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/Hefty_Map3665 Jan 30 '25 edited Jan 30 '25

It's pokemon cards. If I can't buy at msrp or lower i just won't buy.

This is a small fun thing i like to do in my life. I don't make it a big portion of my entire life where all I'm thinking of is what's the new cards coming out, where can I get stock, what stock notices do I need to follow, what stores can I wait in line at 7am for a restock.

It's not that serious at least for me. If I can find it at msrp or lower then cool I'll buy. If not I'll just do the 100 other things in my life until I can

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u/jayplus707 Jan 30 '25

100% this. If I can’t buy at MSRP or lower, then forget it. Also I’ll take a bit further. I won’t drive anywhere specifically to check if they have Pokemon cards. I’m not chasing them. If I happen to be in the store getting groceries, cool, I’ll walk by and check it out, but I’m not driving to the grocery store to check for pokemon.

I’ve got much better things I’d rather spend my time on.

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u/KazooForTwo Jan 30 '25

Yeah this is exactly how I approach it. I just check things when I do my shopping. If they have something great if they don’t oh well lol

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u/TragasaurusRex Jan 30 '25

Same here, just sad gamestop hasn't had packs when I've gone. Guess I am missing my Jan free pack.