Crypto bros, scalpers and Logan Paul: Inside the world of Pokémon where cards are sold for millions
The world of Pokémon card collecting has transformed dramatically since the late 90s. Today, collectors face intense competition, with new cards selling out in minutes and people coordinating online to secure their purchases. The market for rare cards has skyrocketed, with some selling for millions of dollars, leading to chaotic scenes and even thefts at retail locations.
- ▪Collecting Pokémon cards has shifted from a casual hobby to a competitive market.
- ▪New card releases can sell out within minutes, prompting collectors to coordinate online.
- ▪Rare Pokémon cards can resell for millions, leading to thefts and chaotic buying scenes.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
When I was a kid in the late 90s, collecting Pokémon cards was a fun hobby. I'd buy packs, hoping to get the rarest "shinies," or holographic cards. We'd trade with friends and even go to meet-ups to trade cards trying to "catch 'em all" —a catchphrase that defined the franchise that had gone from Nintendo Game Boy to an anime TV show.When I started collecting again two years ago, things had changed. I've stood in line with 100 people in a parking lot outside a toy store for the latest restock of cards. I've seen four men huddled around their car talking about how much they could make by selling the trunk of cards they bought during a morning hitting different stores.New cards can sell out in minutes. People coordinate on X and Discord to know where to go.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at US Top News and Analysis.
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