In the world of Pokémon card collecting, rarity comes in many forms—misprints, off-center cuts, unique patterns, and now… the legendary “fart swirl.”
Yes, you read that right.
What Exactly Is a “Fart Swirl”?
Many holographic Pokémon cards feature a shiny swirl pattern that lands in random positions during printing. Most of the time, these swirls appear in harmless places on the card’s artwork.
But every once in a while, that swirl lands in the perfectly wrong spot—right near a character’s backside.
And just like that, a normal holo becomes a hobby meme.
From Accident to Viral Trend
The placement isn’t intentional. The Pokémon Company does not design it.
It’s simply a random swirl taking shape at the funniest possible moment.
Yet this tiny accident has turned into a viral collecting trend, with dedicated fans and collectors hunting for these comedic masterpieces. Social media posts showcasing perfectly placed “fart swirls” rack up millions of views, and collectors proudly show off their funniest finds as if they’re alternate-art grails.
Yes… These Cards Are Selling for More
The wildest part?
Some collectors are paying up to 50% more for a card featuring a clearly visible, hilariously placed swirl compared to the same card without it.
What started as a joke has turned into an unofficial rarity category—similar to misprints or offbeat holo patterns.
Why Do Collectors Care So Much?
Because collecting isn’t just about money. It’s about:
Fun
Community
Cultural moments
The stories behind the cards
“Fart swirl” cards combine humor, uniqueness, and natural printing randomness—all wrapped into one collectible. Every perfectly placed swirl becomes a story worth sharing.
A Perfect Example of Pokémon Hobby Culture
The “fart swirl” trend shows just how passionate and creative the Pokémon TCG community can be—even turning a simple swirl into a viral chase card.
At the end of the day, these cards remind us of why we collect in the first place:
the joy, the laughter, and the surprises the hobby continues to bring.
