When it comes to collecting Pokémon cards, most hobbyists default to Japanese and English prints. These versions dominate the market, often commanding higher prices due to demand, nostalgia, and perceived prestige. However, when we examine print quality, cardstock, and overall value, cards from other regions—such as Korean, Chinese, and European editions—offer a compelling alternative at a significantly lower cost.
Print Quality & Cardstock Differences
One of the biggest differentiators between Pokémon cards from different regions is print quality. The Pokémon Company produces cards in multiple languages and regions, each with slight variations in texture, ink saturation, and cardstock composition.
Japanese Prints: Japanese Pokémon cards are often praised for their high print quality, vibrant colors, and smooth finish. The cardstock is usually thinner but more durable due to a superior lamination process. This makes them visually stunning and slightly more resistant to wear.
English Prints: Produced by the U.S.-based company, Pokémon International, English cards tend to have a coarser texture with less saturation in color compared to their Japanese counterparts. The cardstock is typically thicker but has a rougher cut, sometimes leading to lower aesthetic appeal, especially in foil cards where centering and edge quality can be inconsistent.
Other Regional Prints (Korean, Chinese, etc.): Many collectors overlook Korean and other non-Japanese, non-English prints. However, these cards often feature excellent print quality, with some mirroring the Japanese finish at a significantly lower cost. Korean cards, for example, use a similar cardstock to Japanese releases but are much more affordable.
A Case Study: Umbreon VMAX
Let’s compare two versions of the same card: Umbreon VMAX Alternate Art from the English Evolving Skies set and the Korean equivalent.
English Umbreon VMAX Alt Art (Evolving Skies #215)
Highly sought after, often reaching premium prices.
Print quality can vary, with centering and rough edges being common complaints.
Produced in high quantities, yet scarcity is artificially created by booster box supply limitations.
Korean Umbreon VMAX Alt Art (#095/069 Full Art)
Available at significantly lower prices.
Print quality is comparable to the Japanese edition, maintaining vibrant colors and clean cuts.
The same artwork and card design, with minor text differences.
The price disparity between these two versions is noticeable, despite minimal differences in actual quality. While the English version benefits from perceived rarity and a larger collector base, the Korean version offers essentially the same experience at a fraction of the cost.
Why Do English and Japanese Cards Carry a Higher Price Tag?
Market Perception & Demand: Collectors in North America and Japan drive high demand for their respective language prints, leading to increased prices.
Artificial Scarcity: English booster boxes are printed in waves, creating fluctuations in availability and price.
Grading & Investment Hype: PSA and BGS tend to certify more English and Japanese cards, reinforcing their premium positioning.
Language Familiarity: Many collectors prefer English or Japanese text, leading to a bias that overlooks other regional prints.
The Smart Collector’s Strategy
If you're a collector who values artwork, print quality, and affordability over hype, exploring foreign prints is a smart move. Cards from Korean, Chinese, and other language sets allow you to own stunning Pokémon cards without paying a premium.
Before investing heavily in an English or Japanese Pokémon card, consider whether the higher price truly reflects superior quality—or if there are equally impressive alternatives available at a lower cost.
Explore More Affordable Pokémon Cards
Check out these two versions of the Umbreon VMAX Alternate Art and compare for yourself:
You might be surprised at how much money you can save while still enjoying the same beautiful card!