Pokémon Cards announced on the 21st the consideration of a new identity verification system using My Number Cards — Japanese individual identification cards — to control access to priority draws, product sales and participation in official events. The measure aims to curb chronic resale problems that hamper launches in the region.
My Number Card would work as a filter on three main fronts:
- Sorteios product priorities in Pokémon Center Online
- Vendas of limited quantity items in the official online store
- Inscrições in official tournaments and events held on Japão
Deployment Cronograma scheduled for August
Implementation is scheduled to begin in August 2026, as announced by the company. Pokémon Cards will also define details about authentication, the permitted age groups and which specific products and events will use the system. The company said it will update the schedule as soon as the final definitions are confirmed.
Usuários without My Number Card will not have priority in the draws. Essa restriction marks a significant change in the distribution policy of limited products in the Japanese market.
Combate for structured resale
Pokémon cards face continued pressure from speculation. Cada new release generates resale spikes, with consumers and resellers competing for limited quantities. The proposed system seeks to link each purchase and sign-up to a verified identity, making bulk acquisition for resale purposes more difficult.
Verification by My Number Card also prevents the same person from creating multiple fake accounts or profiles to participate in sweepstakes repeatedly. Essa tactic is common among professional dealers.
Impacto Expected in Collector Experience
The new system affects two different audiences. Casual Colecionadores and legitimate tournament players have a greater chance of access to products and events. Structured Revendedoress face higher legal and technical barriers to operating at scale.
Pokémon Cards acknowledged that information about authentication methods, target products, and age-specific rules will be released in a later statement. Até there, implementation remains in the planning phase.
Contexto of game growth in 2026
Pokémon Trading Card Game continues to expand in Japão. Restrições for resale represent a common defensive measure in trading card markets with high demand and controlled supply. Magic: The Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh also implemented similar controls in exclusive releases.
The adoption of My Number Card marks the first time that Pokémon Cards has directly linked a mandatory national identity document to product purchases. The approach is more rigorous than simple quantity limitations per order.