TCG Spotlight: Is It Worth Investing in Pokémon Cards?
Video games have been around since the 1980s and have continued to evolve as time passes. However, the realm of video gaming was rocked entirely in 1996, when Game Freak released Pokémon Red and Blue versions. Upon launch, the games were a massive success, and a media franchise consisting of sequels after sequels, an anime TV series that still airs more than 20 years later, toys, and more.
However, the trading card game is perhaps the most memorable among the merchandise that the Pokémon media franchise has released. Pokémon cards were released the same year as the games and were just as popular. Because of this, many collectors and enthusiasts invest in Pokémon cards simply because of the immense value they've gained over the years, especially the rare cards.
If you don't see the value of investing in Pokémon cards, we'll discuss the basics and why you should do it. Read on below to get started.
The Basics of Pokémon Card Collecting
Pokémon cards come in different bundles. These include:
Booster Packs
A booster pack of the Pokémon TCG comes with 12 cards of varying rarities. The rarer the card, the more valuable it is. These cards are also random, so there's a considerably low chance of you getting the cards you want.
Theme Decks
A theme deck is a pre-made set of cards ready to be played right away. These cards come in a fixed set that contains a single Pokémon type. For example, if the theme deck is a fire type, the deck will be predominantly full of fire-type Pokémon.
Display Box Sets
A display box set is also a pre-made set of cards, but these cards are not a fixed set, unlike theme decks. Instead, display box sets contain a random collection of cards that aren’t limited to a specific Pokémon type.
With the basics out of the way, here are some reasons why you should invest in Pokémon cards:
It’s a Good Way to Introduce Investing to Kids
Pokémon cards are a great way to introduce kids to investing. The concept of investing is not hard to understand, but things get easier when the Pokémon trading card game is presented to them. As opposed to playing with a real Pokémon game, playing with Pokémon cards means that they can get to know how a Pokémon card game works without worrying about breaking their toy.
Trading cards are also a great way to increase their knowledge, as they can learn more about the cards they have and the possible strategies they can do with them. They might not have the same level of excitement when playing video games or watching the anime or movies, but Pokémon cards can still teach them a lot about the Pokémon franchise.
Collecting and Trading Pokémon Cards Are Fun
Collecting is also a consistent theme in the Pokémon franchise, with Pokémon trainers collecting Pokémon and other items to improve their teams. For kids, collecting cards can be fun, especially since they don't have to worry about breaking the cards as they would about damaging their toys. It gives a person a sense of accomplishment since they can get the cards they want by trading with other kids with the same card.
Furthermore, collecting Pokémon cards can be a good bonding activity, especially when interacting with other Pokémon card collectors. Some can be their friends, while others can simply be acquaintances.
A Small Amount of Money Is All You Need
Lastly, collecting Pokémon cards doesn't have to be expensive because you can start your collection with just a small amount of money. This is especially true if you purchase the cards from the official Pokémon website because the prices are highly affordable. The most common cards can cost about $1.99, while the rare cards can cost up to $4.99. Many cards can be purchased for under $20, and that's enough to get you started.
Important Things to Remember
Of course, you don't just dive into Pokémon card investing without taking note of certain information. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Invest in a Card with a Value That Can Go Up
Given the age of Pokémon cards and the fact that they're almost 20 years old, there is a chance that the cards you purchase are not the most valuable. However, there are still cards worth investing in, such as the legendary cards. The most sought-after cards are that of popular Pokémon like Charizard, Pikachu, and Snorlax.
The Rarer a Card, the More It’s Worth
The rarity of a Pokémon card is also a significant factor in determining its value. The rarer a card, the more value it has. Rarity is especially true for the limited edition cards that have been released, which are the most expensive of them all.
Cards Printed in a Different Language Besides English Are Worth More
Just like the rarest cards, the cards that have been printed in a different language besides English are also worth investing in. These cards are harder to find since they are limited to specific regions, and this also means that there is a smaller number of them that can be found around the world.
Determine How Much You’re Willing to Invest
Lastly, you need to determine how much you’re willing to invest. This is especially true if you plan to start your collection from scratch. You’re going to need a considerable amount of money to get your collection started, and that’s if you want to buy just one theme deck. Depending on how much you’re willing to spend, you can buy the entire collection at once or buy them gradually over time.
Conclusion
Pokémon cards are a great way to pass the time while learning more about the Pokémon franchise. It doesn't matter if you're a fan of the games, the anime, or the movies because Pokémon cards serve can as an introduction to the entire franchise. As long as you have the money and are willing to invest it, you can be on your way to starting your collection.
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