11-Year-Old Pokémon Card Collector Says, “I Just Flip Cards”
I’ve experienced all 30 years of Pokémon, witnessing the rise of ‘90s Pokémania evolve into today’s scalper culture, which has left many disillusioned and those who remain on high alert. Perhaps because I was so young when Pokémon first emerged, I still hold onto a sense of joy and wonder for the series. However, it’s disheartening to see the spark fade from our collective excitement when we encounter the little yellow mascot, as scalpers have turned the experience into a quick cash grab. It’s almost darkly amusing to hear about a recent encounter at a card show where a kid admitted he didn’t know much about Pokémon but had started flipping cards after seeing influencers touting them as a solid investment. My inner child aches for this kid, who’s hustling instead of focusing on earning his eight badges.
In light of this, it’s been reported that Pokémon will be banning partnered vendors from selling graded cards at official events and will also restrict sales of items priced over $1000, including plushies and cards from the Japanese Pokémon Center that aren’t available internationally yet. While there won’t be an official announcement, these rules will kick in at the Indianapolis Regionals this weekend and will also apply at the Pokémon World Championship in San Francisco this August. We’ve reached out for comments on this situation and will provide updates if we receive any.
The fansite also shared a story about an 11-year-old named Rob at a recent card show, who revealed he hadn’t played the games or watched the anime. Instead, his experience with Pokémon was much less magical: “I just flip cards,” he said. “I don’t know much about Pokémon.” He mentioned that TikTok and Instagram influencers had informed him that Pokémon cards were “the best investment right now.”
Oof. That stings. While not every kid needs to share the same experiences I had, it’s disheartening to realize there’s a generation that may primarily associate Pokémon with the scalper chaos that has overshadowed the series in recent years, rather than the adventures and friendships that have defined it for decades. These kids seem more interested in the resale value of cards than the joys of “comfy shorts” and the power of friendship. Go outside, little king. Adventure awaits beyond the murky corners of the internet that are tarnishing this beloved series for everyone else.
