Pokémon cards become active alternatives for investors after a record sale of over 16 million dollars

Pokémon collectible cards are no longer just childhood memories, but have become active investment alternatives. Some of the rarest specimens have recorded returns that exceed the performance of the S&P 500 index, according to CNBC.

The Card Ladder platform shows that, during the pandemic and in 2025, sales of Pokémon cards have significantly increased, with gains far above the average annual return of 10%-12% of the stock market. The increase in prices is influenced by rarity, the condition of the cards, and the interest of wealthy collectors. A notable example is the Pikachu Illustrator card, sold for over 16 million dollars. The physical condition of the cards is crucial, with evaluation done on a scale from 1 to 10. Interest in collectibles exploded during the pandemic, with a 350% increase in spending on non-sport collectible cards.

Although popularity has been amplified by celebrities, analysts warn that the market remains risky and volatile. However, rare cards continue to perform well compared to traditional financial markets.