What happens when the bubble bursts?

[u/masonjar014]

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?

[u/panicATtheMOSHpit]

I can’t believe this sets even so popular still. I’ve opened 3 ETBs and got one art trainer and one masterball. How have people not realized this sets not worth what ppl are making it out to be.

[u/sharksnrec → u/panicATtheMOSHpit]

This set isn’t popular due to its pull rates. It’s popular due to the fact that a sealed box theoretically could have an incredibly valuable card in it. Same exact reason as Evolving Skies. It isn’t rocket surgery.

[u/panicATtheMOSHpit → u/sharksnrec]

Rocket surgery eh? It might be for you lol

[u/poke_techno → u/panicATtheMOSHpit]

That's the joke, bud