Has Pokémon card collecting gone too far?

Since its debut in 1996, Pokémon trading cards have evolved from being a simple hobby to a full-fledged market, with some cards fetching prices that rival fine art or rare antiques. But as the market grows and the demand intensifies, who decides when card-collecting has gone too far?

Pokémon card collecting experienced a renaissance during the COVID-19 pandemic. People were confined to their homes, leading many to revisit nostalgic hobbies. With limited entertainment options, adults and children alike turned to Pokémon cards as a form of escapism and a way to relive childhood memories.

The most notable catalyst for this growth, however, has been social media platforms, particularly YouTube and Instagram. Content creators have capitalised on their passion for Pokémon by producing videos showcasing “rare finds” or “big pulls”. These videos have captured the attention of millions, making card collecting appear as a potential investment instead of a hobby.

In recent years, Pokémon card prices have reached staggering heights, making headlines around the world. The Pikachu Illustrator card, for example, has fetched prices in the millions, leaving the card-collecting community divided between collectors who view the cards as a financial asset and those who simply want to relive the joy of collecting.

While some enthusiasts argue that high prices are a sign of the hobby’s continued success, others believe that the current market has taken things too far. The use of third-party grading systems, such as PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), also fuels the escalation of card prices.

These companies evaluate the condition of cards on a scale from 1 to 10, with higher grades resulting in cards being worth exponentially more. A card graded 10 can sell for thousands, while the same card in less-than-perfect condition may be worth a fraction of that price. Critics argue that this exclusionary system commodifies the hobby to an extreme degree, with people caring less about the cards themselves and more about their market value.

Ultimately, the hobby needs to strike the right balance. Collectors can still enjoy the thrill of pulling a rare card or hunting down a special edition, but they must also remember the roots of this beloved hobby. If the focus shifts too far toward financial gain, it risks losing the magic that made Pokémon so special in the first place.