Pokemon isn't just big - it's massive. Think of the largest franchises you know - Star Wars, Marvel, Disney - Pokemon towers over them all as the undisputed champion.
As we approach the Pokemon franchise's monumental 30th anniversary in 2026, one thing is clear: Pokemon card collecting isn't going anywhere. That should tell you there's never been a better time to start building your collection of these iconic cardboard critters.
In this guide, we'll explore what's on the horizon for Pokemon cards, from exciting upcoming releases to navigating the challenges of scarcity and hype.
Reliving the Glory Days: Pokemon's Return to Iconic Sets
Pokemon has been taking a trip down memory lane lately. Many of the nostalgic sets that veterans hold dearly are being reimagined for a new era and audience.
In late 2023, the Pokemon Trading Card Game released Scarlet & Violet: 151, which brought back all 151 Pokemon from the Kanto region (the setting for the original video games). This set turns the nostalgia dial to 11, and beautiful illustrations bring a new sense of life to old favorites.
But Pokemon wasn't done there.
The first main set of 2025, Journey Together, has officially been revealed. It brings back another OG favorite: Trainer's Pokemon. These iconic Pokemon cards hail from the sets Gym Heroes and Gym Challenge.
If you ask your 30-something friends about their favorite vintage Pokemon cards, chances are a few will make that list.
The set doesn't release until March, but if the preorders represent the hype surrounding this set, it's safe to say Pokemon has another hit in the making.
And if that wasn't enough, soon after that, the Pokemon Trading Card Game is releasing The Glory of Team Rocket. Slated to launch in late spring/early summer, this will be the one to look out for.
The original Team Rocket set, still to this day, has some of the most high-value, sought-after cards in history. And with the new excellent illustrations littering the Scarlet & Violet era sets, a few new cards may be added to that list.
The 30th Anniversary: A Milestone Worth Celebrating
Pokemon was first released in 1996 in Japan with Pokemon Red and Green on the Game Boy. Next year, 2026, marks the 30th anniversary of the franchise, and history shows that Pokemon knows how to celebrate.
During its 25th anniversary, the Pokemon Trading Card Game released the special set Celebrations, an aptly named set that paid homage to the 25 years of sets that came before it.
Everything from a reprint of the Grandaddy of them all - Base Set Charizard - to remixing new Pokemon in the classic "Dark" Pokemon theme from earlier Team Rocket sets is here. And the set marked a significant milestone in any franchise's history.
It's safe to say that The Pokemon Company will pay similar attention to the 30th anniversary. There hasn't been an official reveal yet, but it'll be a new set to drool over, whether you're a veteran or a newcomer to the hobby.
But with all that hype, we have to discuss the dark side of that coin: inventory shortages and scalpers.
Challenges in the Market: Scarcity and Affordability
Depending on your involvement with the hobby, you've probably heard the cries of the fanbase over the high price tags and low affordability of some of the newest Pokemon TCG sets released recently.
Prismatic Evolutions will start its release cycle on January 17th, but you'd be lucky to find a single product anywhere selling for close to MSRP. Another set, Journey Together, sold out the same day it was released, albeit slightly slower.
Resellers are now marking up the price to two, three, or even five times the retail price. Understandably, the fanbase is not happy about that. Fans are worried that in the age of bots that can clean out entire stores in minutes, where do they get products for reasonable prices?
But all hope is not lost. Where there's a will, there's a way, and I have some tips if you find yourself in that position.
The easiest way - and I use that word lightly - to ensure you get access to the new sets is to preorder what you want. It may be challenging, but with set announcements happening months in advance, you have at least some time to get lucky if you stay diligent.
Now would also be a good time to start forming relationships with your favorite online stores and local card shops. They want to build a community, and scalping their customers isn't an effective way to do that.
Contact them and see if they notify customers of new drops. The site you're reading this on, CoolStuffInc, has a newsletter and email blasts that update users on new sets, so I would start there.
Most importantly, remember that these shortages only affect the most sought-after sets. If you only want rare cards, Scarlet & Violet: 151, Surging Sparks, or the new sets on the horizon, things may prove challenging and expensive.
But nearly every set previous to that in the Scarlet & Violet era is readily available for around MSRP. It depends on what you value with your collecting. But this is a great time to be a Pokemon card fan, even if there are some bumps in the road.
A Bright Future for Pokemon Collectors
There has never been a better time to dive into Pokemon card collecting. For fans of the series, the excitement surrounding Pokemon in 2025 is reaching unprecedented levels.
Massive hype does come with challenges - collectors now face hurdles such as scarcity, inflated prices, and less-than-savory business practices. But don't let that dampen your enthusiasm.
As the market stabilizes, every collector will soon have access to the sets they love at prices that keep this incredible hobby healthy and thriving.
Make sure to stay ahead of the game by keeping an eye on CoolStuffInc.com. It's your ultimate resource for staying updated on the latest Pokemon Trading Card Game releases, expert tips, and strategies to navigate this exciting new era of collecting!
The future of Pokemon cards is filled with opportunity, and now is the perfect time to embrace it.