A wealth management expert has warned collectors of a potential downturn in Pokemon TCG collectibles that could cause inflated prices to drop by up to 80%. In the US, Pokemon TCG is one of the most popular products, with a 2025 Circana report suggesting that 19% of American adults bought Pokemon cards over a six-month period.
In recent years, several celebrities have also entered the Pokemon card market, investing vast sums of money in rare collectibles. For instance, internet personality Logan Paul purchased a rare Pikachu card for about $5 million before selling it a few years later for a whopping $16.5 million. Such high-profile transactions, along with anticipated releases like the Pokemon 30th anniversary packs, have seemingly influenced the market, driving up demand and inflating prices. However, experts are urging collectors to be more careful.
A Pokemon Winter Could Send Prices Crashing
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Image via Logan Paul -
Image via The Pokemon Company -
Image via The Pokemon Company
In an interview with UltraBall, wealth management expert Douglas Boneparth warned that Pokemon cards could suffer major price drops. “Those Pokemon cards are going to have 60%, 70%, or 80% drawdowns during times where nobody wants to talk about Pokemon cards.” To be clear, Boneparth did not suggest that prices will inevitably crash. Instead, he wants Pokemon TCG collectors to consider the risks involved. “I want you to understand that the relationship of risk and reward will never go away, and volatility is a feature, not a bug, of this particular asset,” he said.
Find the odd one out before the timer hits zero.
It’s easier to pump a market that has a big spread.
Regarding influencers like Logan Paul who can affect the Pokemon TCG market, Boneparth said, “Getting the attention of celebrities and influencers who feed into the noise social media creates can certainly pique a lot of interest.” However, he explained that these figures could create a bubble because “it’s easier to pump a market that has a big spread.” According to Boneparth, top dealers may sell their cards at extremely high prices, as seen in Logan Paul’s record-breaking sale. However, such deals do not guarantee that prices will continue to rise or remain stable.
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According to Boneparth, Pokemon card enthusiasts might want to limit their exposure to these collectibles to 10% to 15% of their investment portfolio. He explained, “You want enough exposure to feel like you’re meaningfully participating so that if things take off, you don’t feel like you’re kicking yourself for not having enough.” This approach ensures that losing 50%, 60%, or even 70% of the cards’ value won’t cause a major financial problem.
According to VTM Vending’s report, “The Pokemon Trading Card Game is the largest collectible card brand on the planet, and nowhere is demand stronger than in the United States.” The source also estimates that the US accounts for 40% of the entire market, making it one of the most important regions for the brand. Meanwhile, BCC Research estimates that the Pokemon TCG market could reach $11.8 billion by 2030. However, the unique nature of these collectibles calls for more cautious investment decisions, especially among those who may not be prepared for potential price drops in the near future.
- Released
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April 10, 2000
- ESRB
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e
- Developer(s)
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Hudson Soft
- Publisher(s)
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Nintendo
- Multiplayer
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Local Multiplayer
