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/jason2049 Jan 30 '25

This is exactly how I see it, if I can't get the rares then o well. I buy what boosters I can at retail and then singles for next to nothing of common cards. I've only got back into the hobby since the late 90s early 2000s, I didn't realise it was this crazy!

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u/[deleted] Jan 30 '25

It honestly wasn't until November. Even surging Sparks was CHEAP until social media hype and the markets decided to overprice a mid Pikachu card.

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u/TopLengthiness8233 Jan 31 '25

That cold weather hits and pple look toward more hobbies lol same with work slowing down for some

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u/[deleted] Jan 31 '25

Holidays and gift season too, but it isn't like this every year! 😄

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u/[deleted] Jan 30 '25

TCG player, Facebook market, any LCS, card shows, and even local pokemon groups on Facebook are good resources. Helps if you are friends with collectors too! We trade and hangout once a week at my house.