Are you a Pokémon fan? If so, you’re probably familiar with Pikachu, the most famous Pokémon of all time. But did you know that Pikachu has a birthday? That’s right! Pikachu was born on April 1st, and every year, fans around the world celebrate Pikachu’s birthday. In 2021, Pikachu turned 25 years old, and to celebrate this milestone, The Pokémon Company released a special edition Birthday Pikachu card. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history and value of this special card, as well as how fans celebrated the occasion.
How many Birthday Pikachu cards were printed?
The Birthday Pikachu card was first released in 1998 as a special promotion for the Japanese Pokémon Center stores. There were two versions of the card: one with a blue background and one with a green background. Both versions feature Pikachu wearing a party hat and holding a cake. The Japanese version of the card was not numbered, meaning there is no way to know exactly how many were printed.
In 1999, the card was released in the United States with a white background and a new text design. This version was numbered “24/102”, indicating it was the 24th card in the Base Set expansion. It’s unclear exactly how many were printed, but it’s estimated that there are only a few thousand first edition copies in existence today.
Birthday Pikachu 25th Anniversary
Fast forward to 2021, and Pikachu’s 25th birthday was a major event for Pokémon fans around the world. To commemorate the occasion, The Pokémon Company released several special edition products featuring Pikachu, including the 25th Anniversary Booster Packs and Collections. However, the centerpiece of the celebration was a new version of the Birthday Pikachu card.
The 25th anniversary Birthday Pikachu card features the same design as the original, but with a new border and text design. The card was available in two different products: a Pikachu Figurine Collection and a Shining Fates Premium Collection. The value of the card has fluctuated since its release, but it currently sells for upwards of $50 on eBay and other online marketplaces.
How much is the first edition Pikachu Birthday worth?
If you’re a collector, you may be wondering how much the original first edition Birthday Pikachu is worth. The answer is complicated and depends on several factors, including the card’s condition, rarity, and demand. In general, though, the first edition Birthday Pikachu is one of the most valuable cards in the Pokémon TCG.
As we mentioned earlier, the first edition card was numbered “24/102” and features a white background and new text. PSA 10 graded versions of the card have sold for upwards of $20,000, while ungraded versions in near-mint condition can still fetch several thousand dollars.
Birthday Pikachu card 25th Anniversary celebrations
Of course, no birthday celebration would be complete without a party! Pokémon fans around the world took to social media to share their love for Pikachu and the Birthday Pikachu card during the 25th anniversary celebrations. Here are just a few examples of how fans celebrated:
- Some fans shared photos of their Birthday Pikachu card collection, including both the original and 25th anniversary versions.
- Others created Pikachu-themed treats and decorations, like cupcakes with Pikachu faces and balloons shaped like Poké Balls.
- Some fans even cosplayed as Pikachu, complete with party hats and cakes.
Surfing Pikachu celebrations
In addition to the Birthday Pikachu festivities, fans also celebrated another iconic Pikachu design: Surfing Pikachu. This special Pikachu was first introduced in the Pokémon Yellow video game as a secret character that players could unlock by winning special minigames.
Since then, Surfing Pikachu has become a fan favorite and has appeared in various Pokémon TCG sets and merchandise. During the 25th anniversary celebrations, fans shared their love for Surfing Pikachu by creating fan art, cosplay, and even custom Surfing Pikachu cards.
Birthday Pikachu 25th Anniversary Value
As we mentioned earlier, the 25th anniversary Birthday Pikachu card has fluctuated in value since its release. However, one thing is certain: this card is a must-have for any serious Pokémon TCG collector. Here are a few reasons why:
- The card is a limited edition release, meaning it will only be available for a short time.
- The design features an iconic Pokémon that is beloved by fans around the world.
- The card is part of the 25th anniversary celebration, making it a piece of Pokémon history.
While the value of the card may go up or down over time, it’s safe to say that the 25th anniversary Birthday Pikachu is a valuable addition to any Pokémon TCG collection.
How much is a Pikachu’s Birthday worth?
If you’re looking to add the original first edition Birthday Pikachu to your collection, be prepared to spend a pretty penny. As we mentioned earlier, PSA 10 graded copies of the card have sold for $20,000 or more in the past. Of course, not all versions of the card are worth that much; the value depends on several factors, including condition and rarity.
The 25th anniversary Birthday Pikachu is a bit more affordable, with prices ranging from $40-$60 for ungraded versions. However, graded versions can sell for upwards of $200 or more, depending on the grade.
Conclusion
The 25th anniversary of Pikachu’s Birthday was a major event for Pokémon fans around the world. From the special edition cards and merchandise to the online celebrations, fans were able to share their love for this iconic character in a variety of ways. Whether you’re a collector looking to add these cards to your collection or a fan looking to celebrate the occasion, the Birthday Pikachu is a must-have item for any Pokémon enthusiast. Happy Birthday, Pikachu! Here’s to 25 more years of fun and excitement with our favorite electric mouse.