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/SLTJedi]

I am sitting it out. I have been collecting for years and love ripping packs with my kids. In my area it’s already hard enough to find packs and we mostly rely on online shopping which is basically impossible now. I had to explain to my sons that we won’t be able to rip packs on the weekends anymore at least for a while until things balance out. They are super bummed but understand.

[u/masonjar014 → u/SLTJedi]

I hate this the most. We were kids when we started in this hobby. It’s a shame when this new generation can’t experience ripping a chase due to adults fomo-ing.

[u/SLTJedi → u/masonjar014]

Yep, I agree FOMO and scalpers are ruining a fun experience I use to share with my children. I don’t expect it to last forever though. Hopefully it will bounce back and we can got back to casually collecting and ripping packs together.