[YGOFTH 2016] Yu-Gi-Oh! Playing Cards by Aquarius

December 13, 2016 at 6:00 pm | Posted in Konami, Yu-Gi-Oh! | 5 Comments
Tags: aquarius entertainment merchandising, licensing, nmr distribution

Aquarius Entertainment Merchandising is probably a company that you’ve have never heard of, but you’ve likely seen their products on store shelves. They make all kinds of magnets, pint and shot glasses, mugs, and games branded with characters and logos from various pop culture franchises. Today’s Yu-Gi-Oh! for the Holidays (YGOFTH) entry looks at one of Aquarius’ many Yu-Gi-Oh! products: playing cards! Because Duel Monsters isn’t the only type of card game that Yugi has mastered.

Aquarius’ Yu-Gi-Oh! playing cards make up a standard 52-card deck. The cards are poker-sized, measuring 2.5 x 3.5 inches.

Here is a close-up of the card stock used. Notice the air pockets, which help prevent sticking and improve the handling of the cards.

The back of the cards shows Yami Yugi picking a card out of his hand. Very appropriate. Two jokers are included: one shows the Millennium Puzzle while the other shows a full body shot of Yami Yugi. The background swirl design looks really similar to the back of an actual Yu-Gi-Oh! card. All of the playing cards have that same background and vary only in their color.

Let’s look at some game-winning hands.

Here’s Yugi’s royal flush. All of Yugi’s cards are spades. The background, suits, and symbols are colored blue.

Here’s Kaiba’s royal flush. All of Kaiba’s cards are clubs. The background, suits, and symbols are colored purple.

In bridge, spades are the highest ranked suit, while clubs are the lowest. Coincidence? Or a subtle nod at Yugi’s superiority over Kaiba?

Here’s Joey’s royal flush. All of Joey’s cards are diamonds. The background, suits, and symbols are colored gold.

All of the hearts are made up of monsters played by various antagonists throughout the series, like Pegasus, Weevil, the Big Five, and the Paradox Brothers. The background, suits, and symbols are colored red.

Here’s a not-so-game-winning hand: a 2-7 offsuit, the worst hand in Texas Hold ‘Em poker. Noooo, it’s Kuriboh!

Umm, wrong type of card game here!

Aquarius probably didn’t make this card.

Never forget.

Where To Buy

Aquarius’ Yu-Gi-Oh! playing cards are available on Amazon.com where they are sold directly by Amazon and by various third-party retailers for $5.99 and up. (Note: The vendors’ links are provided as a convenience. I do not endorse or recommend any particular vendor.)