Investing in the Pokémon TCG has become increasingly popular over the years, with many collectors and investors looking to capitalise on the rising value of these cards. However, these factors make Pokémon TCG an attractive investment opportunity and understanding these factors is critical to making informed investment decisions.
Nostalgia Factor
One of the primary appeals of investing in the Pokémon TCG is the nostalgia factor. Many people who grew up playing Pokémon games or watching the Pokémon anime have a strong emotional connection to the franchise. Investing in the cards can be a way to relive those childhood memories. This emotional connection is a crucial driver of demand for Pokémon TCG cards and can help support their long-term value.
Limited Supply
Another factor that makes the Pokémon TCG an attractive investment opportunity is the limited supply of certain cards. Some of the most valuable Pokémon TCG cards were only produced in limited quantities, making them rare and highly sought-after. As demand for these cards grows, their value will likely increase.
Several recent limited supply Pokémon TCG cards have been released in the last few years. Some of the most recent limited supply cards include:
- Shiny Pokémon V and VMAX Cards: These cards are part of the Shiny Star V expansion released in Japan in 2020. They feature shiny versions of popular Pokémon, and some of the most sought-after cards from this set include Shiny Charizard VMAX and Shiny Rayquaza VMAX.
- Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield – Vivid Voltage Amazing Rare Cards: These cards featured unique Amazing Rare designs and were released as part of the Sword & Shield – Vivid Voltage expansion in 2020. The Amazing Rare cards include Jirachi, Raikou, and Celebi characters.
- Pokémon TCG: Hidden Fates Shiny Vault Cards: This set was released in 2019 and included various shiny Pokémon cards, including Shiny Charizard-GX and Shiny Rayquaza-GX. These cards are highly sought-after by collectors and are considered some of the rarest cards from the Hidden Fates set.
- Pokémon TCG: Tag Team GX Cards: These cards feature powerful Tag Team GX characters, two Pokémon teamed up together. The Tag Team GX cards were first introduced in 2019 with the release of the Team Up expansion and have continued to be included in subsequent expansions.
- Pokémon TCG: Champion’s Path Secret Rare Cards: These cards were released as part of the Champion’s Path expansion in 2020 and included various secret rare cards featuring popular characters such as Charizard VMAX.
Reprints
The number of times recent Pokémon TCG sets gets reprinted can vary depending on the specific set and demand for the cards within the set. Popular sets are more likely to be reprinted than less popular sets, as demand for the cards remains strong even after the initial release.
Some recent Pokémon TCG sets have been reprinted multiple times, while others have not. For example, the Hidden Fates set, originally released in 2019, has been reprinted several times due to high demand for its popular Shiny Vault cards. Similarly, the Sword & Shield base set has been reprinted multiple times to meet the demand for popular cards such as Zacian V and Zamazenta V.
However, not all sets receive reprints. Some smaller sets or sets with lower demand may not be reprinted. Ultimately, the decision to reprint a set is based on various factors, including card demand, production capacity, and overall market trends.
Below we can observe a summary of recently reprinted Pokémon TCG sets. The table shows that some sets, such as Hidden Fates and Sword & Shield Base Set, have been reprinted multiple times due to the high demand for popular cards. Other sets, such as Battle Styles, have not yet been reprinted as of January 2023.
| Pokémon TCG Set | Original Release Date | Number of Reprints | Reason for Reprint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hidden Fates | August 23, 2019 | Multiple | High demand for Shiny Vault cards |
| Sword & Shield Base Set | February 7, 2020 | Multiple | Popular cards such as Zacian V and Zamazenta V |
| Darkness Ablaze | August 14, 2020 | 1 | Popular cards such as Charizard VMAX |
| Rebel Clash | May 1, 2020 | 1 | High demand for certain cards, such as Dragapult VMAX |
| Vivid Voltage | November 13, 2020 | 1 | Popular cards such as Pikachu VMAX and Amazing Rare cards |
| Shining Fates | February 19, 2021 | 1 | High demand for Shiny Vault cards |
| Battle Styles | March 19, 2021 | N/A | No reprints have been announced as of January 2023 |
Card Conditions
Their condition also influences the value of Pokémon TCG cards. For example, cards in mint condition, without any signs of wear or damage, are generally worth more than those in poorer need. As a result, investing in graded cards – professionally assessed and assigned a grade based on their situation – can be an intelligent investment strategy.
Below is a summary of the price premiums associated with some of the more recently released expansions of graded Pokémon TCG cards and shows the significant premium associated with graded cards. The table demonstrates that the premium can range from several hundred to several thousand per cent, depending on the card and its rarity. It’s important to note that these prices are subject to change and may vary based on market conditions.
| Card Name | Card Expansion | Raw Card Value | Graded Card Value | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shiny Charizard VMAX | Shiny Star V | $400 | $3000+ | 650%+ |
| Shiny Rayquaza VMAX | Shiny Star V | $250 | $2000+ | 700%+ |
| Charizard VMAX Rainbow Rare | Champion’s Path | $300 | $2000+ | 550%+ |
| Pikachu VMAX Rainbow Rare | Vivid Voltage | $250 | $1500+ | 500%+ |
| Espeon & Deoxys GX Rainbow Rare | Unified Minds | $100 | $800+ | 700%+ |
| Snorlax VMAX Rainbow Rare | Darkness Ablaze | $100 | $600+ | 500%+ |
Market Growth
The market for Pokémon TCG cards has developed over time, with the value of certain cards increasing significantly in recent years. One of the key factors driving this growth is the increasing popularity of Pokémon as a franchise, with new generations of fans discovering the games and anime series. As the fanbase grows, demand for Pokémon TCG cards will likely remain strong.
Below we can observe some key developments over the various periods and the prospective growth.
| Period | Key Developments | Market Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Late 1990s-early 2000s | Introduction of Pokémon TCG, the initial popularity | Steady growth |
| Mid-2000s to 2010s | The decline in popularity focuses on core fans | Slowdown in growth |
| Late 2010s to early 2020s | Introduction of new sets, the rising popularity of the Pokémon franchise | Steady growth |
| 2020-2021 | The COVID-19 pandemic leads to increased demand for Pokémon TCG | Rapid growth, supply shortages, price spikes |
| Present | Strong demand for Pokémon TCG, continued growth expected | Predicted to remain strong |
Digitalisation
In addition, the rise of online marketplaces such as eBay and TCGplayer has made it easier than ever for collectors and investors to buy and sell Pokémon TCG cards. This has helped increase market liquidity and made it easier for investors to find and acquire the cards they are looking for.
Conclusion
In conclusion, investing in the Pokémon TCG can be an attractive opportunity for collectors and investors. The nostalgia factor, limited supply of certain cards, and increasing popularity of the franchise all contribute to the long-term value of these cards. As the market for Pokémon TCG cards continues to develop, investors should remain informed and stay on top of trends to make the most of this exciting investment opportunity.
Disclaimer: data and analysis written in this post are solely for informational purposes and should not be used to make speculative purchases on items such as Pokémon cards.