TV shows and video games have a powerful effect on the prices of trading cards, especially when it comes to popular franchises like Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and even newer ones like Genshin Impact. When something new happens in a show or a game, whether it’s a character making a comeback, a new card being introduced, or even a medical storyline, the value of related cards can shoot up or drop down quickly. This is because fans and collectors want to own pieces of the story, and sometimes, they’re willing to pay a lot to get them.
Let’s start with Pokémon. The Pokémon TV show and video games are huge reasons why Pokémon cards are so valuable. When a new Pokémon appears in a show or a game, collectors rush to buy cards featuring that Pokémon. For example, when the upcoming Mega Dream ex set was announced, even before it was released, cards from that set started selling for hundreds of dollars online. The Mega Gengar ex card, which hasn’t even been officially released yet, was listed on eBay for as much as $900, with some sellers charging over $100 for shipping. This happens because people are excited about the new set and want to get their hands on the cards as soon as possible. The excitement is so strong that some sellers are willing to list cards they don’t even have yet, betting that they’ll get them when the set launches. This kind of behavior is called scalping, and it’s a big reason why prices can go so high so fast.
The same thing happens with Yu-Gi-Oh! When a new card is revealed in a TV show or a video game, its price can jump up in just a few days. For example, when the Genesis set was first revealed, certain cards in that set went from being worth just a few dollars to being worth $14 or more. Even reprints of those cards were selling for around $10 each. The ultra-rare versions of the cards were going for $20, and the collector’s rares were selling for $40 to $65 each. This kind of price spike is common when a new set is announced, especially if the cards are expected to be strong in upcoming formats. The excitement around the new set and the possibility that the cards might not be reprinted anytime soon drives up demand, and with demand comes higher prices.
Now, let’s talk about what happens when something medical is mentioned in a TV show or a game. Medical storylines can have a big impact on card prices, especially if they involve a popular character or a rare card. For example, if a character in a Pokémon episode is shown using a card to help someone who is sick, that card might become more valuable because it’s associated with a positive, healing story. The same thing can happen in Yu-Gi-Oh! if a character uses a card to save someone from a medical emergency. These kinds of storylines can make the cards more desirable to collectors, especially if they’re seen as symbols of hope or recovery.
There are also real-world examples of how medical events can affect card prices. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, some collectors started buying cards that were associated with health and healing, hoping that these cards would become more valuable over time. This kind of behavior is supported by research from authoritative sources like the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), which has found that cards associated with positive events or milestones tend to hold their value better than others. The PSA also notes that cards in mint condition, especially those that are graded, can fetch premium prices in the market. This is because collectors want to own cards that are not only rare but also in perfect condition.
Another example of how medical storylines can impact card prices is when a character in a game or show is shown recovering from an illness. If a card is used in that storyline, it can become a symbol of resilience and recovery, making it more desirable to collectors. This kind of emotional connection can drive up demand, and with demand comes higher prices. For example, if a Pokémon card is used to help a character recover from a medical condition, that card might become more valuable because it’s associated with a positive outcome.
The impact of TV shows and games on card prices isn’t limited to just Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh!. Even newer franchises like Genshin Impact are seeing similar effects. When a new character or card is introduced in the Genshin Impact game, the price of related cards can go up quickly. For example, official Genshin Impact booster packs are already being sold on sites like Etsy, with some packs being listed for much higher than their original price. This happens because fans want to own cards from the game, and they’re willing to pay a premium to get them.
The connection between TV shows, games, and card prices is also supported by research from sources like Firestorm Games, which has found that the scarcity of certain cards, combined with the excitement of discovering a rare gem in a booster pack, fuels the trading card game’s initial surge in value. The rise of professional grading services has further solidified the investment aspect of trading cards, making them assets that can appreciate in value over time. This focus on condition and rarity has turned trading cards into items that can be bought and sold for profit, attracting a segment of collectors who view them as a viable investment.
In addition to scarcity and grading, the cultural milestones of a franchise also play a big role in determining card prices. When a franchise celebrates a significant anniversary, releases a new video game or movie, or introduces innovative elements, the interest in associated merchandise, including trading cards, experiences a surge. Limited edition releases and promotional cards tied to these milestones become instant collectors’ items, contributing to the overall value of the card ecosystem.
The impact of TV shows and games on card prices is a complex and ever-changing phenomenon. When something new happens in a show or a game, whether it’s a character making a comeback, a new card being introduced, or even a medical storyline, the value of related cards can change quickly. This is because fans and collectors want to own pieces of the story, and sometimes, they’re willing to pay a lot to get them. The excitement around new sets, the emotional connection to certain storylines, and the scarcity of rare cards all contribute to the dynamic market where supply and demand play crucial roles in determining value.
