The Pokemon Trading Figure Game was unfortunately a very short-lived series of Pokemon figures on spinning bases. These bases included several attacks on a sticker decal that would be used in battle, just like the trading card game. The series began in North America in 2007, and was discontinued in 2009 due to a licensing feud. The only series officially released was the Next Quest series, and the Groundbreakers series, which was canceled about halfway through. Therefore, some of the Groundbreakers figures out on the market are technically bootlegs, along with an unreleased mystery series set which was set to be released but was never officially licensed. The story behind these figures is that the company basically told the factory not to release them... but since they had the molds and didn't want to throw them away, they manufactured them anyway. Therefore, the figures from the rest of the Groundbreakers set and the unreleased set are the most legit-looking bootlegs you'll probably ever see! There was also a Promo figure set, though some of the figures in them were canceled (such as Dialga and Palkia).
My very first TFG figure that I obtained was a Flareon TFG from a store in San Francisco's China Town. I didn't know much about it, but it looked so amazing, I had to pick it up. When I went online, I was very surprised to discover just how rare and sought-after it was. After admiring the figure for several days, I fell in love with the series, and my TFG collection is now the pride and joy of my entire Pokemon collection! I hope to get to enjoy watching it continue to grow. I still have a long way to go before it's finished!
So without further ado, here's my current TFG collection! I've included the price that I paid for each of them, the rarity, which set they're from and what number they are in the series when applicable, and the sculptor of the figures as I feel it's important to give credit where its due! I've listed these starting with the unreleased series.
My very first TFG figure that I obtained was a Flareon TFG from a store in San Francisco's China Town. I didn't know much about it, but it looked so amazing, I had to pick it up. When I went online, I was very surprised to discover just how rare and sought-after it was. After admiring the figure for several days, I fell in love with the series, and my TFG collection is now the pride and joy of my entire Pokemon collection! I hope to get to enjoy watching it continue to grow. I still have a long way to go before it's finished!
So without further ado, here's my current TFG collection! I've included the price that I paid for each of them, the rarity, which set they're from and what number they are in the series when applicable, and the sculptor of the figures as I feel it's important to give credit where its due! I've listed these starting with the unreleased series.
Unreleased Aron TFG
Purchase Price: $3
Rarity: None printed on this figure, but he's a fairly common figure from this set
Set: Unreleased Set, #02/42
Sculptor: Matsumoto Eiichiro
Aron is one of my favorites in my collection. He's a very simple figure, but I love his detail, especially on his little steel base. I love how you can see the teeth marks from where he's been chomping on the steel!
Rarity: None printed on this figure, but he's a fairly common figure from this set
Set: Unreleased Set, #02/42
Sculptor: Matsumoto Eiichiro
Aron is one of my favorites in my collection. He's a very simple figure, but I love his detail, especially on his little steel base. I love how you can see the teeth marks from where he's been chomping on the steel!
Unreleased Bayleef TFG
Purchase Price: $3
Rarity: None printed on this figure, but she's getting harder to come by
Set: Unreleased Set, #03/42
Sculptor: Kagawa Masahiko
Bayleef is another fantastic figure. While her grass base isn't very special or detailed, the figure itself looks great and is sculpted extremely well. I also love the choice of colors for her.
Rarity: None printed on this figure, but she's getting harder to come by
Set: Unreleased Set, #03/42
Sculptor: Kagawa Masahiko
Bayleef is another fantastic figure. While her grass base isn't very special or detailed, the figure itself looks great and is sculpted extremely well. I also love the choice of colors for her.
Unreleased Croconaw TFG
Purchase Price: Bought in a lot
Rarity: Unknown but I've never seen another one for sale!
Set: Unreleased Set, #07/42
Sculptor: Takuma Katsuo
Croconaw was a figure I actually never thought I would get simply because I had never seen him for sale before. When I saw him pop up in a lot on eBay, I pounced!
Rarity: Unknown but I've never seen another one for sale!
Set: Unreleased Set, #07/42
Sculptor: Takuma Katsuo
Croconaw was a figure I actually never thought I would get simply because I had never seen him for sale before. When I saw him pop up in a lot on eBay, I pounced!
Unreleased Diglett TFG
Purchase Price: Bought in a lot
Rarity: None printed on him but I don't see too many of him for sale
Set: Unreleased Set, #08/42
Sculptor: Kagawa Masahiko
Diglett is a very simple yet stunning figure. His colors are great and I love the rock details. I also love how dirt is sticking to him as he pokes up from the ground. I was happy to get Diglett as he seems to be getting harder to find!
Rarity: None printed on him but I don't see too many of him for sale
Set: Unreleased Set, #08/42
Sculptor: Kagawa Masahiko
Diglett is a very simple yet stunning figure. His colors are great and I love the rock details. I also love how dirt is sticking to him as he pokes up from the ground. I was happy to get Diglett as he seems to be getting harder to find!
Unreleased Entei TFG
Purchase Price: Bought in a lot
Rarity: None printed on him but Entei's rarity fluctuates. Sometimes you can NEVER find him and other times he pops up a lot.
Set: Unreleased Set, #10/42
Sculptor: Kagawa Masahiko
Entei was a big one on my want list for a while until I finally got him in a lot with other figures! He is amazing and gorgeous, any angle you look at him. I'm definitely not disappointed. He is just breathtaking and cannot be fully appreciated until you see him in person.
Rarity: None printed on him but Entei's rarity fluctuates. Sometimes you can NEVER find him and other times he pops up a lot.
Set: Unreleased Set, #10/42
Sculptor: Kagawa Masahiko
Entei was a big one on my want list for a while until I finally got him in a lot with other figures! He is amazing and gorgeous, any angle you look at him. I'm definitely not disappointed. He is just breathtaking and cannot be fully appreciated until you see him in person.
Unreleased Flareon TFG
Purchase Price: $10
Rarity: None printed on this figure, but he is EXTREMELY rare
Set: Unreleased Set, #12/42
Sculptor: Kagawa Masahiko
Boy was I shocked when I learned this guy was a bootleg, and I was even more shocked when I learned just how rare he was. In my opinion, he is the most gorgeous and well-detailed figure of all my TFGs I currently have. He is beyond beautiful and stunning and I'm so thrilled to have him in my collection. The colors on this guy are almost unreal. It's such a shame that this series was discontinued because of how gorgeous this figure is and it's from the unreleased series!
Rarity: None printed on this figure, but he is EXTREMELY rare
Set: Unreleased Set, #12/42
Sculptor: Kagawa Masahiko
Boy was I shocked when I learned this guy was a bootleg, and I was even more shocked when I learned just how rare he was. In my opinion, he is the most gorgeous and well-detailed figure of all my TFGs I currently have. He is beyond beautiful and stunning and I'm so thrilled to have him in my collection. The colors on this guy are almost unreal. It's such a shame that this series was discontinued because of how gorgeous this figure is and it's from the unreleased series!
Unreleased Heracross TFG
Purchase Price: $0.75
Rarity: None printed on this figure, but he's a fairly common figure from this set
Set: Unreleased Set, #17/42
Sculptor: Kagawa Masahiko
Another figure from the unreleased set, this Heracross is fairly plain, but very nicely detailed and sculpted. He's one of the more common figures from this unreleased set.
Rarity: None printed on this figure, but he's a fairly common figure from this set
Set: Unreleased Set, #17/42
Sculptor: Kagawa Masahiko
Another figure from the unreleased set, this Heracross is fairly plain, but very nicely detailed and sculpted. He's one of the more common figures from this unreleased set.
Unreleased Machamp TFG
Purchase Price: Bought in a lot
Rarity: Unknown but I don't see him too often
Set: Unreleased Set, #18/42
Sculptor: Nakazawa Hiroyuki
I've never been a huge fan of the Machamp line, but I really like this figure. It's sculpted beautifully, and the details are just stunning as always in TFGs! Everything about him is perfect, from his muscles, to his champion belt, to his facial expression.
Rarity: Unknown but I don't see him too often
Set: Unreleased Set, #18/42
Sculptor: Nakazawa Hiroyuki
I've never been a huge fan of the Machamp line, but I really like this figure. It's sculpted beautifully, and the details are just stunning as always in TFGs! Everything about him is perfect, from his muscles, to his champion belt, to his facial expression.
Unreleased Mawile TFG
Purchase Price: Bought in a lot
Rarity: None printed on him but I've only ever seen one more for sale before I got mine
Set: Unreleased Set, #21/42
Sculptor: Teraoka Kuniaki
I have a lot of favorites in my collection, and really, each figure is a favorite of mine, but Mawile is really up there with the best. I just love everything about this figure, and I had been after him from the start, but didn't want to pay an arm and a leg for him. I finally got him in a lot with other great figures for an amazing price.
Rarity: None printed on him but I've only ever seen one more for sale before I got mine
Set: Unreleased Set, #21/42
Sculptor: Teraoka Kuniaki
I have a lot of favorites in my collection, and really, each figure is a favorite of mine, but Mawile is really up there with the best. I just love everything about this figure, and I had been after him from the start, but didn't want to pay an arm and a leg for him. I finally got him in a lot with other great figures for an amazing price.
Unreleased Rayquaza TFG
Purchase Price: Bought in a lot
Rarity: None printed on him but I almost never see him for sale
Set: Unreleased Set, #28/42
Sculptor: Enoki Tomohide
Rayquaza is a figure that looks very odd from far away due to his strange pose, even though it's the most fitting for him. Up close, however, the figure is truly amazing. The colors are stunning and the detail is just unreal.
Rarity: None printed on him but I almost never see him for sale
Set: Unreleased Set, #28/42
Sculptor: Enoki Tomohide
Rayquaza is a figure that looks very odd from far away due to his strange pose, even though it's the most fitting for him. Up close, however, the figure is truly amazing. The colors are stunning and the detail is just unreal.
Unreleased Seviper TFG
Purchase Price: $3
Rarity: None printed on this figure; I'd say he's probably uncommon from what I've seen
Set: Unreleased Set, #29/42
Sculptor: Takuma Katsuo
I've never been a huge fan of Seviper, but when I saw this figure, I had to get him. He's very nicely sculpted and detailed, and I love the rich colors on him. His pose is dynamic and fantastic.
Rarity: None printed on this figure; I'd say he's probably uncommon from what I've seen
Set: Unreleased Set, #29/42
Sculptor: Takuma Katsuo
I've never been a huge fan of Seviper, but when I saw this figure, I had to get him. He's very nicely sculpted and detailed, and I love the rich colors on him. His pose is dynamic and fantastic.
Unreleased Suicune TFG
Purchase Price: Bought in a lot
Rarity: None printed on this figure, but like all of the Legendary Beasts, he's fairly hard to find and for a good price
Set: Unreleased Set, #32/42
Sculptor: Kagawa Masahiko
I had almost bought a Suicune when I got my Flareon TFG in China Town, and ultimately opted not to. I regretted it almost immediately! I was very happy when I found him in a lot, though, and for a very good price.
Rarity: None printed on this figure, but like all of the Legendary Beasts, he's fairly hard to find and for a good price
Set: Unreleased Set, #32/42
Sculptor: Kagawa Masahiko
I had almost bought a Suicune when I got my Flareon TFG in China Town, and ultimately opted not to. I regretted it almost immediately! I was very happy when I found him in a lot, though, and for a very good price.
Unreleased Tyranitar TFG
Purchase Price: Bought in a lot
Rarity: None printed on him but he varies; sometimes he's scarce, sometimes he pops up a lot
Set: Unreleased Set, #36/42
Sculptor: Nakazawa Hiroyuki
For some reason, I expected Tyranitar's expression to be much more fierce and menacing than it is. To me, it looks almost like he's going, "HEEEEEEY GIIIIIIRRRRL" XD
Rarity: None printed on him but he varies; sometimes he's scarce, sometimes he pops up a lot
Set: Unreleased Set, #36/42
Sculptor: Nakazawa Hiroyuki
For some reason, I expected Tyranitar's expression to be much more fierce and menacing than it is. To me, it looks almost like he's going, "HEEEEEEY GIIIIIIRRRRL" XD
Next Quest Abra TFG
Purchase Price: $7
Rarity: Rare
Set: Next Quest, #01/42
Sculptor: Murata Akira
Abra is one of my favorite Pokemon already, so naturally, I love his TFG. The flash makes him appear much more yellow than he actually is. In person, his colors resemble those more of an in-game sprite. He's adorable and his pose is extremely fitting.
Rarity: Rare
Set: Next Quest, #01/42
Sculptor: Murata Akira
Abra is one of my favorite Pokemon already, so naturally, I love his TFG. The flash makes him appear much more yellow than he actually is. In person, his colors resemble those more of an in-game sprite. He's adorable and his pose is extremely fitting.
Next Quest Absol TFG
Purchase Price: $5
Rarity: Rare
Set: Next Quest, #02/42
Sculptor: Nakazawa Hiroyuki
I actually have two of these, because the first one I bought came damaged in the mail. The seller graciously sent me an undamaged one free of charge! Absol looks great and I love her proud stance.
Rarity: Rare
Set: Next Quest, #02/42
Sculptor: Nakazawa Hiroyuki
I actually have two of these, because the first one I bought came damaged in the mail. The seller graciously sent me an undamaged one free of charge! Absol looks great and I love her proud stance.
Next Quest Dratini TFG
Purchase Price: $7
Rarity: Rare
Set: Next Quest, #07/42
Sculptor: Nakazawa Hiroyuki
Though he's such a simple figure, I really love this Dratini (and being a Dratini fanatic, I'm not biased at all). He's just very simple and a very nice representation of his in-game and anime counterpart.
Rarity: Rare
Set: Next Quest, #07/42
Sculptor: Nakazawa Hiroyuki
Though he's such a simple figure, I really love this Dratini (and being a Dratini fanatic, I'm not biased at all). He's just very simple and a very nice representation of his in-game and anime counterpart.
Next Quest Eevee TFG
Purchase Price: $3
Rarity: Rare
Set: Next Quest, #10/42
Sculptor: Murata Akira
This Eevee is great. Unlike other Eevee figures, this one has an angry, determined face! That alone truly makes this one unique. He looks very fierce atop the rock base.
Rarity: Rare
Set: Next Quest, #10/42
Sculptor: Murata Akira
This Eevee is great. Unlike other Eevee figures, this one has an angry, determined face! That alone truly makes this one unique. He looks very fierce atop the rock base.
Next Quest Ho-Oh TFG
Purchase Price: $4
Rarity: Ex-Rare
Set: Next Quest, #13/42
Sculptor: Murata Akira
Ho-Oh is another favorite of mine (I have a lot of favorites, can you tell?). His feathers are sculpted brilliantly and his face looks amazing. The colors of his paint job are remarkable and sharp. I love how he's on a base so he looks like he's flying.
Rarity: Ex-Rare
Set: Next Quest, #13/42
Sculptor: Murata Akira
Ho-Oh is another favorite of mine (I have a lot of favorites, can you tell?). His feathers are sculpted brilliantly and his face looks amazing. The colors of his paint job are remarkable and sharp. I love how he's on a base so he looks like he's flying.
Next Quest Skarmory TFG
Purchase Price: Purchased in a lot
Rarity: Rare
Set: Next Quest, #14/42
Sculptor: Enoki Tomohide
I was so thrilled to open up a booster pack of TFGs I purchased in a big lot and to see Skarmory as my bonus figure! I think he's getting a little harder to find. I've only found one on eBay since I started collecting these figures, and he's going for around $15.
Rarity: Rare
Set: Next Quest, #14/42
Sculptor: Enoki Tomohide
I was so thrilled to open up a booster pack of TFGs I purchased in a big lot and to see Skarmory as my bonus figure! I think he's getting a little harder to find. I've only found one on eBay since I started collecting these figures, and he's going for around $15.
Next Quest Lugia TFG
Purchase Price: $4
Rarity: Ex-Rare
Set: Next Quest, #15/42
Sculptor: Enoki Tomohide
Lugia is yet another favorite, and he looks amazing displayed beside Ho-Oh. His sculpt is one of my favorites, though it's tough to get a good picture of his amazing pose as well as his facial expression. He's soaring high with both wings above his head.
Rarity: Ex-Rare
Set: Next Quest, #15/42
Sculptor: Enoki Tomohide
Lugia is yet another favorite, and he looks amazing displayed beside Ho-Oh. His sculpt is one of my favorites, though it's tough to get a good picture of his amazing pose as well as his facial expression. He's soaring high with both wings above his head.
Next Quest Pikachu TFG
Purchase Price: $3
Rarity: Uncommon
Set: Next Quest, #23/42
Sculptor: Enoki Tomohide
I didn't expect to be so impressed by the Pikachu figures in this series. Boy was I surprised! Both Pikachu figures from the TFG series are amazing. This one is one of my favorites. I love his angry face and the detail of the electricity.
Rarity: Uncommon
Set: Next Quest, #23/42
Sculptor: Enoki Tomohide
I didn't expect to be so impressed by the Pikachu figures in this series. Boy was I surprised! Both Pikachu figures from the TFG series are amazing. This one is one of my favorites. I love his angry face and the detail of the electricity.
Next Quest Ekans TFG
Purchase Price: Bought in a lot
Rarity: Common
Set: Next Quest, #28/42
Sculptor: Enoki Tomohide
Ekans always seemed to elude me, even though it's a very common figure to come across in the world of TFG collecting. I was very happy and surprised when I found him as a secret/bonus figure in one of my boosters! Now I don't have to go out and buy him separately!
Rarity: Common
Set: Next Quest, #28/42
Sculptor: Enoki Tomohide
Ekans always seemed to elude me, even though it's a very common figure to come across in the world of TFG collecting. I was very happy and surprised when I found him as a secret/bonus figure in one of my boosters! Now I don't have to go out and buy him separately!
Next Quest Teddiursa TFG
Purchase Price: $4
Rarity: Common
Set: Next Quest, #32/42
Sculptor: Murata Akira
I suppose I should just start saying that all of my figures in my collection are my favorites! Despite being common, I had a little trouble tracking down a Teddiursa for my collection. He's extremely adorable and doesn't disappoint! He looks like he wants to give you a hug.
Rarity: Common
Set: Next Quest, #32/42
Sculptor: Murata Akira
I suppose I should just start saying that all of my figures in my collection are my favorites! Despite being common, I had a little trouble tracking down a Teddiursa for my collection. He's extremely adorable and doesn't disappoint! He looks like he wants to give you a hug.
Next Quest Zangoose TFG
Purchase Price: $3
Rarity: Uncommon
Set: Next Quest, #38/42
Sculptor: Nakazawa Hiroyuki
While not one of my favorite figures in this set, or one of my favorite Pokemon, I do love this figure. I love his pose and as always, the detail is second to none.
Rarity: Uncommon
Set: Next Quest, #38/42
Sculptor: Nakazawa Hiroyuki
While not one of my favorite figures in this set, or one of my favorite Pokemon, I do love this figure. I love his pose and as always, the detail is second to none.
Promo Set Turtwig TFG
Purchase Price: $2
Rarity: Unknown
Set: Promo, #01
Sculptor: Enoki Tomohide
I actually wasn't aware that there even was a promo set until after i had purchased several of them-- go figure! Turtwig is a promotional figure for the Next Quest figure set.
Rarity: Unknown
Set: Promo, #01
Sculptor: Enoki Tomohide
I actually wasn't aware that there even was a promo set until after i had purchased several of them-- go figure! Turtwig is a promotional figure for the Next Quest figure set.
Promo Set Piplup TFG
Purchase Price: $2
Rarity: Unknown
Set: Promo, #03
Sculptor: Enoki Tomohide
Yes, another favorite... but I mean, just look at that face! He's so happy, it's contagious! Piplup is another promotional figure for the Next Quest figure set. I'm only missing Chimchar from the Sinnoh starters now!
Rarity: Unknown
Set: Promo, #03
Sculptor: Enoki Tomohide
Yes, another favorite... but I mean, just look at that face! He's so happy, it's contagious! Piplup is another promotional figure for the Next Quest figure set. I'm only missing Chimchar from the Sinnoh starters now!
Promo Set Manaphy TFG
Purchase Price: $0.75
Rarity: Unknown
Set: Promo, #06
Sculptor: Kagawa Masahiko
I didn't expect to like this figure nearly as much as I do, especially because I got him so cheaply. But he is one of the most beautiful figures in the set, in my opinion. His colors are great, and the detail on the wave is amazing. He's truly a gorgeous figure! He was a promotional figure for the unreleased set.
Rarity: Unknown
Set: Promo, #06
Sculptor: Kagawa Masahiko
I didn't expect to like this figure nearly as much as I do, especially because I got him so cheaply. But he is one of the most beautiful figures in the set, in my opinion. His colors are great, and the detail on the wave is amazing. He's truly a gorgeous figure! He was a promotional figure for the unreleased set.
Promo Set Pikachu TFG
Purchase Price: $3
Rarity: Unknown
Set: Promo, #08
Sculptor: Kagawa Masahiko
Another great-looking Pikachu figure. I always felt that Pikachu figures all tended to look the same, but the TFG Pikachu figures are different and truly remarkable. I love the pose on this guy. He looks like he's ready to attack! He was also supposed to be a promotional figure for the unreleased set.
Rarity: Unknown
Set: Promo, #08
Sculptor: Kagawa Masahiko
Another great-looking Pikachu figure. I always felt that Pikachu figures all tended to look the same, but the TFG Pikachu figures are different and truly remarkable. I love the pose on this guy. He looks like he's ready to attack! He was also supposed to be a promotional figure for the unreleased set.