Are you ready to catch ‘em all? Collecting Pokemon cards isn’t as straightforward as one might think. There are several factors to consider: What makes a Pokemon card valuable? How can you tell if a card is real? Where are some good places to buy Pokemon cards?
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to collect Pokemon cards. Explore our extensive range of Pokemon TCG products to begin your collector’s journey.
What is Pokemon?
Pokemon is one of the most successful multimedia franchises in history, appealing to people of all ages. The series spans video games, an animated TV series, movies, merchandise, and our beloved trading card game (TCG).
The TCG was introduced alongside the game and TV show, allowing players to collect Pokemon in card form.
The History of Pokemon TCG
Pokemon originated from Satoshi Tajiri, inspired by his childhood love of collecting bugs.
Tajiri and his friend started a magazine called “Game Freak” in 1982, but it was not until 1990 that they pitched the idea of Pocket Monsters to Nintendo. It took 6 years to develop the game, which was released in 1996.
To build momentum, the Pokemon trading card game was released in the same year (1996) by Media Factory, and the TV show aired in 1997.
However, it was not until three years later (from when the TCG first came out) that the game would be localised to the west. It was published by Wizards of the Coast, also known for popularising Magic: The Gathering. And this was the beginning of Pokemon becoming a global phenomenon.
The early Pokemon sets include Base Set, Jungle, and Fossil, which were instant hits and now contain valuable cards such as Charizard (Base Set), Pikachu (Jungle), and Gengar (Fossil).
How did Pokemon become so popular? The game appealed to our evolutionary instinct of collecting things. It became popular due to its well-designed gameplay, strategic marketing decisions, and a resonating storyline with a catchy slogan: “gotta catch ‘em all.”
Why Are Pokemon Cards Still So Popular in 2025?
Once a franchise becomes such a worldwide phenomenon, the brand will never fade. However, there are several things making Pokemon more popular than ever:
1. Fresh releases: Newer sets are release often. Each time a new set drops, players and collectors rush to buy it.
2. Innovative Pokemon video games like Pokemon GO & Pokemon TCG Pocket
3. Nostalgia: The game isn’t only attracting new players, but many collectors revisit Pokemon for the nostalgia factor and now have disposable income to get rare and vintage cards, making the demand for Pokemon cards higher.
How To Start Collecting Pokemon Cards
If you’re a complete beginner, getting an Elite Trainer Box (ETB) is a great way to start collecting Pokemon cards. They include 8-10 booster packs, a special foil promo card, and energy cards. You also get:
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a set of specially designed card sleeves
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a storage box
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damage counter dice
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coin flip dice
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acrylic condition markers
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acrylic VSTAR marker
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player’s guide to the set
It has everything you need to start playing and collecting the game. So these boxes make starting your journey very straightforward! Simply choose an Elite Trainer Box from a recent set that you like!
Once you have a solid foundation, there are two more ways to improve your collection:
1. Booster packs or boxes: Are a great way to expand your collection
2. Pokemon Singles: They are a more cost-effective way to getting the exact cards you want without relying on the RNG of opening booster packs. If you’re targeting specific cards for your deck or collection, singles are a great option for you.
And finally, make sure to use sleeves, binders, and top loaders to keep your Pokemon cards in good condition. As soon as you pull a card - sleeve it immediately!
Rarity
To start collecting Pokemon cards, you need to understand rarity.
Rarities are denoted by a symbol on the card. This can be the most confusing part of the game because it’s ever-changing. Here’s a guide on how to determine the rarity for “Scarlet and Violet” generation of Pokemon cards (the most recent one):
Black Circle = common
Black Diamond = Uncommon
Black Star = Rare
Double Black star = Double rare
Double white/silver star = Ultra Rare
Gold star = Illustration Rare
Double Gold Star = Special Illustration Rare
Triple Gold star = Hyper rare
Interestingly, special illustration rares tend to be more valuable than hyper rares (but not always).
Cards also have a set number/abbreviation on them that indicates which sets they’re from. E.g. OBF = Obsidian Flames. If the set number goes past the actual set number, the card is a “secret” card. For example, if a set has 200 cards, a secret rare will be numbered 201/200.
Have fun chasing these rares and their beautiful designs!
What to Consider When Buying Pokemon Cards
When buying Pokemon cards, you need to consider where to buy them, how to differentiate between real and fake, and whether to get graded or non-graded cards.
Where you Buy Them From
The best places to buy Pokemon cards from are trusted retailers like Cherry Collectables, local game shops and online sellers.
Ebay can be great if you’re looking for rare singles that you can’t find through Cherry Collectables, but be cautious of scammers selling fakes.
Real vs. Fake
The best way to tell if a card is real or fake is by familiarising yourself with fakes and looking up images of real cards. Does the card you plan on buying look like all the other real cards?
Here’s an album of fake Pokemon cards to familiarise yourself with what to avoid.
Here are some telltale signs that a Pokemon card is fake:
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Incorrect fonts
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Wrong name/set number/set symbols
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Pokemon is missing the accent about the “e”
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Washed out colours on the card like the card on the right in the image below Image credit: Jason Koeppel, ONE37pm.
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Incorrect card feel (if it feels different to a real card e.g. poor quality, thin, plastic)
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A different card back: Real cards have the same back, so any slight difference is often a sign that a card is fake
We recommend finding a trusted retailer to get your first Pokemon cards so you know what real ones look and feel like.
Singles vs. Booster Packs
Booster packs are great for those who enjoy the thrill of opening them. If you’re unsure of what cards to go for and just want to expand your collection, they are also great.
Meanwhile, singles are a more cost-effective way to get the cards you want without dealing with the randomness of booster packs. If you know exactly what you want - either to complete your collection or build your deck, then singles are the way to go.
Graded vs. Non-Graded
Getting a card graded means getting it verified for its condition by a reputable company such as PSA or Beckett. They will analyse your card under a microscope, then seal it in a slab - giving it a score based on its condition.
Higher-graded cards are more valuable, especially vintage ones. Get graded cards if you want to get Pokemon cards for investment purposes, or display your cards in cool slabs and preserve their quality for life.
Beware - graded cards can’t be played anymore because they are sealed in a slab. Non-graded cards are cheaper and better for casual collectors or players.
What to Consider When Selling Pokemon Cards
Where to Sell Them
Online marketplaces like eBay and Facebook Marketplace offer a large audience interested in Pokemon cards. However, many scammers are on those platforms, so be cautious of dealing with unreputable buyers.
Cherry Collectables will also buy your Pokemon cards for 60-120% of their most recent eBay sales. Simply send an offer here.
What Price Should You Sell Them At
The best way to get a recent price is by checking eBay’s recently sold listings. Ensure you have the exact card, as there are many similar ones.
This should give you an estimate of a card’s value, but be sure to also consider a card’s condition and whether they’re graded. Graded cards like the one pictured below can fetch tens of thousands of dollars or more.
There are also platform fees + shipping to consider.
Should You Hold or Sell
Here are some hints on whether you should sell or hold:
1. Sell Meta-relevant cards or those with hype around a new release, because they tend to drop in price later.
2. Hold vintage rares if you can afford to, as they will always be in high demand. Especially ones in mint condition.
3. Sell if you need quick cash. Otherwise, determine which cards should be part of your investment strategy and hold until the next bull cycle. This might be many years to come, so be prepared for it.
Disclaimer: Investing is all speculative, and no one can predict the future.
How to Add Value To Your Pokemon Cards
You can add value to your cards by:
1. Grading them
2. Using sleeves and top loaders to keep your cards in mint condition
So Is Pokemon Worth Collecting in 2025?
Pokemon is a fun, nostalgic and potentially profitable hobby. If you like Pokemon and are considering entering the hobby, it’s well worth it in 2025 as the game continues to evolve with new sets, Pokemon, and players.
How to Learn More About Pokemon Card Collecting
Visit the official Pokemon TCG website to keep up to date with the latest news and expansions. Here, you’ll find beginner’s guides on how to play the game.
Learn how to collect Pokemon cards and stay updated with the latest Pokemon TCG events in Australia on the Cherry Collectables Blog.
Get Started Collecting Pokemon Cards with Cherry Collectables
Begin your collector’s journey with the latest Elite Trainer Boxes and booster packs.
Or explore rare Pokemon singles to find the perfect cards for your deck or collection.
