Collectors, investors, and players are seeing PokĂ©mon card prices spike again in 2024. Is it another boom
 or just a flash? Here’s what’s behind the surge and how long we think it’ll stick around.

If you’ve been watching the PokĂ©mon market lately, you’ve probably noticed what we have — prices are climbing fast. From sealed products like SV6 Black Bolt and White Flare to singles like the Gold Pikachu ex and full-art Iono, PokĂ©mon is heating up again across both English and Japanese sets.

But what’s driving the hype
 and is it here to stay?

📈 What’s Causing the Spike?

There are a few key drivers behind the current Pokémon price surge:

  1. Low Print Runs for Japanese Sets
    Japan-only booster boxes like Black Bolt and Shiny Treasure are seeing reduced allocations and strict limits on pre-orders. Demand far outweighs supply, and collectors globally are scrambling to grab them.

  2. Strong Competitive Scene
    The 2024 PokĂ©mon World Championships brought huge attention to top-tier cards, especially meta staples and reprints featured in the new World Championship Decks. That visibility translates to demand — and higher prices.

  3. Scarcity of Graded Modern Cards
    Collectors are sending in stacks of Art Rares and ex cards to PSA and CGC, but most haven’t returned yet. That means clean raw cards and early slabs are commanding strong premiums, especially in PSA 10.

  4. Increased Crossover Buyers
    We’re seeing sports card collectors, MTG players, and even sneakerheads diversifying into PokĂ©mon. That crossover drives volume up and puts pressure on the already-limited supply of high-grade or sealed items.

⏳ How Long Will It Last?

Short answer: we’ve got 6–12 months of strong activity ahead — but not every card will ride the wave.

  • Modern Japanese: Will likely stay hot through 2024 due to supply caps and sharp designs.

  • English TCG singles: Expect peaks leading into each major release, followed by cooldowns.

  • Graded promos and Gold Rares: These will hold longer if they remain low pop.

Once more stock arrives, especially if reprints hit or PSA return volume spikes, we’ll see softening on bulk and mid-tier cards — but top-tier chase cards should hold.

💡 Our Take at Urban Empire

We’re advising our community to:

  • Rip what you enjoy, sell smart, and grade selectively

  • Don’t panic-buy during peak hype

  • Focus on playable, beautiful, or first-print cards

We’ve got loads of new PokĂ©mon singles hitting the site every week and always pay strong trade value for cards in demand. If you’re holding fire, now might be the moment to move.

📍 Stop by the shop or check the latest online:

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