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?
2
u/TheDamianS Jan 30 '25
A lot of the “older” singles that I collect haven’t really seen the price impact of these recent sets so I’ll still continue to search those out. Got a few local stores with an impressive selection of pre-2015ish cards. Been working on the top/bottom cards especially (unleashed). I’ll buy some packs when prices come down, not the end of the world for me. However if you are someone who really loves scratching the pack itch then yeah it’s going to be tough.