Are Pokémon Cards Outperforming Other Trading Card Games?
Pokémon cards are holding strong in the trading card game world, showing solid growth and high demand even as the market faces ups and downs. In 2025, the global TCG market hit about $7.51 billion, growing at a steady 7.9% rate each year.[2] Pokémon stands out with global sales topping $2.2 billion in 2024, up 25% from the year before, and production ramping up to 10.2 billion cards to keep up with buyers.[1]
Compared to sports cards, which make up a bigger slice at nearly $13 billion in 2024, Pokémon punches above its weight.[2] Sports cards spread value across leagues, players, and eras, making them more scattered. Pokémon focuses on a tight group of icons like first-edition Base Set cards and key characters, which have delivered huge returns. Data shows Pokémon cards up 3,821% since 2004, reaching blue-chip status in just 25 years, much faster than many sports collectibles.[2]
Demand stays hot for Pokémon. On eBay in 2025, Pokémon topped the list of most searched collectibles, beating out others by a wide margin, with even modern PSA 10 cards drawing crowds.[4] Retail spots like GameStop, Walmart, and Target saw trading card sales double from 2024 to 2025, mostly driven by Pokémon flips on the secondary market.[2][4]
Sure, there is volatility. Modern hyped cards like Pikachu ex dropped 10-15% from peaks around $450 to $331 raw, thanks to reprints and quiet seasons.[1] Some singles and booster boxes fell 10-30% as supply caught up.[3] But this is normal market breathing room, not a crash. Reprints for sets like Phantasmal Flames and Prismatic Evolutions cut resale premiums by 15-20%, making products easier to grab near original prices.[1]
Bright spots keep shining. Nostalgic cards are climbing, like Victini from White Flare at $423 raw, up 40% year over year, with more boosts expected from the 30th anniversary in 2026.[1] Newer cards like Lillie’s Clefairy ex SIR gained 45% since March.[1] Even big names like Charizard VMAX Secret jumped from $168 to $182 market price in a week, part of a $40 rise over three months.[5]
Investors saw real wins too. One portfolio pulled 72% gains in 2025 by picking smarter spots, dodging fresh sets until they settled, and riding sets with low reprint risk.[3] The market feels healthier now, with steady demand and better access.[3]
Overall, Pokémon’s mix of nostalgia, fresh releases, and fan power gives it an edge over broader TCG rivals. It grows reliably while rewarding those who watch the swings.
