By: Charles Singh
Here’s a riddle for you: what do Gary Vaynerchuck, Logic, and Logan Paul all have in common (besides wealth)? All three celebrities have recognized the value of one of 2020’s hottest commodities. There is a higher demand for Pokemon cards now than ever before because of a few key factors.
Nostalgia
You simply cannot put a price on nostalgia. People will pay huge sums of money to revisit a special moment in time. Memories are priceless and the items that trigger those memories can cost a pretty penny once people share the same emotions towards a time period. Pokemon cards take many consumers back to the late 90’s and early 2000’s.
Pokemon cards released in Japan in 1996, then in the United States in 1999. When cards hit the shelves fans were able to collect the same pocket monsters they enjoyed so much in the popular anime series (also released in the late 90s). After Pokemon’s initial debut fans saw the company and brand rapidly expand and evolve.
Most consumers who owned Pokemon cards remember the feeling of carefully selecting a pack or box based on the picture and tearing open a fresh pack. We remember begging our parents or saving up our own money to collect as many as possible. It was a simpler time. A big reason why Pokemon cards have become so popular in 2020 is that people want to tap into that nostalgic feeling.
Popularity
If you type Pokemon in YouTube right now there is a near-limitless amount of YouTubers opening up huge amounts of packs. Why? Because it’s the hot new thing (from the 90s). YouTuber and Influencer Logan Paul has spent tens of thousands on cards and now owns some of the most valuable cards. Rapper Logic has also joined in on the fun. Entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuck has long been preaching about the new market for trading cards like Pokemon cards.
Opening a pack is like standing at the Roulette table at a casino. The odds are not in your favor, but who doesn’t want to take a chance? Pokemon cards have become popular among the top-tier of influencers thus they will be popular for at the very least the next few months. Some boxes are sold out. Targets are being gutted nationwide. Packs are being back-ordered for 2021.
If you are seeing something consistently on your social media and on YouTube AND you once had an interest in that product or service, chances are you may just open your wallet to be part of the experience. No one likes being the odd man (or mon) out.
It’s All About The Benjamins
The last reason people have gained or regained an interest in Pokemon cards is that the right ones are worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. Original base packs of Pokemon cards are currently being sold on eBay for $29,000+. Yes, you read that right. A card buried in your sock drawer could potentially be worth your car or pay your college tuition.
People are profiting from buying and reselling Pokemon cards when they draw the right card. Research is being conducted. Old binders are being dusted off. Young people who have never bought cards before are investing in packs. We are truly witnessing the resurgence of one of the most popular trading card games ever.
Whatever your reason may be whether it is nostalgia, hype, or profit the folks at Comicbookchuck truly hope you are enjoying this unique moment in history. May the bubble never burst, Catch ’em all…or at least the ones that aren’t sold out yet.
