Are Pokemon Cards a Good Investment? (2025)

If you've ever looked at your old folder of Pokemon cards and thought, "Surely these have to be worth something now," you're not alone.

2 minute read

Charlie Oxley

2 minute read

June 10, 2025

If you've ever looked at your old folder of Pokemon cards and thought, "Surely these have to be worth something now," you're not alone. The Pokemon TCG has exploded in recent years, becoming more than just a nostalgic hobby—it's a serious side hustle (or full-time grind) for collectors and investors around the world.

Whether you're chasing Charizard or trying to future-proof your portfolio, this guide will help you get your bearings in the ever-evolving world of Pokemon investing.

Start your search with our full Pokemon collection or dig into singles here.

Understanding How Pokemon Cards Get Their Value

Not all Pokemon cards are created equal. So what actually makes one card worth $2 and another worth $200,000?

Condition is king. Cards graded a PSA 10 fetch significantly higher prices than raw or damaged copies.
Rarity matters. Chase cards like alternate arts, gold cards, and Secret Rares are often limited in print.
Age can help. Vintage cards from the Base Set era (1999-2000) are hot, especially 1st Editions.
Popularity spikes prices. Fan-favourite Pokemon like Charizard, Pikachu, and Umbreon usually perform better over time.
Language can influence value. Want to know if Japanese or English cards are better to invest in? We broke it down here.

Also beware of fakes! If you're not sure what you're looking at, check our guide to spotting fake Pokemon cards.

Some of the rarest and most valuable cards ever printed are covered here.

What’s the Appeal of Investing in Pokemon Cards?

There’s a reason grown adults are battling kids in line at retail stores on release days. Pokemon is global, nostalgic, and still one of the biggest pop culture franchises on the planet.

Collecting for investment means you’re not just opening packs for fun (though that part’s awesome too) — you’re strategically targeting cards with high long-term potential.

Cards tied to major characters, special artworks, and limited print runs are especially desirable.

And let’s not forget the thrill of the hunt—there's nothing quite like pulling a chase card yourself and knowing you just scored a piece of Pokemon history.

The Pros & Cons of Investing in Pokemon Cards

Pros

🔥 High ROI Potential: Iconic cards like 1st Edition Base Set Charizard have gone from $50 to six figures.
✨ Massive Collector Base: There’s always a demand for top-tier Pokemon cards.
🌍 Global Appeal: The brand spans generations and cultures.
🪟 Flexible Entry Points: You can start with $20 or $2,000—there's something for every budget.

Cons

❌ Market Volatility: Prices can spike and drop with hype cycles.
⚖️ Grading Costs: To truly maximise value, you’ll need to get key cards graded—and that comes with a cost.

Sales Trends for Pokemon Cards in 2025

The market may not be at 2020-21 peak levels, but it’s still very healthy. High-end cards continue to command strong prices at auction, while sealed product remains in demand on release days.

Modern sets like 151, Scarlet & Violet, and Destined Rivals have driven fresh waves of excitement and brought in new waves of collectors.

Plus, international interest in Japanese sets and crossover collectibles (like promos and collabs) keeps things spicy.