Pokémon TCG Market Shifts: What’s Hot & What’s Not in 2025!
🚀 The Pokémon TCG market is always evolving, and staying ahead of the trends can mean the difference between a smart investment and a binder full of bulk. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just collecting for fun, it’s good to know which cards are rising in value and which ones are cooling off faster than an Ice Beam to the face.
So, what’s booming in 2025? And what’s falling harder than a misplayed Rare Candy? Let’s break it down!
🔥 What’s HOT Right Now?
1️⃣ Alternate Arts Are Still King 👑
If you thought the Alternate Art craze was dying down—think again. Cards like Umbreon VMAX (Moonbreon) and Giratina V Alt Art are still commanding huge prices, and new sets continue to release gorgeous, full-art chase cards that collectors can’t resist.
💡 Why? The unique, full-scene artwork makes them stand out compared to standard Vs and VMAX cards. They’re harder to pull, making them both scarce and desirable.
🚀 Notable Gainers:
✔️ Charizard ex Alt Art (151) – Because, well... Charizard.
✔️ Roaring Moon ex Alt Art – New set, same old hype.
✔️ Iono Special Illustration Rare – Waifu tax + competitive play = big bucks.
⏳ Long-Term Prediction: Alt Arts from early Sword & Shield sets will likely keep rising as supply shrinks. If you’re holding a high-grade PSA 10 Moonbreon, you’re probably feeling like a Pokémon Master right now.
2️⃣ Vintage Cards Are Seeing a Revival 🕰️
For a while, it looked like the hype around Base Set cards was cooling off. But in 2025, nostalgia is booming again—especially for graded 1st Edition & Shadowless cards.
💡 Why? As newer collectors get deeper into the hobby, they start appreciating the classics. Plus, many long-time collectors are returning to the game after years away.
🚀 Notable Gainers:
✔️ Base Set Charizard (Shadowless, 1st Ed.) – Still a grail card, no surprise here.
✔️ Gold Star Pokémon – Rare, hard to grade, and increasing in demand.
✔️ EX Era Holos – Hard to find in mint condition = big price jumps.
⏳ Long-Term Prediction: If you have vintage holos sitting in a binder, now might be the time to grade them before prices rise even more!
3️⃣ EX & ACE SPEC Cards Are Gaining Momentum 🎴
With the return of EX Pokémon and the introduction of ACE SPEC cards, players and collectors are paying attention. EX cards from older sets (like the 2003-2007 EX era) are also seeing renewed interest.
💡 Why? Competitive players love the playability of new EX cards, and nostalgia collectors want the old-school versions.
🚀 Notable Gainers:
✔️ Gardevoir ex (EX Sandstorm) – One of the most expensive non-Charizard EX cards.
✔️ New EX Cards from Scarlet & Violet – Playable + fresh hype = 🔥.
✔️ ACE SPEC Trainer Cards – High-impact, 1-per-deck limit means these will be sought after.
⏳ Long-Term Prediction: EX cards from older sets will continue to rise as nostalgia kicks in. ACE SPEC cards will depend on competitive play.
❄️ What’s Cooling Off?
1️⃣ Bulk Ultra Rares & Standard Vs 🃏
We all love pulling shiny Ultra Rares, but not all of them hold value. Regular V, VMAX, and GX cards that aren’t playable or special artworks are dropping in price.
💡 Why? Supply is too high—every pack has one, and people aren’t grading them anymore.
❄️ Losing Value:
✔️ Standard VMAX cards – Too many, not rare enough.
✔️ Non-Alt Art Trainer Galleries – People want the big hitters.
✔️ Most Full-Art Trainers (Except the REALLY popular ones) – If they aren’t Iono, Lillie, or a major character, their prices are dipping.
⏳ Long-Term Prediction: Only rare, playable, or fan-favorite Ultra Rares will hold value.
2️⃣ Modern Sets with High Print Runs 🏭
Sword & Shield had some amazing sets, but some of them were printed into the ground. Even though people still love Evolving Skies, Lost Origin, and Astral Radiance, the reality is that their prices are starting to stabilize.
💡 Why? Sealed product is still everywhere, and even popular cards lose value when there’s too much supply.
❄️ Losing Value:
✔️ Some Sword & Shield-era Trainer Galleries
✔️ Regular Charizard VSTAR (Not Rainbow or Alt Art)
✔️ Radiant Pokémon (Except Greninja & Charizard)
⏳ Long-Term Prediction: If you’re holding sealed booster boxes, keep holding—they may rise in a few years. But don’t expect standard holos and Vs to become goldmines.
3️⃣ The “New Set Rush” Is Slowing Down 🏎️
Remember when every new Pokémon set sold out instantly? In 2025, people are getting pickier about what they buy.
💡 Why? The Pokémon hype is still high, but buyers are smarter now. They’re waiting to see what’s ACTUALLY rare and valuable before jumping in.
❄️ Losing Value:
✔️ Overhyped chase cards that don’t hold up
✔️ Common Full Arts that aren’t playable or nostalgic
✔️ Overproduced promos from Special Boxes
⏳ Long-Term Prediction: Pokémon collectors are becoming more strategic. Expect older, rare, and competitive cards to gain value, while short-term hype fades faster.
🚦 Final Thoughts: What Should You Do?
The Pokémon TCG market is always changing, but if you pay attention to trends, you’ll be ahead of the game!
✅ If you’re collecting, go for unique, hard-to-find cards like Alt Arts, vintage holos, and playable EXs.
✅ If you’re investing, avoid modern bulk cards and focus on high-grade vintage or competitive staples.
✅ If you’re playing, grab playable cards early before they spike!
What do YOU think? Have you noticed any big market changes? Let us know in the comments! 👇
📢 Next Up: Want more Pokémon TCG insights?
Check out The Captain’s Log for expert guides on collecting, trading, and building the ultimate Pokémon TCG collection! 🚢✨