A month or two ago, honestly I don't recall at this point but it felt like that short time ago, I went to Portfolio52's website (portfolio52.com), and it didn't work. The website just didn't load. I went back the day after, and again it eventually timed out. It was as if the website... stopped being a website.
Checking the Instagram account, @portfolio_52, they haven't posted since last year! Whelp, so much for that one.
But wait!
While scrolling Instagram just the other day I came across a post from @xdecksrarecards, the owner of x-decks.com.
Alex [Chin] surprised me with the alternate idea of what if X-Decks took over Portfolio52?
...
After most of the year brainstorming, and planning, we are thrilled to announce Decklopedia.com, officially under construction as of January 1, 2025 and will have 26,000 +/- decks of content!
Long-story-short, Portfolio52 has traded hands and while the website does finally load again, it'll soon be "Decklopedia". The landing page for this new website is decklopedia.com. It's live right now, but is just a simple landing page with the text:
The playing card database, by & for collectors. Coming in '25
What's most interesting about this to me is that Decklopedia isn't just "the new" Portfolio52, it's changing it by adding functionality, normalizing content, and potentially more. From the post, here's the sneak peek they're providing so far:
- Comprehensive Deck Details: Upload up to 56 cards per deck to showcase the entire design, plus tuck box fronts, backs, and additional manufacturer product shots.
- Robust Data and Search Tools: Enjoy adaptive, intuitive searches and improved data fields to make cataloging a breeze. Say goodbye to inconsistent naming conventions -- "Fulton Playing Cards" will always be "Fulton Playing Cards," not "FPC" or "Brad Fulton."
- Jump-Start Database: With the saved P52 database we will have 26,000 +/- start.
- Creating partnerships: Engage designers and makers to enter their new decks or submit decks with data so we can upload them
Currently, they don't have a unique Instagram handle set up or anything other than @xdecksrarecards, but you can email them if you have thoughts, feedback, or ideas.
I'm excited to see what'll come of it, so I know I'll be following along!