Are you planning to start collecting Pokémon cards? Then you are at the start of something that is not only fun, but can be smart and valuable too. As people who have been at this for years, we can tell you: it is a hobby you can easily share with your kids, and one you can seriously invest in.
1 - How the Pokémon world fits together
As you know, Pokémon is about more than just trading. The cards are part of the official Trading Card Game (TCG), in which you play against others with decks you build yourself. But you do not have to play to enjoy them. Plenty of people collect purely for the fun of it, or for the rarity.
There are several card types:
- Non-Holo: a standard card with no shine
- Holo: a shiny image, usually rarer
- Reverse Holo: only the background is shiny
- Full Art, Secret Rare, promos: often loved and valuable
You will find these cards in booster packs, Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs), tins and booster boxes. What you go for depends on how you want to collect.
2 - More than collecting: an investment too
Pokémon is not only fun, though. By now it is also a serious investment option. Some cards climb sharply in value, certainly when they are rare and stay in top condition. Think of the Base Set Charizard, or modern hits like Umbreon VMAX.
And you know what the best part is? You can do this together with your child. Opening cards together, building sets, trading – it brings you closer. And you teach them something about value, patience and looking after things.
3 - What to do before you start
Do not start buying without a plan. First decide whether you want to collect, play or invest. Then pick the right product. An ETB is a safe start, because you get a good mix of cards and accessories right away.
For buying and selling, these are good platforms:
- Cardmarket.com – huge range, sharp prices
- Upsides: you can find almost anything, and it is cheap
- Downsides: transferring money takes a while, shipping is often from abroad, limited customer service
- Getcollectr.com – check card prices in seconds. It works intuitively and saves you time.
- RareCards.nl – a reliable Dutch shop with fast delivery and good service
Our advice: do not just buy off Marktplaats, and always check the condition of the card (Mint, NM and so on).
4 - From the Base Set to the new generations
The original Base Set from 1999 is where it started for a lot of people. Charizard, Blastoise and Venusaur are still iconic. But do not underestimate the newer sets. Ranges like Scarlet & Violet and 151 bring stunning artwork, Alternate Arts and modern mechanics.
We see more and more collectors combining the two: nostalgia and innovation.
5 - Which languages are Pokémon cards printed in?
Most cards appear in:
- English
- Japanese
- French
- German
- Spanish
- Italian
- Korean
- Chinese
Japanese cards are known for their quality and their early release. English is the most universal. We ourselves mostly collect Japanese and English, depending on the set.
6 - What is best to collect?
That depends on your goal. Here are your options:
- Singles – collecting specific cards on purpose
- Graded cards – graded by PSA, BGS (Beckett) or CGC, among others. Ideal as an investment
- Sealed product – such as ETBs, booster boxes or tins. Nice to keep, or to open
- Promo cards – often unique and hard to find on their own
7 - The community: you are not on your own
Even if you are only just starting, you are not on your own. There are plenty of active Pokémon communities where you can ask questions, trade cards or pick up tips:
- WhatsApp groups (regional or by theme)
- Facebook groups with thousands of members
- Discord servers for deals, news and live openings
- Fairs and trading meet-ups in the Netherlands and Belgium
Staying in touch with other collectors teaches you quickly what works and what does not.
Want to start collecting? Then start with something you genuinely enjoy. Think about your goal, buy smart and do not let the hype push you around. Collecting Pokémon cards is not a sprint, it is an adventure. And we are happy to help you along the way.
