As of early 2024, there are roughly 18,609 unique Pokémon cards created for the international market, including distinct artworks, set numbers, promotional, alternate art, and secret rare cards. For the Japanese market alone, the number rises to about 21,289 unique cards. This total number reflects unique card designs rather than total printed units.

In terms of total printed cards produced and distributed worldwide since the game's launch, over 64.8 billion Pokémon cards have been made as of March 2024. This number represents the actual physical cards printed in various languages and countries around the world, not the count of unique card designs.

Therefore, there are nearly 19,000 unique Pokémon card designs internationally, but billions of individual cards have been printed due to mass production and multiple print runs over the years. The unique card total continues to grow as new sets are regularly released, typically adding around 250 new cards per set.

This distinction is important: "how many Pokémon cards" can mean either unique card designs (about 19,000)