If you haven't been paying attention to Chinese Pokemon cards, now's the time to start. The Pokemon Company has been producing exclusive artwork that exists only in Chinese languages. No Japanese version. No English version. For collectors who chase unique art, this is a rapidly emerging space worth understanding.
The Standout Exclusives
Collect 151 Pikachu Art Rares (Simplified Chinese): The Simplified Chinese version of Pokemon 151 (called "Collect 151" in China) features four exclusive Pikachu Art Rares by Brazilian-Japanese illustrator Oswaldo KATO. A flying Pikachu, one bothering a sleeping Psyduck, a clearing full of Pikachu, and a Gengar-haunted Pikachu. These painterly, soft-style illustrations don't exist in any other language. The set also includes an exclusive Gengar Art Rare that collectors are chasing hard.
Gem Pack Series (Simplified Chinese): This product line is exclusively Chinese and features anime-inspired Special Art promos. Volume 1 showcased the Pokemon Horizons cast—Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly, and Captain Pikachu—with their trainers. Volume 2 is an Eeveelution collector's dream: every card features Eevee or an evolution, with four connected Art Rares (Eevee, Umbreon, Leafeon, and Sylveon) by HYOGONOSUKE forming a panoramic scene. Volume 3 brought exclusive Art Rares for Meowth, Gengar, Cubone, Chandelure, and Ceruledge. Volume 4 continues the trend with a Ponyta Art Rare.
5th Anniversary Premium Gift Box (Traditional Chinese): Released in November 2024, this box celebrates five years of the Traditional Chinese TCG. The centerpiece is an exclusive Pikachu promo (153/SV-P) featuring artwork that spans all three modern eras—Zoroark-GX representing Sun & Moon, Mew VMAX for Sword & Shield, and Tera Charizard ex for Scarlet & Violet. The box also includes 15 stamped promo cards showcasing iconic playable cards from each era, plus a Super Electric Breaker booster box and premium accessories. This Pikachu has never been released in any other language or region, and PSA 10 copies have already commanded over $1,500 on the secondary market. It's a statement piece for collectors who want to commemorate a milestone in Chinese Pokemon history.
Special Art Rares in Main Sets (Simplified Chinese): Even the standard Simplified Chinese sets are getting exclusives. Recent releases have included SAR versions of Tera Arcanine ex, Maushold ex, Rika, Larry, Iron Hands ex, and Ciphermaniac's Codebreaking—all with artwork unique to China.
The Mew ex Lottery Promo (Simplified Chinese): Perhaps the most exclusive of all—a Mew ex promo (illustrated by satoma) that was only obtainable through a lottery system requiring attendance at multiple Pokemon events in mainland China. Only 1,510 copies were allegedly distributed. A Black Label BGS 10 reportedly sold for $125,000.
The Bottom Line
Chinese exclusive artwork represents one of the more interesting developments in modern Pokemon collecting. The combination of unique art, language exclusivity, limited print runs, and massive emerging markets creates dynamics worth watching. Whether these cards appreciate significantly over time remains to be seen, but the artwork speaks for itself—many of these illustrations rival or surpass what we see in Japanese and English releases.
For collectors who value having something genuinely different in their collection, Chinese exclusives deserve a closer look. The window to acquire these at reasonable prices may not last forever.
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Don Diego Trading specializes in Pokemon cards and collectibles. Follow us for more insights on emerging opportunities in the hobby.