Why do people collect Pokemon Cards? What is the current climate on Pokemon Collecting? What influences people to collect Pokemon Cards or stuff in general?
I hope to answer some of these questions in this article along with some opinions I have.
Why do people collect Pokemon Cards?
The short answer is: People like having stuff. Some can go to the extreme (such as hoarding), and others can be less of a collector and really only survive on what they need (being a minimalist)
Another answer is nostalgia: the millennial generation grew up collecting Pokemon cards since it was the new "cool" thing. Gameboy released its games: Pokemon Red and Pokemon Blue in the early two thousands along with the newer Gameboy Color, which redefined mobile gaming. This was not on cell phones, however, so when you were playing the game, you were solely playing the game. In my opinion, that's what made the cards so successful. Suddenly, Japanese Pokemon cards that came out in 1996 were in English in 1998 with the introduction of Pokemon Base Set 1st Edition, then Unlimited. These shiny cards that kids can hold onto their hands, put into little binders and play with on the playground floor were intensely appealing. The social interaction and trading/profiting at the time was very appeal as well, for both parents and their kids.
This "Nostalgia" translated to these millennials now having kids of their own and still being part of that worldwide IP (intellectual property) which has only grown more popular today. Pokemon and its characters are the biggest IP in the world today. The kids of the former kids who enjoyed Pokemon are now buying packs in local Walmarts, Targets and LGSs/LCSs (Local game/card stores). This phenom was further enhanced by Covid restrictions in 2019-2022, which saw governments restrict movement to inside of the home. Therefore, people bought more things online, the prices increased and the supply did not fit the demand.
Many things happened:
- PSA saw increased submissions and >2 year turnaround times for bulk submissions; PSA also became a private company
- Prices for already graded cards went up 2-8x what they were originally worth in 2017-2018
- Logan Paul reintroduced Pokemon into the mainstream: with his 1st Edition Base Set Box Breaks, the creation of "Whatnot" (almost like if Twitch and eBay had a baby), and the famous PSA 10 1st Edition Charizard which was purchased by Paul for around $300k USD
- Targets and Walmarts were completely out almost every time they resupplied
- Vintages card boxes went up in price from collectors being reintroduced to the hobby
What is the current climate on Pokemon Collecting?
As of May 2023, Sword and Shield sets are NOT being reprinted as much as before to make way for Scarlet and Violet, so many of the sealed box prices have increased. Pokemon grading is still popular, but PSA is oversaturating the market with returns and PSA 10s can be had for around $30 now for many popular cards (think Baby Shinies from Hidden Fates Shiny Vault, Common Charizard holos, and Vintage Common/Uncommon PSA 10s).
Bigger cards in higher grades have also came down, but not as much as the cheaper ones (which are very easy to grade in the modern card market now).
One criticism I have about the Pokemon Company (Nintendo America) is that they do no disclose print runs and can print any set at any time. This will drastically fluctuate the market. For example, if Evolving Skies gets reprinted a year from now, can the hype card PSA 10 Umbreon 215 (Moonbreon) keep its $1000 USD price? No, it will most certainly half in price as aggressive collectors open as many packs as possible.
In all, people are still having fun and a lot of people still love the content and the cards. Despite various scandals, Pokemon continues to succeed and people keep pouring money into it.
What influences people to collect Pokemon Cards or stuff in general?
It is psychological and also environmental.
People love the shininess, the bling, even the smell of the cards. It feels very nice to have some randomness in your life and opening a chase card from a pack. It is a sort of gambling since you know 9/10 packs will actually make you lose money, but people open packs anyways. PSA returns and Pokemon Card Opening videos are the most viewed videos on Youtube.
The environment and being in part of a community is also very appealing for collectors. Normally people would not have friends with dissimilar interests, and Pokemon really bridges that gap between certain types of people and different demographics.
Japanese culture is also on the rise and extremely popular amongst younger people. Japan just has that weirdness but also beauty that really entices people to check out Japanese culture (think Ramen, Games, Anime, Sushi and even Cherry Blossoms).
How do I enjoy my collection?
I mainly collect PSA 10 charizards (Goal is to have 1 of each one), PSA 10 Umbreons and CGC Perfect Umbreons. I have Blastoises, Venusaurs too but ultimately I am perfectly okay selling/trading these slabs for PSA 10 Charizards.
I like looking at them and occasionally flipping through them, they are very nice to look at and to take pictures of in my gallery on Instagram; check it out here: @collectorsphere
Occasionally I will sell pieces out of my PC (Personal collection) to acquire different things, but for now I'm very happy with a small collection. It is also very fun going slow and collecting things slowly. If I had bought everything during the boom, I would have spent way more money in acquiring.
Who do I think are the best Pokemon content creators on Youtube?
TwiceBakedJake: He is very good and an excellent storyteller. He seems very genuine and he is very easy to follow (despite some grammar errors).
RattlePokemon: He is just very interesting and also a very goofy at times. He gives you the news you never thought you needed.
TCAgaming: This guy is the GOAT, probably has the biggest charizard collection outside Gary (KingPokemon)
PokeRev: He opens the most packs on Youtube and very much utilizes the hype persona to get you to view and also to buy things on his site. Don't be deceived, however, he is there to make money. Overall, still good for the community since he knows how to be marketable and positive in the hobby.
Alpha Investments: Though not really a big Pokemon guy, he does have his correct opinions maybe half the time on the state of things. I follow him for the entertainment, never financially execute on the things he says.
PokeChloe: Relatively newer but great personality and she goes through many different things on her channel, not just box breaks. She can tell you more about PWCC auctions, Card Shows and also let you in on her consignments and PSA blind reveals.
Do you have any topics I missed?
Comment below if you have any questions and keep an eye out for more. Bookmark this blog since I will be posting very frequently.
Instagram: @Collectorsphere
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