What's up fellow TCG enthusiasts?
This is an open discussion about the current state of TCGs (Trading Card Games), and frankly, things aren't looking great for regular players. I started collecting with my kids about 5 years ago, and while we didn't get particularly lucky with pulls, we were having a fantastic time actually playing the games rather than just collecting.
Pokémon was our primary focus, but we ventured into other games too - One Piece, Magic: The Gathering, My Hero Academia, you name it. We even took courses with a Pokémon judge to improve our game. During one session, he shared this prophetic warning:
"You're lucky to play right now, because soon the meta will be stupidly bad."
F&$* Scalpers
I dismissed it at first, but his prediction couldn't have been more accurate. The issue isn't with the game mechanics - it's with the card scalpers and the YouTube hype machine. These so-called "collectors" are artificially inflating demand, hyping sets before release, buying in bulk at pre-order prices, and leaving actual players and families with nothing but inflated resale prices.
The companies attempt to address this with purchase limits, but scalpers simply create multiple accounts to bypass these restrictions. Since Pokémon 151's release, prices have skyrocketed. First, it was the English sets, and now even the Japanese market has seen dramatic increases!
Yeah yeah AI Generated...
FOMO
I've looked into other TCGs, but they're all facing similar issues. I suspect this bubble will burst eventually. I managed to secure two Prismatic Evolution ETBs from the Pokémon Center website, but this might be my last purchase for a while. The upcoming set looks just as problematic, and I refuse to let FOMO drive me to overpay. After all, we're talking about cards, however much we enjoy them.
So, what's your game of choice? Are you still actively playing, and what's your take on its current state? Let's have an honest discussion!
TLDR: TCG market is currently overrun with scalpers and artificial hype, making it tough for regular players and collectors.
Share your thoughts!
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Hey there! recently, I’ve been super into Pokémon TCG, and honestly, it’s been such a blast. Every time I see those familiar cards, it’s like being a kid again, like opening a little time capsule with every pack. It’s such a fun mix of nostalgia and excitement
But yeah, I totally feel you about the current state of TCGs, That said, the hype can get overwhelming sometimes, and it’s way too easy to fall into the FOMO trap. Lately, I’ve been trying to pace myself and focus on cards that really spark joy for me whether it’s because they remind me of a favorite Pokémon or because they’re perfect for a deck I actually enjoy playing. Chasing every release just feels exhausting after a while.
What about you? Do you lean more toward collecting for the love of it, or are you all about the gameplay?
I mean I have nothing to say about the sets, they are great. Actually they might just be TOO good lately, hence why I'm kind of overwhelmed with all the releases since I want them all so bad.
Also the FOMO is real, there is actually no set left of 151, unless you want to pay thrice the price. So I'm glad I got some, but I just can't get them anymore for a reasonable price. Kinda sad.
Prismatic Evolutions seems to be 151 all over again (Evolving Skies style).
Right now I'm playing Pokémon and Union Arena, a new TCG I really enjoy with the kids - Check it out if you like Anime and stuff. It's really fun! And the hype is not there yet, so I can get boxes at the local store (Incredible, I know!)
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It is a real shame that this kind of thing is happening. I also collect them with my brother and it is really annoying the situation of resellers.
I don't know if the problem is really the resellers or the Pokémon Company not printing enough sets.
I don't know, but it's really a problem that affects all of us.