# Pokémon Cards as Investments

You’ve probably heard stories about rare Pokémon cards selling for thousands, sometimes even hundreds of thousands, of dollars. So, it’s no surprise that many collectors view Pokémon cards as more than just a nostalgic hobby. They’re an investment. But like any investment, it’s important to know the risks, potential rewards, and what factors actually make a card valuable over time. Whether you’re in this for fun, profit, or both, let’s explore why Pokémon cards have become a popular investment and how to approach it wisely.

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### 1) **Why Pokémon Cards Are Good Investments**

The pandemic-era Pokémon craze of 2020 not only introduced a wave of new players to the game but also created a booming investment opportunity. Even today, many Pokémon cards continue to outperform traditional investments like stocks, making them a sought-after asset for collectors and investors alike.

**Historical Value Growth**

* Pokémon cards have seen consistent growth in value over the past few decades. In the past 30 years, the value of the 1st Edition Shadowless Venusaur has increased by over 400,000%, transforming it from a common pull in a $4 booster pack to a card worth upwards of $15,000 in mint condition today. Even in more recent years, cards from modern sets (such as Shiny Rayquaza GX) have shown significant price spikes after release. A [**Pikachu Illustrator** ](../../introduction-to-pokemon-cards/iconic-pokemon-characters-and-cards#id-2.-pikachu-illustrator)card, one of the rarest Pokémon cards, sold for over $5 million in 2022, showing that rare cards can command incredible prices. While this is an extreme case, it reflects the growing market demand.

**Nostalgia and Pop Culture Influence**

* Pokémon has an immense fanbase that spans generations, and that nostalgia plays a massive role in driving the demand for older cards. The recent resurgence of Pokémon card collecting, driven by YouTubers and influencers, has added fuel to this fire. More people are entering the market, looking to reclaim pieces of their childhood, and prices are rising as a result.

**Scarcity and Limited Prints**

* Pokémon cards aren’t printed indefinitely, and this natural scarcity plays into their value. When a set is out of print, demand usually rises, especially for cards that were hard to pull in the first place. First-edition cards or special promos are often printed in smaller numbers, making them highly sought-after once they're no longer available.

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### 2) **Tracking Card Value Trends**

Just like stocks or real estate, Pokémon card values fluctuate over time. To make smart investment decisions, it’s essential to track these trends and know when to buy or sell.

**Tools for Tracking Prices**

* [**Phygitals**](https://www.phygitals.io/): One of the best ways to track real-time prices for Pokémon cards is [**Phygitals**](https://www.phygitals.io/). The site offers up-to-date pricing information based on recent sales across multiple platforms, making it a go-to tool for serious collectors. You can spot trends early and figure out if your cards are appreciating or losing value.
* [**TCGPlayer**](https://www.tcgplayer.com/?utm_campaign=21359221641\&utm_source=google\&utm_medium=cpc\&utm_content=701774183950\&utm_term=tcgplayer\&adgroupid=163367195036\&gad_source=1\&gclid=CjwKCAjwl6-3BhBWEiwApN6_ki-AAGwlyLIbmRq-a22OFHmE3qyXArJK9o8JanCxwFCxy6KimFCgIRoCLroQAvD_BwE) **and** [**eBay**](https://www.ebay.com/) **Sold Listings:** Both of these platforms provide historical sales data and allow you to monitor market fluctuations. TCGPlayer’s price history charts are helpful for seeing long-term value trends, while eBay shows real-world transactions.

**What to Watch For**

* **New Releases**: Keep an eye on new set releases. When a new set drops, cards from older sets might spike in value due to renewed interest in the franchise or because new cards complement older ones in competitive play.
* **Reprints**: When a popular card is reprinted, it can reduce the value of the original version. However, the original often retains some premium value, particularly if it’s a first edition or has special features (like shadowless versions from the Base Set).

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### 3) **How to Spot Trends in Card Values**

**Following the Hype**

* The value of certain cards often surges when they’re featured in popular YouTube videos, pulled during livestreams, or trending on forums like Reddit. For example, when well-known YouTuber Logan Paul opened a Base Set [**booster box**](../../glossary/pokemon-wiki-glossary#booster-box), prices for sealed products and specific rare cards skyrocketed.
* **Tip**: Staying plugged into the Pokémon community and pop culture trends can help you spot which cards might be the next hot item, as well as which cards are loosing momentum. Utilize social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit to stay in-the-know.&#x20;

**Set and Expansion Popularity**

* Some sets and expansions naturally become more popular over time. For example, sets like Hidden Fates and Shining Legends have grown in value because they feature shiny Pokémon and have a higher pull rate for rare cards.
* **Tip**: Keep an eye on expansions that have [**chase cards**](../../glossary/pokemon-wiki-glossary#chase-card), as these are often the sets that increase in value down the line.

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### 4) **Investment Risks**

While Pokémon cards can be a great investment, they’re not without their risks. Here’s what you should be aware of:

**Market Volatility**

* Pokémon card prices can fluctuate rapidly. A card might be worth hundreds one month and drop to half that the next if interest fades or a reprint is announced.
* **Tip**: Don’t put all your money into just one card. Diversify your collection, and be prepared for ups and downs in the market.

**Grading Costs**

* If you’re planning to invest in grading your cards, remember that grading fees can add up. Plus, there’s no guarantee your card will get a high grade, which can directly impact its resale value.
* **Tip**: Only send cards in for grading if they’re likely to receive a high grade (at least 9 or above), and consider the cost-benefit of doing so.

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### 5) **Understanding Supply and Demand**

**What Drives Scarcity?**

* Scarcity is one of the biggest factors behind a card’s value. If a card was only printed for a limited time, it will likely hold its value better than cards that were printed in large quantities. Cards from early sets, first editions, or special promo cards are typically more scarce and, as a result, more valuable.

**How Demand Impacts Value**

* The popularity of a Pokémon can significantly impact the value of its cards. Cards featuring fan-favorite Pokémon often become highly sought after, even if they aren’t the rarest. High demand from collectors can drive up the value of these cards, making them more valuable simply due to the Pokémon’s popularity.

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While we’ve covered the basics of investing in Pokémon cards, it’s important to know that values can vary significantly across different regions. Cards from Japan, for example, may hold more value in certain markets, and exclusive regional releases can play a big role in how much a card is worth. Let’s explore how Pokémon card values differ internationally and what factors drive those differences.
