Are Pokémon Cards Holding Value Better Than Crypto During Drawdowns?
If you collect Pokémon cards, you might wonder how they stack up against crypto investments when markets crash. Drawdowns are those scary drops where prices plummet fast, like what happens in crypto during bear markets. The good news for card collectors is that physical Pokémon cards often hold their value better than digital crypto assets in these tough times. Unlike crypto, which can lose 80% or more of its value overnight due to hype and speculation, rare Pokémon cards have a built-in floor from real-world demand by collectors worldwide.[1]
Think about it this way. Crypto lives entirely online, tied to investor moods and global news. One bad headline, and Bitcoin or Ethereum can tank. Pokémon cards, on the other hand, are tangible items people have chased for decades. Graded cards from sets like Base Set Charizard or modern chase cards keep drawing buyers who want the physical thrill of owning them, no matter the economy. Forums like Elite Fourum show steady chatter about card prices even when crypto forums go quiet during slumps.[3]
What makes cards more resilient? Scarcity plays a huge role. There are only so many PSA 10 gems out there, and they do not get “mined” like crypto tokens. Prices might dip 20-30% in a card market slowdown, but they rarely wipe out like crypto does. Collectors buy for nostalgia and display, not just quick flips. Recent trends blend this with tech through phygital collectibles, where you rip digital Pokémon packs to reveal tokenized cards backed by real graded ones. Platforms let you trade these on blockchains with instant buybacks and easy redemption for the physical card, adding liquidity without losing the card’s core value.[1]
During crypto drawdowns, like the 2022 crash, many coins lost over 90% from peaks. Pokémon card markets saw softer hits. High-end cards held steady because grading services verify authenticity, and secure vaults protect them. You can sell a tokenized version fast if needed, then redeem the real card later. This hybrid setup gives cards an edge: crypto speed with physical backing.[1]
For everyday collectors, stick to sealed packs or graded singles from trusted spots. Track prices on sites like this one to spot deals during any dip. Cards prove their worth by staying collectible, not just speculative. Phygitals bridge the gap, letting you dip into crypto-like trading while keeping the real asset safe.[1][3]


