The Pokémon Trading Card Game is experiencing unprecedented market activity, with patterns of buying, selling, and trading transforming the way collectors and players interact with the franchise. Recent reports indicate booming sales across various platforms, including online marketplaces and local retailers, indicating the game's enduring popularity and the emergence of new trading dynamics.
On February 7, 2025, Pokémon enthusiasts lined up outside retail locations across France, including stores like Cultura and Auchan, waiting eagerly for the release of limited-edition card sets. Luc, the manager of the Cultura store, stated, “It would be unthinkable to put these packs on shelves; there would be chaos. We know we won't be able to satisfy demand.” The excitement around these releases is palpable, with collectors eager to secure their items, often leading to marked-up prices of new, sealed packs; some are listed online for over 150 euros on consumer sale platforms.
According to the report, nearly 300 collectors crowded outside the Auchan supermarket, creating a scene filled with anticipation and disappointment as many knew the limited supply would not meet the demand. “I’ve been waiting since 5 am for this,” said one frustrated teenager. “If you want the cards, this is what you have to do.” With only one pack allowed per person and tension high, the situation speaks volumes about the extent of the Pokémon craze.
Concurrently, the digital space is witnessing its own waves of innovation and controversy following the release of Pokémon TCG Pocket. This mobile game has quickly amassed impressive revenues—approximately $500 million within three months of launch—making it the second-most lucrative Pokémon app to date, following Pokémon GO. Much of its monetary success stems from its highly controversial trading mechanism, which has sparked debates about fairness and community trust.
According to IGN’s Ryan Dinsdale, “This strange black market has emerged, where players buy and sell digital cards through exchanges on eBay, often violating Pokémon's terms of service.” This burgeoning market involves players trading codes for digital cards instead of cash, circumventing the official purchasing process, which has raised eyebrows within the community. Despite Creatures Inc.’s attempts to manage this through their trade token system, players have found loopholes to profit from rare cards.
The conditions surrounding these trades are rigid; sellers are required to hold cards of equal rarity for exchanges. Yet, this black market has enabled traders to profit considerably. Dinsdale notes some sellers are asking for 5 to 10 dollars per card and even listing entire accounts featuring rare cards for significant sums. This trend has enraged parts of the community, who are concerned about exploitation within what is supposed to be a friendly game atmosphere.
Despite the dramatic rise of Pokémon TCG Pocket’s popularity, criticisms abound concerning its monetization strategies. Many fans argue the game employs predatory practices meant to coax players toward spending more money. The freemium model leads to encounters where players face long waits before they can truly collect everything without cash outlays, estimated at around 1500 dollars just to complete certain sets.
Interestingly, this buying frenzy has roots going back to the pandemic. A 574% increase on eBay during the COVID-19 lockdown –when many consumers had disposable income—significantly boosted the interest surrounding Pokémon collectibles. According to reports, over 65 million Pokémon products, comprising cards and other merchandise, were sold by the publishing company, nearly doubling their revenue and cementing their position as dominant market leaders.
Adding to the dynamics is the entrance of French game developer, Embracer, through recent moves positioning them for growth within the sector. Embracer has taken notice of the rising demand for Pokémon TCG, driving the focus on expansion within both the physical and digital landscapes of collectible card games.
From black markets for trading cards fulfilling player demand to the lively queues at retail launches for new releases, the Pokémon TCG market seems to be surging. Creatures Inc. is taking note; they are working on ways to adjust the trading model as community feedback continues to flow, eager to resolve concerns and maintain trust.
While the success of Pokémon TCG is undoubted, balancing innovation, player satisfaction, and effective monetization without alienation will be key to sustaining its market position. If Creatures Inc. can navigate these challenges successfully, the Pokémon TCG could continue to thrive, as its vast community of collectors and fans affirms its passion for the beloved franchise.