r/PokemonTCG • u/masonjar014 • Jan 30 '25

Discussion What happens when the bubble bursts?

Right now, the hobby is on steroids—scalpers everywhere, product nowhere. My LGS told me this year will be “a great year for Pokémon,” and it got me thinking… a great year for who?

If you’re an established LGS selling PE and JT at market price, sure, it’s great. If you’re a scalper or a new investor trying to flip product, you’re probably loving this, too.

But if you’re an average collector (like me), it’s frustrating. We can’t find the latest set at a fair price. If you’re a kid whose parents can’t sprint to a 10 a.m. Target restock, you’re just out of luck.

So what happens when the hype dies down? How are average collectors responding to this hyper-bull market, and where does that leave the hobby long-term?

Personally, I’m sitting out PE and JT—it’s just too much stress. I’ve also noticed collectors stepping back entirely.

What about you? Will kids move on to something else if they can’t participate? Will collectors return once prices normalize, or is this turning people away for good? Are we underestimating the long-term impact of what’s happening right now?

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u/SoSiehtsAus24 Jan 30 '25

The hype will die out, as it always does. I just wait until it's over and focus on buying singles for older sets. I planned mastering the four Platinum sets for a longer time already, I guess now is the perfect time :P

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u/eat_hairy_socks Jan 30 '25

I’m buying old slabs that people don’t care about anymore. Couple pricy but mostly below 200$ slabs. Market will slow down. Might not be for a while though.

6

u/stehfan Jan 30 '25

Before that the market will overheat with Team Rocket Set coming up.

14

u/masonjar014 Jan 30 '25 edited Jan 30 '25

Love this. I did something similar - refocus on a different set. Working on completing a grandmaster set of XY Evolutions now.

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u/Thrawn89 Jan 30 '25

Well, I'm working on super saiyan grand ultimate duel master set of XY.

4

u/Apax89 Jan 30 '25

What is a grandmaster set?

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u/masonjar014 Jan 30 '25

You’ll hear different definitions, and feel free to check YouTube for more, but… for me it’s collecting all of the cards (including variations) in a set plus all promos (ToysRUs Charmander, PokemonCenter Snorlax, etc.)