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The Definitive Guide To Gundam Card Game Thickness: Why Bandai’s Card Stock Is A Game-Changer

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The thickness of a Trading Card Game (TCG) card is more than just a number; it dictates the card's durability, shuffle feel, and overall premium quality. As of December 2025, the standard card size for the modern Bandai Gundam TCGs, including the popular *Gundam Union Arena*, adheres to the "Standard" TCG dimensions of 63 mm by 88 mm, but the actual card stock thickness is what sets it apart from competitors like *Pokémon* or *Magic: The Gathering*.

The curiosity surrounding the specific "gundam card game thickness" stems from a long-standing reputation for superior card stock quality from Bandai, the manufacturer of the *Gundam* TCG. While a precise, universally published thickness in millimeters (mm) for the latest sets is often elusive, older, high-quality Bandai Cardass products have been measured at approximately 0.6 mm, which serves as an excellent benchmark for the durable feel players experience today.

Gundam Card Dimensions: The Standard Size with a Premium Feel

The first step in understanding the thickness of a *Gundam* TCG card is to confirm its overall dimensions. The modern *Gundam Card Game* and its related Bandai TCGs follow the industry-standard size, often referred to as "Standard" or "Magic: The Gathering size."

  • Card Dimensions: 63 mm x 88 mm (2.48 in x 3.46 in)
  • Sleeve Size Requirement: 67 mm x 92 mm
  • Estimated Card Stock Thickness: Approximately 0.6 mm (for premium Bandai Cardass products)

This 63 mm x 88 mm size is the same used for many other popular games, including *Digimon Card Game* and *One Piece Card Game*, which are also published by Bandai.

The Qualitative Difference: Why Gundam Cards Feel Thicker

While the 0.6 mm figure is a specific measurement from a premium Cardass line, the qualitative feedback from the TCG community confirms that the card stock used for the modern *Gundam* TCG is notably robust.

Many players and collectors have consistently noted that *Gundam* TCG cards feel "pretty thick" and heavier compared to other TCGs. This perception of increased thickness is directly tied to the overall card stock quality and the printing process used by Bandai, which often results in a more rigid, durable card.

This superior card stock is a major factor in the game's appeal, contributing to a premium feel that enhances both collecting and competitive play.

Durability and Shuffle Feel: The Benefit of Thicker Card Stock

The thickness of the card stock directly impacts two critical aspects of TCG play: durability and the shuffle feel.

Enhanced Durability for Collectors

For collectors, a thicker card stock means increased resistance to damage. The extra density helps prevent common collector issues such as:

  • Bending and Creasing: Thicker cards are less prone to accidental folding or creasing during handling.
  • Edge Wear: The robust card edges resist fraying and whitening, which is crucial for maintaining a card's Near Mint (NM) condition.
  • "Pringle-ing" (Warping): While all foil cards can warp due to humidity, a thicker, higher-quality card stock often provides more structural integrity to resist this effect compared to thinner alternatives.

Optimized Shuffle Feel for Competitive Play

For competitive players, the "shuffle feel" is paramount. A durable, thick card provides a better tactile experience, especially when using sleeves.

The weight and rigidity of the *Gundam* TCG cards allow for a smooth and consistent shuffling motion, whether you prefer the mash shuffle or the riffle shuffle. This quality is often praised, with players describing the experience as having a "great shuffle feel."

In fact, some players on platforms like Reddit have even stated that Bandai’s card quality is "miles ahead" of major competitors, highlighting the thickness and print quality as significant advantages.

Essential Protection: Sleeving and Storage for Gundam Cards

Given the premium card stock, protecting your *Mobile Suit Gundam* TCG collection is essential. The thickness of the card is a key factor in choosing the right protective gear.

The Perfect Sleeve Size

Since *Gundam* TCG cards are the standard 63mm x 88mm size, you will need sleeves that are slightly larger to accommodate both the dimensions and the thickness of the card stock.

  • Standard Sleeves: The recommended outer sleeve size is 67 mm x 92 mm. This is the common size for most standard TCGs and provides a comfortable fit for the *Gundam* card.
  • Inner Sleeves (Double Sleeving): For maximum protection, especially for high-value or Secret Rare cards, double sleeving is highly recommended. You will need "perfect fit" inner sleeves, which typically measure 64 mm x 89 mm.

The choice of sleeve material—polypropylene, acid-free, and PVC-free—is also crucial for archival safety, ensuring the card stock remains in pristine condition over time.

Storage and Deck Boxes

The thickness of the *Gundam* TCG cards means that a full deck of 50 or 60 cards, especially when double-sleeved, will create a significantly thicker stack than a deck from a game with thinner card stock.

When purchasing deck boxes, always account for this extra thickness. A deck box that holds 100 single-sleeved cards from a thinner TCG may only hold 75–80 double-sleeved *Gundam* cards comfortably. Prioritizing a durable, tournament-safe deck box is a must-have accessory for any serious player.

Comparing Gundam Card Thickness to Other TCGs

The discussion of *Gundam* card thickness inevitably leads to comparisons with other major TCGs. This comparison highlights Bandai’s commitment to quality card production.

While some of Bandai's newer, non-traditional TCG lines have adopted a thinner, more flexible card stock, the main *Gundam* TCG and *Union Arena* lines are generally regarded as having a superior "feel" to the card stock itself.

The consensus in the TCG community often places the quality of the *Gundam* TCG card stock above that of the current print runs of games like *Pokémon* and *Magic: The Gathering* (MTG). This is due to the perceived thickness, rigidity, and the clean, high-resolution print quality.

The thickness of the card stock is a direct reflection of Bandai's manufacturing standards, which prioritize a durable, high-end product that can withstand the rigors of competitive play and long-term collection. For fans of the *Mobile Suit Gundam* franchise, this attention to detail ensures that their cherished Mobile Suit, Character, and Event cards are not only beautiful but also built to last across the Universal Century and beyond.

The Definitive Guide to Gundam Card Game Thickness: Why Bandai’s Card Stock is a Game-Changer
gundam card game thickness
gundam card game thickness

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