How to tell if Pokemon cards are original: a practical guide to detecting fakes and buying with confidence

January 05, 2026
TCG Shops

Introduction: Why it's important to learn how to tell if Pokemon cards are original

The collecting and competitive play of the Pokémon TCG has grown tremendously, and with that popularity, so have counterfeits. Knowing how to tell if Pokémon cards are genuine not only protects your investment but also ensures a fair gaming experience: thickness, finish, centering, and even texture influence how the cards shuffle and feel in your hand.

At tcgshops.com, where you'll find TCG products like Pokémon, Riftbound, One Piece, and Magic, we love helping players and collectors shop with confidence. This handy guide brings together the most useful checks for spotting counterfeit cards before they ruin your collection or your next game.

Quick signs to identify fake cards in seconds

If you're reviewing multiple cards, these signs allow you to quickly filter out potential forgeries:

Colors that are too saturated or dull: many copies don't capture the tone of the artwork or the color of the border.
Strange typography: thicker letters, misaligned numbers, or text with odd spacing.
Excessive shine: an overly shiny or plasticky finish is usually a bad sign.
Irregular cut: poorly trimmed edges, corners with different shapes, or very off-center.

How to tell if Pokemon cards are original: a complete point-by-point guide

1) Check the print quality and the text

Genuine cards typically have crisp printing: the artwork outlines are clean, the text is legible and uniform, and the power or rarity symbols are clearly defined. In forgeries, it's common to see:

Text edges slightly blurred.
Blacks that look gray or washed out.
Strange shadows around letters or numbers.

Compare it, if possible, with a card you know is authentic from the same set or era. Direct comparison remains one of the best forms of proof.

2) Examine the reverse side: color, centering, and details

The back of a Pokémon card is a critical point. Counterfeit copies often fail in the shade of blue, the sharpness of the swirl, and the definition of the text. Take a look:

Blue: if it looks purple, too dark or too light, be suspicious.
The Pokeball and the whirlpool: in the originals the details are clear, without pixelation.
Centering: Extreme centering can occur in originals, but if there is also poor printing, it increases the likelihood of forgery.

3) Check the thickness and rigidity

Genuine playing cards typically have a consistent balance between rigidity and flexibility. Many counterfeits feel either too soft or too stiff. A helpful trick is to compare the thickness and feel to a genuine card. If the suspect card bends too easily or doesn't spring back, that's a red flag.

4) The light test: a very revealing clue

Without damaging the card, you can hold it up to a moderate light source and compare it to an original card. Generally, the cardboard of genuine cards controls light transmission better. Many forgeries let in too much light or, conversely, almost none. This test isn't perfect on its own, but it's excellent when combined with others.

5) Check the finish and texture on holo and ultra rare cards

In holographic and high-rarity cards, the finish matters a great deal. In genuine cards, the holo usually has defined patterns and a consistent shine. In counterfeits, it's common to see:

Holo planar, like a uniform sheet without a pattern.
Reflections that are too intense and obscure the art.
Textures that don't match the style of that set.

If you have doubts about a specific card, compare it with another authentic card of the same rarity or from the same expansion block.

6) Energies, symbols and details of the set

Set symbols, rarity icons, and card information are usually highly standardized. Counterfeits fail in small details: symbol size, slightly misaligned placement, or inaccurate shapes. Also, check that the name, PS, font, and text are correctly aligned within their areas.

7) Pay attention to the price and the place of purchase

If a valuable card appears at an unusually low price, it's cause for concern. Many counterfeit cards are sold in bulk, with generic photos or vague descriptions. To avoid unpleasant surprises, prioritize specialized shops and sealed products whenever possible. At tcgshops.com, we're committed to providing a clear and community-focused experience for the TCG community, so you can build your collection with confidence.

Common mistakes when verifying authenticity

Relying on a single test: it's best to use several signals together.
Assuming a card with good artwork is real: some forgeries use very convincing images.
Do not compare with cards from the same set: the finishes change between generations and expansions.

Conclusion: Buy with confidence and enjoy your collection

Learning how to tell if Pokémon cards are genuine is a key skill for any player or collector. By checking the printing, backing, thickness, lightness, and holo finish, you can spot most fakes before they even make it into your binder or deck.

If you want to enhance your collection with TCG products and stay up-to-date with upcoming releases, visit tcgshops.com and subscribe to our newsletter to be notified when your favorite items are available for purchase. Your collection deserves authentic cards and a top-notch gaming experience.