How to recognize fake Pokémon cards?
"Pokémon cards are becoming increasingly popular, and with that, the number of fake pieces is also rising. But how can you safely distinguish them? Here are some proven tips that will help you keep your collection original."
- Paper and printing
Original Pokémon cards have high quality paper and printing. They are made from a multi-layered material that gives the card strength and durability. When you hold an original card, it should be slightly flexible, but not too bendable. The colors on real cards are always vibrant and exactly match the publisher's standards. Fake cards often look cheap, their surface is unnaturally smooth or too matte, and the colors can be either too bright or, conversely, faded.
- Light test
This simple test can quickly determine the authenticity of the card. Hold the card up to the light – genuine Pokémon cards have a thicker structure and opaque material, so light does not pass through them. Fake cards are often made from thinner, cheaper paper, and when you hold them up to the light, you can clearly see the outlines of the images and text on the back.
- Backside control
The back of a Pokémon card has a characteristic blue tone that is difficult for counterfeiters to replicate. Additionally, the "Pokémon" logo on the back must be sharp and perfectly centered. If the logo is slightly blurred, the edges are poorly defined, or the blue color has the wrong shade, the card is likely fake. These details may be small, but they are always perfect on original cards.
- Trimming and edges
"Every genuine Pokémon card has precisely cut edges and symmetrical borders surrounding the image. In counterfeit cards, the edges may be thick, uneven, or jagged. Another sign of fakes is inaccurate centering of the image and the frame. Original cards are made with attention to detail and symmetry, so if you notice any asymmetry or varying thickness of the frames, it is a clear sign that it is a replica."
- Holographic effects
The holographic effects on original Pokémon cards are of very high quality, with deep colors that change in the light and give the card a unique appearance. Counterfeits often have a hologram that looks cheap or unnatural – it may be either too dark, too bright, or not react to light as it should. Genuine holographic cards also have a subtle texture that you can feel with your fingers, while counterfeits are smooth.
- Text and font
The text on original Pokémon cards is sharp and clear, whether it's the name, description, or series number. Fake cards often have slightly blurred text or inconsistent text size. Many counterfeiters struggle to replicate the exact size and style of the font, so if you find that the text looks odd or is too large or too small, you probably have a counterfeit in your hands. The series number on originals is always clearly stated and corresponds to a specific edition.
- Suspiciously low price
The price is often the first warning sign. If you come across a "rare" Pokémon card at a suspiciously low price, you should be cautious. Authentic cards, especially limited editions or rare pieces, have their market value. If the price seems too good to be true, the card may be fake. Shop from verified sellers or reputable e-shops that guarantee the authenticity of the cards, such as CardyX.sk.
Collecting Pokémon cards can be a beautiful hobby, but only if you are sure that the cards in your collection are genuine. Always check the card thoroughly before purchasing, and if you have any doubts, do not hesitate to consult an expert. At CardyX.sk, we pride ourselves on the quality and authenticity of our products, so you can be sure that you will receive only original products from us.