Rare Pokémon cards are frequently sought after by collectors to add to their collections, and the price of these cards can vary greatly based on their scarcity, demand, and condition. Certain cards may also be deemed rare due to their distinctive design or because they are extremely challenging to acquire through standard game play. This may be the result of a number of things, such being a part of a limited edition collection or being made available as a promotional item for a particular occasion or event. The fact that certain Pokémon cards are only occasionally available is one factor contributing to their rarity. These have brought new characters and gameplay elements. To keep the game interesting and new, numerous series and expansions have been produced over the years.
In 1996, the Pokémon Trading Card Game was first released in Japan, where it spread fast to other countries. Each card includes a particular Pokémon character as well as details on the character's stats, skills, and other game-related information. The popular Japanese franchise of video games, anime, and other media depicting imaginary animals named 'Pokémon' is the inspiration for Pokémon cards, a form of collectible trading card game.