# Are Pokémon Cards a Better Investment Than The S&P 500 Over 25 Years?
When comparing investment returns over the past two decades, Pokémon cards have significantly outperformed traditional stock market investments. According to Card Ladder data, Pokémon cards have delivered approximately 3,821% returns since 2004, substantially exceeding the S&P 500’s performance during the same period[1].
To put this in perspective, a 3,821% return means that an initial investment of $1,000 in Pokémon cards in 2004 would have grown to approximately $39,210 by 2024. This dramatic outperformance highlights why serious collectors and investors have increasingly turned their attention to the trading card market.
However, the comparison between Pokémon cards and the S&P 500 requires more nuance than simply looking at raw numbers. The S&P 500 represents a diversified portfolio of 500 large-cap companies, while Pokémon card investments are highly concentrated in a specific asset class. The types of cards that generate these exceptional returns are not random selections but rather carefully chosen pieces with specific characteristics.
The cards that have driven Pokémon’s impressive returns share common traits. First Edition Base Set cards, trophy cards, and franchise-defining character cards have become the blue-chip assets of the Pokémon market[1]. These cards behave similarly to vintage sports cards in terms of stability and long-term value preservation. They have achieved what investors call “blue-chip validation,” meaning they are recognized as reliable, established assets rather than speculative gambles.
One critical difference between Pokémon cards and the S&P 500 lies in volatility and risk factors. The S&P 500 fluctuates based on broader economic conditions, corporate earnings, and market sentiment. Pokémon blue-chip cards operate with far lower volatility because their value is not dependent on performance cycles or external variables like player injuries or career changes[1]. This structural stability makes them more predictable for long-term investors seeking preservation of capital rather than rapid gains.
The Pokémon market achieved this level of maturity relatively quickly. While sports cards took decades to establish reliable value tiers, Pokémon accomplished this in roughly 25 years[1]. This rapid maturation reflects the franchise’s cultural significance and the universal recognition of iconic cards like Charizard and Blastoise.
It is important to note that not all Pokémon cards deliver these exceptional returns. The market consistently rewards icons over speculation[1]. Modern chase cards from newly released sets typically do not appreciate at the same rates as established, recognized cards. Investors who focus on brand new sets without proven track records often see disappointing results compared to those who target cards with established demand and historical significance.
The liquidity of Pokémon cards has also improved substantially. eBay and Walmart reported approximately 200% growth in trading card sales from 2024 to 2025, confirming that buyers exist at scale for cards with universal recognition[1]. This increased liquidity makes it easier for investors to buy and sell their holdings compared to more obscure collectibles.
When evaluating whether Pokémon cards are a better investment than the S&P 500, the answer depends on several factors. If you are comparing the best-performing Pokémon cards to the S&P 500 over 25 years, Pokémon cards have clearly won. However, this comparison involves higher concentration risk, requires significant knowledge to identify which cards will appreciate, and demands careful attention to card condition and grading.
The S&P 500 offers broader diversification, lower maintenance requirements, and more passive investment potential. Pokémon cards require active selection, authentication through professional grading services, and storage considerations. The exceptional returns from Pokémon cards have primarily come from investors who understood which cards held lasting value and were willing to hold them for extended periods.
For investors seeking to replicate Pokémon’s outperformance, focusing on established icons rather than new releases appears to be the key strategy. The data suggests that patience and selectivity matter more than timing or chasing the latest trends in the Pokémon market.
