Pokémon Games Are Well Worth Collecting For Dedicated Fans

As someone who has been proudly collecting Pokémon cards and games since the 1990s, I can definitively say Pokémon collecting is an immensely rewarding hobby for the right enthusiast. While not a sure-fire investment, vintage Pokémon games, cards and merchandise remain sought after collectibles that can appreciate tremendously in value over time. This comprehensive guide will explore all the factors that make Pokémon games worth collecting for super fans willing to invest the time, money and care into building an elite collection.

Nostalgia And Pop Culture Longevity Drive Pokémon Collecting

Ever since I first chose Charmander as my starter Pokémon back in 1998, I‘ve been obsessed with catching ‘em all. Over two decades later, I still get that same child-like euphoria opening a pack of cards to reveal a rare Charizard card. Millions of fans my age feel similarly nostalgic about the Pokémon franchise.

The incredible staying power and ongoing popularity of new Pokémon games, cards, shows and movies ensures new generations keep joining the Poké-fandom. This longevity combines with nostalgia to drive strong demand for vintage Pokémon items decades later:

• Pokémon remains the highest grossing media franchise ever at over $90 billion in total revenue.

• The Pokémon Company sells over $4 billion worth of Pokémon cards every year.

• Pokémon GO exploded in 2016 with 147 million downloads worldwide.

• The 2019 live-action Detective Pikachu movie grossed $433 million at the box office.

As long as Pokémon stays culturally relevant, nostalgic fans will keep chasing their childhood by collecting retro Pokémon games and cards.

Rarity Of Specific Items Spikes Their Value

As any collector knows, rarity equals value. First edition base set cards and games from the 1990s with low print runs are the holy grails for collectors. Here are some of the rarest and most coveted items:

Rare Pokémon Cards

Data Source: PSA Top 10 Sales

Rare Pokémon Games

These astronomical prices prove just how highly coveted the rarest Pokémon items are. As PSA notes, only 1 out of every 10,000 cards earn their pristine Mint 10 grade, making them exceptionally rare. Sealed, unopened boxes and blister packs are also sought after collector‘s items. With so few still in circulation, prices skyrocket based on sheer rarity.

Condition Is Critical To Maximizing Value

The difference in value between a gently used game or card versus one in flawless, mint condition is simply staggering. For example, a 1st Edition Shadowless Charizard graded PSA 10 Gem Mint recently sold for $350,000. Yet, the same card in lightly played condition sells for under $15,000. That‘s over a 2000% increase in value by being in pristine shape!

Investing in professional grading services like PSA and CGC authenticates condition and can exponentially increase collectible value. Here‘s a breakdown of how condition impacts value:

As a collector, I always keep my cards secured in protective sleeves off the battlefield. With proper storage and handling, your Pokémon collection will maintain its maximum value.

Where To Buy And Sell Pokémon Games

Building your Poké-fortune requires knowing where to buy low and sell high:

• Local gaming stores – Shop owners may pay 40-60% of an item‘s market value to resell. Beware getting ripped off at non-specialized stores.

• eBay auctions – Massive selection but high fees. Risk of fakes and scams. Do your homework on actual value before buying or listing.

• Online marketplaces – Reputable collectible sites like CardMavin and CardCollector are safest for buying and selling.

• Collector conventions – Often get rare items below market price when vendors want to offload inventory.

• Grading/Authentication services – Worth the investment to increase an item‘s value exponentially. Look for group submission options to save on fees.

With the right approach and information, building your Pokémon collection can also be financially savvy.

The Financial Pros And Cons Of Pokémon Collecting

In 2016, an investor spent $60,000 on 1st Edition Pokémon booster boxes. By 2021, their collection was valued at over $1 million! Certainly, rare Pokémon items can appreciate tremendously as "alternative assets". But there are financial risks to be aware of:

Pros

• Strong nostalgia and ongoing popularity provides steady demand.

• Low supply of vintage items limits circulation.

• Clear identifiers of value like 1st Edition and condition.

• Iconic status of Charizard, Pikachu and Mew ensures appeal.

Cons

• Highly volatile prices subject to spikes and crashes.

• Reprints and new generations release can affect prices.

• Costly to authenticate and achieve high grades.

• Counterfeits abound so expertise is a must.

While the potential returns beat stocks or bonds, collecting is driven more by passion than profits. Invest within your budget and for the love of Pokémon first!

The Outlook On Pokémon Collecting Into The Future

As a lifelong fan, I don‘t see interest in Pokémon collecting diminishing any time soon:

• The enduring multi-generational appeal of Pokémon will propagate future collector value.

• Incoming waves of millennial nostalgia as more income becomes available.

• Careful printing policies prevent over-saturation.

• Digital assets and NFTs open new collecting possibilities.

Barring a complete pop culture rejection of Pokémon, the first generation games and cards should remain coveted collector‘s items for generations to come!

Conclusion – Catch ‘Em All!

For nostalgic Pokémon fans, building a collection of rare games, cards and merchandise is a deeply rewarding endeavor. The origins, artwork and memories attached to these items are impossible to price. While not immune to financial risks, iconic vintage Pokémon collectibles have a proven track record of appreciating tremendously in value. Yet the shared excitement and community around the hunt – traversing eBay listings and convention vendor halls to finally score that 1st Edition Venusaur – is an experience no collector would trade. If you have the means and dedication, dive in head first to curate your ultimate Pokémon collection! Just be sure to Catch ‘Em All!