From childhood toys to investment wonders, Pokémon cards have outperformed Meta and the S&P 500 over the past 20 years.

The alternative investment myth that has surged 3,821% over 20 years: how Pokémon cards transformed from playground trading items into million-dollar assets. This article is based on a piece by David Unyime Nkanta, organized, compiled, and written by TechFlow. (Background: Bankless: Overview of Pokémon card tokenization platforms) (Background supplement: Pokémon on-chain cards surged 10 times in 2 days; is it real demand or false sentiment?) Pokémon trading card games are extremely popular worldwide, especially in Japan. These cards are quite valuable, particularly the rare ones. (Image source: Twitter / FADA Pack Magic @FadaPackMagic) Pokémon trading cards have evolved from playground trading items to one of the most sought-after alternative investments in the world. According to data from analysis firm Card Ladder, the value of the Pokémon card market has increased by 3,821% since 2004, far surpassing the S&P 500's 483% and Meta Platforms' 1,844% increase. From interest to high-yield assets Pokémon cards were launched by Nintendo in 1996 and have now become a popular investment item traded across platforms such as eBay, TCGplayer, and international fairs. During the pandemic, this market experienced explosive growth, as economic stimulus policies and lockdown measures prompted collectors to turn to alternative assets. For some, this investment has brought life-changing returns. Lucas Shaw, a 27-year-old account manager from Ohio, stated that he paid for his wedding ring and celebration expenses with the profits he made from selling cards. Similarly, Justin Wilson, a 32-year-old advertising manager from Oklahoma City, estimates that the total value of his collection of 500 cards and 100 sealed items is around $100,000. He views Pokémon cards as part of his investment portfolio, alongside his Roth IRA and securities account. The appeal of Pokémon cards lies not only in financial returns but also in emotional resonance. "You have to collect them all," Wilson said, quoting the classic slogan of the Pokémon series. For many, these cards represent both nostalgic childhood feelings and a speculative opportunity. Where does the value of rare Pokémon cards come from? Classic Pokéball toys, paired with Pokémon cards. Lightning Bird, Ninetales, and a trainer card are clearly visible. Image source: Thimo Pedersen/Unsplash Unlike stocks, Pokémon cards do not generate dividends; their value depends on rarity, preservation condition, and cultural significance. Cards graded as perfect PSA 10 by the Professional Sports Authenticator often sell for astronomical prices. The most dramatic example occurred in 2022 when influencer Logan Paul purchased a near-perfect "Pikachu Illustrator" card for $5.3 million, setting a Guinness World Record for the most expensive Pokémon card in a private sale to date. This event further ignited market interest and highlighted the speculative potential of high-grade cards. Risks in the Pokémon card market Financial advisors warn that collectibles should not be viewed as core assets in an investment portfolio. Card prices are extremely volatile and influenced by speculation, media coverage, and collector sentiment. At the same time, counterfeit cards remain a potential threat, with related scams occurring frequently. Image source: Flickr/c0rnnibblets Nevertheless, the resilience of the Pokémon brand provides a degree of stability to the market. Pokémon spans multiple domains, including video games, movies, and merchandise; unlike sports cards, Pokémon characters are not affected by scandals, making Pokémon cards a safer investment choice in the eyes of some collectors. The rapid rise of Pokémon cards reflects a broader shift in people's perception of value. In the context of regulatory scrutiny facing digital assets like Bitcoin and technology stocks undergoing market corrections, tangible collectibles offer a nostalgic and potentially profitable safe haven. Although whether their value can be sustained remains unknown, the 3,821% growth over the past 20 years has established Pokémon trading cards as the most vivid example of how childhood interests can transform into million-dollar investments. Related reports: Gold, Bitcoin, and Pokémon cards: which is the 'perfect collateral' of this era? Pokémon leaks! Switch2 console, 10th generation, and producer in swimwear all hacked... are blockchain games to be launched? AI-generated game suspected of plagiarizing Pokémon! 'Phantom Beast Palu' has sold 2 million copies on Steam, and Nintendo's legal team is taking action? This article was first published in BlockTempo, the most influential blockchain news media.