Are Pokémon Cards Delivering Higher Returns Than REITs?
People often compare Pokémon cards to traditional investments like REITs, which are real estate investment trusts that own properties and pay dividends. REITs give steady returns around 7-10% per year on average, based on historical data. But Pokémon cards? They have shown much bigger gains in recent years, especially for the right picks.
Take long-term performance. Since 2004, top Pokémon cards have delivered about 3,821% returns, crushing the stock market’s growth over the same time.[2] That’s like turning $1,000 into over $39,000. REITs can’t match that kind of upside from nostalgia-driven icons like first-edition Base Set cards or trophy cards from classic sets.[2]
In 2025, the trading card market hit $7.5 billion globally, growing at 7-8% a year.[2] Pokémon leads the pack with sales jumping 25% to $2.2 billion in 2024, and production ramping to 10.2 billion cards this year.[1] Specific sealed products shine. One investor reported 72% gains on their 2025 Pokémon portfolio, turning a $48,000 cost into $68,000 in current value by focusing on sets like Obsidian Flames booster boxes.[4]
Booster boxes tell a strong story too. Evolving Skies boxes gained 100-135% in the past year, climbing from $189 to peaks over $470 before settling around $370.[3] Others like Paldean Evolved saw 105% jumps, and Sun & Moon sets rose from $300 to higher levels in 12 months.[3][5] Even with dips, like 10-15% drops in modern cards such as Pikachu ex (from $450 to $331), the market rebounds on reprints and events like the 2026 30th anniversary, boosting nostalgic cards 25-40%.[1]
REITs offer stability with lower risk, tied to real estate cycles. Pokémon cards bring volatility from hype, reprints, and collector demand, but smart buys in established sets reward patience. Modern SIRs like Lillie’s Clefairy ex gained 45% since March, and overall portfolios aim for 15-25% yearly growth.[1]
Investors thrive by avoiding brand-new sets like Destined Rivals or Mega Evolution until they age, and targeting proven ones with universal appeal.[4][5] Liquidity is solid too, with eBay sales up 200% from 2024 to 2025.[2] For high returns, Pokémon cards have outperformed REITs in growth potential, especially over 20+ years, though they demand research on grading, storage, and timing.
