As we all know, Nintendo started life not as a video game maker (that would have been hard in the 1880s) but as a card manufacturer. The company seems to be going back to its roots to celebrate the launch of Pokémon X & Y, as a site has just gone live in Japan with the title "Pokémon Hanafuda".
There's a single image on the site at present — of fan-favourite Pikachu, naturally — and although the relevant copyright details appear at the bottom of the page, some have questioned the legitimacy of the venture. Could this be an attempt by unscrupulous types to make a bit of easy money out of the new 3DS release? Or is it merely a low-key move by Nintendo? We'll find out in due course, but in the meantime let us know if Pokémon Hanafuda is something you need in your life.
[source kotaku.com, via pokemon-hanafuda.com]
Comments 25
Maybe a club nintendo reward?
"The year is 1885, before the accolades and awards...Nintendo got its start by making Hanafuda cards!"
I love that song so very much! But I digress...if it's legitimate, I would most definitely like the option to receive such a set on CN (No, not Cartoon Network! I mean Club Nintendo, silly! ).
If anything make these one of NA elite rewards for CN next year. I wouldn't have enough coins to get them if it wasn't. Either, some Pokémon rewards would be welcome on Club Nintendo.
Just great.
Is that the front of the card or the back?
Considering how many cards my kids have now this seems like easy money for Nintendo.
though I'll take it as a Club Nintnedo yearly reward or coin purchase.
Going from the WHOIS info, the site is registered to Movic which Wikipedia describes as "a Japanese company which specializes in the publication of trading cards, figures, CDs, and other general media related to the anime industry. Movic is a part of the Animate group."
Movic seems like a legitimate company, but it's weird that the site wasn't registered by The Pokemon Company or Nintendo.
I love my Nintendo Hanafuda cards, and hope to get this one day!
Please bring those to the West. Please. And bring back the ones on Club Nintendo!
I wish Nintendo would publish a Hanafuda game in the eShop. I really enjoyed the Koi Koi game in Clubhouse Games (aka 42 All-Time Classics).
I have proper a set of Nintendo brand Hanafuda cards, as well as a set of Mario Hanafuda cards fom Club Nintendo. I kinda want these now.
@rjejr
That's the image that will be on the case, not on any card itself. Here's an image I found showing what I mean:
http://sickr.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/hanafuda_cards.jpg
Should be a club nintendo reward.
I think this is legit. It's no longer their main business, but Nintendo does still make Hanafuda Cards for sell in Japan. Unless I'm wrong, I think they still host tournaments as well.
Wish I knew where to pick these up in Japan when I'm there next week! If anyone finds out, please let me know. Thanks.
Cooool! Me wants
Little people know that outside of Japan, but Nintendo never stopped producing and selling Hanafuda cards. They're even pretty common.
This looks very cool thought. I like the pop culture figure on the retro classic hanafuda design.
Oh cool! Please come to the west, I want these!
DO WANT!
@InternetFurret: Exactly my thoughts as well...
just a question, I ordered the majoras mask cd for my club nintendo reward, but I still haven't gotten it yet. I anyone else having this problem?
@x-mas_mii The Majora's Mask CD that you ordered as your elite status gift won't be shipped until mid-November. That's when they ship the Gold and Platinum status rewards.
want, now
I would like this myself...
Please be a North American Club Nintendo reward <3
Except it probably won't.
Sweet! Also just found out that the Japanese Club Nintendo is getting a The Wind Waker HD soundtrack CD for those who register their copy of the game. I'm just a teenie bit (read: a whole lot) jealous of them Hopefully it can make it's way to the Europe and North America Club Nintendo at some point.
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