If you’ve been watching the Pokémon card market recently, you’ll know it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. Between set sellouts, grading shakeups, and collectors getting savvier, 2025 already feels like a turning point for the hobby.

Whether you’re investing, collecting with your kids, or riding a wave of nostalgia, here’s what could be around the corner.

Pokémon’s Popularity Isn’t Slowing Down

While other TCGs chase trends—Magic: The Gathering with its constant crossovers, Yu-Gi-Oh! with throwback reprints—Pokémon just sticks to what it does best: new sets, solid artwork, and iconic characters. No gimmicks needed.

There’s something almost magical about the way Pokémon continues to attract collectors without shouting for attention. It releases a set, and the market takes care of the rest. That baked-in appeal is what sets it apart from the crowd.

Scalpers Are Still Active, But Smarter Collectors Are Catching On

pokemon centre sold out

If you tried to grab Prismatic Evolutions, Journey Together, or Destined Rivals at launch this year, you probably saw “sold out” within minutes. The demand is still wild — but a lot of it is driven by FOMO, not fundamentals.

Scalpers often rush in without knowing pull rates or chase cards, hoping to flip sealed product fast. But this strategy is starting to backfire. Some recent sets have flopped hard on the singles market, even after initial hype.

Collectors are wising up. People are being more selective about what they buy sealed — and scalpers holding overpriced boxes could find themselves stuck.

Sealed Product Remains One of the Safest Long-Term Plays

Even if single card prices dip, sealed Pokémon product has shown consistent long-term growth — especially over 5–10 years.

Why? Because sealed packs now have more than one purpose. With the rise of YouTube, livestreams, and TikTok breaks, people want to open old packs on camera. That gives sealed product long-term entertainment value, not just collector value.

But timing matters. Knowing when restocks are coming or whether a reprint is on the way can save you money. It’s worth keeping tabs on trusted Discord groups or creators to avoid overpaying – I use PokeNotify. 

The Grading Scene Is Changing – And That’s a Good Thing

For years, grading was dominated by PSA, BGS, and CGC. But 2025 is bringing some fresh competition — and some much-needed innovation.

TAG is getting attention thanks to its transparent, digital grading reports. ARS in Japan is gaining momentum too. Collectors are starting to ask tougher questions: Why did this card get a 9 instead of a 10? What flaws were actually found?

That’s where my personal recommendation comes in: ACE Grading.

As a collector who cares deeply about presentation and quality, I use ACE for all my submissions. Their bespoke labels look fantastic, and they’ve carved out a trusted space in the UK market. I genuinely believe they’re the best option out there — and I don’t send my cards anywhere else.

It’s OK to Miss Out (Seriously)

It feels like every new set now comes with pressure — premium chase cards, exclusive promos, special collection boxes. Keeping up can be exhausting and expensive.

But here’s the truth: you don’t need to collect every set.

There are amazing cards out there for under £10, packed with nostalgia, beauty, and history. You don’t need to be chasing alt arts or secret rares to enjoy the hobby. Sometimes skipping a release is the smartest move you can make.

Where the Hobby Is Heading

2025 might feel turbulent, but the long-term picture for Pokémon is still strong. Collectors are:

  • Getting more selective

  • Thinking long-term

  • Exploring new grading options

  • Spending smarter

Whether you’re into sealed, graded slabs, or filling binders with your kids, there’s never been a better time to enjoy the hobby on your terms.