Operating as a central pillar of the Pokémon enterprise, the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) transformed the brand's core RPG mechanics into a physical card format in 1996. The property commands two overlapping commercial markets: active tabletop strategists building competitive 60-card decks for organized play, and speculative collectors seeking limited printings, full-art foils, and high card grades. Backed by quarterly expansion drops, cross-platform play on Pokémon TCG Live, and an international championship series, the TCG continues to capture long-term retail share and maintain global brand equity across diverse age demographics.