Are the new Pokémon cards worth buying? Yes, with the right strategy.
As a long-time Pokémon card collector and enthusiast, I‘m often asked if new cards are worth purchasing. With ultra rare cards selling for eye-popping prices, many fans want to know if modern sets are as valuable as vintage.
After researching card values, release trends, and talking to expert collectors, my opinion is that new Pokémon cards are absolutely worth buying – if you go about it the right way.
Select rare cards maintain high values, and sealed products offer long term growth potential. But reprints and high production runs mean not all new Pokémon cards will provide amazing returns. You need an informed strategy.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk through everything you need to know about investing in modern Pokémon cards, with tips to make the most of new releases.
Which new Pokémon cards have the most value potential?
While no new card has matched the multi-million dollar price tag of the ultra-rare Pikachu Illustrator promo, several modern ultra rare cards sell for big money:
Pokemon Celebrations Gold Star Shiny Mew
[image]This stunning gold textured card from the iconic Celebrations 25th Anniversary set has sold for $700-$1000 in PSA 10 condition. Only included in special promo packs, its rarity and artwork make it a top modern chase card.
Alternate Art Cards in VMAX Climax
[image]The Japanese VMAX Climax set introduced stunning alternate art VMAX cards of popular Pokémon like Rayquaza and Gengar. These hyper-rare cards sell for $300+ in 10 condition.
Shining Fates Shiny Charizard VMAX
[image]As the flagship Pokémon, this black shinny Charizard VMAX commands prices around $500 graded gem mint. It remains highly sought after by collectors and investors.
Other modern sets also have chase cards like the Trainer Gallery in Brilliant Stars and Gold Star cards from Sun & Moon-era sets that hold significant value due to small pull rates and exceptional demand.
Why overall modern set values remain lower
So why don‘t new Pokémon sets have the same kind of value as vintage WOTC sets? There are a few reasons for this:
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Reprints – Iconic vintage cards like Base Set Charizard have been reprinted in modern sets like Evolutions, Celebrations, and Generations. This drives down prices by increasing supply.
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Higher production runs – Print runs for new sets dwarfs those of vintage sets. Scarcity drives up prices, and modern cards just aren‘t as rare overall.
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Condition sensitivity – Unlike vintage cards, pack-fresh modern cards are nearly flawless. This means PSA 10s are not exceptionally rare.
For example, here are some pop report numbers comparing PSA 10 rates:
| Card | Total Graded | PSA 10s |
|---|---|---|
| Base Charizard | 18,927 | 121 |
| HF Shiny Charizard | 4,177 | 3,240 |
Only 0.6% of graded Base Zards are PSA 10 versus a whopping 77% for the newer Hidden Fates card. This shows why newer cards can sell for just $60-$100 in gem mint condition versus $300,000+ for a Base 10.
Why sealed booster boxes are safer investments
Individual modern cards may be risky, but sealed booster boxes and Elite Trainer boxes can be solid investments:
- Popular out-of-print sets appreciate well over time
- You can still enjoy opening fresh packs while boxes gain value
- Early Sun & Moon sets like Burning Shadows now sell for over $400/box
Sealed product allows you to somewhat "have your cake and eat it too" – cards to open along with growth potential.
[table]| Set | Release Year | Booster Box Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hidden Fates | 2019 | $1200 |
| Shining Legends | 2017 | $600 |
| Champion‘s Path | 2020 | $350 |
For the best returns, target sets like Hidden Fates with amazing chase cards in short supply. Limited promo runs also do well. But stay away from sets with lackluster cards or unlimited print runs.
Expert tips for investing in modern Pokémon
As someone who‘s collected and studied the hobby for 20 years, here are my top tips for buying new cards:
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Focus on 10s – Graded gem mint 10s maintain the most value for modern cards. Prioritize quality over quantity.
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Hold sealed product – Sit on booster boxes and Elite Trainer boxes sealed for big gains over time.
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Buy at release – Get new sets early before hype drives up prices. Pre-orders allow this.
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Diversify – Don‘t put all your investment eggs in one modern basket. Mix in vintage cards and sealed wax.
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Research relentlessly – Read PokeBeach, PokeGuardian, watch YouTubers. Information is key.
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Have fun – Don‘t just treat new cards as stocks. Enjoy ripping packs and appreciating amazing new artwork!
The bottom line – new Pokémon cards are definitely worth it
The days of retiring off a single shadowless Base Set booster box may be over. But new Pokémon cards absolutely represent a worthwhile investment in my expert opinion.
By selectively targeting key high value cards, focusing on top condition, holding sealed product, buying at release, and diversifying your holdings, you can do very well with new Pokémon.
Will you make a million dollars? Probably not. But modern cards remain a great way to enjoy the hobby while also growing your collection‘s value over time.
Just be sure to enter the world of new Pokémon cards informed – do your research, buy smart, and think long term. Go into it with passion as much as profits, and your modern card investments will pan out well.
So are new Pokémon cards worth buying? As a long time Pokemon collector, investor, and expert – I say yes absolutely!