Pokémon cards have become an unexpected economic bubble, making them nearly impossible to obtain, especially for children. A frenzied surge in the resale and hoarding market has led to new cards being valued at hundreds of pounds even before their official release. Millennial hobbyists and investors are now competing for these rare cards, depriving the current generation of the simple joy of collecting.
The Pokémon card market is experiencing a unique form of trading, transforming this hobby known worldwide since the 1990s into something resembling a stock market. Millennial investors are competing to buy rare cards at astronomical prices, making them nearly impossible to obtain for the original target audience: children.
Reselling old cards to collectors has always been part of this hobby, much like with baseball cards or 'Magic: The Gathering'. However, the Pokémon card resale market has soared to record levels, with new cards being valued at hundreds of pounds even before their official launch. For example, the special rare 'Charizard' card from the latest 'Fantasy Flames' set was valued at over £600 before anyone had even found one.
With the retail price for a single pack of cards at only around £4, the potential profit margin has become enormous. This reality has led to the emergence of 'hoarding' and bulk buying by investors the moment stock hits the shelves, emptying them and depriving ordinary hobbyists and children of any chance to purchase. Stores have transformed from places of entertainment into arenas of financial speculation.
It has become clear that the shift in the Pokémon card market from a beloved hobby to a hot investment arena has stripped it of its fun spirit. While speculators reap quick profits, the current generation of children is being deprived of the experience of collecting and trading these cards, which formed cherished memories for previous generations. This situation raises questions about the future of popular hobbies in an era where everything is becoming a speculative asset.
Source: The Guardian Tech | Exclusive coverage from AI Tools Oasis
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