Why Are Base Set Prices Rising Across Every Card in the Set?
If you collect Pokemon cards from the original Base Set, you have noticed something big lately. Prices for every card in that set, from commons to rares, are going up fast. Even basic cards that used to sell for pennies now cost way more. This rise hits the whole set, not just the stars like Charizard.
One big reason is supply drying up. The Base Set came out in 1999, and there are only so many unlimited and first edition copies left in good shape. Over time, cards get lost, damaged, or tucked away in collections. Lately, demand has spiked as more adults return to the hobby. They want complete sets for nostalgia, and that pushes prices higher across the board[1].
Take the first edition Kabuto card as an example. It jumped 1,397 percent from August to December 2025, going from 2.50 dollars to over 38 dollars. A collector called Kabuto King grabbed 1,748 copies since August. Their buying spree made copies harder to find, so sellers raised prices. Kabuto King even warned others it was getting tough to source more[1]. This shows how one determined buyer can affect an entire card type, and it mirrors what is happening set-wide for Base Set.
Shortages in new Pokemon products play a role too. Shelves have been empty most of 2025 because demand outpaces supply. The Pokemon Company is maxed out on printing and plans new factories, but that won’t help until 2027. Resellers snatch new sets, driving up resale costs and making old sets like Base Set even more appealing[4]. People turn to vintage cards when fresh ones vanish.
Market data backs this. TCGPlayer reports huge spikes in Base Set cards this week, similar to other hot items like Charizard VMAX up almost 40 dollars in three months[5]. Bulk commons and uncommons rise too because collectors need them for full sets. No card sits out.
Nostalgia fuels it all. Base Set is the first expansion, full of icons like Blastoise and Venusaur. As Pokemon celebrates 30 years, fans chase originals. New players see the history and jump in, bidding up everything.
Watch listings on sites like TCGPlayer or eBay. Low-grade Base Set booster boxes and singles move quick, pulling prices with them. If you own Base Set cards, hold tight. The trend looks strong into 2026 with new product still scarce[3][4].
