Hidden Pokéballs in Pokémon Cards?
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Have you ever looked closely at your Pokémon cards and thought, “Wait… is that a Pokéball in the background?”
If you have, there's a good chance you've stumbled upon the work of Saya Tsuruta, one of the most distinctive and creative artists in the Pokémon TCG.
In this artist spotlight, we’re taking a look at her cool signature style — hiding Pokéballs in her artwork — and why fans can’t stop checking twice every time they see one of her cards. Once you start spotting them, it makes collecting way more fun.
Who is Saya Tsuruta?
Saya Tsuruta has been part of the Pokémon world for years, quietly shaping the way we see it. She started illustrating for the Pokémon TCG back in the Diamond and Pearl era, and since then, her work has popped up everywhere — not just on cards, but even in the games themselves. She’s credited with helping design seven original Pokémon, which is pretty amazing when you think about it.
What really sets her card art apart, though, is how cozy and inviting it feels. Her use of soft colors and gentle, whimsical scenes give each card a warm, storybook vibe. And if you look closely, there’s usually a surprise: a Pokéball hidden somewhere in the art, quietly waiting to be found. It’s a subtle, personal touch that’s made her a fan favorite — and turned card collecting into a bit of a look and find.
Who is her favorite Pokémon? If her Instagram is anything to go by, Goomy might just be her true favorite.
Do All Saya Tsuruta Cards Have a Hidden Pokéball?
Believe it or not — there are a few rare exceptions where no Pokéball is present. Here’s when you won’t find one:
Her Shiny Vault cards from Hidden Fates, Shining Fates, and Paldean Fates – These use a plain white background with generic sparkle effects, leaving no room for sneaky details.
The Yokohama’s Pikachu promos – These have a standard striped background.
The Pikachu V-UNION SWSH Black Star Promo – A special collab piece between Tsuruta and 24 other artists, with a shared gradient background.
Paldean Wooper from Paldea Evolved – And this one has a fun story: Tsuruta actually apologized for this card, jokingly adding the Pokéball had “rolled off the frame.” So technically… it was there. Just not where we can see it!
Can You Spot the Pokéball?
Saya Tsuruta has illustrated 126 cards (and counting), here are just a few of her iconic cards. Let’s test your eye!
Saya Tsuruta’s artwork is a perfect example of how the Pokémon TCG is more than just a game — it’s a form of artistic expression and creativity. Her hidden Pokéballs invite fans to slow down, look closely, and appreciate the little details.
Next time you open a pack, keep an eye out. You might just spot one of her cards — and if you look carefully enough, a Pokéball too.
If you’re already a collector, pull out your binder and see if you can find more. It’s likely you’ve had one of her cards for years and never noticed!
M O R E C A R D F U N
