Ditto Collection

My personal collection of Ditto cards, coins, etc. Listed in as close to chronological order as is currently known.

Unofficial, fan-made items are on a separate page.

Click to explore a specific year!




1996


Batomen Chip (1996)
Release Date September 1996
Manufacturer TOMY

Officially the oldest Ditto merch that I've found thus far!

Part of the original set of Pokémon-themed Batomen chips, which were first released on September 20, 1996. I've not yet determined if Ditto was part of the first wave or a later release. Showcases watercolor art by Ken Sugimori, the default art for Ditto for much of the early merchandise, so enjoy it's newness while you still can.


Carddass 100 Pocket Monster Green Part 2
Release Date early October 1996
Manufacturer Bandai

Part 2 of 4 sets, collectively known as the Pocket Monsters Carddass Trading Cards. Part 2 released about the same time as the more famous and international Pokémon Trading Card Game. The awkward name is from the Bandai-developed card vending machine that dispensed them, and they were sold in sets of 5 for 100円 or 1 for 20円.

The text on the back reads:

132 Metamon
Pokémon Variety: Transform Pokémon
Type: Type 1/Normal
Height: 0.3 m
Weight: 4 kg
Transform
By altering its genetic composition, it can become perfect copies of another Pokémon. It has been often studied by researchers, but remains a mystery.


Carddass 100 Pocket Monster Red Part 2
Release Date early October 1996
Manufacturer Bandai

The partner card to the prior one, also released in second set. The text on the back is the same as above.


Pokémon Poker Deck: Red & Green

Courtesy of neibartlet_0
Release Date late 1996
Manufacturer Nintendo

The 10 of diamonds of the first of many Pokémon-themed poker decks.

The cards aren't too interesting; the Ditto 10 of Hearts seems to be the same between all 3 Gen 1 decks, albeit with differing backs. The standard Ken Sugimori art is lovely but loses its flavor when it's been repeated 40 times in a row... The text is standard info:

Ditto
Transform Pokémon
Height: 0.3m
Weight: 4.0kg
Type 1/Normal

I don't think there's any significance to Ditto being assigned this card?


Jumbo Carddass Pokémon Chip Shooter
Release Date 1996
Manufacturer Bandai

One of the many uncertain items... It's a menko coin, albeit a little smaller than standard. Based off the art, 1998 seems a reasonable guess, in the heyday of Gen 1, but before Gen 2 came onto the scene. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any comprehensive information on specific menko, so best I can do currently is base is off circumstantial evidence... Alas!
So this is actually part of a jumbo Carddass set (courtesy of attuale) that you could pop menko out. I'm not sure how many cards made up the set, but it's comprised of 165 menko (151 Pokemon and 14 items) (courtesy of channel_airoon).

The back is part of a map of Kanto; this one is of Fuschia City (you can see the Safari Zone fence at the top). The same map would be used for the backs of Promotional Jumbo cards that released around the same time as Parts 3 & 4 of the Pocket Monsters Carddass Trading Cards.


Hyper Sticker Collection 1
Release Date 1996
Manufacturer Amada

The first sticker set for the franchise! There 203 stickers total, coming in random booster packs.

While the stats listed are the same as on other merch, the description is a bit more interesting than most:

It transforms by manipulating its own cellular structure. Its true population and natural habitat is unknown due to it being transformed into other life forms.


1997

Topsun
Release Date March 1997 (blue back)
May 1997 (green back)
Manufacturer Top-Seika

The Topsun card set were originally released as collectible cards sold within packs of chewing gum (2 cards and 2 piece of gum per pack) for 60円 each in March 1997. On the front is the standard Ken Sugimori art, with a variably-colored background that doesn't match up to Red/Green version exclusivity. The reason why is unknown, perhaps due to the sharing of outdated information or wanting to make the cards more visually distinct as a set?

The first run featured a blue-colored background with around 50 Pokémon erroneously missing their Pokédex number; I have seen a Ditto with this error. In May 1997, all 151 Pokémon were given slightly revamped cards, with green-colored background and Pokédex numbers on the top left. For those curious, the gum flavor was green apple.

The text reads:

132 Metamon
Transform Pokémon
Type 1/Normal
Height: 0.3 meters Weight: 4.0 kilgrams
By altering its genetic composition, it can transform into anything.

Carddass 100 Pocket Monster Part 3 & 4: Dewgong
Release Date April or June 1997
Manufacturer Bandai

Included in parts 3 & 4 of 4 sets, collectively known as the Pocket Monsters Carddass Trading Cards. Features Dewgong performing the move Ice Beam, freezing a poor Ditto solid!


Carddass 100 Pocket Monster Part 3 & 4: Krabby
Release Date April or June 1997
Manufacturer Bandai

Included in parts 3 & 4 of 4 sets, collectively known as the Pocket Monsters Carddass Trading Cards. Features Krabby performing the move Guillotine on a poor Ditto!


Carddass 100 Pocket Monster Part 3 & 4: Kingler
Release Date April or June 1997
Manufacturer Bandai

Included in parts 3 & 4 of 4 sets, collectively known as the Pocket Monsters Carddass Trading Cards. Features Kingler performing the move Crabhammer on a poor Ditto, though it doesn't seem to mind quite so much as in the prior cards' art!


Carddass 100 Pocket Monster Part 3 & 4: Ditto
Release Date April or June 1997
Manufacturer Bandai

Included in parts 3 & 4 of 4 sets, collectively known as the Pocket Monsters Carddass Trading Cards. Features Ditto performing the move Transform, though it can't seem to make up its mind on which Pokémon to transform into!


Ditto (Fossil 3)
Holofoil (Japanese)

Release Date June 21, 1997
Manufacturer Nintendo

Part of the third main expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (titled "Mystery of the Fossils" in Japanese). It's the first Pokémon card with no attacks of its own, which was why this card wasn't included in the Pokémon Trading Card Game video games. It came in both holofoil and non-holo forms.


Pokémon Stamp: Blue Version Set
Release Date Mid-1997
Manufacturer Shogakukan

In 1997, Shogakukan began releasing sets of "stamps" (they're not usable for posting mail and are intended for only collection purposes) in their monthly Elementary magazine, aimed at elementary school students. The full set was released in single stamp sheets (this one was part of the Eevee sheet) over 6 months.

For more information on the complete sets, please check out Pokegasmm's incredible site Pokemon Shogakukan stamps, which proved an invaluable resource!


Pokémon Stamp: Red Version Set
Release Date Mid-1997
Manufacturer Shogakukan

The Red version of the prior set, part of the Mew sheet. Released during the same period through the same means.


Bandai Sealdass Part 1 & 2 (1997)
Release Date Late 1997
Manufacturer Bandai

Part of the Bandai Sealdass Set. Features several Ditto stickers on the front, as well as a Super Ball (known in English as a Great Ball). On the back is art, stats, and moveset. There's another Sealdass card set with a very similar style from 1998 that features Porygon and Ditto together, but I've not yet found one....


Hyper Sticker Collection 2
Release Date 1997
Manufacturer Amada

A continuation of the Hyper Sticker Collection 1 set, as the numbering follows the first set. There 217 stickers total, coming in random booster packs.

The back doesn't have anything interesting, much the same to other merch stats and text descriptions.


Batomen Chip (1997)
Release Date 1997
Manufacturer Tomy

Part of the Pokémon Anime Version Part 1 Batomen set.

This guy led me down a very long but fun path on researching Batomen (which honestly boiled down to looking and translating a lot of boost pack boxes lol)..


Bandai Slide-Up Battle Cards
Release Date 1997 (Part 1)
1998 (Part 2)
Manufacturer Bandai

Another follow-up Cardass card, albeit with a very distinct feature! While it looks unassuming at first glance, if you pull the outer cardstock down, it reveals a freestanding Pokémon with stats! It was released in 2 sets: Part 1 with 96-ish cards in 1997, Part with 54 cards in 1998 (100円 per card). This Ditto card was released in Part 1.

I'd love to know more on this item, it's one of my favorites, though I don't open it up nearly as much as I want to, since I don't want to tear it up.


Meiji Get (1997)
Release Date 1997
Manufacturer Meiji Co., Ltd.

This card is from the 1997 collaboration between Pokémon and the Meiji Company, one of the earliest collaborations for the franchise, known as the Maiji Get set! Cards could be found in boxes of chocolate and were part of a Rock-Paper-Scissors based card game. This play method would also be used in the 1998 Meiji card set. The back of the card contains standard information: pokedex entry, etc. The foil is really lovely on this card!


Pokémon Battle Memo
Release Date 1997
Manufacturer Tomy

Part of a DIY variation on the game Battle Pencils. It's cute, though I mostly got it for the novelty. Just an odd bit of merch! This was part of the Pokémon Batt-Memo Parts 1 and 2 sets, though I don't yet know if it was specifically part of Part 1 or 2.

Something of note is just how absolutely tiny these are! The booklets are about 1.3 x 1.8 inches. Tiny!! Inside are Pokémon stats and pages to record battle results.

The sticker page includes a Ditto sticker and stickers to transform your #2 pencil into the perfect Battle Pencils machine!


Pokémon Vending Prism Sticker
Release Date 1997(?)
Manufacturer

Part of a set of vending machine stickers, though I'm unsure of any specifics. What I do know is it's reprint of a sticker card released in sometime in 1996. This original card (#25, presumably from the same set) had a fascinating back (courtesy of graystreetclothing), showing a Machoke fighting a Charizard with a healthy amount of text about the move Submission:

Fighting Type Move Hell Wheel (Submission in English)
Power: 80 PP: 10 + 10 + 5 = 25
Accuracy: 80%
Recoil Damage: 1/4 damage done to the target
The strongest fighting-type move. 1/4th of the damage inflicted on the target will be reflected back on the user, however. Pokémon that are proud of their physical strength want to use this move as much as possible. Top 3 Pokémon to use this move:

1. Machamp
2. Machoke
3. Poliwrath
Moves are more powerful when learned by Pokémon of the same type.

In any case, for this later reprint, several cards with neighboring numbers showcase both anime and non-anime art, so I'm betting it's around the original anime sarting airtime, after April 1997. The seller mentioned they got it in a batch from someone selling a set of the vending machines and that they're from 1995, but that definitely not true...

I adore this art! I know ditto doesn't feature prominently, but it reminds me of the art used for Green's Ditto in Chapter 16 of the Pokémon Adventures manga.


Pokémon Vending Prism Sticker
Release Date 1997(?)
Manufacturer Nintendo

Another vending machine sticker card, part of the same set as the prior item. Much like that one, I've seen this art before on other cards, though I neglected to make note of the numbers to see which came first...

In any case, the front's art is incredible. Perfection. I adore the art, the restricted use of holofoil, and the incredible detail that (unlike the others) Ditto isn't using a crayon... Ditto has partially transformed into a crayon!!!

Are the lines it make also part of its body? It is removing parts of itself, or will it return when the transformation ends? Who cares! It's cute af!!!


Jumbo Carddass Pokémon Chip Shooter 2 Half-Chip
Release Date 1997
Manufacturer Bandai

One of the mystery menko(?), with a fun Pokédex motif. Guessing on date from the Ditto model used (second Ken Sugimori art). On the back there's some sort of mark, probably for a digital reader, I'm betting.

The follow-up set (courtesy of attuale) to 1996's Jumbo Carddass Pokémon Chip Shooter.


Karuta Set

Courtesy of delivery.japan
Release Date 1997
Manufacturer Tomy, Showa Note

I've been pleasantly surprised by the number of Karuta sets! This set is (probably) from late 1997, though it might also be released in 1998; it's also got three methods of play (as described on the box):
1) Mole Game: Create tunnels by connected the card backs. Get in the way of your opponents before they can get in your way. Win by reaching the surface.
2) Card Matching: Collect all the Pokémon through various methods.
3) Karuta

The grabbing card has Ditto with the hiragana character for he, while the back has a Pikachu and Sandshrew for the Card Matching game.

The reading card is a Ditto-specific sentence (below), while the back is part of a tunnel for the Mole Game.

Transforming in a flash
Ditto


Pocket Monsters: Bros Card (Base Set)

Holo
Release Date 1997
Manufacturer Kyodo Co., Ltd

The first entry in an odd, fascinating product line: GB Pocket Cards. Often labeled on ebay as "mini flakes," the small square chips were gotten at random from gashapon machines. Each set has a different battle mini-game based off the backs. In this instance, players compare arrows on the back of their chosen card; winner takes the loser's card. The player with the most cards at the end wins!


GB Pocket Card: Anime Collection
Release Date 1997
Manufacturer Kyodo Co., Ltd

Google is no help when asking what a "Game Boy Pocket Card" is... The Game Boy Pocket was released in 1996, but I'm hesitant to connect the two... So I'm just shoving it here without any additional info for now...

This is the second set of GB Pocket Cards. On the back:

Monster Ball Battle
"Point battle between the ▼ marks!!"


GB Pocket Card: Final Collection (Base Set)
Release Date 1997
Manufacturer Kyodo Co., Ltd

Another uncertain item! Is this yet another menko? Unsure! It's very tiny and one of the prettier Ditto items (the foil is really colorful, though it makes it very difficult to photograph well). It's certainly mid-Gen 1, with the standard art, so I'm placing it in the 1998 pile out of uncertainty.

This is the third set of GB Pocket Cards. The back reads:

Data

HP 48
Attack Power 48
Defense 48
Speed 48
Special 48
Confrontation Point
80

Take out 2-4 cards, the person with 100 points wins!
No. 132 Ditto
Type 0/Transform Pokémon


1998

Televi-kun Menko
Release Date May 1998
Manufacturer Televi-Kun

Released as an extra in the May 1998 issue of Televi-kun magazine. From what I've found, this was part of a set that included special menko of Pikachu, Mewtwo, the Legendary Birds, and more.

This one is interesting, imo... It's pretty small in size and incredibly shiny! When I first got it, I legit thought it was metal! It's also got non-standard Ditto art on the back (which I'm pretty sure is grabbed from the anime). I also really love that the back got such an off-center misprint. It adds to the charm!


Pokémon Stamp: May 1998 Set
Release Date May 1998
Manufacturer Shogakukan

Released on the Pikachu sheet in some May 1998 issues of Shogakukan's Elementary magazine.


Ditto (Vending S2)
(Japanese)

Release Date June 17, 1998
Manufacturer Nintendo

Part of a Japan-only vending machine expansion set (known as the Vending Machine cards), specifically the Vending Machine cards Series 2 (Red). They were vended in sets of 3 cards, printed on a single sheet from which they were peeled off. Ditto was on Sheet 3 of the Area 1: Rock Tunnel set, with Sandshrew and Machop as its companion cards. Interestingly, they are printed on a non-standard glossy card stock (compared to matte card stock), and are thinner than the standard.

I really like this card, though I would love to know how Ditto has gotten so lost in Rock Tunnel... Look how sad it is!! I hope someone finds it and take it out again.


N64 Card: Pokémon Stadium Collection

Holo
Release Date August 1998
Manufacturer Kyodo

Part of the fifth set of GB Pocket Cards, though this set came with a plastic N64 holder instead of a Gameboy. Likely, this was a 40 chip set, matching the number of 40 Pokémon available to battle with (I admit I'm pretty pleased to see Ditto was one of the selected few!) in the Japan-only Pokémon Stadium game. On the back are Ditto's Stadium-specific battle stats and stats for this set's battle minigame:

Ditto
Transform Pokémon

HP 48
Attack: 48
Defense: 48
Speed: 48
Special: 48

Opponent's Card: n/a
Normal Card: +100
Attack Card: -50
Prism Card: +150


Pokémon Stamp: Stadium Set
Release Date August 1998
Manufacturer Shogakukan

Released on the All Starters sheet A in Shogakukan's Elementary magazine over 5 months. Given the game came out in August, I imagine the set began release in the same month, ending in December?


Pokémon Poker Deck: Yellow
Release Date Late 1998
Manufacturer Nintendo

As mentioned in the Green Poker Deck, the Yellow Poker Deck is a reprint of the Green/Red Poker Decks, albeit with a different back. Anything that could be said about it has already been stated!


Televi-kun Poker Deck
Release Date October 1998
Manufacturer Televi-kun

This is from a promotional poker deck that was released within the appendix of Televi-kun magazine, which was a surprisingly chonky package (courtesy of mk.japan) that included the whole deck, DIY carrying case and some other supplemental materials.

I gotta admit... this one is a downgrade in terms of Ditto; not only is it the bog-standard Ditto art, but it has to share the card with three other Pokémon! There's not much rhyme or reason for these four being grouped together. At first I thought it was Pokédex order but Lapras and Ditto (#131 and #132) are several Pokémon behind Jynx and Electabuzz (#124 and #125), so I think it might just be the result of being the (unfairly) less popular Pokémon.


Ditto (Laboratory D42)
(Digital-only)

Release Date December 18, 1998 (Japan)
April 10, 2000 (North America)
Manufacturer Nintendo

Okay, okay, this is a bit of a cheat... But I did get the card in my game, so I'm including it since there's no other method to get it!!

So this is the Ditto card used in the video game Pokémon Trading Card Game and its Japan-only sequel Pokémon Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR!. It never got a physical release though a full card mock-up was included in the Pokémon Card Official Book 2000. I've tried searching for fan-made version to no avail... I wonder if I could commission one?

The card itself isn't too special beyond its digital-only status. The art used is the second Ken Sugimori art, which has already been printed on plenty of merch by this point, but I do like it a lot more than the original art. Ditto is so goopy and happy here! I love it!


Amada Attack Set 1
Release Date 1998
Manufacturer Amada

This is one of the better Amada stickers, imo. I really really love the brushed-on pattern of the gold background. It's really lovely!! The image is also charming, a Ditto using it's transform ability to the delight of Pikachu. Just very cute and wholesome! Love it! :)


Bandai Sealdass Part 3 & 4 (1998)
Release Date 1998
Manufacturer Bandai

Card #26 of a later Bandai Sealdass Set. Features stickers of several normal-type Pokémon, including Ditto. On the back is info on TM048: Rock Slide and the Pokémon that could learn it in Gen 1.


Pokémon: Hyper Menko
Release Date 1998
Manufacturer Amada

I'll be honest, I thought this was from 2006 or later, not 1998! Turns out Amada, while primarily known for it's Pokémon sticker sets, also went into the menko game! It even went out of its way to call itself Maru Menko (Hyper Menko) to distinguish itself from the others. Did they do others? Are some of the ones on this list also by Amada? It's currently unclear...

In any case, this was sold in packs of 7 (assuming I'm reading the packaging correctly, anyway) for 200円. It's a good bit bigger and slightly thicker than other menko, hence it's "Hyper" status.


Pokémon Medal
Release Date 1998
Manufacturer Tomy

I'm pulling the set from ebay, just to have something as a name. I'm not very confident, but since I can't find anything... well, I guess that's that. I'm guessing on a release date based off the later end of when this ditto model was used for most merchandise.

This is from either set 1 (Courtesy of Pocket Japan) or set 2 (Courtesy of cxc_collectibles) of Tomy's generically named Pokémon Medal. They sold in random sets of 3 for 200円.

The most interesting part of these sets is they can in various shapes: diamond, star, or hexagon. They really look cool! I do like this lil guy. It's a hefty piece of metal too!


Meiji Juice Battle Coin
Release Date 1998
Manufacturer Meiji Co., Ltd.

Part of another Pokémon x Meiji collaboration, a special coin found on the bottle caps of orange juice bottles. Best as I can tell, this collaboration has had multiple sets, each matching with the then-current generation Pokémon. In terms of usage, I imagine it's not dissimilar to the Batomen coins. On the back is the HP and technique name.


Karuta Set
Release Date 1998
Manufacturer

This one is definitely from 1998, since other karuta cards from the set include stills from both Pokémon: The First Movie and its pre-movie short Pikachu's Vacation. I can't yet determine its source, though my guess is in Shogakukan's Elementary magazines.

The reading card says:

Transform is Ditto's special skill.


Jumbo Carddass Pokémon Animation Version Part 4 (#37)
Release Date 1998
Manufacturer Bandai

Part 4 of Bandai's Jumbo Carddass Pokémon Animation Version, which came as a set of chips embedded on the back of a jumbo-sized carda (courtesy of birdog5kj), focusing on key moments in the Pokémon anime and selected characters. More specifically, this is from the card for episode #37 from the original anime.

This one is a fun find! I originally wanted to see if I could carefully take out the other chips to document them, but the card is so thin that I knew I'd damage it... Alas... I really would really love to know what the other chips are!


Karuta Set
Release Date 1998
Manufacturer Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions Co., Ltd.

Another karuta set! This one has quite the bold look, which I both loathe and adore. It's very pop arty, with bold colors and linework. I imagine the texture is meant to invoke fibers but it just makes me think of ground meat (hence the loathing). Still, a pleasant addition!

Originally released for 850円, the set comes with 3 ways of playing. One is identifying Pokémon by their silhouette, a second with with matching description on the backs of the reading cards with the correct Pokémon, and the third being karuta proper.

The reading card front says:
The transforming Pokémon, it's Ditto!

The back says:
It's a Pokémon that can transform into anything.


Pokémon Battle Chip
Release Date 1998
Manufacturer Banpresto

Another menko meant for battling! The Battle Chip sets were released in 1998 (as far as I have yet found) as: Part 1 (courtesy of GamesandCollectables84), Part 2 (courtesy of bearded_collectibles_llc23), and Neo (courtesy of japan toys land), all of which came in smaller "file" sets. They came with a booklet, cardstock from which you popped out around 8 menko, and a shooter. Not much else to say about it beyond that!


Karuta Set
Release Date 1998(?)
Manufacturer

Is this perhaps part of the same set as the prior Karuta cards? Is it from an earlier set? Unsure! The fonts and designs looks to be the same but it's really hard to say as-is... I am sad that I don't have the reading card for this one, though given the age and flimsy cardboard materials, I'm not surprised it's not easily findable.

Fun detail, the map background is of the mountains behind Pewter City and beside Mount Moon (the slope of which can be seen in the lower right corner)!


Hyperball Chip
Release Date 1998(?)
Manufacturer Meiji Co., Ltd.

This looks like one of the Tazos or menko, but the most I've found is it's from the 1990's, was made by Meiji, and came in a big set that included chips for the important human anime characters and additional holographic forms (best I can tell, the Ditto one only came in matte). I really would love to know what the rough edging is meant for! Perhaps linking together somehow? Unclear!

On the front is a safety warning that reads: "Do not shoot at other people."

On the back it just says "Defend."


Unknown Menko
Release Date 1998(?)
Manufacturer

One of the mystery menko. It's got a lovely foil though! Similar foiled menko sets were released in Shogakukan's Elementary School magazines, so I'm betting this also came as a magazine extra. Guessing on date from the Ditto models used (combo of the second Ken Sugimori art and the anime art). On the back it reads:

Ditto (in both katakana and hiragana)
Normal Type
Transform Pokémon
This Pokémon has the transform ability.


1999

Pokémon Fancy Graffiti Part 2
Release Date early 1999
Manufacturer Bandai

Card #21 in the Part 2 of the Bandai Sealdass Set titled Pokémon Fancy Graffiti. This set was released in 2 parts (Part 1 in 1998, Parts 2 and 3 in 1999), having 12 sticker cards each for a total of 36. Features stickers of Ditto, Pikachu, and Meowth. It's clearly based on episode 37 Ditto's Mysterious Mansion of the original anime series. On the back is gives the title of the Sealdass series and some (roughly translated) text:

"I and Ditto get along well"

"Impersonating Pikachu?"

"Caught by Team Rocket"

"You learned to transform! I'm so happy for you!"

As a note: the front is truly that blurry; it's not the camera! If this was a high quality card, I'd find it cute, but as it is.....


Koga's Ditto (Gym Challenge 10)
Holofoil (Japanese)

Release Date June 25, 1999
Manufacturer Nintendo

Part of the Challenge from the Darkness Japanese expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game. It's nice to see Ditto happy again, though I do wonder why Ditto got assigned to Koga. I suppose for it's talent for mimicry?


Koga's Ninja Trick (Challenge from the Darkness)


(Japanese)
Release Date June 25, 1999
Manufacturer Nintendo

Part of the Challenge from the Darkness Japanese expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game. I'm so shocked I never realized the lil pink blob on this card was a Ditto!! Suddenly the prior card (Koga's Ditto) makes much more sense!!

Of note, the art is by Sumiyoshi Kizuki, who also wrote and illustrated the charming book Transforming Ditto


Ditto (Fossil 3)

1st Edition (English)

Holo (English)
Release Date October 10, 1999
Manufacturer Wizards of the Coast

Part of the third main expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (titled "Fossil" in English) and the first English Ditto card! It's the also first Pokémon card with no attacks of its own, which was why this card wasn't included in the Pokémon Trading Card Game video games. It came in both holofoil and non-holo forms. This is the only card to spell out Hit Points instead of using the standard HP acronym.

Well, here it is. The original (for the USA, anyway). Honestly, it pales in comparison to several subsequent Ditto TCG cards. It's a perfectly serviceable card, though it is (quite literally) basic!


Burger King Trading Cards
Release Date November 8, 1999
Manufacturer Burger King

Part of a set of perforated cards sheets that were distributed alongside the 1999 Burger King promotional Pokémon toys from November 8 to December 31, to advertise for the then-upcoming Pokémon: The First Movie. One the front is the Pokémon with basic information, while the back has a still from the movie.

Incidentally, a ditto toy was part of the set, a spinning top.


Rock-Paper-Scissors Menko
Release Date December 1999
Manufacturer Shogakukan

This was released as a magazine extra in the December 1999 edition of Shogakukan Elementary School Kindergarten. This set included all 151 Gen 1 Pokémon and 13 Gen 2 Pokémon Courtesy of lawy6101. Per the original Japanese description Courtesy of lawy6101, players would place the menko Pokémon up before flipping them over to reveal either Rock, Paper, or Scissors.

What a lovely silver foil stamp form! Though I'm not sure why Ditto is floating at an odd angle... On the back are basic Ditto facts:

Ditto
Transform Pokémon
Height: 0.3m Weight: 4kg
This Pokémon can transform


Pokémon Blue Mini Playing Cards Deck
Release Date Late 1999
Manufacturer Nintendo

This 8 of hearts Ditto card is mini-sized poker deck actually came from a set of 3 decks: Blue mini deck, Green mini deck, and Red mini deck; all packaged together as Pokémon Gotta Catch 'em All Mini Playing Cards 3 Deck (UPC-A 073854005682). Based off the date, I imagine it was a quick product meant to really launch the Pokémon franchise in the English-speaking world. It's small size makes it cute but it's otherwise not too interesting.


Pokémon Stickers Series 1
Release Date Late 1999
Manufacturer Artbox

Released at the same time as the Pokémon Action Flipz Premier Edition. Not much to say... it's a sticker! On the back is basic Pokémon information. I really question the off-putting viscera-esque background, though...

They were released in packs of 10 stickers (UPC-A 601139116701).


Pokémon Action Flipz Series 1
Release Date Late 1999
Manufacturer Artbox

Despite the name, Action Flipz Series One was actually the second set of lenticular squares, released after the Pokémon Action Flipz Premier Edition in late 1999. For most Pokémon, the "action" was to show off entire evolutionary line. For the single-evolutions, however, they had to get creative. In Ditto's case, it got to sink into a sad pink puddle (likely taken from episode 37 of the original anime series). It's cute, though hard to photograph well.

They were sold in packs of 4 Flipz and 1 sticker (UPC-A 601139136570). The sticker was essentially the same as those in the Pokémon Stickers Series 1, but with Action Flipz name chryon.


Pokémon Trading Cards series 2
Release Date Late 1999
Manufacturer Topps

This card is part of the 10 special sticker cards within the series, named the Animation stick-on cards. The Pokémon on the front can be peeled off, while the back is part of a 9-piece puzzle.


Amada Super DX Gold
Release Date 1999
Manufacturer Amada

Another set of Amada stickers! Bright and shiny and gold with a giraffe-esque pattern, it still uses the basic Ditto stock image. Alas! Not the best of the stickers, but it's solid enough.


Ditto Postcard
Release Date 1999
Manufacturer Shogakukan

This is only one in a whole set of postcards, that I'm so sad I didn't go for in hindsight! It uses photos of (I believe) the original Bandai figures from 1997/1998. It's so cute! I've seen these figures for sale, but I'm not the biggest on figures, so.... Still, I love this postcard a lot!!


Netz Toyota x Pokémon Postcard
Release Date 1999
Manufacturer Nintendo

I can't find a solid date for this one, but I'm betting it's probably 1999. In any case, Toyota rebranded its auto centers from "Toyota Auto Stores" to "Netz Toyota" in any attempt to engage more with the youthful car crowd. Included in this new branding was collaborations with various franchises, including Pokémon!

The postcard is cute, even if it is a bit plain. Poor Ditto has fallen into a Diglett hole!


Pokémon Master Trainer Board Game Piece
Release Date 1999
Manufacturer Hasbro and Milton Bradley

I don't think I ever finished a game of this... It's hard for a board game to match the hype of a video game! Still, this is one of the only English menko I have, which is a neat enough status to have!


Pokémon Battling Coin Game
Release Date 1999
Manufacturer Hasbro

Holographic metal coin meant for the Pokémon Battling Coin Game. Sold by Hasbro in packs of 3.


2000

Ditto (Fossil 3)
1st Edition (French)

Release Date April 2000
Manufacturer Wizards of the Coast

Part of the third main expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (titled "Fossile" in French).


Ditto (Fossil 3)
1st Edition (German)

Release Date April 2000
Manufacturer Wizards of the Coast

Part of the third main expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (titled "Fossil" in German).


Ditto (Fossil 3)
(Italian)

Release Date April 2000
Manufacturer Wizards of the Coast

Part of the third main expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (titled "Fossil" in Italian).


Ditto (Fossil 3)
1st Edition (Spanish)

Release Date April 2000
Manufacturer Wizards of the Coast

Part of the third main expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game (titled "Fósil" in Spanish).


Pokémon Stamp: Pokémon 2000 Set
Release Date July 2000
Manufacturer Shogakukan

Released on the Suicune sheet in Shogakukan's Elementary magazine over 9 months. Given the movie came out in July, I imagine the set began release around the same time.

It was reprinted as part of the Day-Care Man sheet, packaged with gum packs sometime between Nov 2000 to 2002.


Koga's Ditto (Gym Challenge 10)


1st Edition Holo (English)


Holo (English)
Release Date October 16, 2000
Manufacturer Wizards of the Coast

Part of the Gym Challenge English expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game.


Koga's Ninja Trick (Gym Challenge 115)


1st Edition (English)


(English)
Release Date October 16, 2000
Manufacturer Wizards of the Coast

Part of the Gym Challenge English expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game, though it has a fun difference from the original Japanese version, which featured the omote manji (which in turn has since been affiliated with the Nazi swastika). While the symbol has been important in Buddhism for centuries, it didn't make the cut for selling to a Western audience. As such, it was changed to a non-controversial, generic medallion symbol (usually these represent Chinese characters, but I'm not able to find anything for this one).


Pokémon Trading Cards series 3
Release Date Late 2000
Manufacturer Topps

Packaged in sets of 5 or 8, the card is appealingly bright and colorful, though using the same anime art. On the back is an surprisingly verbose paragraph about Ditto, as well as some basic Ditto stats and a Who's That Pokémon?. The text reads:

Ditto is capable of copying an enemy's genetic code to instantly transform itself into an exact duplicate of anything or anyone. In "Ditto's Mysterious Mansion" Ash and friends meet Duplica, a Pokémon trainer trying to fix up her House of Imitae. The house's main attraction is Duplica's Ditto — even though it has trouble completing its transformations. Team Rocket then steals Ditto and threatens it until its transformations are perfect.

First appearance: Episode 37 — "Ditto's Mysterious Mansion"


Amada Super DX 2000
Release Date 2000
Manufacturer Amada

Now look at this guy!!! Bold, golden, and shiny background with a wholly unique Ditto that I've not ever seen on any other merch thus far?? This is what I'm talking about!!! What is he reaching for? What is he trying to do?? I love this!!!


Pokémon Gotta Catch 'em All Prism Sticker
Release Date 2000
Manufacturer Nintendo

Part of a set of vending machine cards, though I'm not sure of any more specifics. It is one of the prettier holofoil patterns; I love the cool blue and how it contrasts with Ditto's pinks. I've seen some graded cards from this set listed with a 2000 release date and Nintendo brand, so that's what I'm going with until I get more information!


Pokémon Gotta Catch 'em All Prism Card
Release Date 2000
Manufacturer Bandai(?)

Another vending machine card, but with some interesting details... Look at the Pokeball icon, with the card number. They're the exact same used by Bandai on their Carddass sets! It's an oddly specific detail... So I'm inclined to think they're cheap English-editions of the Carddass Pokémon Animation Version set...

It's hard to say for sure, but if I can find any more information, I'd love to find if I'm on the mark or not!


Pokémon Gotta Catch 'em All Prism Card
Release Date 2000
Manufacturer Bandai(?)

Same as the prior item. I do really like the type of holographic used!


Topsun VS Cards
Release Date 2000
Manufacturer Top-Seika

Card #132 of a anime-based card set released by Top-Seika. A straight-forward card that was (likely) packaged with gum (flavor remains unknown), and features a rather charming scene of Ditto being wholly bemused by Haunter's Lick attack (cause it's a normal type, so unaffected!).

Dating this is a bit difficult, but I feel confident the release date is around 1999 based off a few details. The upside down triangle at the top left is echoed in later Gen 2-era Top cards (released early 2000), but lacks the laminated back with Pokémon stats and information found in those later cards. Plus the logo on the back is for the Kanto series, not the Orange Islands or later (which originally began airing Jan 1999).
At the same time, the company logo on the back is "Top" and not "Topsun," a change that happened in Fall 1998. So with all that under considetation, I think it's reasonable to estimate the release date as mid-1999 or slightly earlier.


Oops, I was wrong! This is part of the Gold/Silver era VS Card set, which featured the named Pokémon fighting and winning against an opponent. It's really a neat card series!! I especially love that Ditto isn't even transforming, it's just confused. :)

Also, don't worry! The writing on the back is on the card sleeve, not the card itself. I just didn't want to take it out of the sleeve for its mediocre photo shoot.


Karuta Set

Courtesy of kodache-0 store
Release Date 2000
Manufacturer Tomy, Showa Note

Another Karuta set, originally released for 850円! This one is basically uses repeated art from a prior 1998 set, and even if it wasn't reused art, it's pretty basic... I think the boldness of the lines and bright colors is fun though! Very Pop Art-y.

Like the other sets, this one has 3 styles of play, the first two seem to involve matching hirgana and katakana characters on the ready card backs to the grabbing card backs, the third being karuta!

The grabbing card has Ditto with the hiragana character for he.

The reading card is a Ditto-specific sentence (below)

Transforming with aplomb: the mysterious Ditto


Bell Telephone Card
Release Date 2000
Manufacturer Bell

This one was a surprise find for me, a telephone card for the Canadian telephone service Bell! It's still sealed, even!

According to the card, only 30,000 were printed in late 2000. No new information is included; it's all standard Ditto infor in English and French. Still, I'm very happy to have found it. :)


Vending Machine Sticker
(English)
Release Date 2000(?)
Manufacturer

This one is triggering some deep-seat memories of picking up scuffed holofoil cards in the parking lot only to find they were a 50 cent vending machine sticker... I'm happy to have found it, even though I can't find any information on who made these bootleg stickers! The most I have is I remember seeing them around the release of the Team Rocket expansion (April 24, 2000), so I'm putting it in the 2000 category.


2001

Pokémon Master Trainer Board Game Menko
Release Date 2001
Manufacturer Hasbro and Milton Bradley

A remake of the original Pokémon Master Trainer board game, now including Gen II. I never played it myself, but by all accounts it changed very little from the original, so it was probably just as difficult to ever complete with a children's attention span...


2002

Karuta Set

Courtesy of pocketjapan
Release Date early 2002(?)
Manufacturer Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions Co., Ltd.

This set is from early 2002, at the tail-end of the Gen II lifespan, and is one of the more odd entries of the ones I've found. The grabbing card has Ditto with the hiragana character for he, while the back has a zoomed in crop of Ditto's face and some text:

Who's that Pokémon?

Here's a hint!
Transform!

The reading card is a set of Ditto-specific sentences (below), while the back is lineart of same Ditto pose and three acorns. I'm not sure what those are about, but my guess is it's an alternate Karuta game for younger children (e.g. "Who's that Pokémon?" -> grabbing the card with ditto on it)., though that doesn't explain the acorns...

Leave the transforming to me!
I can become anything!
Ditto


Pokémon Johto League Champions
Release Date 2002
Manufacturer Panini

Part of the first of two Staks sets, a magnetic menko.

For all the menko, Tazos, and other Pogs-adjacent items... I really dig Staks. It's so wild! Things kids love: Pokémon and magnets. Combine the two? Clearly a winner. If I had known about these and been a little younger, I would have been a sucker for these. Alas!


2003

Ditto (Skyridge 51)
(English)

Release Date May 12, 2003
Manufacturer Wizards of the Coast

This card has me baffled... For some reason, this is one of the more expensive Ditto TCG cards. Why? I don't know! The cost of the holofoil version is hogwild expensive, though. Alas...

In any case, it's a fun card! Ditto holds a fighting stance in front of cave paintings of Pokémon and humans running away. Just adorable!!! The card is also notable for a few reasons: it's part of the final TCG expansion to be released by Wizards of the Coast and the barcode on the side, when used with the barcodes on Granbull (Skyridge 61) and Snubbull (Skyridge 101) via the e-Reader for the Game Boy Advance, can unlock a special minigame: Ditto Leapfrog (pictured above). The game is pretty simple, if oddly-named. In it, Ditto doesn't leapfrog but rather bounces water Pokémon (Seaking, Goldeen, and Magikarp) safely back into the water after they're tossed out by a raging Kingler.


Pokemon Channel Nice Card
Release Date July 18, 2003
Manufacturer Nintendo

This one's a bit of an oddity! The Pokemon Channel video game had an in-game collectible card set called "Nice Cards." For promotional purposes, at least some of these were made real. It's got a pretty wonky-looking 3-D Ditto model, but I admit, I'm rather enamoured by it!


Carddass Pokémon Advanced Generation: Pokédex Card Part 1 & 2
Release Date 2003
Manufacturer Bandai

This card set can be found all over the internet with a lot of names attached, usually some combination of Bandai Carddass Zukan (Pokédex) Pokémon Advanced Generation 2000s 2002 2003. These dates aren't quite right, however. Carddass sets in this style are pretty common for the mid generations, usually released around the start of the season. This card has the Pokémon Advanced Generation logo on the back, which began airing in Japan on November 21, 2002. However, the little red and green logo is for the FireRed and LeafGreen Gen III video games, which released on January 24, 2004.

So in this instance, this is part of the Carddass Pokémon Advanced Generation: Pokédex Card, released in two parts. Part 1 was released in late 2003, and I suspect Part 2 was released in Dec 2003 or Jan 2004. I bet Ditto was in Part 2, but I've not found any detailed listings... So I'll leave it in 2003 products.

The front is a very glossy 3-D reindition of the standard anime Ditto pose, though Ditto looks far happier than usual! On the back is it's FireRed Pokédex entry and basic stats (not including those here since it's been shared in prior cards plenty of times):

By reshaping its cellular structure, it can transform into other life-forms.


Magazine Promo Menko
Release Date 2003(?)
Manufacturer Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions Co., Ltd.(?)

This is one of the mystery menko! It certainly part of Gen III, with the entire set encompassing all the Pokémon at the time. The top of the Pokéball was different colors based on the predominant typing: pink for ground, red for normal, orange for fire, orange-yellow for electric, yellow for dragon, blue for water, steel-blue for rock, grey-blue for ice, purple for psychic, silver for steel (they really had to fumble the blues to make room for all the other typings - I haven't seen any menko for Poison or Dark types thus far)

The back shows this is one of those menko games where you and an opponent present your pokemon from the top of a stack, flip it over, and see who wins rock-paper-scissors.

The listings for all the various menko from this set call them "promo"s from "Pokémon Magazine." In many instances, I found this often refers to Shogakukan's Elementary magazine, which I would readily believe is the case (barring evidence to the contrary). Most of the time it seems to refer more specifically to the Kindergarten magazines, but I hesitate to state that as fact!


2004

Ditto (Flight of Legends 72)
Holo

Release Date April 9, 2004
Manufacturer Pokémon

This card is just so pleasant! I'm so happy Ditto is getting to enjoy a relaxing hot springs trip!

Part of the Flight of Legends expansion (titled EX FireRed & LeafGreen in the English release). Pretty standard card, though Ditto is given a new ability that replaces Transform: Form Variation, which allows the player to replace their Ditto with another basic Pokémon and discarding Ditto (effectively tansforming Ditto into another Pokémon). This was meant to fix the unending nature of Ditto vs Ditto battles, since Transform could not be used to transform a Ditto into another Ditto. This move would be reworked and renamed Duplicate in subsequent cards.


Ditto (EX FireRed & LeafGreen 4)


Holo


Reverse Holo
Release Date August 30, 2004
Manufacturer The Pokémon Company

The English version of Ditto (Flight of Legends 72), released in the EX FireRed & LeafGreen set.


Amada ADV Part 3/4
Release Date 2004
Manufacturer Amada

A sticker/menko combo made by Amada, rules for the game can be found in that link.

In Japanese, it was branded as "Kakumen Retsuden" or "Rectangular Menko Intense," but is more commonly known online as the Amada ADV, since it is part of the Advanced Generations merch. It's fine enough, but I'm oddly enamoured with the shiny green on the back! Just such a pleasing color combination!


Amada ADV Part 4
Release Date 2004
Manufacturer Amada

Not one of the prettiest Amada stickers... stock ditto image, boring background.. Eh, they can't all be winners!


Pokémon Poker Deck: LeafGreen

Courtesy of PokeVault
Release Date 2004
Manufacturer Nintendo

Another playing card! Like the others, it's honestly not too interesting, but I'm always happy to see Ditto make another appearance. :)


2005

Attack Set 3
Release Date early 2005
Manufacturer Amada

This is such an incredibly shiny sticker! It also comes at the end of Amada's reign as the great sticker maker for the franchise, when they would pass it down to their subsidiary company Ensky in June 2005.

The Attack sets focus on Pokémon and one of their key moves; in this case it's Sableye using Foresight to discover Pikachu isn't really a Pikachu! It's really quite cute.

The back has standard information on the move Foresight:
Power: -
Accuracy: 100%
PP: 40
Neutralizes the foe's evasive-ness. Also makes the Ghost type vulnerable to physical attacks.


Pokémon Kids FireRed & LeafGreen set 3
Release Date March 2005
Manufacturer Bandai

This fun sticker is from the Pokémon Kids, sets of miniature figures that come with a sticker. Nothing too fancy here (honestly, the pink border makes it look gaudy in a bad way, imo...)...


Ditto (EX Delta Species 39)
(Japanese)

Release Date October 28, 2005
Manufacturer Pokémon

Part of the Holon Research Tower expansion. Yuka Morii is, by far, my favorite artist of the franchise. Her work is just so perfect and impeccable! The molding and lighting really bring these little models to life!! I was able to find her on Twitter, so I've been enjoying every one of her new artistic creations.


Ditto (EX Delta Species 35)
(English)

Release Date October 31, 2005
Manufacturer Pokémon

No particular comments, I just love Yuki Morii's art so much!! The Dittos in this card set is an absolute joy!!! Part of the EX Delta Species expansion. This card got several promo editions for San Diego Comic Con and Games Expo in 2007, but I've not found any...


Ditto (EX Delta Species 36)
(English)

Release Date October 31, 2005
Manufacturer Pokémon

Part of the EX Delta Species expansion.


Ditto (EX Delta Species 37)
(English)

Release Date October 31, 2005
Manufacturer Pokémon

Part of the EX Delta Species expansion.


Ditto (EX Delta Species 38)
(English)

Release Date October 31, 2005
Manufacturer Pokémon

Part of the EX Delta Species expansion.


Ditto (EX Delta Species 40)
(English)

Release Date October 31, 2005
Manufacturer Pokémon

Part of the EX Delta Species expansion.


Ditto (EX Delta Species 61)
(English)

Release Date October 31, 2005
Manufacturer Pokémon

Part of the EX Delta Species expansion.


Ditto (EX Delta Species 62)
(English)

Release Date October 31, 2005
Manufacturer Pokémon

Part of the EX Delta Species expansion.


Ditto (EX Delta Species 63)
(English)

Release Date October 31, 2005
Manufacturer Pokémon

Part of the EX Delta Species expansion.


Ditto (EX Delta Species 64)
(English)

Release Date October 31, 2005
Manufacturer Pokémon

Part of the EX Delta Species expansion.


Pokémon Master Trainer
Release Date 2005
Manufacturer Hasbro and Milton Bradley

Despite having the same name as the 1999 and 2001 board games, this one is vastly different! I've never played it myself, but the chips are replaced with lots of cards.

With a BP ("Battle Points") of 7, Ditto remains "medium strength" (BP goes up to 12). Honestly, I think this color combo (orange, pink, camo-green) is really ugly....


Pokémon Lamincards Collection (French)
Release Date 2005
Manufacturer Edibas Collections S.r.l

Part of the Italian-based Lamincards collection, released in 2005 in several languages through Europe (Italian, Spanish, French, English, German). While prior Lamincard sets focused on Gens 1 through 3, this one focused on Gen 1. A squared version of this set would be released in North America in 2006 under the title 2006 Pokémon New Collection, the final set released by the company before the licensing contract with Pokémon was canceled later that year.

On the back:
Techniques: Morphing
Other Techniques: None


Amada ADV Kai
Release Date 2005
Manufacturer Amada

A sequel to 2004's Amada ADV menko, released in 2 sets. Much the same, just with a different design!


2006

Ditto (POP Series 3 12)
(English)

Release Date April 9, 2006
Manufacturer Pokémon Organized Play

Part of the POP Series 3 promotional set. In Japan, this series was part of a collaboration with Meiji Chocolate in October 2005. For its English counterpart, it debuted at the 2006 Regional Championships in April 2006, and was only sold during the Regional Championships until August 2006, a total availability of only 4 months. It's an odd little set, but Yuka Morii's art never fails to win me over!


2006 Pokémon New Collection
Release Date mid-2006
Manufacturer Edibas Collections Srl

A squared version of the European-only 2005 Pokémon Lamincards Collection set, released in North America in 2006 under the title 2006 Pokémon New Collection in booster packs (courtesy of Tradera) of 6 lamincards for $2. This English-only set was released in the Canada, the US, UK and Scandanavia. This would be the only set released in North America before the company lost the licensing contract with Pokémon later in the year.

Honestly, I think this Lamincard and the French version above are much more interesting for the background history they represent. They're pretty barebones overall!


2007

Pokémon: Diamond & Pearl Sealdass (2007)
Release Date 2007
Manufacturer Bandai

Yet another Sealdass! One of the few items that focus on Ditto's transforming abilities, and the back comes with hefty, if standard, text:

Name: Ditto
Transform Pokémon
Type 1: Normal
Height: 0.3 m
Weight: 4.0 kg

Attack (Technical) Explanation: Transform
Type: Normal
Hit Rate: -
Power: -
PP: 10
Description: By altering its genetic composition, it can become perfect copies of another Pokémon. It also allows Ditto to use its opponent's moves.


Pokémon: Diamond & Pearl
Release Date 2007
Manufacturer Ensky

One of the early post-Amada sticker sets. On its own, it's not super interesting tbh, but I do find myself increasingly fascinated by the Amada/Ensky sticker sets...


2008

Ditto (Legends Awakened 27)

Holofoil
Crowned Tiger Championship Deck
Release Date August 20, 2008
(Legends Awakened)

October 28, 2009
(Crowned Tiger)
Manufacturer Pokémon

Part of the Legends Awakened expansion set. Not much to say about this one... It's Ditto in front of the Windows XP background!

It is quite neat that this card was part of the Junior Division Champion's deck in the 2009 World Championships: Tsubasa Nakamura and his deck Crowned Tiger!


Diamond & Pearl Part #8 Bromide Card
Release Date 2008
Manufacturer Ensky

This is another card included with packs of chewing gum (unclear what flavor(s))! Sold for a limited time in Pokémon Centers (and probably a few toy stores across Japan), this series of Bromide cards covered all of the then-current Pokémon, broken up into multiple parts of 60 cards each. So for being Card # 422, this card should be part of Series #8 (card 421-480), assuming that's all correct.

I'm really not sure why Ditto is #422? It doesn't match up with any Pokédex numbers, so still a bit of mystery!


2009

Pokémon: Diamond & Pearl Sealdass (2009)
Release Date 2009
Manufacturer Bandai

Very much the same as the prior Pokémon: Diamond & Pearl Sealdass, though printed in 2009. Much like the previous card/sticker, it has a Ditto showing off its tranforming powers and the exact same text on the back (hence I'm not including the translated text here).


2010

Ditto (Triumphant 17)
Holofoil (English)

Release Date November 3, 2010
Manufacturer Pokémon

Part of the Triumphant expansion set. There's no proof, but I consider this one a sequel to the 1998 Ditto (Vending S2) card, offering an amount of catharsis for me. Either Ditto's adapted to it's new Rock Tunnel home or (and my personal interpretation) it's come to enjoy visiting, using it as a safe place to practice its transforming skills! :)

Also of interest, this isn't the first time Ditto's been given an attack other than transform. It is, however, the first time the attack is specifically connected to it's transforming ability! Of course it can use Sharp Point, it's currently mimicking stagmites! Perfect harmonious use of image and attack!


2012

Pokémon Pokédex 3D Pro Sticker
Release Date June 2012
Manufacturer Ensky

Sticker in a 4 part set (141 stickers total) released in blister packs of 15 stickers, in conjunction with the Pokédex 3D Pro app on the Nintendo 3DS. The front is a rather cute 3D Ditto and basic info. The back has Ditto's AR Code, which allows the user to use an AR Ditto with the 3DS camera app. It came with gum (flavor unknown).


Ditto (Cold Flare 42)
Holofoil (Japanese)

Release Date July 13, 2012
Manufacturer Pokémon

Part of the Cold Flare expansion. We're bringing back the 3-D models, albeit not Yuka Morii's incredibly work. I'unno... I like the striped holofoil look, but for some reason it looks disturbingly fleshy to me....


Ditto (Boundaries Crossed 108)
Holofoil (English)

Release Date November 7, 2012
Manufacturer Pokémon

Part of the Cold Flare expansion. The loss of the stripey holofoil in conversion from Japanese to English is a bit of a shame, alas... No other thoughts here!


2013

Pokémon Hanafuda
Release Date November 29, 2013
Manufacturer Nintendo

Now this is a cool entry! A set of Hanafuda cards focused on the Kanto region. Released exclusively at Pokémon Centers for a limited time on November 29, 2013 in two forms: precut cards for ¥2500 and framed uncut cards for ¥15100. Preordering was also an option (which would net you a Red- or Green-themed poster of all the cards, depending on which store you preordered from); it's said it sold out online in 15 minutes. I'd seen the individual cards for sale on line for horrifying prices, especially as more and more gets professionally graded (which in turn over-inflates pricing)... so I count myself lucky to have found it!

Hanafuda is a card game based, the name translating literally into "flower cards," with the cards collecting into 12 sets of 4: each set based around a specific flower for a specific month. So, for example, this one showcases the iris flower, which is correlated to May. Hence, this is a May Hanafuda card!

As far as the art goes, it's so cute! I really love the limited color palatte and old-fashioned printing marks (like the way the colors are slightly off-center compared to lines); it's just so good!

A second set of Hanafuda cards would be released in 2016, but that set had a wider focus and there's no Ditto so who cares about that set!!


2014

Monopoly: Pokémon Kanto Edition
Release Date September 15, 2014
Manufacturer Hasbro

The third entry in the Pokémon-based Monopoly game line. I'm... so curious with this card. Is it just a playdate? Is the player renting out their Ditto for breeding use? If so, does the player go around to every Daycare?? Is the Ditto happy with this???? A standard fee for the Daycare is 100 PokéDollars... For just 15, is that an hourly rate???? So many questions raised and left unanswered!!


2015

Ditto (XY Promo 40)
Holofoil (English)

Release Date February 4, 2015
Manufacturer Pokémon

Part of the XY Black Star Promos promotional card set. This promo was released as part of 2 products, both on the same day. The first was as part of Primal Clash Blister packs (package of booster pack(s), often with a visible special card (usually promos) to entice the buyer and a Pokémon coin); the second was the Primal Clash Launch Kit, a massive collection of 72 booster packs and the Furfrou and Ditto XY Promo cards.

As a card. it's continuing the 3-D model trend, which... just continues to make it very uncanny for me...


Pokemon XY Mega Evolution Board Game
Release Date October 8, 2015
Manufacturer Takara Tomy

Found another board game piece! I can't find too much about this game (courtesy of Board Game Geek), but it looks like it follows prior board games.


2017

Transformation! Ditto Card Sleeve
Release Date March 17, 2017
(pink border)

November 22, 2018
(blue border)
Manufacturer The Pokémon Company

A 64 pack of card sleeves with the cutest art of various Dittos sold for 792円. It's really cute~ Personally, I like the 2018 blue border reprint more.


Ditto as Raichu Card Sleeve
Release Date March 25, 2017
Manufacturer Pokémon International

A 64 pack of card sleeves with the cutest art of two Dittos. It's just so precious!

Interestingly, this art is actually a reprint of a file folder from a set of around 8+, part of a Ditto merch campaign in 2016. They're all really cute, but I'm glad Raichu was the chosen one. I think it's the cutest!


Pokémon: Sun & Moon Uno
Release Date July 2017
Manufacturer Mattel

I'm always so happy to find a Ditto-related card from a common card game. In this instance, Uno, in which Ditto is (appropriately enough) a wild card!


October Lottery Prize Postcard
Release Date October 2017
Manufacturer Nintendo

Never sold, this postcard was only a lottery prize for Pokémon Center Online members. Members could use saved up points to play a digital slot machine; getting three of the same characters won a postcard, changed each month!
This is a cute postcard, though I admit I'm more fascinated by the many lottery systems used in Japan!


2018

Pokémon Kids (Reprint Series)
Release Date May 2018
Manufacturer Bandai

This is from the 2018 rerelease of the Pokémon Kids series 1-5, starting in May 2018 to late 2018 (I'm not yet sure which one this mini-card was from). They came in blind boxes that contained one figure, a mini-card, and gum for 180円 each. There were a few other Gen 1 Pokémon given similar cards; it seems to be 1 card per rerelease set, though I can't be certain. At this point, the original Ditto art has become charming again, hasn't it?


Ditto ♢ (Thunderclap Spark 43)
Holofoil (Japanese)

Release Date July 6, 2018
Manufacturer Pokémon

Part of the Thunderclap Spark expansion, though it would also be rereleased in the Tag All Stars expansion on October 4, 2019.

I love this one so much! The artstyle is very soft and pastel. Ditto is able to be goopy again! And it's training!! Look at it!!! So good. So excellent.


Lotte Chocolate Wafer Sandwich (Bikkuriman) sticker set
Release Date 2018
Manufacturer Lotte

There have been many collaborations between Lotte and Pokémon, and this is one of many sticker sets packaged with two peanut-wafers-with-chocolate-cream-middle sandwiches (part of Lotte's Bikkuriman brand). Packaging for other collaborations seem to separate the sets of 24 stickers. It's so shiny!!

On the back is an eighth of an image, so you need to collect the remaining stickers to complete the image! In this instance, we have a very happy Teddiursa.

Fun fact, Bikkuriman is such a popular product that the Japanese Fair Trade Commission had to enforce increased availability of the stickers, due to parental complaints of children gambling and spending excessive amounts on the snack to get rarer stickers.


Pokémon Quest Sticker
Release Date 2018
Manufacturer Nintendo

Supplemental material for the Pokémon Quest spin-off game. I'm not sure exactly when it came out in 2018, and I'm also not that fond of the psuedo-Minecraft-esque blocky style... But I am glad that Ditto got to be included!


2019

Ditto (Detective Pikachu 17)
Holofoil (English)

Release Date March 29, 2019
Manufacturer Pokémon

Part of the Detective Pikachu promotional set. It was released in 4-card booster packs, given out to moviegoers seeing the Detective Pikachu movie and in other merchandise packages. Oddly, the Ditto card in Japan's Great Detective Pikachu set lost out on the Holofoil status it got in the English set... Poor thing...


Old Maid
Release Date May 11, 2019
Manufacturer The Pokémon Company

I'm rather fond of the Pokémon Old Maid cards (This set being 660円). They're really bold and just vaguely off-model art, and I adore it so very much. Ditto looks so vaguely disgruntled, a perfect look of blank surprise. I just love it. This version of the game includes some interesting dynamics, due to the Pokémon included.

For Ditto, this ends up allowing the player who draw this card to swap hands with another player.


2020

Pokémon: Sword & Shield Uno
Release Date February 8, 2020
Manufacturer Mattel

And right away we have another Pokémon version of traditional card game! The art isn't as interesting, but Ditto gets its appropriate place as the wild card, allowing the player to change the suit color. Just like the Old Maid set... I'd kinda like a copy of the whole thing (courtesy of Amazon), which sold for 1,540円.


Pokémon: Sword & Shield Furikake Sticker
Release Date early 2020
Manufacturer Marumiya

This is a fun one! It's a pleasantly holographic sticker that's quite visually appealing (though it doesn't come across in picture form), though Ditto is oddly purple here. It's also from an interesting source...

This sticker was part of a set of 40 stickers that came packaged with furikake, a seasoning consisting of dried fish, seaweed, sesame seeds, salt, sugar, and MSG, often added to steamed rice, sold variously in single packs (courtesy of Nikan Kitchen) and packs of 4 and 20. The seller, Marumiya, has collaborated with the Pokémon franchise since at least 2002, though this is the only sticker for Ditto that I've yet seen.


Karuta Set 2021

(courtesy of The Pokémon Center)
Release Date October 2020
Manufacturer Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions Co., Ltd.

Another delightful Karuta set! Though the ditto art used isn't my favorite... Ah well, beggers can't be choosers!

Like the 2020 Karuta set, one side is standard karuta, the other is a ABC 123 English education game for younger children. The grabbing card has Ditto with the hiragana character for me (for Ditto's Japanese name Metamon). The reading card says:

Ditto can transform so wonderfully!

Despite the official name (per the Pokemon Center store), it was released in Oct 2020 for 1,045円, hence the disconnect!


Ditto V (Shiny Star V 140)
Holofoil (Japanese)

Release Date November 20, 2020
Manufacturer Pokémon

Part of the Shiny Star V expansion set (released in English as the Shining Fates set). The first of FOUR Ditto cards in one set, two of which are secret cards!

I think this is probably the first time Ditto has been presented as "bad-ass." I can appreciate it, even though badassery isn't one of Ditto's key appeal for me... I mostly appreciate the fact that Ditto gets four whole cards devoted to it in one set! That's a first for sure!!


Ditto V (Shiny Star V 323)
Holofoil (Japanese)

Release Date November 20, 2020
Manufacturer Pokémon

Part of the Shiny Star V expansion set (released in English as the Shining Fates set). The first of two secret Ditto card of the set, and the second of four Ditto cards

Speaking of firsts, look! It's the first time a shiny Ditto has been put on a card (to my awareness)! It's not really the nicest card, mostly buoyed by its shiny nature, but I can very much appreciate the gesture.


Ditto Vmax (Shiny Star V 141)
Holofoil (Japanese)

Release Date November 20, 2020
Manufacturer Pokémon

Part of the Shiny Star V expansion set (released in English as the Shining Fates set) and the third of four Ditto cards.

The Ditto Vmax aren't my favorite cards, but I do like how much they tried to stretch Ditto out, make it look more threatening and massive!


Ditto Vmax (Shiny Star V 324)
Holofoil (Japanese)

Release Date November 20, 2020
Manufacturer Pokémon

Part of the Shiny Star V expansion set (released in English as the Shining Fates set). The second of two secret Ditto card of the set, and and the fourth of four Ditto cards.

And we come to the final one, both Vmax and shiny! It remains a little underwhelming, personally, but man am I happy to see so much Ditto rep. All in all, all four cards are a very happy surprise!


Go! Go! Ditto Card Sleeve
Release Date November 20, 2020
Manufacturer The Pokémon Company

A 64 pack of card sleeves with art of a team of three Dittos with (I think) Muscle Bands, sold for 792円. Of the card sleeves thus far, this one is my least favorite... Again, I just don't really care about Ditto being a badass. Still, I don't hate it by any means! I'm awfully fond of the long skinny Ditto. :)


2021

Karuta Set 2021

Courtesy of Showa Note
Release Date October 31, 2021
Manufacturer Showa Note

Another Karuta set, sold for 2,980円! I'm awfully fond of these. And Ditto is looking so dapper here!

One side is standard karuta, the other is a ABC 123 English education game for younger children. The grabbing card has Ditto with the hiragana character for he. The reading card says:

Leave the transforming to me!
I can transform into anything!


2022

Ditto (Pokémon GO 53)
(Japanese)

Release Date June 17, 2022
Manufacturer Pokémon

Part of the Enhanced Expansion Pack: Pokémon GO set, a special collaboration with Niantic's Pokémon GO mobile app. Again, as in the Great Detective Pikachu set, the Japanese version of this card isn't Holofoil! An odd pattern...

The card itself has a fun mechanic! In the Pokémon GO mobile app, Ditto can only be found after capturing a Pokémon, at which point it reveals itself. To mimic this, all Ditto cards in the set are hidden under a Pokémon card sticker (either Spinarak, Numel, or Bidoof), which can be peeled off to reveal the true card underneath. It's really fun and interactive, and added a new excitement to going through the booster packs!


Ditto (Pokémon GO 53)
Release Date July 1, 2022
Manufacturer Pokémon

Part of the Pokémon GO set, a special collaboration with Niantic's Pokémon GO mobile app.


Paper Safari: Pikachu & Friends
Release Date July 19, 2022
Manufacturer Mandoo Games

A Korean-based game released on July 19, 2022 for 25,000원, Paper Safari revolves around getting rid of your hand before the other players, though I don't fully know the specifics beyond that. Still, it's a cute card! I'm pleased to have found it. :)


Ditto (VSTAR Universe 117)
Holofoil (Japanese)

Release Date December 2, 2022
Manufacturer Pokémon

Part of the VSTAR Unverse expansion set, released in English as the Crown Zenith set. It's actually the same card as Ditto (Pokémon GO 53), but with new artwork, and what lovely art too! Ditto has never looked so grand! Love this art vey much!!


Ditto (VSTAR Universe 197)
Holofoil (Japanese)

Release Date December 2, 2022
Manufacturer Pokémon

Part of the VSTAR Unverse expansion set, released in English as the Crown Zenith set. Using the same text as the Ditto (Pokémon GO 53) and Ditto (VSTAR Universe 117) cards, the big draw of this one is this wonderful art! Objectively, I think VSTAR Universe 117 is prettier, but subjectively this art is so very nice! Look at it! Ditto is just enjoying peak grazing vibes. Truly the mood we all need and deserve. Perfection. Wouldn't change anything about it!


Ditto (S-P Promo)
Release Date December 16, 2022
Manufacturer Pokémon

A Jumbo Card version of the special full-art VSTAR Universe 197 card! It was released as part of the Latias Jumbo Card Collection.

It's still nice as a jumbo card! And it gets points for being the first Ditto jumbo card. :) Not much else to say that hasn't already been said... I am sad how this is a holofoil card but it really doesn't show up one bit...


2023

Ditto (Crown Zenith 107)


Holo


Reverse Holo


Play! Pokémon
Release Date January 20, 2023
(Crown Zenith)

August 14, 2023
(Play! Pokémon Prize Pack Series Three)
Manufacturer Pokémon

The English version of Japan's VSTAR Universe expansion set, renamed as Crown Zenith.

The art, as mentioned on the Japanese card, is just so lovely. I really adore it! The English release also got a few fun variations: Holofoil, Reverse Holofoil (with a lovely pattern), and a special non-Holofoil Play! Pokémon version. The last version was released as part of the Play! Pokémon Prize Pack Series Three, only available at Play! Pokémon events.


Ditto (GG22)
Release Date January 20, 2023
Manufacturer The Pokémon Company

The English version of Ditto (VSTAR Universe 197), released in the Crown Zenith set. Still nice and very pleasant! :)


Mamee Monster x Pokémon Collab Sticker
Release Date May 2, 2023
Manufacturer Mamee Monster

Mamee Monster is a very popular brand of dry noodle (think ramen noodles, seasoned and pre-boiled) snacks in Malaysia. Running from May 2nd to July 9th, Mamee Monster released its Mamee Monster Pokémon Special Edition Family Pack (courtesy of SAYS) (with flavors Black Pepper, BBQ, Chicken, and Hot & Spicy), decorated with the Kanto starters (Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Charmander, and Pikachu) and one of 20 possible holographic stickers, which paired a Pokémon with one of the Mamee Monster mascots.

Also included per Family Pack was the chance to enter a raffle, prizes including Pokémon trading card packs, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet games, and a Nintendo Switch.

This one was just a fun novelty item! I'm fascinated with the ways Pokémon collabs with local brands, and I had a fun time reading up on the Mamee Monster brand (look it up! It's neat!). I'm just happy Ditto was chosen to be included!


Pokémon-Amie Substitute Card Sleeve
Release Date May 19, 2023
Manufacturer Pokémon Center

Another cute card sleeve! Released as part of a deck set (card sleeves x 64 for 889 yen, deck box for 500 yen, and playmat for 990 yen).


Ditto (151 132)
Holofoil (Japanese)

Release Date June 16, 2023
Manufacturer Pokémon

Man, the Ditto cards have been great lately!

Part of the Pokémon Card 151 expansion set, released in English as the Scarlet & Violet—151 set, which focuses solely on the original 151 Pokémon. Of note, this set is the first time the TCG has released a Kadabra card since 2003's Skridge.

What else can I say other than the art is so very good. It's also a fun reference to several Pokédex entries that state Ditto transforms into a rock while sleeping to avoid being attacked by predators. So cute!! Also I have to comment on how shiny this card is. It is so very shiny and really lovely holographic Pokéball insignia!


Pokemon Coin Collection Part 3
Release Date July 7, 2023
Manufacturer The Pokémon Company

Part of a set of 10 coins (courtesy of The Pokémon Center), gotten from the online Pokémon Center (July 7, 2023) or at random from gacha machines at various Pokémon Centers in Japan (July 10, 2023) for 200円.

The first Ditto coin!!! It's only taken 27 years! :D


Baskin Robbins 31 Poké Summer! Campaign 2023
Release Date July 21, 2023
Manufacturer Baskin Robbins

For the third year in a row, Pokémon and Baskin Robbins collaborated with new ice cream (prominately featuring the flavor Pikachu and Sprigatito's Pop-Pop Ice, mixed pineapple and green apple sorbet with Pop Rocks) and drink flavors. Purchase of a small (490円) or regular (710円) included a random sticker of 20 Pokémon (courtesy of The Pokémon Company).

This one's isn't too impressive, using standard art over a campaign-specific ice cream background. Still, I always enjoy the things that come out of Pokémon collabs!


Ditto (Shiny Treasure ex 309)
Release Date December 1, 2023
Manufacturer The Pokémon Company

This card is technically an alternate for Ditto (151 132), but I think it deserves to stand on its own! The art is simple but effective; I'm just so happy that shiny ditto is getting more attentions! Have any other mons gotten the same shiny showcases as Ditto has?

Gosh, Ditto fans have gotten some treats the past couple of years! :)


Tazos Taps Slammer
Release Date 2023
Manufacturer Frito-Lay

Tazos remains incredibly popular in Latin and South America. This one comes from Peru! I've not found much on what set it's from... Still, I think it's so cool that Ditto not only gets status as a special slammer but also gets a really nice plastic case to fit in! The holographic foil is so pretty, as is the green of the slammer case! I really adore this lil guy. :)


2024

Ditto (Paldean Fates 201)


Holo


Reverse Holo
Release Date January 26, 2024
Manufacturer The Pokémon Company

The English version of Ditto (151 132), released in the Scarlet & Violet-151 set. I do really like the variations in holofoil that the English sets have been bringing to the table. I think this set's reverse holo is the nicest pattern yet!