From the Pokemon Trading Card Game to Yu-Gi-Oh!, there have been many tabletop games from Japan that have become massively popular worldwide. Here are the anime trading card game titles that we like the most.
It’s the unconventional answer, but Fire Emblem Cipher. Sadly, this TCG never appeared outside of Japan, though some people added decks to Tabletop Simulator. It basically takes characters from multiple games, adds an ability to improve their strength and ability (without seals), and tasks you with eliminating your opponent’s forces. It’s a lot of fun, and I’m sad it’s so obscure. — Jenni
This might be the most cliche answer ever, but my favorite TCG is the Pokemon Trading Card Game. As a child of the 90s, it can’t be stated enough what a cultural impact the series had on the West. I will never forget the rush of excitement I felt after tearing open a booster pack and pulling a holographic rare of my favorite Pokemon. And despite being a little kid, I did actually play the game (I even ruined several expensive Pokemon cards due to using them in local tournaments)!
However, I specifically was obsessed with the Pokemon Trading Card Game on the Game Boy Color. The tabletop franchise’s jump to the video game format was brilliant and incredibly addicting. The 2000 title struck a great balance of teaching you the game while also being a challenging RPG. I loved the tabletop game so much that I even imported the Pokemon Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR! on eBay due to it never being released outside of Japan. One of my most prized possessions today is the promo Lugia Pokemon card that was packaged with the Game Boy title. — Brent
Yu-Gi-Oh! will always have a special place in my heart since I was a kid, and I adored collecting the cards. In fact, I am playing through World Championship 2009 from the DS for the first time right now and loving it. Other than that, I might be in the minority, but I adored the Shadowverse Champion’s Battle card game on Switch with RPG-like systems, quests, and an explorable world. Though Shadowverse first started as a mobile card game, the Switch title is more themed around the enjoyable anime. — Cody
