So when I saw a couple of recent videos exploring these topics from different angles, it really brought some of these questions to the surface. One, from Kitsune Anime, dives deep into how speculation and scalping are shifting the tone of the hobby (The Corruption of Pokémon Cards). Another, from TCG Madness, takes a practical look at what you actually get when you open a premium product today—specifically the Charizard EX Super Premium Collection (Is It Even Worth Opening Up Any Pokémon Products in 2025?).
That simple question—“Is it worth it?”—can mean wildly different things depending on who you are.
Here on the Holy Shock Blog, we’ve been circling this conversation for a while now—from how to balance collecting for fun versus future value, to the polarizing nature of sealed product. This Charizard box felt like the perfect case study to pull everything together and reflect on how collectors, flippers, and investors all engage with value in different ways—and why that sometimes puts them at odds.
🧰 What’s in the Box?
The box itself is pretty stacked. You get 10 booster packs from across several sets, a trio of Scarlet & Violet-style promos (Charmander, Charmeleon, and Charizard), and a hefty resin Charizard statue that doubles as a display stand.
The retail price is around $70. In the TCG Madness video, the estimated raw value of the cards pulled was under $30—not exactly a home run. But as always, “value” depends on what you’re here for.
Let’s break it down.
🎨 The Hobbyist / Collector
If you’re someone who loves the art, enjoys the process of opening packs, or just appreciates the nostalgia of seeing your favorite Pokémon in new formats—this product might speak to you. The figure is substantial, the promos are stylish, and there’s something kind of wholesome about getting 10 different packs in one place.
But these days, that feeling can be hard to hold onto.
“I miss going and grabbing a couple packs to open while on a snack run. I hope the hype dies down soon, because I’m tired of checking every week to only be let down.”
— @valenraye (YouTube commenter)
“I haven’t been able to buy a single pack for over 9 months. Everywhere I go, it’s out of stock. Completely.”
— @KazixeZone (YouTube commenter)
We’ve heard similar frustration in other fandoms too—Funko Pop collectors saw once-beloved figures become overproduced and eventually devalued. LEGO fans ran into restocks vanishing instantly thanks to bots and bulk flippers. As James Grebey wrote in Inverse, “LEGO scalping is the new sneaker hustle” (Inverse, 2022). It’s all part of a growing tension across collectibles: when joy becomes scarce, burnout follows.
“Collecting taps into comfort, nostalgia, and the emotional satisfaction of owning something special… but those feelings can fade when products become harder to access.”
— Áine Cain, Business Insider
Still, for collectors, a product like this might hold value even when it doesn’t hold profit. And that’s worth something too.
💰 The Flipper
Then there are folks who see a box like this and start doing the math. For flippers, it’s not about how the statue looks on a shelf—it’s about what they can get out of it.
“Cards like the Pidgey Illustration Rare have sold for over $100 in a PSA 10… Even the Charizard promo has upside in high grades.”
— TCG Madness, YouTube
Grading is risky—fees, wait times, and the gamble of not hitting a 9 or 10 make it a high-risk/high-reward game. But some flippers are comfortable with that.
“Even at my local card shop… a couple brought their own slabs, opening pack after pack of Prismatic Evolutions looking for hits to immediately sell on eBay.”
— @astrid6130 (YouTube commenter)
“Scalpers and resellers have created real challenges for the rest of the community, as shelves clear out almost instantly and resale prices soar, fueling ongoing frustration among fans.”
— Hillary Hoffower, Business Insider
This part of the ecosystem isn’t going anywhere—it’s present in every collectible niche, from sneakers to concert merch. Flippers will flip. That’s the model. And while it frustrates some, it also keeps supply moving, especially in a speculative market.
📈 The Investor
Investors are thinking longer-term. They’re not cracking packs for hits. They’re buying sealed product and tucking it away, hoping the market matures in their favor.
And there’s precedent. Hidden Fates, Shining Legends, and even some of the 20th Anniversary collections have seen solid appreciation over time. Outside Pokémon, it’s the same with Magic: The Gathering boxes, sealed Yu-Gi-Oh! tins, and even old-school sports memorabilia.
“Investors are flooding the Pokémon market... and sealed booster boxes are seen as long-term speculative plays by both newcomers and longtime collectors alike.”
— Natasha Dailey, Business Insider
But it’s not without risk.
Kitsune Anime’s video touches on some of the darker edges of the investor landscape—including money laundering. It sounds dramatic, but it’s been confirmed by multiple reports.
“Many criminals who commit bank transfer fraud are converting the money they steal into Pokémon cards… Pokémon cards are easy to hide, and if you take them overseas and cash them there, you can’t get tracked down.”
— Quoted by Kitsune Anime, referencing People Magazine (source)
There’s also the simple reality of oversupply. As Business Insider reported in 2023:
“Funko Pop collectible figures aren't worth what they used to be — and the bubble may have already burst.”
— Ben Gilbert, Business Insider (source)
Investors know this. They’re betting on scarcity, relevance, and time. And sometimes, that bet pays off—but it’s not guaranteed.
🕵️♂️ Beyond the Surface
The conversation isn’t just about money—it’s about emotion. And that emotional pull is what keeps people circling the hobby, even when it feels messy.
“As an actual player who got into the TCG because everyone was posting about cards—it feels so sad to see people using Pokémon as an investment and then scoffing at the ones who actually play the game.”
— @rebber1717 (YouTube commenter)
“This whole situation really sucks for kids and casual collectors. The stores near me have been completely sold out for six months. As soon as they stock shelves, they’re gone.”
— @MichaelB-jw5po (YouTube commenter)
This is the part that’s hard to quantify. The burnout. The gatekeeping. The emotional fatigue. All wrapped around a product that once felt simple.
🎯 Closing Thoughts
So, is the Charizard EX Super Premium Collection worth it?
Honestly, it depends.
If you’re collecting for love, this box might bring you a moment of joy and a statue you’ll proudly display. If you’re flipping, it could be worth the gamble—especially with the right pulls and a little grading luck. If you’re investing, it’s a calculated hold that might pay off in time—but only if supply stays low and demand stays strong.
Ultimately, the product is the same. It’s how we approach it that changes.
That’s been the thread across recent posts here on the Holy Shock Blog—from looking at profits and diversification to digging into the sealed product debate. What’s become clear is that we all have different motivations for being in this space. And that’s okay.
But maybe the healthiest thing we can do is check in with ourselves and ask: Why am I here? What am I really hoping to get out of this?
Whether it’s for profit, passion, or just a little nostalgia on a rainy day—your reason is valid. And in a hobby that’s getting louder, faster, and more intense… taking a moment to reflect might just be the most valuable thing of all.
Special thanks to TCG Madness for “Is It Even Worth Opening Up Any Pokémon Products in 2025?” and to Kitsune Anime for “The Corruption of Pokémon Cards” for sparking the ideas explored here.
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.