, Lightning and Darkness Pokémon. The Abundant subset was assigned expansion mark CSM1c, has the intertwining Pokémon Sylveon as cover Pokémon, and features Water, Fighting and Fairy Pokémon. With 627 set cards or 1080 after adding the Reverse Holofoil variants, this set is the biggest Pokemon TCG set in all languages!

Innovative Booster Box Sizes: Tailoring to Mainland China

But wait, there’s more! The Pokemon Company isn’t just translating; they’re tailoring the experience for Mainland China. Introducing a jumbo booster box, each jumbo booster pack comes with a whopping 25 cards. Perfectly aligned with the preferences of the Mainland China audience, this innovative approach brings more cards per pack, changing the game with adjusted hit rates for jumbo booster packs. The adjusted hit rates gives way to potentially pull up to 6 Secret Rates in a single jumbo booster pack – yes, you read that right!

Rapid Release Strategy: Catching Up with Japan

Time is of the essence! To keep up with the Japanese releases, Pokemon TCG in Simplified Chinese is adopting a rapid release strategy. The first three sets, which launched on October 28, 2022, boast a staggering 151 cards each, totaling over 450 cards. No need to wait – Chinese players can quickly dive into the latest Pokemon TCG sets, aligning with the successful strategy seen in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Since “Crossing the Sky”, we have also seen “Shining Together” which covered the Sun & Moon era.

Currently we are midway through Sworld and Shield era starting with “Dynamic Clash”, then we saw “Vivid Portrayals” and the most recent set being “Primordial Arts”.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Pokemon TCG in China

While we’re currently in the Sword & Shield era, the future looks promising. Speculation is rife about upcoming releases incorporating cards from more recent sets. Following the footsteps of Hong Kong and Taiwan, where initial compilation sets paved the way for simultaneous releases, Mainland China is set to become a dynamic hub in the global Pokemon TCG community. The next set might be the biggest and most important set yet for Pokemon TCG Simplified Chinese with “Nine Colours Gathering” which will contain cards from the highly popular after (and damn expensive!) Eevee Heroes as well as Fusion Arts which is set to launch 01 March, 2024 in Mainland China. Stay tuned to see which cards will be revealed for “Nine Colours Gathering” – do you think Moonbreon will feature?

 

In Conclusion

In a nutshell, the launch of Pokemon TCG in Simplified Chinese is a monumental milestone. It signals a strategic shift and underscores the colossal potential of the Mainland Chinese market. Brace yourselves, fellow trainers, for an exhilarating journey filled with new sets, innovative booster box sizes, and a rapid release schedule that keeps you on the pulse of the Pokemon universe. Stay tuned with PokiPair for the latest updates as the Pokemon TCG adventure takes flight in Mainland China!

Stay tuned with PokiPair to stay up to date with all Simplified Chinese products releasing.