Building a Collection That Pays Off: How to Choose Cards That Will Appreciate in Value
Not long ago, if you told someone you spent $1,000 on a Pokémon card, they’d laugh and say, “Why would you waste your money on something so silly?” But today, that amount seems minor compared to the millions some cards are now worth.
Take the Mario and Luigi Pikachu boxes, for example. If you picked them up back in 2016, they would’ve cost around $200. Today, those same boxes are fetching over $20,000-an incredible 9,900% return in just nine years.
So, the real question is: how can you identify which cards are likely to appreciate in value if you’re looking to invest in trading cards?
Why Pokémon?
With so many options, price points, and products to choose from, investing in trading cards can feel overwhelming. To simplify things, let’s focus on Pokémon-the highest-grossing media franchise in the world, generating an estimated $98.9 billion annually. Remarkably, over 90% of that revenue comes from retail sales, including Pokémon cards.
The franchise began nearly 30 years ago and remains stronger than ever, consistently attracting new generations through video games, movies, TV shows, and more.
How to Profit from Pokémon Cards
History tells us that one of the most reliable ways to profit from Pokémon cards is by buying sealed products and holding onto them. Nearly every sealed product from past sets is worth significantly more today than it was at release. This is due to a combination of limited print runs, growing demand, and the collector appeal of unopened packs.
If you’re looking to build a valuable collection, consider the following strategies:
- Buy sealed product at or below retail price (RRP) – this includes Elite Trainer Boxes and Booster Boxes.
- Hold onto sealed items long-term – especially sets featuring popular Pokémon, as these tend to appreciate the most.
- Grade your cards with PSA – if you pull high-value cards in excellent condition, submitting them to PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) for grading can significantly boost their resale value. A PSA 10 version of a chase card can sell for 5-10 times more than its raw (ungraded) version.
Even Steam Siege, widely regarded as one of the least popular Pokémon sets, has doubled in value since release-proving that sealed product from nearly any era can become collectible over time.
The Pokémon Market in 2025
Right now, the Pokémon market is exceptionally strong. Demand for new sets is so high that people are paying double retail price for brand-new releases.
If you can find Prismatic Evolutions or Destined Rivals (releasing later in 2025) at RRP, these sets have already proven to be strong buys. Both are generating major buzz and should be considered solid long-term holds for any investor or collector.
What to Buy
While almost any Pokémon TCG product is likely to appreciate, some items consistently perform better than others. Two standout options are:
1. Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs)
- Released with every new set
- Retail for $100
- Easy entry point for new investors
- Tend to show high percentage gains over time
2. Booster Boxes
- Contain 36 booster packs of a single set
- Retail for around $300
- Offer strong long-term growth and are highly sought after by collectors and players
What Sets Should You Target?
Focus on sets that feature fan-favourite and iconic Pokémon like:
- Charizard
- Pikachu
- Eevee and the Eeveelutions
One prime example is Evolving Skies. Released just three years ago, booster boxes originally sold for $200. Today, they’re hitting $2,000+. The set’s popularity is largely driven by the Moonbreon card—a high-value chase card that continues to fuel demand from collectors and content creators.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering investing in Pokémon cards, the winning formula is simple: buy sealed products, grade valuable pulls, and hold for the long term. With the Pokémon market booming in 2025 and demand surging for top-tier sets like Prismatic Evolutions and Destined Rivals, there’s never been a better time to get involved.
With patience and smart choices, your collection has the potential to
become much more than a hobby-it could turn into a serious investment.
