Pokémon cards beat stocks and crypto

The long-term numbers here are kind of staggering.

Since 2004, the value of Pokémon cards on the resale market has climbed more than 3,800 percent, according to analysis firm Card Ladder. Over the same period, the S&P 500 gained about 483 percent. Even Meta Platforms, one of the best-performing US tech stocks, has only delivered around 1,800 percent since its 2012 debut.

But the real story is what’s happened lately. Some of the fastest-growing Pokémon cards have left even those wild numbers behind.

Recent data shows that vintage sets and modern “chase” cards are moving through cycles of hype and correction at different speeds. The original Base Set (the one most 90's kids remember from school) has seen prices rise from $12.80 in June 2023 to $25.26 by June 2025, a steady gain of nearly 100 percent over two years. That’s impressive, but nothing compared to the fireworks in the modern market.

Newer, more sought-after cards like the alternate-art “Moonbreon” have more than doubled over the same period, jumping from $577.91 in 2023 to $1,223.14 in 2025.

Promo cards are even wilder. The “Stamp Pikachu” dropped in value in 2024 but then exploded by more than 150 percent into 2025, showing just how unpredictable this market can be.

While some cards grow slowly, others swing wildly depending on collector demand and internet buzz. It’s these sharp jumps that have traders and long-time fans debating whether the Pokémon boom is built to last.

Hype hits modern cards, but vintage sets grow slow and steady

The Pokémon card market isn’t just one big pool. It’s a mix of different eras and types, and they don’t all behave the same way.

Vintage sets like the Base Set and Team Rocket have seen their prices climb, but at a slower, more consistent rate. These are the cards most adults remember from their childhoods. Their value tends to grow steadily, as older collectors return and seek out pieces of their past.

The real fireworks are in the modern market. Cards released in the past few years, especially “chase” cards with rare art or those graded and slabbed, are showing huge swings in value.

Prices for some, like Moonbreon and certain promo cards, have doubled or even tripled in a single year. The market calls this the “growth delta” — how much faster (or slower) the value is rising compared to the previous year.

When the growth delta is high, it usually means hype is at play. For example, Moonbreon’s price growth accelerated by 33 percentage points in the latest year. The Stamp Pikachu promo, after dropping in value, rocketed up with a 176-point swing. This isn’t just steady collecting — it’s a sign that lots of people are piling in, hoping to cash out at the top.

Meanwhile, sealed products—boxes and packs never opened—are also drawing speculators. They’re seen as lottery tickets: you might pull a card worth thousands, or nothing at all. This kind of rapid, uneven growth is a classic warning in markets that have bubbled before.

Bubble warning: Not all gains are created equal

Some collectors are starting to worry that Pokémon cards are riding a wave that can’t last. The numbers point to more than just growing interest — they show clear signs of speculation.

One armchair analyst who tracks the Pokémon market has started to see what looks like a classic bubble.

“There’s obvious hype right now, and my data shows there will be intense market corrections soon,” he says. By comparing year-over-year growth rates, he’s noticed the market’s momentum is shifting. When price growth jumps suddenly, especially for certain types of cards, it’s usually a warning sign.

It isn’t just about the total value going up or down. The speed of the change matters. Modern “slabbed” cards (those graded and sealed for quality) and sealed product (unopened packs and boxes) have skyrocketed in value over the past year. Meanwhile, older vintage sets like Base Set have seen a slower, steadier climb. That suggests the hype is focused on newer products, driven by fear of missing out and internet trends, rather than old-fashioned collector demand.

As with any fast-moving market, what goes up fast can come down just as quickly. The risk is that people who jumped in late — drawn by headlines about record sales and big profits — could end up holding cards worth far less if the market cools.

Are Pokemon cards worth 'investing' in?

Anyone thinking about Pokémon cards as an investment needs to first do their own research and remember that past performance is never indicative of future returns. Especially when it comes to shiny pieces of cardboard.

Big gains have grabbed attention, but the wild swings in modern cards suggest that not all parts of the market are equally "safe". Remember: shiny cardboard.

Collectors and investors should ask themselves why they’re buying. If it’s for the love of the hobby, vintage cards and thoughtful collecting still make sense. If it’s just about turning a quick profit, the risks are getting harder to ignore. The next year will test how strong demand really is once the hype cools and speculators move on.

The cards might be colourful, but the risks are all too real.