The Best Nintendo Playing Cards

Buying Guide

If you like to spend your leisure time playing video games, you aren’t alone. Experts predict that more than half the U.S. population will identify as digital gamers by the end of 2022. That’s good news, considering studies have found that gaming of any type boosts performance on intelligence tests.

But video games aren’t the only way to boost your cognitive abilities. Getting away from your screens and playing an old-fashioned card game can also help keep your mind sharp. If you love Nintendo games, you can find playing cards that feature various Nintendo themes. This can be a great way to enjoy the traditional card games you love while also showing off your love for video gaming.

You can take that love of Nintendo even farther with a deck of cards that has its roots in Japanese culture. Hanafuda cards, which translates to “flower cards,” were how the Nintendo Corporation got its start, so it’s only fitting there would be Hanafuda cards that bear Nintendo logos and characters. This type of card deck can also work as a great gift for that hard-to-buy-for Nintendo gamer in your life.

• Naturally, Nintendo cards will feature popular characters like Link from “The Legend of Zelda” and the various Mario games. If you have a favorite retro video game, look for characters from the ones you like best!
• A standard deck of playing cards will include 52 cards, and in some cases, you’ll get two Jokers. If you like the classic suits, make sure the cards you’re buying include those.
• Playing cards come in different sizes. “Bridge size” tends to be most popular, as they’re easier to shuffle. Bridge size cards measure 2 1/4 by 3 1/2 inches. A slightly larger size, called a “poker size,” measures 2 1/2 by 3 1/2 inches. Some with larger hands prefer the poker size.
• You may not realize it, but the oils from your hands can wear down your playing cards, shortening their lifespan. Before playing, wash and dry your hands and try to avoid greasy snacks while you’re playing. If you’re really concerned about extending the longevity of your favorite Nintendo playing cards, it might be worth it to save them for special occasions or buy an extra set to keep as a collectible.
• Playing cards can be made from a variety of material types. Plastic is the most durable, but paper tends to be the least expensive. Paper cards will wear down faster than other types, though. Vinyl cards can be another affordable option that lasts longer than paper.
• The readability of the front of your cards is important. You’ll want to be able to easily see the suits and numbers even from a distance or without reading glasses. Some decks have spades and hearts in black and red with blue diamonds and green clubs. This color variety can make it easier to spot which card is which.
• Make sure you’re getting an officially-licensed Nintendo product. There are imitators out there who will use the artwork but skimp on quality. Buying officially-licensed products will also ensure you’ll receive a valuable collectible.
• To maintain the integrity of your cards, determine how you’ll store them between uses. Most come in boxes or transparent cases. In either case, exposure to light or moisture can affect paper and print quality. Store them in a dark, dry place.