The Mythical Snap Cards – Pokémon’s Most Elusive Promos
Some rare Pokémon cards are hard to find—but Snap Cards? They’re nearly impossible.
Released through a Japan-exclusive contest in 1999, the Pokémon Snap Promo Cards were never sold in stores, making them one of the rarest promotional sets in Pokémon history.
With only 20 copies of each card ever printed, Snap Cards are considered one of the final frontiers of Pokémon collecting.
🎮 What Are Pokémon Snap Cards?
In 1999, Nintendo, Creatures Inc., and CoroCoro Comic held a unique contest in Japan.
📷 Contestants were asked to take in-game photos in Pokémon Snap (N64)
🏆 The best photos were turned into real Pokémon TCG cards
🃏 Only 20 copies of each winning card were printed
A total of 10 different Pokémon received a Snap Card—each with unique in-game artwork.
🔍 How Many Snap Cards Exist Today?
Since only 20 copies of each card were awarded, that means a maximum of 200 cards exist worldwide.
However, due to the low awareness and non-traditional release, many Snap Cards were lost over time. Today, estimates suggest fewer than 100 exist in any condition.
🏆 The Pokémon Snap Card List
| Pokémon | Estimated Copies Remaining | Last Known Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bulbasaur | ~15 | ~$50,000+ (ungraded) |
| Charmander | ~12 | ~$75,000 (PSA 9) |
| Squirtle | ~10 | ~$60,000+ |
| Poliwag | ~8 | Unknown – Never publicly sold |
| Articuno | ~6 | Unknown – Never publicly sold |
Snap Cards are so rare that some have never surfaced at auction—making them true collector legends.
💰 Are Pokémon Snap Cards Worth Investing In?
If you somehow get your hands on a Snap Card, you own one of the rarest Pokémon cards ever printed.
✅ Ultra-low population (sub-20 copies per card)
✅ Crossover nostalgia from Pokémon Snap + TCG collectors
✅ Prices still rising, with most cards never hitting public auction
However, these are not easy investments—most sales happen through private deals, and condition varies significantly.
One Comment