The Pokémon Trading Card Game 30th Anniversary expansion launched on September 16, bringing early morning queues, cancelled pre-orders, and heavy stock hoarding by scalpers, according to The Pokémon Company and IGN.
Early Morning Queues and Cancelled Pre-Orders Mark the September 16 Launch
However, according to reports by IGN, high pull rates have reduced card values on the resale market, leaving investors who expected high profits facing unexpected financial losses.
High Pull Rates Undermine Scalper Exit Strategies
Rather than acting as a profitable bull market catalyst, the expansion’s high pull rates made rare cards less scarce than anticipated.
According to /r/PokeInvesting Reddit users cited by IGN, investors who planned exit strategies around the anniversary set found the complete opposite outcome. One user noted that the set would eventually stop generating profit, while another warned that ongoing card dumping by collectors would create a severe market drop.
Did you know? At the time of launch, only the blue, green, and red SIR Mew cards maintained resale values in the thousands of dollars, with nearly all other cards dropping below the $200 mark.
Affordable Secondary Markets Benefit Everyday Hobbyists
While scalpers hoarding Elite Trainer Boxes and expansion packs may still secure profits over time, the lower secondary market values benefited everyday hobbyists.
According to IGN, cheaper resales and easier pull rates make completing collections more accessible. Reddit user TommyC6852 argued on /r/PokeInvesting that fun pull rates encourage long-term engagement, which ultimately supports the hobby’s overall health and investment value.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Anniversary Set
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When did the Pokémon Trading Card Game 30th Anniversary expansion launch?
According to IGN, the set officially launched on September 16. -
Why are scalpers unhappy with the 30th Anniversary expansion?
According to IGN, unexpectedly high pull rates made rare cards less scarce, driving down resale values and limiting investment profits. -
Which cards retained the highest resale value?
According to IGN, only the blue, green, and red SIR Mew cards maintained values in the thousands of dollars at the time of writing.
Pro Tip: Focus on collecting sets that offer engaging pull rates and stable community participation rather than relying strictly on short-term resale speculation.
Did you manage to pick up any cards from the 30th Anniversary expansion? Let us know your pull rates in the comments below, and subscribe to our newsletter for more TCG market updates.
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