Is Pokémon GO TCG Worth Collecting? Yes, for True Fans

As a long-time Pokémon TCG expert, I believe the Pokémon GO expansion is worth collecting for devoted franchise fans. The unique artwork and nostalgia provide appeal for collectors. While modern cards have investment risks, chasing memorable pulls like the Rainbow Mewtwo VMAX and secret rares can be rewarding. But more casual players may be better off focusing on main Sword & Shield sets.

The Pokémon GO subset released in summer 2022 packages the complete 88 card set through branded collections rather than individual booster packs. This special expansion ties in with the massively popular Pokémon GO mobile game from Niantic, featuring characters, items, locations, and more. As a limited release, it provides a fun novelty for fans of the app.

Factors That Drive Pokémon Card Valuation

Before analyzing the Pokémon GO set itself, it‘s important to understand what determines Pokémon card values broadly:

• Scarcity – How rare and hard to pull a card is due to circulation
• Condition – Grading assesses wear and tear, mint is ideal
• Appeal – Desirable aesthetics like artwork and holofoil
• Power – Playability in competitive TCG decks
• Nostalgia – Links to popular original games/anime

Here is a table comparing representative valuations across different tiers of cards:

Grading is critical for accurate valuation. A PSA 10 1st Ed Shadowless Charizard recently sold for $336k showing the immense value of perfect grade vintage cards.

Analyzing Investment Potential of Pokémon GO Cards

The most profitable Pokémon investments remain vintage sets like Base, Jungle, Fossil, and Neo Genesis from the late 90s and early 2000s. Their age, nostalgia, smaller print runs and condition rarity make those early cards highly desirable to collectors.

In contrast, modern sets have far higher circulation and less enduring popularity. While sealed booster boxes can gain value over time, individual modern cards tend to trend down after initial spikes from hype.

The Pokémon GO set‘s novelty provides some appeal. But as a larger print supplemental set, its long-term growth potential seems limited compared to something like a 1st Edition Base booster box.

Still, chasing the amazing secret rares could pay off years later. The Rainbow Mewtwo VMAX is currently selling for $220-280 depending on grading. Long-term gains to $1000+ in a decade would not be surprising for an iconic card like that in perfect condition.

Overview of the Special Pokémon GO Set

Let‘s analyze what exactly this special set contains:

• 78 main cards, plus 10 secret rares
• 16 unique Pokémon GO themed Trainer items/locations
• 5 Team Leader cards including Spark, Candela, Blanche
• Over 20 Pokémon feature, including:
  • Charizard
  • Snorlax
  • Dragonite
  • Mewtwo
• The big chase cards include:
  • Rainbow Mewtwo VMAX
  • Rainbow Melmetal VMAX
  • Shining Celebi
  • Shiny Gyarados
• Each pack contains a code card redeemable in the mobile app

The set has appealing artwork variant of popular Pokémon adored by fans. While pull rates for the best cards are long, the compact set makes completing it achievable.

Costs of Collecting Pokémon Cards

Collecting Pokémon cards requires a significant investment. Here are current representative prices:

• Modern booster box: $144 retail
• Elite Trainer Box: $50
• Individual packs: $4-$6
• High-end rare PSA 10 card: $2,000+
• Sealed booster box (Champions Path): $500

Competitive deck building also quickly gets expensive with chasing playsets of the best cards. Those costs can exceed $500+ alone just to have a tier one tournament ready 60 card deck.

The below table shows potential costs to collect the entire Pokémon GO set:

Buying singles is expensive with inflated secondary market prices. Pack opening spreads costs across more common cards. But the set is small enough to be achievable for dedicated collectors.

Impacts of the Modern Market on Prices

The massive popularity boom since 2020 has significantly altered the Pokémon TCG landscape:

• Far higher production runs on new sets
• Harder to find retail products with scalper demand
• Huge initial hype spikes on new ultra rare cards
• Prices quickly crash as supply saturates
• Overall lower interest and value for opened modern cards

This has diminished hype for newer cards, outside major chase cards like the Charizard VMAX Rainbow which still commands a $500+ price. Vintage cards with proven staying power now dominate the upper end of Pokémon investing and collecting.

Strategies to Invest in Valuable Pokémon Cards

For those looking invest in Pokémon, the best approach is targeting vintage cards in mint condition:

• Focus on 1st Edition WOTC Era (Base through Neo)
• Chase PSA 10 or BGS 9.5+ mint copies
• Research high-value cards from the early sets
• Consider foreign language versions and exclusives
• Hold long-term for natural appreciation
• Diversify across multiple valuables rather than chasing one card

Modern sealed booster boxes can appreciate over time, but far less predictably. The above strategies minimize downside risk while offering tremendous upside on iconic cards.

Verdict: Worth It for Dedicated Collectors and Fans

The bottom line is collecting the Pokémon GO set will be most rewarding for dedicated TCG collectors and Pokémon GO fans wanting a piece of history tying together these two beloved franchises.

More casual players may be better served concentrating on main series Sword & Shield sets for competitive deck building. And those only interested in investing have far better options in vintage sets.

But for franchise devotees who don‘t mind the premium cost, chasing these rare Pokémon GO pulls and completing the set will be highly enjoyable. The cool artwork, special Trainers, redemptive codes, and nostalgia provide appeal. Just don‘t expect the cards to be future five or six figure retirements! Approach collecting wisely focusing on your favorites.