Is Pokémon GO TCG Worth Collecting? Yes, for Serious Collectors Playing the Long Game

As a fellow investor and avid Pokémon TCG collector, I get asked often – is collecting Pokémon GO cards actually worth it? After crunching the numbers and assessing the set‘s collectibility factors, my verdict is yes – if you‘re a devoted collector focused on long term gains. For more casual collectors or those with limited budgets, selectivity is key.

Let‘s dive into the nitty gritty details so you can make the most informed choice for your collection!

An Overview of Pokémon GO TCG for New Collectors

First, what exactly is this set? Pokémon GO TCG was released in July 2022 as a special expansion celebrating the mega-popular Pokémon GO mobile game. It was branded separately from the main Pokémon TCG sets like Sword & Shield.

The set has 88 total cards: 78 regular cards and 10 secret rares. You‘ll find lots of your favorite Pokémon, characters, items, and locations from the mobile game on these cards, with artistic designs inspired by Pokémon GO‘s visual style.

As a special limited print run, Pokémon GO booster boxes and packs will disappear once sold out. So scarcity is built in! Let‘s examine why that matters.

Why Special Sets Gain Value Over Time

With any trading card set – Pokémon or otherwise – scarcity fuels collectibility and rising future value. When supply is constrained while demand grows, prices climb.

Specific to Pokémon GO, being a special collab set with the famous mobile game makes it extra enticing to collectors. The stylish artwork has loads of eye appeal. And you can‘t find these cards anywhere else!

Once sealed product sells out, the only way to get your hands on Pokémon GO packs will be buying from other collectors. And they‘ll likely charge a premium! Limited supply + eager buyers = appreciation over time.

Estimated Print Run Size

While we don‘t have exact numbers, expert estimates peg the Pokémon GO print run between 150,000 to 200,000 booster boxes. Compare that to a typical mainline set print run in the millions!

For a hyped special set like this, even 200,000 boxes is considered limited. The small supply makes Pokémon GO sealed boxes and packs attractive investments for the patient collector.

Factors That Make Pokémon GO Cards Desirable

Now you understand how scarcity drives value. But what specifically makes Pokémon GO cards so collectible? As a seasoned investor, I evaluate cards based on four key factors:

Popularity

• Pokémon GO mobile game has over 1 billion downloads! The app‘s popularity inspires high demand for related collectibles.
• Cards feature favorite characters like Candela, Blanche, Spark. Their full art cards are extremely desirable.

Artwork

• Eye-catching stylized artwork inspired by the mobile game. The unique aesthetic has strong appeal.

Rarity

• 10 secret rare cards, including the highly coveted Team Leader full art trainers. Hard to pull!

Nostalgia Appeal

• Capitalizes on fond memories of the 2016 Pokémon GO craze for older collectors. Powerful nostalgia factor.

How Much Are Pokémon GO Cards Going For?

Rarity and desirability translate directly into monetary value. Here‘s a glimpse at current prices for Pokémon GO cards and sealed product:

Pokémon GO Elite Trainer Boxes: $50-60

Pokémon GO Booster Boxes: $90-100

Candela Full Art Trainer (Secret): $80-$100

Blanche Full Art Trainer (Secret): $70-$90

Spark Full Art Trainer (Secret): $60-80

Mewtwo VMAX (Secret): $40-60

Mewtwo V (Alternate Full Art): $25-35

You‘ll notice the Team Leader secret rares command the highest prices by far, thanks to their popularity and 1/660 pack pull rate.

Price Trends Over Time

At launch, prices for Pokémon GO sealed product spiked due to hype. But they‘ve softened slightly since release as supply flooded the market. Here‘s a glimpse:

On Release (July 2022):

• Booster Boxes: $140-150
• ETBs: $80-90

Today (August 2022):

• Booster Boxes: $90-100
• ETBs: $50-60

Don‘t let the slight decline worry you – this is expected after launch. Savvy investors know patience pays off with sealed Pokémon. Gradual, steady gains build over 5, 10+ years.

But you must properly store and care for your sealed boxes and packs to maximize their future value…

Storing Your Cards for the Long Haul

As a fellow investor, I firmly believe pristine condition is vital for Pokémon sealed products to appreciate substantially. my best advice is to store them properly right from the start. Here are my professional tips:

• Keep boxes/packs in a cool, dry place away from moisture, sunlight and heat. A closet or shelf works great.
• Never stack or pile boxes on top of each other. The weight can damage the cards at the bottom.
• Only handle sealed product when necessary to avoid wearing the edges or scratching the wrapping.
• Consider double sleeving your most valuable boxes in protective acrylic cases. This prevents damage.

Trust me, taking precautions upfront saves heartache down the road! Now, let‘s get into the money-making strategies…

How to Buy, Sell and Trade Pokémon GO Cards Like a Pro

Building a lucrative Pokémon GO portfolio requires savvy buying, selling and trading. Here are insider tips to master:

For Buying:

• Shop around for the best prices on singles and sealed product – deals pop up!
• Time new purchases right when prices dip – like during less hyped release periods.
• Consider buying graded cards (PSA/BGS) for big-ticket items to ensure top condition.

For Selling:

• Research current market rates thoroughly before listing cards or sealed product. Pricing right maximizes profits.
• Leverage auction sites like eBay to connect with motivated buyers willing to pay top dollar.
• List graded cards separately from raw cards to maximize sale prices. Capture that graded premium!

For Trading:

• Join online trading communities to connect with fellow collectors. Great for consolidating cards on your want list!
• If trading sealed product, inspect all wrapping closely to verify authenticity and ensure no tampering.
• For rare cards, consider requiring proof of certification from reputable grading companies before agreeing to trades. This verifies condition.

Mastering buying, selling and trading tactics takes time and practice. But do it right, and building your dream Pokémon GO collection becomes much easier!

Now, let‘s look at how far this set‘s coveted cards have already climbed in value…

Record Sales Show Pokémon GO Set‘s Potential

If you need evidence of how hot Pokémon GO chase cards are, look no further than recent sales:

• A PSA 10 Candela Full Art Trainer sold at auction for $7,108 in July 2022.
• A PSA 10 stamped 1st Edition Base Set Charizard recently went for $469,000!

Now imagine owning the Pokémon GO equivalent of that Charizard decades from now! Savvy investors know spending $100 on a Candela Trainer today could mean thousands down the road. But you must play the long game.

Let‘s talk more about the risks and downsides…

Be Aware of Risks – Overproduction, Falling Prices, Authentication

While I‘m bullish on Pokémon GO long-term, smart investing means acknowledging risks:

• The Pokémon Company could overproduce more print runs of this set, hurting scarcity. So far though, signs point to one limited run.
• Prices could fall if interest in Pokémon GO wanes substantially over time. However, Pokémon remains a juggernaut brand decades later.
• Potential for counterfeits always exists. Only buy sealed product from reputable, trusted sources and inspect carefully.

But even with risks acknowledged, the upside potential still outweighs the downside in my expert opinion. Where there‘s money to be made, risks come with the territory!

The Bottom Line – Should You Buy Pokémon GO Cards?

So should you buy, sell, hold or skip Pokémon GO cards? Here‘s my honest take:

For long term investors: Absolutely. The limited print run makes sealed booster boxes and ETBs solid buys for gradual gains over 5-10+ years.

For set collectors: Buying singles is smarter than ripping packs endlessly. But chase cards carry premium prices right now. Budget accordingly and expect to be patient acquiring the secret rares!

For players: Packs offer playable cards to build fun decks. But singles are far cheaper than ripping for playables.

For casual collectors: The premium prices may not justify investment. Not a must-have set unless you love the Pokémon GO themes.

For anyone: Have realistic expectations. This is a longer term play, not a get rich quick scheme. Pokémon investing requires vision and patience!

And there you have it – an in-depth collector‘s view on Pokémon GO‘s investment potential and overall value. Hope this guide gave you all the data, trends and advice needed to make strategic decisions as you build your Pokémon portfolio. Feel free to reach out anytime if you need a hand navigating the world of Pokémon investing. Happy collecting!