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Custom Trading Card Market Outlook
Trading card games (TCG), also known as collectible card games, are played using specially sold card decks, typically in one-on-one battles.
Driven by the millennial generation’s growing appetite for unique and personalized products, the TCG market is rapidly expanding worldwide. According to Market Decipher, as more consumers seek collectibles with individual value and cultural appeal, the popularity of trading card games continues to soar.
In addition to their entertainment value, trading cards are also praised for enhancing creativity, strategic thinking, and planning skills—traits that attract a wide and growing base of players. Combined with the increasingly fierce competition among publishers, these cognitive benefits are expected to further fuel market growth in the coming years. North America—particularly the U.S. and Canada—is projected to remain the dominant region in the global TCG industry.
Market Decipher‘s 2025 report, Trading Card Game Market Size, Statistics, Trends & Forecasts 2024–2034, estimates that the global TCG market will reach $12.4 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 3.5% from 2023 to 2033.
In such an expanding market, Bonroy Manufacturer, as a custom manufacturer with 28 years of printing experience, is committed to providing full-process card customization solutions for brands, designers and players – from artwork to physical objects, from samples to packaging, creating physical support for every creative idea.
Create Your Design
The Value of Collectible Trading Cards
Trading cards are highly collectible themed cards, often based on sports, anime franchises, or original game IPs. Each card typically features a unique image or character on the front, and stats or lore on the back. Their limited production runs make them rare and desirable—driving up both value and demand.
A vibrant collector community has emerged—buying, trading, and selling cards to complete the most valuable decks. Rare, vintage, or graded cards often hold impressive monetary value, making trading cards not just a hobby but also an investment.
Sports Cards: Basketball cards have surged by 55% in value, while global fan interest has pushed up the price of football cards. Rookie cards of star athletes have risen 50%, and graded vintage cards are valued 40% higher than their ungraded counterparts. Limited edition and signed cards account for 45% of high-value transactions.
Non-Sports Cards: These hold a 35% market share, led by gaming and entertainment franchises. Pokémon remains the best-selling game card series, owning over 50% of this category.
Anime Cards: Representing 30% of the market, these are dominated by iconic series such as Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, and Naruto.
Bonroy Business is to provide best printing services on packaging boxes, books, board game cards and marketing materials and more, wide range of best quality products at affordable prices, along with printing machines suited to every skill level and need, mean everyone can create the customised materials and finishes they need to get their Company Philosophy across.
How to Make Custom Trading Cards
1. Design Your Card
Whether you’re designing your own characters or recreating fan favorites (with permission!), your custom card begins with the art. Use card templates (PSD or AI), and personalize with your card name, stats, and abilities. You can import your own artwork or scanned drawings, or hire a designer to help. Customize fonts, colors, borders, and back design to reflect your theme and game style.
2. Choose Materials
Select from premium TCG materials such as blue core or black core paper, with optional gold/silver foil stamping, matte or glossy coating, and other finishing options. Material and print quality can dramatically enhance both the visual and tactile appeal of your cards.
3. Printing Options
Choose between digital printing for small runs and prototypes, or offset printing for large-scale production. At Bonroy Printing, we use Heidelberg 8-color presses and industry-leading prepress equipment to ensure precise color and quality.
4. Packaging (Optional)
Looking to complete the experience? We offer a wide range of packaging solutions—lid-and-base boxes, drawer boxes, shrink wrapping, and more—for a polished, professional finish.
One popular option is to use card sleeves, which provide a protective layer around the cards. These sleeves act as a shield against moisture, dirt, and accidental spills, safeguarding your valuable prints. You can easily find card sleeves specifically designed for Pokemon cards in various sizes, styles, and colors, allowing you to personalize your collection while keeping it safe.
In addition to card sleeves, applying a protective coating to the cards is another effective way to ensure their long-lasting condition. Protective coatings, such as laminating sheets or sprays, create a clear and sturdy barrier on the cards’ surface, shielding them from scratches, wear, and tear. Keep in mind that when using coatings, it is crucial to apply them evenly and smoothly, avoiding any bubbles or excess product that might affect the cards’ appearance or texture.
Before choosing a protection method, it is advisable to consider your intended usage of the cards. If you plan on actively using them for gameplay or trading, card sleeves offer a convenient solution as they are easy to remove and replace. On the other hand, if your priority is preserving the cards as collectibles or for display, laminating or coating them might be a more suitable choice.
Legal Considerations
Avoid using copyrighted characters (e.g., Pokémon, Marvel) without proper authorization.
Stick to original artwork or IP that you own or have rights to use.
Why Work with a Professional Card Printer
Superior quality & professional materials
Full-service printing: design, sampling, production, and packaging
Eco-friendly options: At Bonroy, we offer cards made with sustainable materials and environmentally responsible packaging, helping brands appeal to eco-conscious customers.
Ready to Start?
“Your creativity deserves a card of its own.”
Whether it’s a game mechanic, character concept, or artistic universe—every idea can become a printed trading card.
“Creating your own deck is a unique achievement.”
Gift it to friends, share it with fans, or even sell it—your custom TCG project is full of possibilities.
“Start with your first card, and build your card world.”
With our fast sampling service, your idea can go from sketch to reality—starting today.
