What is the true difference between Pokémon TCG and CCG?

Recently, a friend asked this question, so here’s a general explanation.

Many people confuse the two, but the difference is actually quite crucial, especially in the narratives of RWA-Fi and Web3.

Pokémon TCG = a card game with complete rules that can be played in tournaments
CCG = a general term for all collectible cards (more focused on collection, not necessarily playable)
In other words, Pokémon TCG is a type of CCG, but not all CCGs are TCGs.

1️⃣ Fundamental Difference: Gameplay vs. Collectibility
Pokémon TCG: Both gameplay + collectibility "dual engines"
General CCG: Mainly supported by collectible value

This is also why Pokémon cards are in demand without relying on speculation:
Players need them for tournament play.

2️⃣ Why is the Pokémon TCG market more stable?
Because it is driven by both the player market and the collector market.
When the speculative trend fades, the collector market may weaken, but the player market remains, and the cards still have functional demand.

This is completely different from most CCGs or Web3 NFTs.

3️⃣ Why is Pokémon TCG currently the best entry point for RWA-Fi?
✅ Rarity standardization (PSA/BGS)
✅ Global liquidity transparency (eBay/TCGPlayer)
✅ Stable demand from both game and collector sides
✅ Prices are not entirely dictated by narratives or hype

For Web3, this makes it a perfect "on-chain mappable asset."
Pokémon TCG is "playable and collectible," while CCGs tend to emphasize collectibility.

And it is precisely this difference that determines why Pokémon TCG can enter RWA-Fi and why it naturally fits with Web3.

@renaissxyz