Some voices in the trading card community have raised concerns that “too many people are hoarding sealed Pokémon products,” suggesting this behavior is detrimental to the hobby. Others argue that sealed collecting is a legitimate and longstanding part of the collectible space. Both perspectives offer valid points, and it’s worth exploring the middle ground between them.
🧩 Why Some People Hold Sealed Product
One perspective expressed in a recent discussion stated:
“I’ve been able to buy a lot of other stuff in my collection because of Pokémon… Buying booster boxes and keeping them sealed, then finding a good time to sell them.”
This highlights a viewpoint that sees sealed product as part of a broader collection strategy. Some collectors may choose to keep sealed items as a long-term collectible, while others may view them as a potential asset that could gain value over time. This approach is not new—sealed collecting has been part of hobby culture for decades.
A 2021 Business Insider article reflected on this growing trend, noting:
“Investors are flooding the Pokémon market... and sealed booster boxes are seen as long-term speculative plays by both newcomers and longtime collectors alike.”
— Business Insider, "Pokémon cards are skyrocketing in value"
Similarly, in the sports card world, a Wall Street Journal article outlined how sealed boxes and high-grade singles surged in popularity among investors:
“Record-setting sales and new platforms drew investors into the hobby... transforming collectibles into speculative assets for many participants.”
— Wall Street Journal, "Sports Cards Are No Longer Just Child’s Play"
These articles illustrate that speculative collecting isn’t unique to Pokémon—it’s a broader trend seen across multiple categories, especially during periods of rapid value growth.
⚖️ When Sealed Collecting Raises Concerns
On the opposite side of the conversation, another participant made the following point:
“It’s not about collecting fun cards to play with—it’s only about the value.”
This view expresses frustration that an emphasis on sealed product and market value may be shifting the hobby away from its roots: collecting for enjoyment and playing the game. Some believe that widespread sealed hoarding can limit access to product for players and casual collectors, especially during periods of high demand or limited supply.
This concern is particularly relevant when sealed collecting becomes less about appreciation or nostalgia, and more about mass accumulation with resale in mind. It can lead to perceived artificial scarcity and reinforce the financialization of a community-driven hobby.
The same Wall Street Journal article also acknowledged this concern, highlighting how some hobbyists feared that younger or newer participants were being priced out due to rising valuations and speculative interest:
“Some longtime collectors worry the new focus on profit is pushing the hobby away from what made it great... and pricing out future generations of fans.”
— Wall Street Journal
📉 Market Cycles and Emotional Triggers
In the previous blog post, I discussed the role of emotional investing—specifically how fear, greed, and FOMO (fear of missing out) can cloud decision-making. These same emotional triggers appear in the trading card world, particularly when prices spike or when influencers highlight "must-have" sealed products.
A 2021 MarketWatch article reinforced this by highlighting how emotional behavior often distorts collectible investing decisions:
“FOMO, nostalgia, and herd mentality can cloud judgment... Many collectors let emotional attachment stop them from taking profits or recognizing downturns in the market.”
— MarketWatch, "How to avoid letting emotions ruin your collectibles investments"
Whether or not one agrees, these emotional dynamics reflect broader concerns about long-term access and sustainability within the community. It's also a reminder that collectibles are not immune to speculative behavior, price corrections, or market hype cycles.
As noted in the earlier post, market corrections—defined as a drop of 10% or more from recent highs—are a natural part of any asset class, including collectibles. A sudden influx of sealed product hitting the secondary market could result in downward pressure on prices, particularly if many people are looking to exit at once.
🌐 Diversification and Overexposure
In any collectible space, participants tend to fall somewhere along a spectrum: from players and casual collectors to long-term holders and short-term flippers. Understanding one’s own position along that spectrum may help set appropriate expectations and mitigate the emotional highs and lows that can come with market movement.
The concept of diversification, discussed previously, also applies here. While some choose to focus heavily on sealed products from a specific set, era, or IP, others prefer a broader approach. This can help reduce exposure to any single market shift—particularly if supply increases or demand cools unexpectedly.
A cautionary tale from the collectible world can be found in the decline of Funko Pops. Once hailed as a booming collectible category, Funko figures experienced rapid value appreciation—followed by widespread overproduction and a sharp drop in resale value.
“Funko Pop collectible figures aren't worth what they used to be — and the bubble may have already burst.”
— Business Insider
The article details how overproduction and market saturation led to collapsing prices, even forcing Funko to discard excess inventory. For collectors, it serves as a reminder that no single product line is immune to shifts in demand, and that concentration risk can be just as real in collectibles as it is in traditional markets.
🎯 Closing Thoughts
The debate around sealed product is not new, but it has become louder in recent years due to increased visibility, influencer-driven content, and market speculation. Some view sealed collecting as a smart and enjoyable aspect of the hobby; others see it as a distraction from the heart of the game. As with many discussions in collectibles, the answer often depends on context, goals, and perspective.
Understanding why people collect, how markets behave, and where emotional and financial motivations intersect can provide clarity in what can sometimes feel like a noisy environment. At the end of the day, each person’s approach will vary, and the best path forward may be one grounded in curiosity, mindfulness, and respect for the broader community.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as investment advice, financial guidance, or a recommendation to buy or sell any product or asset. Always conduct your own research and consult with a qualified professional before making any financial decisions related to collectibles or other speculative markets.