Chinses pokemon sets

Chinese Pokémon TCG Sets Guide | History & Card Lists

Find detailed information on all Simplified Chinese Pokémon TCG sets from Sun & Moon to Scarlet & Violet eras, including release dates and unique features.

Simplified Chinese Pokémon TCG sets began with Sun & Moon era's "Storming Emergence" in 2022, followed by Sword & Shield and Scarlet & Violet sets, featuring unique subset divisions based on Pokémon types.

Introduction to Chinese Pokémon TCG Sets

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has expanded its reach globally, including into the Chinese market with its Simplified Chinese card sets. These sets have unique characteristics that differentiate them from their Japanese and English counterparts. The Simplified Chinese Pokémon TCG officially launched in October 2022, starting with the Sun & Moon era sets rather than beginning with the earliest sets from the franchise's history.

This decision allowed Chinese players to access more modern cards and mechanics while the market developed. Simplified Chinese Pokémon cards are printed in Japan, ensuring they maintain the high-quality standards associated with Japanese Pokémon cards. This manufacturing choice gives them excellent print quality, texture, and durability compared to cards produced in other regions.

History of Simplified Chinese Pokémon TCG

Market Entry and Initial Release

The Pokémon TCG made its official entry into mainland China relatively recently compared to other regions. Nintendo products, including Pokémon games and merchandise, faced restrictions in China for many years, which delayed the official launch of the TCG in the country. When the Simplified Chinese Pokémon TCG finally launched in October 2022, it began with the Sun & Moon era sets rather than starting from the very beginning of the Pokémon TCG's history.

The decision to start with Sun & Moon rather than earlier sets was strategic. By launching with more recent sets, The Pokémon Company could introduce Chinese players to the modern game mechanics and Pokémon from more recent generations, making the game more relevant to new players familiar with current Pokémon games and media.

Expansion Timeline

Since its initial launch, the Simplified Chinese Pokémon TCG has rapidly expanded its catalog to include sets from the Sun & Moon era, Sword & Shield era, and most recently, the Scarlet & Violet era. The accelerated release schedule has allowed the Chinese market to catch up more quickly with the global Pokémon TCG releases.

The timeline of major Simplified Chinese Pokémon TCG releases includes:

October 28, 2022: Sun & Moon: Storming Emergence (CSM1A, CSM1B, CSM1C) - The inaugural release
Following releases included Sun & Moon: Shining Synergy (CSM2A, CSM2B, CSM2C)
Sword & Shield era sets followed, including Dynamax Clash (CS1A, CS1B)
Most recently, Scarlet & Violet era sets have begun releasing, including Eternal Beginnings (CSV1) and Miracle Journey (CSV2)

Sun & Moon Era Sets

Storming Emergence (CSM1A, CSM1B, CSM1C)

The Sun & Moon: Storming Emergence set marked the beginning of the Simplified Chinese Pokémon TCG. Released on October 28, 2022, this inaugural set was divided into three distinct subsets, each focusing on different Pokémon types:

Storming Emergence: Radiant (CSM1A) - Featured Fire, Psychic, and Steel type Pokémon
Storming Emergence: Verdant (CSM1B) - Featured Grass, Electric, and Dark type Pokémon
Storming Emergence: Abundant (CSM1C) - Featured Water, Fighting, and Fairy type Pokémon

This type-based division is a unique characteristic of Simplified Chinese sets, allowing collectors to focus on specific Pokémon types if desired. The Chinese name for this set is "太阳 & 月亮横空出世" (Sun & Moon Storming Emergence).

Shining Synergy (CSM2A, CSM2B, CSM2C)

Following the success of Storming Emergence, the Shining Synergy set continued the Sun & Moon era in the Simplified Chinese market. Like its predecessor, this set was also divided into three subsets (CSM2A, CSM2B, CSM2C), each featuring different Pokémon types to maintain consistency in the collection structure.

Sun & Moon Era Sub Sets

In addition to the main sets, the Sun & Moon era also featured smaller sub sets. These contained fewer cards than the main sets but often included special cards or focused on specific themes or Pokémon. These sub sets complemented the main releases and provided additional collecting opportunities for players and collectors in the Chinese market.

Sword & Shield Era Sets

Main Sets Structure

The Sword & Shield era brought a slight change to the structure of Simplified Chinese Pokémon sets. Unlike the Sun & Moon era which featured three subsets per main set, the Sword & Shield era sets were typically divided into two subsets (A and B). Each subset still focused on different Pokémon types, maintaining the type-based division established in the Sun & Moon era.

The main Sword & Shield era sets in Simplified Chinese include:

Dynamax Clash (CS1A, CS1B) - The first Sword & Shield era set
Vivid Portrayals (CS2A, CS2B)
Primordial Arts (CS3A, CS3B)
Nine Colors Gathering (CS4A, CS4B)
Brave Stars (CS5A, CS5B)
Shadow of the Blue Sea (CS6A, CS6B)

Sub Sets and Special Releases

The Sword & Shield era expanded the variety of Simplified Chinese Pokémon products with numerous sub sets and special releases:

Dynamax Tactics (CS1.5)
Brilliant Counterattack (CS2.5)
Scorching Skies (CS3.5)
Final Flame Dance (CS4.5)
Shadow of Glory (CS5.5)
Victory Stars (CS6.5)

These smaller sets typically contained fewer cards than the main sets but often featured special cards or focused on specific themes or Pokémon.

How to draw a pokemon?

Promo Packs and Special Collections

The Sword & Shield era also introduced various promo packs and special collections to the Simplified Chinese market:

CS M Promo Pack
CS G Promo Pack
CS D Promo Pack
CS4.1 Promo Pack
CS5.1 Promo Pack
CS6.1 Promo Pack
Return of the Dragon (CSF)
EX Legend Maker

These promo packs were often included in special products like gift boxes, binders, or accessory collections. The cards in these packs typically featured unique print textures and foil treatments, making them desirable for collectors.

Scarlet & Violet Era Sets

Eternal Beginnings (CSV1)

The Scarlet & Violet era represents the most recent chapter in the Simplified Chinese Pokémon TCG. Eternal Beginnings (CSV1) marked the beginning of this new era, introducing the mechanics and Pokémon from the Scarlet & Violet video games to the Chinese TCG market.

Miracle Journey (CSV2)

Following Eternal Beginnings, Miracle Journey (CSV2) continued the Scarlet & Violet era in the Simplified Chinese market. This set further expanded the collection of Scarlet & Violet era Pokémon available to Chinese players and collectors.

Special Collections

The Scarlet & Violet era has also introduced special collections to the Simplified Chinese market:

Collect 151 Promo Pack
Collect 151 Journey
Gem Pack Volume One

These special collections offer unique cards and collecting opportunities beyond the standard set releases.

Unique Features of Simplified Chinese Pokémon Cards

Set Numbering System

Simplified Chinese Pokémon cards use a unique numbering system that provides information about the card's set and subset. The numbering system typically follows this format:

Set era identifier (CSM for Sun & Moon, CS for Sword & Shield, CSV for Scarlet & Violet)
Set number within the era
Subset identifier (A, B, or C)
Card number within the subset
A final "C" (which can be disregarded)

This numbering system helps collectors identify and organize their cards within the Simplified Chinese Pokémon TCG ecosystem.

Type-Based Subset Division

A distinctive feature of Simplified Chinese Pokémon sets is their division into subsets based on Pokémon types. For example, in the Sun & Moon: Storming Emergence set:

Subset A (Radiant) contained Fire, Psychic, and Steel types
Subset B (Verdant) contained Grass, Electric, and Dark types
Subset C (Abundant) contained Water, Fighting, and Fairy types

This type-based division is unique to the Simplified Chinese sets and provides a different collecting experience compared to other language versions of the Pokémon TCG.

Card Quality and Manufacturing

Simplified Chinese Pokémon cards are printed in Japan, giving them the same high-quality standards as Japanese Pokémon cards. This manufacturing choice results in excellent print quality, texture, and durability. Many collectors consider Japanese-printed cards (including Simplified Chinese) to have superior quality compared to cards printed in other regions.

Collecting Simplified Chinese Pokémon Cards

Availability and Distribution

Simplified Chinese Pokémon cards are primarily distributed in mainland China, making them less readily available in other regions compared to English or Japanese cards. However, specialized retailers and online marketplaces have made these cards more accessible to international collectors interested in adding Simplified Chinese cards to their collections.

Set Sizes and Completion Challenges

Simplified Chinese Pokémon sets are notably larger than their Japanese counterparts. This is partly because they were designed to help the Chinese market catch up with other regions. The large set sizes can present both challenges and opportunities for collectors:

Challenge: More cards to collect to complete a set
Opportunity: Greater variety of cards available within each set

Investment Potential

As relatively new additions to the Pokémon TCG landscape, Simplified Chinese cards represent an emerging market for collectors and investors. Their limited distribution outside of China and high print quality may contribute to their long-term value, particularly for rare cards and special releases.

Differences Between Simplified and Traditional Chinese Pokémon Cards

Market Separation

It's important to note the distinction between Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese Pokémon cards:

Simplified Chinese cards are distributed in mainland China
Traditional Chinese cards are distributed in Taiwan and Hong Kong

These markets have separate releases with different set structures and release schedules.

Set Structure and Naming

Traditional Chinese Pokémon sets follow a different naming and structure convention compared to Simplified Chinese sets. For example, Traditional Chinese sets from the Sun & Moon era include:

All Stars Collection (AC1a, AC1b)
Dreams Come True (AC2a, AC2b)

These sets have different release dates and card lists compared to their Simplified Chinese counterparts.

Future of Simplified Chinese Pokémon TCG

Upcoming Releases

The Simplified Chinese Pokémon TCG continues to expand with new releases planned for 2025 and beyond. As mentioned in the available information, more Scarlet & Violet era sets are scheduled for release in 2025, which will further expand the collection options for Chinese players and collectors.

Market Growth Potential

As the Pokémon franchise continues to grow in popularity in China, the Simplified Chinese Pokémon TCG market is likely to expand as well. This growth may lead to increased availability of Simplified Chinese cards and potentially more unique releases tailored to the Chinese market.

Frequently Asked Questions About Simplified Chinese Pokémon Cards

When did Simplified Chinese Pokémon cards first release?

Simplified Chinese Pokémon cards first released on October 28, 2022, with the Sun & Moon: Storming Emergence set (CSM1A, CSM1B, CSM1C).

How are Simplified Chinese Pokémon sets structured?

Simplified Chinese Pokémon sets are typically divided into subsets based on Pokémon types. Sun & Moon era sets had three subsets (A, B, C), while Sword & Shield era sets usually have two subsets (A, B).

Where are Simplified Chinese Pokémon cards manufactured?

Simplified Chinese Pokémon cards are manufactured in Japan, giving them the same high-quality standards as Japanese Pokémon cards.

How do Simplified Chinese Pokémon cards differ from other language versions?

Simplified Chinese Pokémon cards have unique set structures with type-based subsets, a different numbering system, and often larger set sizes compared to other language versions.

Are Simplified Chinese Pokémon cards valuable for collectors?

As relatively new additions to the Pokémon TCG landscape with limited distribution outside of China, Simplified Chinese cards may hold value for collectors interested in unique or rare Pokémon cards.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse