Investigation into The Pokémon Protohype Scandal

Pokemon trading cards have seen a massive increase in sales in recent years.

In 2025, several new sets will grace the stage, including Prismatic Evolutions, Blooming Waters, Journey Together, White Flare, Black Bolt, and their Japanese equivalents. However, with the rise in demand has come an unsettling controversy: the Pokémon Protohype Scandal. This incident has raised concerns about the authenticity of certain rare Pokémon cards and the marketing tactics surrounding them.

Here's what you need to know about the Pokemon TCG Protohype Scandal.

What is the Protohype Scandal?

The Pokémon Protohype scandal centers around the finding that graded and authenticated Pokemon Prototype cards were indeed fakes and printed in 2022 & 2024. This was revealed by the printer's metadata that was embedded in the cards themselves.

 

Prototype cards are supposed to be early versions or test prints of popular Pokémon cards.

However, recent reports have questioned whether these cards were artificially created or manipulated to inflate their perceived value. The controversy erupted when several high-profile collectors and influencers started promoting the sale of these proto cards, claiming they were genuine, test-run versions of iconic Pokémon cards.

The sellers positioned these cards as the “holy grail” of the Pokémon card market, driving up prices and creating a rush for collectors eager to get their hands on them.

The Role of CGC and Akabane in the Pokemon Protohype Scandal

Central to the scandal are the involvement of CGC (Certified Guaranty Company), a prominent grading service for collectibles, and Akabane, a co-founder of the Pokémon franchise.

CGC, known for its professional grading system, has come under scrutiny due to its role in authenticating and grading some of the controversial proto cards. Despite the growing skepticism surrounding the cards, CGC continued to grade and issue certificates of authenticity, which helped fuel their inflated market prices.

Sold For: $18,000

Akabane has also become linked to the scandal.

His alleged involvement in the promotion and sale of these proto cards has raised eyebrows. While some believe he could have been misled by the sellers, others argue that his actions may have contributed to the hype and misinformation surrounding the cards. His reputation, tied to the Pokémon brand, has added another layer of complexity to the controversy.

The Evidence Behind the Scandal

Several key pieces of evidence have surfaced, casting doubt on the authenticity of these proto cards. First, experts have raised concerns about the printing techniques used in some of the cards. Some of the proto cards have shown signs of modern printing processes, suggesting they were produced recently rather than being early versions from the 1990s.

The controversy is further intensified by the absence of information about its origin.

Many of the cards in question have unclear or questionable histories, with no verifiable chain of ownership that could confirm their origins. Without clear documentation, it's difficult to establish whether these cards were genuinely created during the early production phases of Pokémon cards or whether they were fabricated to meet the high demand in today’s market.

Metadata analysis has also uncovered discrepancies in the reported details of the cards.

Certain cards being marketed as proto cards were allegedly found to have been uploaded to various online marketplaces under different names, with prices significantly inflated based on their assumed rarity.

Does the Evidence Add up?

Despite the growing evidence against the authenticity of the proto cards, there remains a vocal group of supporters who claim the controversy is a misunderstanding. 

Some argue that the cards could be legitimate but are being unfairly targeted due to the influx of fake Pokémon items in the market. Others believe that the cards are part of a legitimate test print series, but the sellers failed to provide proper proof.

However, the growing skepticism is hard to ignore.

Several high-profile auctions involving these proto cards have either been canceled or put on hold as experts and investors alike take a step back to reassess the situation.

What Does This Mean for the Pokémon Card Market?

The fallout from the Pokémon Protohype scandal could have lasting effects on the collectibles market. As more collectors and investors begin to question the authenticity of certain rare cards, there could be a shift in how items are bought, sold, and authenticated. The scandal could lead to stricter regulation and more rigorous verification processes within the Pokémon card community.

This controversy highlights the importance of transparency in the collectibles market. Buyers and sellers alike must be diligent about verifying the provenance and authenticity of the items they trade, especially as the market continues to boom. The Pokémon Protohype scandal serves as a cautionary tale, showing how hype and marketing tactics can sometimes blur the lines between truth and illusion in the world of high-stakes collectibles.