The Pokémon Trading Card Game (Pokémon TCG) world is seeing a meteoric rise in prices. Collectors and enthusiasts are dumbfounded wondering what could possibly be inflating everything all of a sudden. Kwame Nkosi is a contributing writer at BlockchainShock. He takes a deep dive into the possible link between the cryptocurrency boom and skyrocketing Pokémon card prices, offering expert knowledge to old hands and new trainers entering the hobby alike.

The Crypto Connection: Pikachu and Bitcoin

It may seem odd to draw parallels between a kids’ trading card game and the intricate universe of cryptocurrency, but hear me out. The comparison holds weight. The special Pikachu card has been sold for $6,000. This contrived analogy to Bitcoin draws attention to the vast untapped value in elusive Pokémon cards, underlining the unpredictable yet possibly rewarding world of cryptos. This isn't just a superficial comparison. As Pokémon TGC prices began to boom, it was easy to see a parallel with the increase in value of many cryptocurrencies. The character of “Pikachu” stands defiantly against a backdrop of various crypto coins. This makes for a beautiful artistic bridge between these two otherwise very different worlds.

The Pokémon TCG secondary market has experienced some crazy extreme price changes. Some example cards have increased in value tremendously—up to 880 percent! This extreme spike perfectly encapsulates the volatility found in the crypto-market. Between October 6, 2024 and January 6, 2025, the average prices for the top ten most popular Pokémon TCG cards shot up 562%. On average, they increased by a whopping 42 percent! Prices went higher still between January and March before a correction set in with a roughly 15% average drop. Specific cards have increased exponentially in value. The first Pikachu promo cards surged 151 percent, Crown Zenith singles were up 103 percent and the highly-coveted ‘Moonbreon’ card jumped by almost $500! After having reached their all-time highs, almost all major cards have begun to decrease in price. Some have even lost more than 20 percent of their value!

As seen Figure 2, this direct relationship means that profits from cryptocurrency investments are probably flooding into the Pokémon TCG market. In response, prices are sky high and a bubble is dangerously developing. It's a speculative market, and like any speculative market, it's subject to booms and busts. Kwame Nkosi observes that the rapid price increases and subsequent drops indicate a market heavily influenced by speculation, potentially fueled by crypto gains.

Navigating the Volatile TCG Market

This rush of new investors (many of whom have little to no knowledge about the Pokémon TCG) only adds to the speculative nature of the market. Most investors in Pokémon today have only been in the hobby for under 1 year. Because of this, they often lack the practical experience to inform smart purchasing decisions. The Pokémon TCG market is like a wild rollercoaster, prices rising and crashing in an instant. We know this fast-paced and constant change is confusing for those just starting out. This perfect storm of factors creates a unique moment where both experienced collectors and those new to the market should proceed with caution.

Strategies for Collectors

For those looking to navigate this volatile market, Kwame Nkosi suggests the following strategies:

  • Establish a monthly budget: Set a percentage of income and stick to it to maintain a sustainable collecting habit.
  • Define your focus: Decide whether to collect complete sets, master sets, or focus on specific Pokémon or card types.
  • Start with bulk: Buy complete set listings or bulk lots of a specific set to complete it cost-effectively.
  • Consider older sets: Explore vintage sets, such as those from 1999 like Jungle and Fossil.
  • Engage with the community: Participate in trading events, card parties, and online forums to stay connected with fellow enthusiasts.

Advice for Newcomers

Newcomers should be particularly cautious. To protect themselves, they should be aware of the potential risks and avoid investing more than they can afford to lose. Don’t fall victim to scalpers with their gouging prices on the secondary market. Whether it be sealed product or single cards, it can certainly be challenging to source at appropriate market rates. Due diligence and patience are your best friends when it comes to avoiding overpaying while building a collection.

Kwame Nkosi emphasizes that understanding the market dynamics, setting realistic expectations, and engaging with the community are essential for navigating the Pokémon TCG market successfully. Cryptocurrency isn’t the only thing pumping up prices. In reality, speculation and market trends play an enormously disproportionate role in driving these price fluctuations. By being aware of these trends and taking a wait-and-see attitude, collectors can continue to have fun with the hobby while not getting burned by the bubble.