Pokémon Reprints: Opportunity or Risk for Collectors?
The Pokémon TCG market is in turmoil. Reprints of several popular Scarlet & Violet sets are on the way, including Paldea Evolved, Surging Sparks, Obsidian Flames, and Twilight Masquerade. This could have a huge impact on the prices of both sealed products and individual cards. But what does this really mean for collectors and investors? Let’s take a closer look at the situation.
Why reprints are important
Reprints play a crucial role in the Pokémon market. They keep cards accessible to new collectors and reduce the risk of extreme price increases. Without reprints, some products would become unaffordable, which would be detrimental to the enjoyment of the hobby. On the other hand, reprints can also negatively impact the value of previously released cards. It is therefore important to carefully assess how a reprint will affect the market.
The impact of reprints on the market
As you know, reprints often have a clear impact on the market. This usually happens in three stages:
- The announcement of the reprint: People expect a price drop and start selling their inventory. Result? Prices of sealed products slowly drop.
- The reprints hit the market: Stores fill their shelves, products become more available and prices drop further.
- Single card prices are dropping: With more products in circulation, collectors are opening more packs, which lowers the value of singles.
However, we live in a different time than before. The demand for Pokémon products is huge and scalpers still have an influence on the prices. This makes it difficult to predict how much the market will actually drop. A recent reprint like Crown Zenith for example showed that some prices barely dropped despite new stock on the market.
What can we expect?
Looking at specific sets, we see clear trends. For example, Paldea Evolved has increased significantly in price. In December 2023, you could buy a booster box for $140, but now the price is around $222. That is a significant increase. Even with a reprint, it is unlikely that the price will drop back to old levels, although a correction could come.
For Obsidian Flames it's a different story. This set started around $106 and is now ~$188. A bigger price drop is more likely here, as the hype around this set is less than other reprints.
Then we have Surging Sparks, a fairly recent set that is already sitting at $262 per booster box. This feels like an overvaluation, especially since it is not the strongest set of this generation. If the reprint is big enough, this set could see a major correction.
Another important point is how collectors react to these reprints. Historically, there have been times when reprints did not have the desired effect. Pokémon 151, for example, remained highly priced despite being reprinted. This shows that it is not only availability but also demand for a product that determines its market value.
What does this mean for your collection?
When investing in sealed products, it is wise to keep a close eye on prices. Reprints often offer opportunities to enter at a lower price.
Are you a loose collector? It might be wise to wait a bit. As we saw with Crown Zenith, singles from reprinted sets can drop by 20-30%. For example, Magikarp Illustration Rare from Paldea Evolved is now $277, which is actually too high a price given the draw rates and availability of the card.
It’s also important to realize that sentiment around certain cards and sets can change. Fusion Strike was poorly received upon release, but is now one of the most popular sets from the Sword & Shield era. This means that what may not seem popular today could become a must-have in the future. This makes it difficult to predict which cards are a good investment, but it also offers opportunities for savvy collectors.
"This blog is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before making any investment decisions."