The National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong National Museum of Play inducted the Pokémon Trading Card Game into its class of 2026 on Thursday, November 5, 2026, alongside bingo, Care Bears and the slide.
Key facts
| Game | Pokémon Trading Card Game |
| Honor | National Toy Hall of Fame, class of 2026 |
| Announced | Thursday, November 5, 2026 |
| Announced by | The Strong National Museum of Play, Rochester, New York |
| Game debuted | Japan, 1996 |
| Link | National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong |
Which toys were inducted with the Pokémon TCG?
Bingo, Care Bears and the slide joined the Pokémon Trading Card Game in the class of 2026, picked from a field of 12 finalists.
| Toy | Result |
|---|---|
| Bingo | Inducted |
| Bop It! | Finalist |
| Care Bears | Inducted |
| Mahjong | Finalist |
| Monster High dolls | Finalist |
| Mouse Trap | Finalist |
| Pokémon Trading Card Game | Inducted |
| Polly Pocket | Finalist |
| Slide | Inducted |
| Sorry! | Finalist |
| Tickle Me Elmo | Finalist |
| Yahtzee | Finalist |
The four inducted toys have been enshrined and are now on view at The Strong in Rochester, New York.
Why did the hall choose the Pokémon TCG?
The Strong says the game has impacted trading card games throughout the world, with billions of cards produced since it debuted in Japan in 1996.
The release credits the game’s straightforward mechanics, which can be grasped within a single game, and a dedicated community of anime fans, manga readers and video game players for its accessibility across ages and backgrounds.
“Pokémon TCG’s widespread appeal and global presence are undeniable,” said curator Mirek Stolee.
What is the National Toy Hall of Fame?
The National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong was established in 1998 and recognizes toys that have inspired creative play and enjoyed popularity over a sustained period.
Anyone can nominate a toy, and final selections are made on the advice of historians, educators and other individuals who exemplify learning, creativity and discovery through their lives and careers. Honorees are showcased year-round in an exhibit at The Strong in Rochester, New York.
Why does the timing stand out for Pokémon TCG?
The induction lands in the game’s 30th anniversary year and one day before its newest expansion reached stores.
Mega Evolution: Delta Reign released today, Friday, November 6, 2026.
It is a busy week for Pokémon TCG collectors: Gopuff’s weekly drops start today, and Target replaced midnight drops with a drawing system.
Source: The Strong National Museum of Play, 2026 National Toy Hall of Fame inductees announcement
Image credit: The Strong National Museum of Play
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