There are countless collectible card games in the world. Here, we will present to you the 5 most popular ones in 2023. So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and discover the ranking of the best CCGs.
Pokémon Trading Card Game
No need to introduce the CCG giant, Pokémon, which is celebrating its 27th anniversary this year. Since its beginnings in the 90s, Pokémon has continuously evolved, offering thousands of Pokémon cards for players and collectors. The latest expansions, like Scarlet and Violet 151 or Scarlet and Violet obsidian flames , have further enriched this vast universe by introducing new mechanics and Pokémon.
Official events and tournaments, such as the World Championships and Pokémon Regional Championships, attract thousands of players worldwide. If you haven’t yet succumbed to the Pokémon fever, now is the time to dive in!
Release date of the first Pokémon cards: October 1996.
First expansion of the Pokémon TCG: Base Set.
Latest expansion of the Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet.
Iconic card of the franchise: Charizard 04/102.
Magic: The Gathering
Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is undoubtedly one of the most popular and oldest CCGs, created in 1993 by mathematician Richard Garfield. Its ever-evolving fantasy world and deep, strategic gameplay mechanics make it a preferred choice for both players and collectors.
MTG tournaments, organized by Wizards of the Coast, bring together thousands of competitive players, while more casual formats like Commander attract a broad audience. Magic is a must for any fan of mature and intricate CCGs!
Release date of the first Magic cards: August 1993.
First expansion of the Magic TCG: Alpha Limited Edition.
Latest expansion of the Magic TCG: Wilds of Eldraine.
Iconic card of the franchise: Black Lotus 232/295.
Yu-Gi-Oh!
Since its inception in 1999, Yu-Gi-Oh! has captured the hearts of TCG enthusiasts worldwide with its iconic monsters, epic battles, and intricate gameplay rules. Inspired by the manga and anime of the same name, Yu-Gi-Oh! allows players to engage in thrilling duels with cards like the famous Link Monsters and formidable Spells and Traps. From 1999 to today, a total of 80 expansions have been released for Yu-Gi-Oh!. Official tournaments, organized by Konami, provide a competitive and exhilarating experience for the most seasoned players. If you enjoy complex strategies and intense duels, Yu-Gi-Oh! is the game for you.
Release date of the first Yu-Gi-Oh! cards: February 1999.
First expansion of the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG: Legend of Blue Eyes White Dragon.
Latest expansion of the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG: Invasion of Chaos.
Iconic card of the franchise: Blue-Eyes White Dragon LOB-001 1st Edition.
One Piece
With over 25 years of success, One Piece is now a phenomenon in Japanese pop culture. The One Piece TCG, launched in 2022, draws upon the rich and diverse universe of the series to offer frenzied pirate battles featuring iconic characters from the manga and anime.
If you dream of embarking on an adventure on the Grand Line, the One Piece TCG takes you in search of the ultimate treasure, the One Piece!
Release date of the first One Piece cards: July 2022.
First expansion of the One Piece TCG: Romance Dawn.
Latest expansion of the One Piece TCG: The Three Captains.
Iconic card of the franchise: Monkey D. Luffy (ST01-001).
Naruto Kayou
Naruto, one of the most popular manga series of all time, also has its own TCG (Trading Card Game) called Naruto Kayou. Launched in 2022 in China, this captivating card game immerses you in the world of ninjas and allows you to collect your favorite characters like Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura. This new Chinese TCG quickly won over many collectors with its beautiful cards and illustrations. There are over 20 different rarities in the Naruto Kayou universe, making it a true treasure hunt for enthusiasts. If you’re a fan of Masashi Kishimoto’s universe, Naruto Kayou is a TCG not to be missed in 2023!
Release date of the first Naruto Kayou cards: Late 2023.
Iconic card of the franchise: Gaara NR-005 T3W2.
The Collectible Card Games at Their Peaks in 2023
Since the Pokémon hype in 2021, there has been a tremendous surge of interest in collectible cards in general. There have been exclusives and innovations in most existing TCGs to follow this hype. Today, new licenses have emerged such as Naruto, One Piece, Flesh and Blood, Digimon, Marvel Kayou, and Dragoborne. We can also mention the collectible card game Lorcana, published by the famous Disney franchise. 2023 holds delightful surprises in both existing TCGs and new releases. The range of options is so extensive in 2023 that everyone can find something to enjoy and indulge in.
