MLB The Show 23 Introduces All-New Baseball Card System
Sony San Diego Studio’s MLB The Show franchise has long featured collectible baseball cards as a mode of building virtual card collections and earning rewards. With the release of MLB The Show 23 on March 17, 2023, the developers have overhauled the franchise’s cardboard convention with an all-new, hobby-centric approach to collecting in-game baseball cards.
Gone are the standard silver, gold, and diamond color-coded card tiers of years past. In their place, MLB The Show 23 implements a more realistic baseball card grading and identification system that mimics the collecting habits of the real world hobby. Fans can now work toward completing virtual sets featuring particular seasons, teams, players, and more in pursuit of rare finds.
At the core of the new system are Common, Rare, Very Rare, and Legendary card rarities. Common cards make up the bulk of any given player’s collection and depict baseline versions without embellishments. Rare cards feature serial numbers, foil prints, and enhanced player artwork. Very Rare takes it a step further with rare autographs, patch memorabilia relics, and preferred parallel versions. The exceedingly scarce Legendary cards put premier autograph relic combinations and 1-of-1 parallels within reach.
Much like actual card albums, the updated Show collectibles are further refined by sport, league, team, season, and more. For example, fans can chase complete ’23 Topps Base Set runs for each MLB club. Limited print Promo and Throwback card designs also add layers of rarity and nostalgia to the hunt. Online auctions now facilitate trading and marketplace demands, bringing card values to life. A retooled Star ratings system better represents the true scarcity and prestige levels found across the various levels/types.
Gameplay rewards remain tied to building complete virtual collections. Fans get access to new Stubs currency, player equipment unlocks, additional pack rewards, and special ballplayer stat boosts for their Diamond Dynasty franchises by collecting full MLB The Show 23 card sets and variants. Completing multi-tiered collection goals also opens opportunities to earn coveted veteran player Legends and prime-era Flashback versions for use in exhibition matchups.
The new card level of detail even extends to the pack opening experience. Digital booster boxes, blaster boxes, hangar packs, and more emulate the aesthetic thrills of real-life cardbreaking. Each has its own rare hit odds and exclusive chase parallels. Memorabilia relic cards can also contain swatches of valuable game-used gear, further personalizing personal player collections. Behind-the-scenes creative stats also bring new context to each card, making build sets a fun learning opportunity too.
In summation, MLB The Show 23’s revamped digital baseball card model takes its page straight out of the thriving cardboard collecting culture. By immersing players in the nostalgia and nuance of authentic set building, traders, breakers and beyond can now fully experience the magic of the hobby from their gaming consoles too. With robust continuing support from Sony San Diego Studio through new promo releases and special events, this upgraded system ensures a bright future for fans to enjoy the digital diamond for years to come. Whether seeking the next big pull or questing after their White Whales, the collectibles landscape of The Show is better than ever.
