The resurgence of Pokémon cards, especially vintage ones, was nothing short of wild. It seemed like everyone was dusting off their childhood collections, hoping to strike gold. But just as quickly as the trend exploded, it fizzled out. So, what happened?
In this blog, we’ll explore the key reasons behind the crash of the vintage Pokémon card market.
Enjoy!
1. The pandemic nostalgia boom
Let’s rewind to 2020. Stuck indoors, people were searching for a little comfort, something special to take them back to simpler times. Enter Pokémon cards. With childhood nostalgia, a bit of extra disposable income for those who kept their jobs, and a push from celebrities like Logan Paul (remember his $5.2 million Pikachu Illustrator card?), Pokémon cards exploded back into popularity.
Demand surged, and prices followed suit. Cards from the Base Set, once sold for $50-$70, were suddenly fetching hundreds, even thousands. Many of these buyers were casual collectors, unfamiliar with grading standards. Even damaged or low PSA cards were selling for wild prices, all thanks to a need to scratch that nostalgic itch.
2. The pristine-only vintage market
Now, those pandemic collectors are starting to rethink their purchases. It’s not that vintage Pokémon cards aren’t cool anymore, they absolutely are, but some people are realising their 2020 splurges might not have been the smartest investments.
So, what makes a card a ‘smart investment’ these days? The condition. Rarity alone no longer cuts it; the card must be flawless. Collectors are now laser-focused on PSA or Beckett 10s, and anything less simply does not have the same appeal.
These days, if a vintage card is not pristine, it is likely to remain unsold or sell for significantly less. Quality over quantity has become the new mantra, and it is shaping the way collectors approach their purchases.
3. Modern cards stealing the spotlight
Another big shift we can’t ignore is how modern cards are taking over. Back in 2020, it was all about Base Set Charizards and 1st Edition holos. Today, though, collectors are flocking to modern sets instead, and honestly, it’s easy to see why.
Modern cards have stunning artwork, exciting chase cards like Illustration Rares, and they’re easier to find in mint condition. Plus, they’re far more affordable. For instance, one unopened Base Set First Edition pack could set you back hundreds of pounds, but that same money can get you several modern booster boxes. It’s no wonder collectors are leaning towards something new, exciting, and accessible.
Evolving Skies
4. The risk of being scammed
Of course, any craze comes with its share of scammers, and Pokémon cards are no exception. In the vintage market, scams have added a whole new layer of risk. Booster packs are sometimes weighed to check for holographic cards, or worse, they’re opened, stripped of their rarities, and resealed to look untouched.
One YouTuber even demonstrated how X-rays could be used to peek inside sealed packs before selling them (lol). While it’s unlikely to make people break into their nearest hospital to x-ray a vintage Pokemon booster pack, it certainly highlights the risks buyers face.
Thankfully, these kinds of scams are rare in modern sets, making them a safer bet for collectors who want to ensure what they’re buying is authentic.
5. Passion meets strategy
Collectors today are approaching the hobby with two distinct mindsets. On one hand, there’s the pure love of Pokémon with the excitement of owning a card that holds sentimental value or features a favourite character.
On the other hand, there’s the growing question: “Will this card gain value in the future?”
It’s no longer just about grabbing any card with Pikachu on it. Collectors are now blending passion with practicality, weighing up rarity, condition, and long-term potential before making a purchase. Even those who collect purely for nostalgia often consider if their card might also double as a smart investment.
This dual mindset has reshaped the hobby. Now collectors are finding a balance between cherishing the cards they adore and making choices that might pay off in the future.
Final thoughts
So, where does this leave vintage Pokémon cards? They’re still around, but the free-for-all days are gone. The market has settled into a niche where only the best, top-graded cards hold value. Meanwhile, modern cards are thriving, and the overall approach to collecting has become more thoughtful.
The key takeaway? The Pokémon market is always evolving. Staying informed and knowing what to look for can make all the difference, whether you’re chasing nostalgia or building your collection with an eye on the future.
