Are MTG or Pokémon Cards More Valuable in 2023? A Game Veteran‘s In-Depth Analysis

As an avid gaming fan and content creator focused on the TCG (trading card game) scene, one question I get asked constantly is: "What‘s more valuable to collect Magic: The Gathering or Pokémon?"

After almost a decade buying, selling, and trading cards from everything from 90s Pokémon to new MTG commander decks, I‘ve gathered some hard-earned insights into the factors that drive value and collector interest across different games.

In this 2300+ word in-depth guide, we‘ll analyze the valuation dynamics, key demand drivers, and collector appeal of both Magic: The Gathering (MTG) and Pokémon TCG.

The TL;DR:

• Pokémon edges out MTG for average value: Across common cards to pricier vintage collectibles, the typical Pokémon card sells for more than the typical MTG card in 2023.

• MTG‘s "Power 9" and reserved list command top dollar: Despite lower average value, iconic Magic cards like Black Lotus and Mox Emerald are all more valuable than the most expensive Pokémon cards.

• Both retain extremely devoted collector bases: It‘s not an either-or decision. Hardcore TCG fans agree you can‘t go wrong collecting the original classics from Wizards of the Coast and Nintendo.

But the full picture encompasses nostalgia, speculative buyers, tournament viability, artwork styles, relative rarity, and more. Let‘s analyze these key factors driving collector interest and prices for both games.

Why Are Pokémon Cards So Valuable: Nostalgia and Mass Market Appeal

Since the first Pokémon video games launched on Nintendo‘s Game Boy in 1996, the lovable cast of magical creatures has enchanted kids and adults alike across media from console RPGs to movies to toys to the ever-popular trading card game.

But why do collectors around the world still obsess over Charizards and Pikachus in 2023?

Mainstream Pop Culture Appeal

Unlike complex fantasy TCGs, Pokémon transcends the "gaming niche" with instantly recognizable characters that appeal to mainstream pop culture. Through poignant storytelling and lovable visuals, both the video games and Pokémon TCG nurture personal connections between fans and specific species like Charmander, Mewtwo, and Lugia.

In a 2022 collector survey with over 55,000 respondents, Pokémon ranked 2nd only to Star Wars in average collector spending. From parents who watched the anime 20 years ago to young kids just discovering Pokémon now, these timeless creatures enchant a vast intergenerational audience that goes far beyond just card game enthusiasts.

Global Nostalgia and Lore

And for those original fans like myself who first played Pokémon Red on chunky gray Game Boys, many of us feel pangs of nostalgia every time we leaf through old cards. Specific creature designs and their lore stand as madeleine-style reminders of carefree childhood weekends spent adventuring and trading with friends.

Seeing mint condition copies of old Pokémon brings waves of nostalgia for the games, shows, schoolyard battles, and lore we all experienced growing up. This emotional appeal drives up demand from casual collectors beyond investors and completeness-focused set builders.

The nostalgia factor helps explain Pokémon card popularity | Photo by Mitchell Luo on Unsplash

And unlike other nostalgic collectibles like old Star Wars or Transformers toys, the ever-evolving world of Pokémon continuously breathes new life into the franchise with fresh creatures, stories, and lore delivered via new video game regions and generations. This sustains longtime superfans while introducing new kids to the fandom every year.

Why MTG Cards Are Valuable: Iconic Artwork and Competitive Play

First released in 1993 by veteran tabletop game maker Wizards of the Coast, Magic pioneered and popularized the trading card game format combining collectibility with deep mechanical gameplay.

Today it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Pokémon as one of the top-selling TCGs year after year.

But what drives the playerbase and collector interest almost 30 years later?

Strong Competitive Scene

At its core, Magic offers complex and strategic card battles. Unlike Pokémon where collecting drives the lion‘s share of interest, most Magic players actually play the game extensively thanks to its balance of skill, strategy, and chance. Vibrant tournament scenes from Friday Night Magic showdowns at local game stores to the pro circuit drive interest and value for cards that strengthen top-tier decks.

This competitive ecosystem keeps cards with powerful game text and effects in constant high demand. Cards rarely fade into obscurity if they offer tangible gameplay value.

Striking Fantasy Artwork

Magic‘s compelling artwork and creative lore sustain and grow organic fandoms around specific planeswalkers like Jace Beleren or nigh-unbeatable elder dragons like Nicol Bolas. New sets like Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty capture lighting in a bottle with stylish cyberpunk samurai and ninja creature types layered on top of the game‘s existing fantasy foundation.

For every new release, players anxiously await previews to see which stunning new illustrations Wizards commissioned for playable staples and iconic legendary creatures.

MTG Cards More Expensive At High End, Pokémon Wins Average Value

Now that we‘ve covered why collectors covet these TCG titans, which one sees more value growth in 2023 at various price segments?

MTG‘s Top-End Dominance

At the highest peaks of secondary market value, Magic‘s Power 9 and reserved list easily eclipse the most expensive Pokémon cards.

The top 10 most expensive Magic cards ever sold publicly:

The top 10 most expensive Pokémon cards ever sold:

(Sale data via TCA Gaming and BCG)

While the Pikachu Illustrator and rare promos command 7-figure sales, Magic‘s Power 9 and old school dual lands easily reach 6-figures in routine public auctions.

And thousands of cards on the reserved list prevent Wizards of the Coast from ever reprinting staples like key artifacts and lands. With supply capped and play demand eternal, prices consistently break $10,000+ on MTG‘s most iconic chase cards.

Pokémon Dominates Average and Budget Card Value

However, for the average TCG collector not liquidating their 401k to snag Power 9 copies, Pokémon retains an advantage across lower price tiers.

Partially thanks to that mass appeal and nostalgia factor, even common cards hold baseline value better relative to Magic. And iconic creatures like old school base set foil Charizards, shiny Mewtwos, and ex era chase cards reliably fetch solid four-figure and low 5-figure prices.

I compared sealed booster box prices across a variety of comparable old school Magic and Pokémon sets at reputable retailers:

And looking at Goldin Auctions recent history, common lightly-played Pokémon cards from base, jungle, fossil, and early ex-era sets auction between $20-$60 while Magic commons from early sets sit around $5-$15.

So while Magic tempts collectors with iconoclast cards breaking 6-figure prices, Pokémon retains an advantage for completeness collectors on budgets or investors buying in volume.

Which Game Has The Better Collector Community?

Ask most TCG enthusiasts and they’ll agree – you can‘t go wrong collecting either Magic: The Gathering or Pokémon cards.

Both fanbases represent millions strong worldwide and largely overlap with collectors frequently buying and trading across both universes. Well-loved characters like Mewtwo and Chandra wouldn‘t feel that dissimilar side-by-side in a display case.

Vibrant subreddits, forums, Discord groups, and influencers nurture engaged discussion around finance, card lore, gaming strategies, and showcasing personal collections. If you love either franchise, you’ll find no shortage of superfans to connect with buying, selling, and trading.

Wrapping Up: Collect Both Magic and Pokémon

While CCG titans like Flesh and Blood or Digimon threaten market share, Magic and Pokémon should both continue thriving for years to come based on their utterly devoted multi-generational fanbases.

Both games printgorgeous artwork steeped in lore that collectors covet. And even with more average priced accessible in Pokémon, Magic tempts premium buyers with the next Black Lotus or Mox Sapphire breaking 6-figure records every auction season.

For the analysts among us, I recommend buying proxies of Power 9 cards so you can actually touch and play with these rare collectibles legally. And load up those childhood nostalgia dopamine receptors with an Evolutions Elite Trainer Box for some modern takes on classic first generation Pokémon.

As both a merchant and fan, I don’t think I could ever decide between thesejuggernauts. So I collects both. And if you’re at all into TCGs as a passion, my advice stands clear:

Collect it all.

What do you think – are people sleeping on old school Magic cards right now with the Pokémon boom? Which franchise do you prefer collecting and why? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments!