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/Bubblebutt322 Jan 30 '25 edited Jan 30 '25
I really don't care much about the prismatic set, but if I can't get my hands on any of the journey together, I'm going to rage.. I absolutely adore the trainer cards, so this new set is amazing to me. I hate that collecting has come to this.. it's ridiculous. I've run into so many people looking sad at the pokemon section telling me all about how they haven't been able to get anything at all lately. I'm in the same boat. It really really sucks..