Pokemon has been a popular franchise since its debut in the 1990s, captivating audiences with its unique creatures and gameplay elements. As the years progressed, merchandise associated with the franchise has grown increasingly diverse, with Pokemon cards becoming a highly sought-after collector’s item. Recently, cereal manufacturers have introduced packs of Pokemon cards as part of their marketing strategy, creating a frenzy among fans keen on getting their hands on these rare cards.
Pokemon cards in cereal have been popular ever since they were first introduced in the late 90s. While initial sets only included a few cards, recent releases have featured multiple cards, making it an increasingly popular item among fans of all ages. However, with this popularity also comes the expectation that there will be unique and rare cards in each pack, making it more challenging for collectors to complete their collections. In this article, we will explore the different Pokemon cards found in cereal and why they are so highly coveted.
The History of Pokemon Cards in Cereal: A Look Back
Pokemon Cards have enjoyed a long history of appearing in cereal boxes. The promotion began in the year 1999 and has been a staple for breakfast-lovers and Pokemon enthusiasts ever since.
It all began with General Mills, who offered 2-different Pokemon cards in their boxes of Cocoa Puffs, Lucky Charms, and Trix. This promotion was so popular that, within a brief period, the Pokemon TCG had become the top-selling trading card game across the globe. Since then, several other cereal brands have jumped on the bandwagon and have utilized Pokemon cards in their own marketing efforts, making for a widespread and successful campaign. The Pokemon cards’ continuous appearance in cereal boxes has helped introduce the game’s collectible nature to many young people, allowing them to explore the excitement of the animal kingdom that exists in each Pokemon game.
How to Identify Rare Pokemon Cards in Cereal Boxes
Identifying rare Pokemon cards in cereal boxes is essential if you want to collect the best cards. Fortunately, there are a few ways to tell which cards are rare, and which are not. One of the best ways to identify rare cards is to look for holographic images on them. Most rare Pokemon cards have holographic designs that make them stand out from the rest. You can easily spot these shiny cards by holding them under light and watching them sparkle.
Another way to identify rare Pokemon cards in cereals is by checking their set numbers. Each card comes with a set number that identifies it uniquely. Rare cards usually have lower set numbers, while common cards have higher ones. You can find the set number at the bottom right corner of the card. Keep an eye out for cards with set numbers that start with “1” as they are typically rare. Overall, knowing how to identify rare Pokemon cards will make collecting them from cereal boxes more enjoyable and more rewarding.
Best Places to Find Pokemon Cards in Cereal Boxes Today
If you’re a fan of collecting Pokemon cards, finding them in cereal boxes can be an exciting experience. To get your hands on these rare cards today, there are a few places you can start.
Firstly, start with the cereal brands known for frequently including Pokemon cards. These include General Mills, Kellogg’s, and Post. Check the packaging to see if there are any promotions that have Pokemon cards inside. Another option is to visit your local grocery store and check the cereal aisles for boxes that might contain Pokemon cards. Don’t be afraid to ask the store staff for help if you’re unsure about which cereals have the cards. Online stores such as Amazon and eBay also stock cereal boxes with Pokemon cards inside, but be sure to check the sellers’ ratings before making a purchase to avoid scams.
Overall, finding Pokemon cards in cereal boxes can be a fun and exciting experience, and with a little bit of effort, you can add some rare cards to your collection without breaking the bank. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for cereal brands known for including Pokemon cards and consider checking local stores or online retailers for the best deals.
Advertising and Marketing Techniques Used to Promote Pokemon Cards in Cereal Boxes
Advertising and marketing are key techniques used to promote any campaign, and Pokemon cards in cereal boxes are no different. Companies use various promotional techniques to attract children and make them excited about the cards in cereal boxes. Cartoon commercials and brightly colored cereal boxes with Pokemon characters on them are used as a marketing tool to appeal to children.
Companies also use a popular animated TV series, Pokemon, to promote the cards in cereal boxes. By running these commercials on children’s TV channels, it’s easy to create excitement around the Pokemon characters. Therefore, companies can enjoy a much broader audience with this type of advertising approach. Through using different marketing techniques, companies can engage children and create awareness of Pokemon cards in cereal boxes.
The Value of Collecting Pokemon Cards in Cereal Boxes
The value of collecting Pokemon cards in cereal boxes is twofold: sentimental and financial. For many collectors, the act of collecting cards brings back fond memories of their childhood. Opening a box of cereal and discovering a rare card inside can reignite feelings of excitement and nostalgia that are priceless.
On the financial side, some cereal box Pokemon cards can become highly valuable over time. Rare or limited edition cards that were only available in cereal boxes can fetch high prices in the secondary market. For example, the 1999 Pikachu Illustrator card, which was only available in a Japanese-only promotion, sold for over $200,000 in 2019. While not all cereal box Pokemon cards will reach this level of value, many can still bring in a decent amount of money for collectors who are willing to sell them.
Controversies Surrounding Pokemon Cards in Cereal Boxes
The inclusion of Pokemon cards in cereal boxes has been a popular marketing strategy for decades. However, this practice has had its fair share of controversies over the years. One major issue that has arisen is the possibility of tampering with the cereal boxes to steal or replace the Pokemon cards.
There have been numerous reports of individuals opening cereal boxes in stores and stealing the cards, either by removing them from the packaging or by switching them out with counterfeit cards. As a result, many retailers have had to take extra precautions to prevent this type of theft, such as displaying the cereal boxes behind locked cases or keeping them in inventory until a customer requests them. Despite these challenges, the inclusion of Pokemon cards in cereal boxes remains a popular marketing strategy that continues to engage both children and adults alike.
Popular Cereal Brands That Offer Pokemon Cards and What to Expect From Each Box
Many popular cereal brands have jumped on the bandwagon of featuring Pokemon cards in their boxes. The most common cereal brands include General Mills, Kellogg’s, and Post. Each box typically includes one randomly selected Pokemon card.
General Mills: This brand offers a variety of cereal options such as Lucky Charms, Trix, and Cocoa Puffs. These boxes come with a variety of Pokemon cards from different sets and generations. Expect to find cards that include Pikachu, Mew, Charmander, and more.
Kellogg’s: Known for Froot Loops, Frosted Flakes, and Apple Jacks, Kellogg’s offers Pokemon cards as well. These boxes come with one of five cards from a special set featuring Pikachu, Scorbunny, Sobble, and Grookey.
Post: This brand offers several cereal options such as Fruity Pebbles, Golden Crisp, and Honeycomb. Their Pokemon card promotion offers one of four randomly selected cards featuring Pikachu, Eevee, Sobble, and Scorbunny.
Final Words
The Pokemon cards in cereal boxes have always been a popular way for fans to collect their favorite characters. While the popularity of the cards has waxed and waned over the years, cereal manufacturers continue to include them as a way to entice buyers, particularly children.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting, getting your hands on a cereal box with a Pokemon card can be a thrill. With the recent resurgence of interest in Pokemon, cereal boxes featuring the trading cards are likely to remain a popular staple for years to come. So next time you’re perusing the cereal aisle, keep an eye out for special packages that may contain rare and exciting cards.