Do Rainbow Rare Pokémon Cards Hold Real Value Going into 2023?

As an active Pokémon card investor and enthusiast, this is a question I get asked constantly around the hype swirling rainbow rare cards.

The short answer – yes, rainbow rares absolutely carry strong value in 2023 based on sales data and collector trends. But how much value depends greatly on the specific card.

In this detailed guide, we‘ll break down the measurable value, appeal drivers, and future outlook to assess if rainbow rares deserve a spot in your collection strategy.

Defining Rainbow Rare Pokémon Cards

Let‘s quickly cover what makes for a rainbow rare card before looking at values…

Rainbow rares belong to the secret rare class of ultra premium Pokémon cards. They first emerged in Sun & Moon sets starting 2016.

What sets them apart is the colorful, holographic backgrounds with the Pokémon illustrations popped on top. They replaces standard card images and backgrounds. See an example below:

Along with stunning artwork, rainbow rares also stand out through extremely limited supply. The pull rates average a miniscule 1 in 80 packs according to Pokémon set data. This scarcity heightens demand.

Now let‘s analyze just valuable they‘ve become for serious collectors.

Current Market Value Analysis of Rainbow Rare Pokémon

Rainbow rares fetch considerable value thanks to their vibrant colors and scarce pull rates. But assessing true valuations requires parsing the Pokémon cards market data…

According to 2023 aggregator TCGplayer, the average rainbow rare sells between $16 to $25 based on actual sales. However, prices also swing upwards of $100+ for especially popular Pokémon.

For example, the Rainbow Rare Charizard from the coveted Champion‘s Path set fetches around $175. Proving exceptional demand for this iconic dragon Pokémon.

As more context, Pikachu‘s Rainbow Rare VMAX card sells between $120 to $150 showing the beloved mascot garners premium valuations too.

Now let‘s analyze the exact drivers elevating rainbow rare Pokémon prices…

Why Rainbow Rare Pokémon Cards Command Such High Value

As we assess the Pokémon Cards landscape early into 2023, rainbow rares grab focus for both collectors and investors. What factors make them so valuable and compelling to chase?

Vibrant Artistry and Visual Appeal

Collectors are drawn to the striking foil rainbow colorings which replaces the normal Pokémon illustrations. They visually pop as something special compared to standard cards.

This eye-catching artwork translates into strong demand especially for collecting. Rainbow rares also photograph extremely well as strong social media flexes for prominent collectors.

Supply Constraints + Pull Rates

I alluded earlier to the extremely limited supply which enters circulation. With pull rates averaging just 1 in 80 packs (1.25% rate), rainbow rares carry an aura of exclusivity.

For context the main Ultra Rare VMAX cards appear 7x more often at about 1 in 12 packs. So rainbow rares clearly standout in scarcity.

This influx limitation greatly supports loftier valuations. From a buying approach, limited runs also give rainbow rares room to appreciate as holdings.

Surging Nostalgia and Pokémania

The Pokémon TCG scene has exploded since 2020 off pandemic boredom and nostalgia. Iconic original Pokémon now command 4X+ valuations from recent years.

Rainbow rares as a modern collectible segment rides this momentum. Given high artwork grades, they satisfy investor and collector demand alike driving prices upwards.

Best Practices for Finding Valuable Rainbow Rare Cards

Clearly rainbow rares can driver material value, but which specific cards should you target? Consider these factors when choosing cards to Buy/Sell/Hold:

I recently evaluated my personal 200+ card portfolio on these axes to optimize holdings for 2023-2040.

While obvious, also avoid excessive price premiums buying rainbow rares speculatively (see current pricing). Hyper-inflation could lead to future devaluation if collector zeal declines.

Market Forecast and Demand Drivers for Rainbow Rare Cards

Analyzing current sales momentum and macro trends gives clues into rainbow rare future trajectory as an asset class:

• Pandemic-era demand still red hot entering 2023 as nostalgia and boredom persists driving collectible appeal
• First-gen Pokémon strength endures across evolving sets and formats so iconic creatures bolster appeal
• New specification releases through 2025 meaning fresh high-art rainbow rares continually enter circulation
• Millennial collectors aging into peak spending power over next 5-10 years able to pursue childhood hobby

I project rainbow rares maintaining and likely increasing value given these sustainable tailwinds. Their collectibility should withstand any future events causing broader Poké industry declines.

Upside risk comes from generational hype dying down if Gen Z kids ever move onto other entertainment franchises.

Below I summarize actionable perspectives around engaging with the rainbow rare segment in 2023 forward.

Buying, Selling or Holding Rainbow Rare Cards – My Collector Perspective

Given their alluring pull rates and recent trajectory, what moves make sense for collectors and investors when managing rainbow rare Pokémon cards?

I‘ll break this down from buying, selling and holding stances as an active community member:

Buying More Rainbow Rares

• Yes for iconic Pokémon + quality artwork + gem mint condition
• Leverage current relatively reasonable valuations before any added hype
• Seek dynamic poses showing Pokémon personalities

Selling Existing Rainbow Rares

• Prune non-icon Pokémon even if nice artwork
• Flip hot 2021 prints where hype peaked like Evolving Skies
• Avoid unknown 3rd party graders when auctioning

Holding Long-term Collectibles

• Only keep Charizards, Pikachus, MewTwos if great condition
• Ensure high-grade slabs from PSA, BGS, or CGC
• Be highly selective as 80% of secrecy portfolio churn recommended

Use these perspectives as guardrails when engaging rainbow rares as collectibles or speculative holdings.

Conclusion – Rainbow Rare Pokémon Cards Warrant the Hype Today

Given their mesmerizing artwork built atop extremely limited supply, rainbow rare Pokémon cards undoubtedly carry material value in 2023. Iconic creatures, newer prints, and strong grades elevate which specific cards breach the $100+ level.

I expect continued tailwinds around nostalgic first-gen mania, maturing millennial wealth, and appealing modern prints to propel rainbow rares through at least 2025. Their scarcity and visual appeal cement collectability through future market cycles.

Just be wary of overpaying for less iconic Pokémon that could see demand drop off over time. Avoid hyper-inflated Pre-orders as well.

Overall rainbow rares deserve consideration for serious collectors and speculative investors alike thanks to their current relatively reasonable valuations and foreseeable staying power.

What has been your experience buying, selling or collecting rainbow rare Pokémon cards? I welcome perspectives from our vibrant community in the comments below!