Jumbo Pokémon cards: large format, surprisingly fun

By Jessie Schreuders
3 min read

You've probably seen them before: those big Pokémon cards in boxes or bundles. They immediately stand out because of their size. But what can you do with them? And are they worth collecting? As a collector who now has quite a few in his home, I'm happy to tell you what you need to know.

What exactly are Jumbo Pokémon cards?

As you know, Jumbo cards are enlarged versions of existing Pokémon cards. They have the same illustration, text and style, but are a lot bigger.

You will find them mainly in collection boxes , special editions or at events. You do not play with them, they do not fit in a regular deck but they are meant as a collector's item . And honestly? Some are really beautiful to put down or frame.

Are Jumbo cards rare or valuable?

However, not every Jumbo card is rare. Many are made in large editions and quickly disappear into a drawer. However, there are exceptions. Especially cards from one-off releases or special sets can become popular later.

Think of the Charizard VMAX Jumbo , the 25th Anniversary First Partner Packs or cards that were only available through Pokémon Center US. You hardly see them pop up later and then the value often increases automatically.

Please note: Grading companies such as PSA or BGS do not grade Jumbo cards . So you keep them purely for fun, visual impact or collector's value.

How do you store them properly?

If you already have a few Jumbos, you may recognize it: they are difficult to store. I ran into that myself. Fortunately, there are now special Jumbo binders for sale, often with larger insert sleeves from Pokémon itself.

I use an official binder and it works perfectly. Your cards stay flat, don't get damaged and you have an immediate overview. I really don't recommend storing them separately; these cards crease quickly.

What are fun Jumbo cards to collect?

Even though they are not ready to play, some Jumbos are really collectible. These are series that I am enthusiastic about:

  • First Partner Packs – Each pack contains a starter Pokémon from a different generation. Iconic and nostalgic.
  • Lucario VSTAR, Zacian V and Palkia VSTAR boxes – Beautiful illustrations and strong cards.
  • Specials like Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat – Hard to find, often only through specific releases or regions.

Also watch out for Jumbos in older boxes. They are quickly disappearing from the market, but are increasingly appreciated by collectors.

Is it worth it?

It depends on what you are looking for. Do you collect only to invest? Then Jumbos are usually not the best choice. But do you collect for fun, the look or your personal collection? Then I say: absolutely do it.

I use Jumbo cards in displays on my desk and in frames on the wall. It gives your collection character and people often ask for it right away.

My advice : give Jumbo Pokémon cards a chance. They are striking, creative and bring something different than the standard size cards. Whether you store them neatly or display them, these oversized cards definitely deserve a place in your collection. 🚀