There’s a quiet hum happening in the corners of Singapore. Behind glass counters in card shops, during late-night “box breaks” on TikTok Live, and around tables in mall basements. Pokémon cards are back.
Not just for kids. Not just for play. But as prized collectibles, emotional keepsakes, and in many cases, surprisingly valuable investments.
So why this sudden return of the Pokémon Trading Card Game? Who's behind this surge in demand? And what does it reveal about us, this growing wave of grown-ups chasing cardboard creatures with unwavering devotion?
Let’s have a closer look.
(Image for editorial use only)The Comeback Nobody Saw Coming
Pokémon cards have always had a nostalgic appeal for those who grew up in the 1990s and early 2000s. But over the past few years, something bigger has taken hold. The market didn’t just grow. It surged.
According to TCGPlayer’s market analysis, the value of Pokémon cards jumped more than 20 percent in early 2025, with rare and vintage cards leading the pack. A first-edition Charizard in mint condition can now sell for thousands, sometimes even tens of thousands, of dollars.
But this isn’t just about numbers. It’s about something more profound.
Why the World is Hooked Again
(Image for editorial use only)Nostalgia, now with perspective. Millennials now in their 30s and 40s are driving much of this revival. For many, Pokémon cards represent a time of innocence and joy. In a world that’s constantly changing, these cards offer a small sense of control. Cracking open a booster pack feels like opening a door back into childhood.
As many collectors will tell you, there’s a psychological joy in unboxing the unknown. It’s the thrill of discovery, grown-up, but no less magical.
Cards are becoming cultural assets. As people diversify their investments, Pokémon cards have entered the mix alongside sneakers, vintage watches, and NFTs. With grading systems like PSA and BGS offering legitimacy, cards are now viewed through the lens of long-term value. In Singapore, Oxley Grading Card Store has become a key destination for collectors looking to protect and appraise their most prized cards.
Creators and content fueling the flame - YouTube personalities like Leonhart and countless live streamers on TikTok have added entertainment to the mix. Watching a rare pull happen live and reacting in real time has become a thrill for fans. Local card shops like 1Collectibles, Matt’s Vault, and Newtro Gaming Studio are now part of that global conversation, building loyal followings through online and in-store experiences.
Who’s Buying These Cards?
It’s not who you’d expect.
Millennials with stable incomes are reliving the wonder of their youth, this time with protective sleeves and the ability to chase down the cards they could never afford as kids.
Investors, some of whom are new to the scene, are turning to high-grade slabs as part of their alternative asset strategy.
The stunning artwork, gaming mechanics, and crossover appeal with other fandoms draw in Gen Z collectors.
Even parents are getting involved, sharing the excitement with their kids while passing on their own stories and strategies.
Where the Action Is in Singapore
From casual hobbyists to hardcore traders, the Pokémon card scene is alive and thriving in Singapore. Some of the most talked-about places include:
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Name |
Location |
Why you need to know |
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511 Guillemard Rd, #01-06 Grandlink Square, Singapore 399849 |
Known across the region as a collector’s haven. They offer sealed products, grading advice, and community-focused events. |
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1 Pemimpin Dr, #06-09 One Pemimpin, Singapore 576151 |
Popular for its high-energy livestream breaks and strong local following. |
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8 Burn Rd, #15-15 Trivex, Singapore 369977 |
Specialising in vintage cards and crossover collectibles. |
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190 Clemenceau Ave, #02-08 Singapore Shopping Centre, Singapore 239924 |
Singapore’s largest PSA and BGS grading submission hub. Think of it as the authentication authority in the local scene. |
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41 Jln Pemimpin, Unit #02-03 Kong Beng Industrial Building, Singapore 577186 |
Offering a more casual, gameplay-oriented atmosphere where players and collectors can meet, trade, and duel. |
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BLK 203 Choa Chu Kang Ave 1, B1-41, Singapore 680203 |
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Pop up event only (Refer to their socials for updates) |
A passionate group of collectors that focuses on giving back to the community |
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1 Thomson Rd, #01-330A Singapore 300001 |
Small but mighty. A grassroots spot with niche Pokémon singles, sealed sets, and loyal local fans. |
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35 Selegie Rd, #05-11, Singapore 188307 |
From player to seller, this store reflects personal passion. Carries a mix of collectible hits and core TCG sets. |
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150 South Bridge Rd, B1-22 Fook Hai Building, Singapore 058727 |
Where fashion meets fandom. A playful blend of anime merch and TCG essentials in one vibrant space. |
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150 Orchard Rd, #04-36 Orchard Plaza, Singapore 238841 |
A premier Flesh and Blood and Grand Archive destination. Perfect for players into niche formats and serious gameplay. |
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8 Burn Rd, #14-12 Trivex, Singapore 369977 |
Hosts Singapore’s Grand Archive scene. Loved for grassroots tournaments and a welcoming atmosphere. |
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Upper Bukit Timah Rd, #03-28 Beauty World Centre, 144, Singapore 588177 |
A Magic: The Gathering staple. Strong singles selection, dedicated events, and a loyal player base. |
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80 Changi Rd, Centropod@Changi #03-23, Singapore 419715 |
A friendly, community-focused store offering mystery packs, same-day delivery, and that nostalgic joy of cracking a fresh booster. |
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41 Jln Pemimpin, Unit #02-03 Kong Beng Industrial Building, Singapore 577186 |
Collector or casual? Either way, Zoomies welcomes you. Stocked with Pokémon, One Piece, and MTG — minus the gatekeeping. |
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Blk 928 Yishun Central 1, #01-145, Singapore 760928 |
Your neighbourhood TCG hangout. Laidback vibes with a well-rounded selection of Pokémon, MTG, and Yu-Gi-Oh! |
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183 Jln Pelikat, B1-116 The Promenade @ Pelikat, Singapore 537643 |
Youth-driven and trend-savvy. A creative collision of anime, fashion, and collectible card culture. |
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8 Yio Chu Kang Rd, Singapore 545522 |
A go-to for variety and reliability. Known for great service and a wide mix of Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Digimon, and more. |
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139 Jalan Besar, #01-01 Singapore 208857 |
A play-first space with grading perks. Ideal for hobbyists who love both competition and card preservation. |
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French Rd, #05-164 Blk 809, Singapore 200809 |
No-frills, all cards. A hobby store that covers MTG and a wide variety of TCGs for players and collectors alike. |
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12 Woodlands Square, #11-85 Woods Square Tower 1, Singapore 737715 |
This spot combines TCGs, sports cards, anime collectibles, and high-energy card breaks. |
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214 Bishan St. 23, B1-223, Singapore 570214 |
One of Singapore’s largest LGS powerhouses. Hosts competitive Pokémon, MTG, Union Arena and more — big on organised play |
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736 Geylang Rd, Singapore 389647 |
A veteran store with a pulse on emerging TCGs like Sorcery, Altered, and Lorcana. Welcoming to players of all levels. |
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277 Orchard Road, Gateway, #04-09 Orchard, Singapore 238858 |
Premium vibes, pristine slabs. This is where serious collectors find graded gems, sealed exclusives, and top-tier accessories. |
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78 Airport Blvd., #04 - 201 & 202, Singapore 819666 |
The only official Pokémon hub outside Japan. Think nostalgia, licensed merch, and the full Pokémon experience. |
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1 West Coast Drive, #01-38, Newest Mall 128020., Singapore 128020 |
Great for value seekers and competitive players. Offers broad accessibility across Pokémon, One Piece, and Digimon. |
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Tampines Street 81, #01-190 Block 822, Singapore 520822 |
A community-based store with all the essentials. It’s where casual players and collectors meet, trade, and geek out. |
What This Revival Says About Us
This isn’t just a trend. It’s a reflection.
Of how we reconnect with the past. Of how we look for meaning in the small things we once loved. Of how something as simple as a shiny card can spark joy, build friendships, and even bridge generations.
Pokémon cards are no longer just a game. They’re a form of cultural currency. A quiet way of saying, “I remember who I was. And I’m not afraid to feel that again.”
So whether you’re chasing the next Charizard, passing on your collection, or just watching the scene unfold from the sidelines, welcome back.
There’s always room for one more trainer at the table.