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Unpacked News, Inside the Hustle & Hobby of Pokémon Cards
- sweettoothcollecti7
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
original article by Cassandra Arsenault WKRC
""CINCINNATI (WKRC) - As the sun set outside a local GameStop, a group of dedicated Pokémon card collectors set up camp, eagerly awaiting the store's morning opening. "We have been here since GameStop closed about 7:45, 8 o’clock," said one collector. "We are going to be here until we open those doors in the morning, and we are going to get the booster boxes and the ETB boxes."
The Pokémon franchise, which debuted in 1996, has grown into a global phenomenon, captivating fans with its video games, trading cards, and merchandise. The allure of rare cards and the thrill of the hunt continue to draw both young and old to the hobby. "I am a lifelong collector. I’ve been into Pokémon since it came out in 1999," said another enthusiast.
The demand for Pokémon cards has surged, leading to scenes of eager buyers racing to grab merchandise as soon as it hits the shelves. "They think we are crazy," said a collector. "Mathematically it doesn’t make sense to wait 14 hours for a box that you can buy on the secondary market for 60 bucks extra. But to collectors and resellers, it’s a big deal."
The Pokémon Company reported $12 billion in global retail sales in 2024, with trading cards shipping to 90 countries in 16 languages. The cards bridge a gap between generations, with young people ripping packs and adults drawn back by nostalgia. "It is generational now," said a collector. "And it’s not going anywhere."
The Pokémon franchise, which debuted in 1996, has grown into a global phenomenon, captivating fans with its video games, trading cards, and merchandise. The allure of rare cards and the thrill of the hunt continue to draw both young and old to the hobby. (WKRC)
However, the popularity has also led to challenges, including scalpers buying up products and reselling them at inflated prices. "It does suck right?" said a collector. "Just the thought of people going in there solely for a money-making purpose versus you trying to do something that you love."
Despite these challenges, the Pokémon community remains vibrant, with fans gathering at local card shops and competing on the national stage. "The hobby is in a great spot," said JJ Hoover, a former Cincinnati Reds pitcher who opened a card shop in Alexandria, Kentucky. "I love having people come in and bring their collections for me to look at."
As Pokémon approaches its 30th anniversary, the franchise continues to captivate fans worldwide, proving that the desire to "catch 'em all" is as strong as ever.""
